EVOLVE NEWS
MARINELAND LIVES ON
as Flagler Tourist Destination
From its inception in 1938 as Marine Studios, the attraction now known as Marineland Dolphin Adventure has weathered Mother Nature, challenges from major theme parks, changes in visitor behaviors and, most recently, legal issues. But the iconic site remains an integral part of Flagler County’ s historical, cultural and economic heritage.
Earlier this month at the U. S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware, Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein approved the sale of Marineland to Apex Association, owned by Jon and Barbara Rubel of Green Cove Springs for $ 6.5 million. The ruling followed a hearing in late October when Silverstein refused to approve the sale of the property to Texas-based Delightful Development for $ 7.1 million. The Rubels’ bid included plans to preserve the current operation of the attraction.
In her ruling, Silverstein said the sale to Apex Association“ maximizes value for the benefit of Debtors’ estates and constitutes the highest or otherwise best offer for the purchased assets.”
In March, the current owners of the facility, The Dolphin Company, filed for bankruptcy. The Dolphin Company is one of 16 enterprises affiliated with Cancun, Mexico-based Leisure Investments Holdings LLC, which has also file for Chapter 11 protection in the Delaware bankruptcy court.
The approval of the sale to Apex was good news for the local economy, according to Flagler County Director of Tourism Amy Lukasik.
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