by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It was many years in the making, but ground was broken Friday on Jacksonville’s University Marine Science Research Institute during a ceremony on the banks of the St. Johns River.
Close to 200 people — including U.S. Reps. Ander Crenshaw and Corrine Brown, Mayor John Peyton and City Council member Clay Yarborough — attended the event that signified the beginning of the university’s biological and environmental research and education facility.
“This (Marine Science Research Institute) will be a tremendous community resource,” said Peyton, who spoke during the event. “For all of us passionate about the river it’s a big day. We’re going to be armed with the science and research to make a case for doing what we’re doing.”
JU President Kerry Romesberg acted as master of ceremonies and called the day one of the seminal moments for the institution that will “truly change the landscape.” He thanked the numerous donors in the audience and the local representatives who have helped get the project funded, something Brown called a positive “earmark.”
Crenshaw, a Jacksonville-native, agreed and said the building and work will have a lasting legacy for future generations.
“The research done here will make sure the river is here for our children and grandchildren,” said Crenshaw.
Much of the praise from all the speakers was directed toward Dr. Quinton White, executive director of the Institute and professor of biology and marine science at JU, who has led the charge in getting the Institute funded and built.
White wasn’t as quick to receive complete credit, though.
“It takes a lot of people and a lot of cooperation for a lot of years for something like this to come together,” he said
White then painted a picture in the minds of the audience on what a typical day in the Institute would be like — complete with types of research and the many various student bodies from middle and high school as well as college students who would take part in research and study.
“There’s a whole lot more of this building,” concluded White.
Though only the first bit of dirt has been moved on the building’s location, finding more funding for the building is always moving ahead, even amid a down economy. White does much of the fundraising efforts and noted that he’s not getting many negative responses — just a little hesitation.
“I’m finding many people who are saying they will help but to come back later,” said White. “They want to see how the economy shapes up before they do, but it’s better than ‘no’.”
One official of a program that will be housed in the new facility was happy to see the day come for a further commitment to the St. Johns River’s health.
“It’s just a great day,” said Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon. “JU has always been supportive of us and a day like today just signals how the river will continue to be an important part of the university.”
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