Send a dolphin some love

The Orlando Sentinel has a story recounting Marineland’s tale of woe. Once the pride of the Florida Marine Animal Attractions, the park has suffered for the last few decades. Finally, Hurricane Frances dealt it a death blow. Or so it seems. Now new investors are hoping to turn the park around and make it a unique experience for the guests.

"I’d like to see the circular oceanarium rebuilt surrounded by a very small luxury hotel, so the suites and upper-end rooms look right into the tanks, and you can see large animals swimming by," he said.

Now that’s the sort of hotel I can get behind. It would be like waking up with Flipper (or in this case, Nellie the oldest dolphin in captivity) for your roommate. Or like SeaQuest DSV (remember Darwin the talking dolphin?). Sign me up right now.

But it’s going to take vision and support of the public for this little park that is dreaming big. So if you happen to be near St. Augustine this summer send a little love Nellie’s way.