A steady stream of families made their way to Miami Seaquarium on Sunday, eager to help close the marine theme park’s final chapter.

But as cars streamed into the park’s entrance off the Rickenbacker Causeway, many visitors were met by protesters urging them not to spend another dime at the faded South Florida tourist attraction.

Sunday marked the end of the Seaquarium’s 70 years on Virginia Key, where it opened on Sept. 24, 1955. Plans for the waterfront site’s redevelopment are already under way with a $22.5 million investment for a county lease.

The marine theme park’s storied legacy has been clouded by accusations of animal mistreatment and an eventual eviction notice.

Still, for many South Floridians who grew up visiting the Miami landmark, its closure was bittersweet.

Flipper, a

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