I'm a 30+ year Florida resident and visited for th...

I'm a 30+ year Florida resident and visited for the first time. No, it was not Sea World, and that's reflected in a $40 price versus $70 plus. It's much smaller. but has an orca, a few sharks and three manatees. A plus were the sea turtles -- nice setting on the boardwalk.
But as an "aquarium" not much in terms of sea life exhibits. They do try with shows, but ... if you've never seen a show like that, it would be fun. If you have seen a large show with sea animals, you would immediate recognize the sets are way to small for animals of that size and temperament.
Overall, sadly, the seaquarium was a disappointing experience mostly because of the facilities, which were terrible. And while the owners will say, "Hey, we are an old institution," I disagree that is the problem. No, the problem is terrible facilities management. The restrooms, and there are not many, were absolutely filthy. When getting food at a cafe, I peeked into that kitchen area and didn't like what I saw. Even the cash only carts seemed old, dirty and run-down.
The shaved ice carts speak volumes about the seaquarium. The shaved ice machines are broken in many places, the handling of the ice (which is in a leaky, old, dirty igloo) is hygienically questionable, and staffers are standing in puddles of disposed ice too close to electrical cords.
While staffers seem nice, it just seems like there is no pride in ownership. Much of the clientele were out-of-country tourists, which makes me wonder if the seaquarium views its clientele and thinks, "take their money and never see them again." That is simply an observation, and I believe nothing will get better at that institution if it does, indeed, have that "carny" type of attitude.
So Florida residents, know that it is pricey from the parking to the food to the admission price. There are better bangs for your bucks. Try the Florida Aquarium in Tampa or Sea World Orlando.