MIAMI – As Local 10 News investigated a tip Friday that federal inspectors showed up at the Miami Seaquarium, the arrival of two county workers revealed yet another problem for the troubled facility.
While the sign out front assured that the Seaquarium was “open” for paying customers, its management office was locked and closed. Local 10 News reporter Layron Livingston’s attempts to speak with Seaquarium management led him to the ticket counter. But he wasn’t the only one seeking an audience.
Two employees from the Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department also arrived, looking for management.
They were there to serve notice that the Seaquarium’s water service would be suspended due to non-payment. The notice stated that “if payment is not received within seven days, the service may be terminated.”
Our interactions with a staff member were met with resistance, as security was called to address our presence. Meanwhile, the county workers were eventually admitted into the locked office.
Local 10 News was provided with the director’s name and contact number, yet our attempts to reach someone were unsuccessful.
A Miami-Dade County Water and Sewer Department official told Local 10 News Friday evening that the $1,263.12 outstanding bill on one of its accounts was later paid for and the issue is “concluded.”
Before that, another official confirmed that U.S. Department of Agriculture inspectors did, in fact, visit the Seaquarium on Friday.
Earlier this week, Local 10 News reported that a letter from the county’s chief operating officer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture urged immediate action.
The letter alleged that the Seaquarium had only one unlicensed veterinarian on staff, was struggling to afford food and cover operating costs and that workers had resigned due to concerns over animal care. The remaining staff reportedly had not been paid in over a month.
After being asked to leave the property, Local 10 News continued to await responses from the Seaquarium and county officials regarding the extent of the water bill delinquency and its implications for the animals and operations.
Local 10 News has also reached out to the USDA seeking comment on its visit.