Download State Rep. Jimmy Patronis Advances Resolution Designating

For Immediate Release
Friday, March 28, 2014
Contact: Patti Butchikas 850-914-6300
[email protected]
State Rep. Jimmy Patronis Advances Resolution
Designating “Ocean Week” in the State of Florida
Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution 9053,
sponsored by State Representative Jimmy Patronis (R-Panama City), officially recognizing the
week of July 21–27, 2014 as “Ocean Week” in the State of 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 US 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,” said Representative Patronis. “It is my hope that this
commemorative week will promote the wonderment of the oceans that remain unknown and
encourage its continued exploration for generations to come.”
###