Mote Marine charges start to National Drive Electric Week
Mote hosted its 5th annual Electrify the Island on Sept 10.
By
Katie Johns
| 1:34 p.m. September 10, 2016
Longboat Key
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Parker Royalty, 3, was at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium to visit the fish and other sea animals, but he liked what was in the parking lot better — a red 2016 Tesla Model X.
The electric vehicle was on display earlier this month during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s fifth annual Electrify the Island event.
Sarasota County Administrator Tom Harmer announced that the county proclaimed Sept. 10-18 National Drive Electric Week.
Electrify the Island serves as a kickoff for Drive Electric Week. Throughout the day, visitors to the aquarium and electric car fanatics could stop outside the aquarium to look at various electric cars. Booths were set up by local businesses focusing on sustainability and energy efficiency to educate attendees. Local electric vehicle owners were also present and answered questions from attendees.
Rich Garrett, who owns a 2014 Tesla P85D, said the city of Sarasota is electric vehicle-friendly and encourages more people to explore the environmentally friendly form of transportation.
“Try the electric and forget the range anxiety,” he said.
Barbara Carroll, Beth Bowers and Rae Dowling of FPL
Lexi Serrano and Tannia Coronell of Suncoast Credit Union
A 2017 Chevy Bolt sits in Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s parking lot during the 5th annual Electrify the Island event.
The engine of a 2017 Chevy Bolt was on display at this year’s Electrify the Island held at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
A BMW i8, or the “Batmobile,” as BMW of Sarasota employee, Taylor Marshall, said was one of many electric vehicles at this year’s Electrify the Island.
A BMW i8 was one of many electric vehicles on display at this year’s Electrify the Island held at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Randy Richards takes a photo of a BMW i8.
This was the 5th Electrify the Island held at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium.
Leslie Norton, Bill Johnson, Andrew Smith and Shawn Lorenz of Brilliant Harvest.
A 2014 Tesla Model S was the first electric car guests saw when arriving to Electrify the Island.
Mark Malkasian is the owner of this 2014 Tesla Model S.
Dave Fach, Wayne Freeman and Gordon Bremer check out a 2014 Tesla Model S.
A 2016 Tesla Model X was on display during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
Parker Royalty, 3, checks out the interior of a 2016 Tesla Model X.
Parker Royalty, 3, takes a turn in the driver’s seat of a 2016 Tesla Model X.
Parker Royalty, 3, takes a turn in the driver’s seat of a 2016 Tesla Model X.
A 2014 Tesla P85D was on display during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
People could sit in different electric vehicles, such as this 2014 Tesla P85D, during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
Co-chair of the event, Chris Sharek, welcomes guests to the event.
Event attendees listen to various speakers discuss the importance of keeping fumes out of the ecosystem.
Chris Sharek stands near Tom Harmer as he proclaims the week of Sept. 10 to Sept. 18 National Drive Electric Week.
Mote trustee, Nigel Mould, Mote communications intern, Tim Decker, Mote Public Relations Manager, Kaitlyn Fusco, Mote marketing coordinator, Sofie Wachtmeister, co-chairs Chris Sharek and Larry Chanin, county administrator, Thomas Harmer, and Stuart
Pam Anthofer sits in front of green screen and pretends she’s driving an electric vehicle during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
Pedego Electric Bike brought a variety to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island with a display of Electric Bikes.
Pedego Electric Bike brought a variety to Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island with a display of Electric Bikes.
Taylor Marshall, Austin Adams, and Jonatan Escobar of BMW of Sarasota stand next to a BMW i8.
Various Chevy Volts were on display during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
Various Chevy Volts were on display during Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s 5th annual Electrify the Island.
