TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 9053, sponsored by state Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, officially recognizing the week of July 21–27 as “Ocean Week” in Florida.
In 1963, the United States SeaLab program began at the Navy Mine Defense Laboratory in Panama City Beach, Florida. SeaLab I, a prototype sea base, was assembled in 1964 at the laboratory along Alligator Bayou in Bay County. With the use of SeaLab I, the U.S. Navy conducted a historic 11 day mission at a depth of 198 feet, which proved man could explore, live and work in the deep ocean depths for long periods of time.
SeaLab I set the stage for the development of similar projects in the United States and around the world and opened new doors to undersea exploration.
“We’ve designated this week in July as Ocean Week to celebrate the anniversary of the historic SeaLab mission and recognize the important role Florida, and especially Bay County, played in the exploration of the world’s oceans,” Patronis said in a press release.