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Aquarium

Florida Pine Flatwood exhibit

in partnership with Florida Power & Light Company

Today's Research for Tomorrow's Oceans

Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is proud to partner with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium to support environmental education and sustainability. With a gift by NextEra Energy Foundation, a corporate foundation of NextEra Energy, Inc. and FPL, this new exhibit features species like the gopher tortoise and Eastern indigo snake—two key players in the health of these unique habitats. Visitors can learn about their behaviors, ecological importance and the conservation efforts working to protect them.

Together, FPL and Mote aim to spark curiosity and action around conservation through interactive experiences and educational displays.

Florida Power & Light

Florida Power & Light Company is America’s largest electric utility, delivering reliable power to more than 6 million customer accounts — serving approximately 12 million people across Florida. By leveraging a diverse energy mix, including nuclear, natural gas, solar and battery storage, FPL operates one of the most fuel- and cost-efficient power generation fleets in the U.S. and has earned the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for seven of the last ten years. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc., which is one of the largest electric power and energy infrastructure companies in North America and is a leading provider of electricity to American homes and businesses.

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Mote Marine Lab

Mote Marine Laboratory is dedicated to advancing marine and environmental sciences through innovative research, education, and outreach—driving new discoveries, promoting sustainability, and deepening public understanding of our oceans. As a key regional hub, Mote SEA furthers this mission by expanding access to marine science and technology education, inspiring every K–12 student in our community through our “Oceans for All” initiative.

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Discover Pine Flatwoods Wildlife

The Eastern indigo snakes (Drymarchon couperi) are non-venomous snakes with slender, long bodies covered in smooth, iridescent, blackish-blue scales, giving them their “indigo” name. Eastern indigo snakes thrive in warm, sunny environments like pine flatwoods, Florida scrub, hardwood forests and the areas around cypress swamps. In the cooler, northern parts of their range, they seek shelter in gopher tortoise burrows to stay warm.

Gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) have round, domed shell that is usually brown or gray, with a rough, leathery texture—similar to the feel of a hiking boot—with bumps along the surface. Its tough, scaly skin helps it blend into its dry, sandy environment. The tortoise’s strong front legs, shaped like shovels with thick claws, are perfect for digging burrows. Its wide, sturdy back legs help it stay balanced.

“We are so excited to have the enthusiastic support of FPL for Mote SEA. They’ve been our partner for over 20 years, as our scientists have long visited FPL’s coastal power plants to conduct invaluable manatee research at these warm water refugia. We’re glad to have them on board at Mote SEA to highlight some of Florida’s other notable species.”

Mote President & CEO, Dr. Michael P. Crosby

“Mote’s conservation education programs keep curious minds engaged, connected to the environment and help them better understand their role in preserving it. FPL recognizes the important mission of Mote and has supported its work for more than 20 years. From its important manatee research to most recently collaborating on an exhibit for Mote SEA to highlight other iconic Florida species, we at FPL are excited to continue our longstanding support and see how far the effect of Mote will go.”

Devaney Iglesias, Florida Power & Light Company external affairs manager for west-central Florida

A sea star with a bright pink underside in the Indo-Pacific Gallery at Mote Science Education Aquarium

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Florida Pine Flatwood exhibit

Florida Power & Light

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Discover Pine Flatwoods Wildlife

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