As part of the celebration of its 80th anniversary, Marineland Dolphin Adventure welcomed former University of Florida football coach and 1966 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier.
As part of the celebration of its 80th anniversary, Marineland Dolphin Adventure welcomed former University of Florida football coach and 1966 Heisman Trophy winner Steve Spurrier on Saturday and fans braved lightning and storms to meet him.
Spurrier’s grandson Trey King is employed by Marineland and as the young man snapped photos to commemorate the evening, Spurrier talked about an upcoming project that will allow him to work with the Orlando-based Alliance of American Football while also recalling his trips to the oceanside attraction in the 1960s.
“I live here in the Crescent Beach area and Gainesville, so I’ve been here several times and it’s important, I think, for the whole area," Spurrier said. "It’s a wonderful place with amazing animals and I’m just trying to help out a little bit tonight.
The moment was historic for a number of those who turned out including Tom DeVoe, a 37-year employee of the attraction who was not only was a one-time bodyguard for one of its founders, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, but helped oversee programs at Marineland in its heyday as chief diver.
“I wanted to see my favorite coach, Steve Spurrier," DeVoe said. "I’ve been a Gator fan all my life, and I’m way up there. I love his coaching, his discipline and his love for football.”
Longtime Gator football fans and best friends Amy Bruns and Kelly Battell both worked for Marineland after graduating high school in 1977 and met again at the attraction on Saturday carrying a photo of themselves from back then. Battell was glad to see the facility returning to prominence.
“We’re here for two reasons: Steve Spurrier, we’re both Gator fans, and two because we haven’t been back here in a long time,” said Battell. “We used to work here when we just got out of high school, so we wanted to come back and see it. It was really thriving in the '70s, so it’s good to see it bouncing back."
The high-profile events are part of a month of 80th anniversary celebrations, according to Gary Inks, the attraction's vice president and general manager.
“Tonight is our third consecutive Saturday night 80th anniversary celebration that we’re doing the entire month of June,” said Inks. “The Gator fans have been calling, making sure we’d still be having the event this evening even though the weather is testing us. Back in the '60s, coach Spurrier was here as a youngster and had the opportunity to walk the plank and feed a dolphin, so he thought that during the 80th anniversary he’d love to come back and do it again."
Guests for the evening each received an 80th anniversary souvenir book, a "behind-the-seas" tour, and a dolphin presentation as part of the anniversary events, followed by a movie.
The oceanarium was once a sought-after venue for the film industry and with the recent interest in the location by filmmakers, including the independent film, “Bernie The Dolphin,” set for release in December. Inks is optimistic about the future of Marineland.
“I think it’s exciting,” he said. “They have already started scripting 'Bernie II' and production for it will start in November. There’s a series and 'Bernie III' will start next year, so there are three planned movies for 'Bernie The Dolphin” at Marineland. We’re thrilled."
More information about upcoming events is available at marineland.net.