PONCE INLET, Fla. — Big changes are coming to the Marine Science Center in Volusia County.

The science center closes on Monday, Sept. 2, for nine months as it undergoes a $4.2 million renovation.

The renovation aims to bring new marine exhibits, expand public education opportunities and expand areas for staff and volunteers.

Planned additions include:

• John Crisp Artificial Reef Exhibit, which will educate the public about the benefits of Volusia County’s artificial reef program

• A 1,500-square-foot multipurpose education building

• Living shoreline exhibit

• Living reef exhibit

• Working coral lab that will provide coral research opportunities to high school and college students

• Aquarium quarantine deck for new fish that will be added to exhibits

Chad Macfie, who has worked his way up to manager at the center over the last 20 years, can’t wait to see progress on things like their new interactive artificial reef exhibit, teaching people about what is really going on in our waters.

“This is one of our new exhibits and this is one of our artificial reef exhibits and this right here is an imitation of the Lady Philomena that was sunk offshore as an artificial reef,” said Macfie, showing a rendering of the new exhibits.

Other new exhibits will offer learning opportunities for students.

“We can jumpstart high school and college students, provide them an opportunity to research coral growth, get excited and really start to see what it takes to be a marine biologist. What it takes to conduct research and then hopefully have a very positive impact on the future of our coral reefs here in Florida,” said Macfie.

An exciting chance to mold minds of all ages.

“We hope that we have more of an impact on the visitors,” said Macfie.

During the closure, staff will continue to care for the many birds and turtles that are brought to the center for treatment and rehabilitation.

According to Volusia County, since opening in 2002, the Marine Science Center has cared for more than 27,000 turtles and other reptiles. The Mary Keller Seabird Rehabilitation Facility at the Marine Science Center has received over 19,000 birds since it opened in 2004.

Lindsey Barroto, an Environmental Specialist Technician who helps the turtles, shared the opportunities for learning they provide, making the Marine Science Center so valuable to the community.

“The educational side is amazing. It’s how we are able to educate our youth, especially so that they grow up to help us out and help make this world a better place,” said Barroto.

While the work her team does is behind the scenes, she is excited about the renovation, which includes a new aquarium quarantine deck that will benefit their animals.

“It’s going to be great for our residents, especially because they are going to have new upgrades because they are going to have more space,” said Barroto.

According to county staff, the funding for this project is coming from a Volusia ECHO grant and the American Rescue Plan Act.

During the closure, staff said they will plan off site programs to educate residents about the wildlife and habitats of Volusia County.