By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing

Exciting hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits and direct connections to emerging
careers will take center stage at this year’s St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest. 

The side-by-side events on Feb. 7 are expected to attract more than 10,000 people
along the waterfront at USF St. Petersburg and outside the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. 

Through more than 150 immersive exhibits and live demonstrations, attendees will explore
careers in marine science, biology, chemistry and related fields. Highlights include
drones used for wildlife tracking, a touch-a-truck display featuring law enforcement
vehicles, a mobile seagrass aquarium and tours of USF marine research vessels.

“The St. Petersburg Science Festival and MarineQuest have been event staples of our
campus and community that showcase the incredible science and environmental work taking
place all across our region,” said Thomas Smith, interim regional chancellor at USF
St. Petersburg. “For many kids, this yearly event introduces them to new ideas and
innovations that could inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.” 

While the festival is known for its fun and engaging exhibits, it also emphasizes
workforce development by showing students how science, technology, engineering, art
and math (STEAM) skills translate into high-paying, future-focused careers in the
region. It features the Junior Scientists program, where middle and high school students
work alongside science professionals throughout the event. Rising interest in STEAM
subjects and expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students were key motivations
for creating the festival.

The festival is rooted in the St. Petersburg Innovation District, home to a diverse mix of science, technology, healthcare, education and research
organizations and businesses. The district supports a growing local economy driven
by emerging careers. 

“This event is really about showcasing the jobs that are here,” said Lauren Bell,
chief operating officer for the city’s innovation district. “Some of these careers
are very niche or emerging, and you don’t know about them unless you’re exposed to
them. This is a way for people to see what’s possible in their own community.”

Experts from USF’s College of Marine Science and College of Arts and Sciences, The
Florida Aquarium, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS), General Dynamics and many other organizations are participating. 

Interactive and immersive exhibits for the 2026 festival include:

Drone demonstrations that track wildlife

Accident investigations using math and technology for real cases

A touch-a-truck exhibit allowing guests to explore city and state law enforcement
vehicles, including the St. Petersburg Police Department’s robotic dog, Spot

Tours of ocean research vessels from the Florida Institute of Oceanography at USF

An instrument petting zoo featuring guitars, ukuleles, percussion and a roll-out piano

On Feb. 6, more than 800 4th and 5th graders will preview the St. Petersburg Science
Festival and FWC’s MarineQuest through organized field trips, exploring ways to engage
with STEAM fields and discovering a variety of career paths.  

“We do this for two reasons. One is kids and families get familiar with science and
tech in our everyday lives. They get a chance to get immersed in it, and hopefully
be inspired,” said Alison Barlow, executive director of the St. Petersburg Innovation
District. “Second, they may have a real interest in fields that are highlighted at
this event, and think this could be a career for them and they begin really picturing
that future for themselves and how to get there.”

This year’s sponsors include:

City of St. Petersburg

Clear Channel Outdoor

Carollo

Challenge Island

Duke Energy

Eckerd College

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

General Dynamics

 Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Ocean Conservancy

Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital- St. Petersburg

Pinellas County Schools

St. Petersburg College

St. Petersburg Innovation District

Science Festival Alliance

Sea Us Rise

Tampa Bay Estuary Program

Tampa Bay Times

Tampa Bay Water

U.S. Geological Survey

USF College of Marine Science

USF St. Petersburg

Wing Drone Delivery

Women in Defense- Greater Tampa Bay Chapter

WMNF