MOSH weighs relocating museum from its Southbank site in downtown Jacksonville

[Charles Hunter]

More bad news for MOSH fans of Tonca the Snapping Turtle. He has been exiled to Melrose.

When the museum closed in September, [Tyler] Holder (MOSH PR consultant) says, Tonca was moved to the Reptile Preservation Institute in Clay County, where he is "safe and sound."

The institute's director, Cody Bartolini, helped move Tonca last fall from MOSH to his new habitat in Melrose. Bartolini says Tonca now weighs 210 pounds and has his own 9-foot circular, 3-foot deep pond outdoors.
...
MOSH transferred ownership of Tonca to the Reptile Preservation Institute, and there are no plans for him to return to MOSH.

Visitors may see Tonca and many other reptiles during tours by appointment. 

[thelakelander]

The good news is that Tonca the Snapping Turtle lives on. Let's hope for the same outcome with MOSH.

[Jason]

I'm amazed he's still around.  That turtle is getting OLD 

[KenFSU2]

Some really positive news here, in my opinion.

Brian Wolfburg (CEO/President VyStar) has stepped in to co-chair the capital campaign.

https://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/news/2026/feb/19/nate-marty-brian-wolfburg-join-museum-of-science-history-board-of-trustees/

Additionally, it sounds like MOSH - which sat parked at around $90 million in commitments for the new museum for a very long time - is now at $100 million.

With Wolfburg at the helm, my confidence in MOSH crossing the finish line has increased significantly.

[heights unknown]

Wolfburg...don't know who he is really, but seems like good news to propel MOSH.

[jaxlongtimer]

^ Wolfburg is CEO of Vystar, and along with Gateway, probably the biggest mover and shaker for Downtown to move uptown.

[heights unknown]

Thank you.

[Steve]

I think we'll be good here now. Wolfburg has been solid in this department.

[Jankelope]

Brian Wolfburg is an awesome force in Jacksonville. I absolutely believe he wil bare minimum be more transparent with us on what we are getting, where we are, etc.

MOSH should be looked at as an absolute MUST FINISH project. It is what makes the the entire Riverfront Project work. It is an attraction integrated into this public parks network.

If it was just the four seasons...that would imo completely change the optics of what this new Riverwalk is.

[Papa33]

I'm assuming the MOSH artifacts/exhibits/stuff is being housed somewhere?  Or is it all going into the trash-heap upon demolition?

[JaGoaT]

I would like to see the mural preserved in some way.

[Jankelope]

I feel like there is no way it will be preserved, but I really hope it happens!