Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium in Sarasota reopens Nov. 22 after hurricanes Helene and Milton brought flooding, roof damage, and the death of two otters. Mote is also welcoming its newest manatee resident.

$3.2 million will go toward three projects to develop technologies used to eliminate blue-green algae.

Wildlife officials said after more than three weeks of care at Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, the sawfish — brought in after first-of-its kind rescue — was euthanized as its condition deteriorated.

With the cause of the deaths still unknown, officials say over 50 species have been affected. Meantime, a sawfish pulled from waters off Cudjoe Key this month is recovering at a Mote Marine facility.

At least 38 smalltooth sawfish have been found dead in South Florida waters since January, but the actual total of deaths is believed to be higher.

A behind-the-scenes look of the new Mote Science Education Aquarium was provided recently as construction continues and the facility gets closer to its anticipated 2025 opening date.

Hurricanes and red tides could become more powerful as the Gulf of Mexico heats to record levels. But budget cuts are threatening a system that monitors conditions there — including programs based in St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

At least 32 of the endangered sawfish have been reported dead. The cause of their bizarre behavior remains a mystery.

Mote's president and CEO said the partnership will "enhance science-based coral resilience and restoration approaches despite the threats that we're seeing today."

A necropsy was performed in an attempt to determine cause of illness and death and to better understand sperm whale health, energetics, and life history.

Some corals were left behind during an evacuation of many corals off Florida despite water temperatures that rose far above 87 degrees.

Sarasota formalizes a plan to fund its $20 million promise to the north county project.