The Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (FPMI), an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Florida Panhandle, has announced a new home in Downtown Panama City at the AMIkids Maritime Academy. The move marks a new chapter for the organization as it continues responding to strandings and supporting protected species conservation across the region.

FPMI serves as the only long-term marine mammal rehabilitation and the largest sea turtle rehabilitation facility in Northern Florida. Their work is guided by three core programs: leading and managing the recovery and rehabilitation of stranded, sick, or injured marine mammals and sea turtles; serving as an environmental education resource for local and national audiences; and helping facilitate marine and oceanographic research at both local and national levels.

FPMI conducts permitted activities through the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), contributing to the conservation of endangered and protected species through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts for stranded sea turtles and marine mammals.

The new location at AMIKids Maritime Academy creates an on site, hands on educational opportunity for students, connecting learning with real world marine conservation efforts and the day to day work that supports animal care and species protection.