Attraction loation, ticket prices and open times appear just below the story.

Picture it: Florida in 1948.

The bikini gained popularity. Gasoline cost 16 cents a gallon. While the first pre-fabricated housing met the needs of baby boomers.

And in Miami, a star was born.

"He's world-wide famous," says Bradenton's Shirley Sullivan. "Everyone loves Snooty!"

The man just under the water's surface has a lot of fans.

"I love him!" laughs Anna Loncar, who is visiting from Georgia.

Snooty needs no last name.

"We think his name was originally 'Baby Snoots,' because he was born in the late 40s, named after a Fanny Brice radio character and they thought he was a girl," explains Marilyn Margold, the Director of Living Collections at the South Florida Museum.

Following the discovery he's a boy, the "Snooty" name stuck. Read more about how Snooty got from Miami to the spacious Parker Aquarium here.

Today at the South Florida Museum, he's in good hands with Marilyn.

"What Snooty has proven to be an ambassador for endangered species. And we want people to understand, they aren't just gray lumps in the water. They are intelligent," she said.

We first met this sharp character in 2008 when I asked him a question:

Snooty, there are a lot of folks out there who are wondering, what is the secret to your longevity? You going to give it up and tell us? Oh, you're going to whisper it to me. OK, I'll listen. He's a vegetarian!

"I was disappointed that Snooty did not climb up on the counter today because he used to do that, but I guess he is a bit of an old man," said Rachel Andrizzi, also visiting from Georgia.

Just shy of his 67th birthday, Snooty takes it easy as a Bradenton tradition.

"Ever since my baby was born, we've been coming here and seeing Snooty over the years," says Rachel's mother, Maureen Andrizzi.

This champ of longevity eats 70 pounds of lettuce a day, along with stealing a few hearts.

"Snooty has a flirtatious way to make you feel as if you're the only one he's bonded with, which kinda makes him special in that respect," Marilyn said.

Shirley agrees: "I love him. I love him."

About this Destination

Where:
Bradenton, Manatee County

Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through  Saturday
Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Closed Mondays in June

Phone number: 941-746-4131

General Admission:
Adults: $19
Seniors 65+: $17
Children 4-12: $14
Under 4: Free w/ paying adult

Address:
201 10th Street West
Bradenton FL 34205

Website: http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/

Snooty's Web Cam: http://www.southfloridamuseum.org/TheAquarium/SnootyCam.aspx

Parking: Free, if you can find a space. Be ready, parking is limited.

Accessibility Note:
The Museum exhibits are accessible by ramps and elevators

GPS Longitude & Latitude:
Latitude: 27.49824
Longitude:-82.571517

Latitude: 27° 29' 53.6634"
Longitude: -82° 34' 17.4612"

Drive Times:
From Orlando: 2 hours, 5 minutes
From Tampa: 50 minutes

Tankful on Television
You can catch new Florida on a Tankful stories each Thursday and Saturday on News 13 and Bay News 9. New editions play at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m. Classic Florida on a Tankful stories can be found each Friday and Sunday on Bay News 9 and News 13 at the end of each hour starting at 6 a.m.

Tankful on Demand
This story was part of the Florida on a Tankful Summer Road Trip.  Catch the 30-minute special with Scott Fais now on Bright House Local On Demand, Channel 999. Use your remote to scroll to the right to the TRAVEL category. Then SCROLL DOWN to TANKFUL.