Holiday Rom-Com Filming At Aquarium

Country Mile Entertainment has begun filming a holiday romance, “Christmas in Clearwater,” at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, with the nonprofit aquarium serving as a primary setting in the movie. Clearwater Marine Aquarium said in a May 29 post that principal photography was underway on Florida’s Gulf Coast and that the film is targeting a Christmas 2026 release. Local TV reports published May 27 and May 28 showed crews shooting on site as the aquarium continued normal operations. ### What exactly is filming at the aquarium? “Christmas in Clearwater” is a coastal holiday romance starring Katrina Norman and Ignacyo Matynia, according to Clearwater Marine Aquarium and local television reports. The story follows a career-focused woman who returns home during the holidays to close a business deal and reconnects with a former love tied to the aquarium. (mission.cmaquarium.org) Country Mile Entertainment is producing the film, and Lindsay Hartley is directing it, the aquarium said. The screenplay is by Laura Kampo Lennon and F.J. Lennon, while producers listed by the aquarium include John Harris and Marc Marcum for Country Mile Entertainment, along with Eric Michael Kochmer and Nate Lipp for Cinesthesia Factory. ### Why is Clearwater Marine Aquarium central to the story? (mission.cmaquarium.org) Clearwater Marine Aquarium said the facility is “both a primary setting and a central element of the story,” not just a backdrop for a few scenes. Joe Handy, the aquarium’s chief executive, said the partnership would help bring the aquarium’s rescue and rehabilitation mission to audiences while also showcasing Clearwater. (mission.cmaquarium.org) FOX 13 and WFLA reported that cast and crew described the aquarium’s animal care team as shaping the production itself. Hartley told local media that the movie is a romance but also about “the magnificent animals” at the facility and the care they receive there. ### Who is involved, and what have they said? Katrina Norman plays Diane Kelly, a hometown woman who returns to Clearwater and confronts a past relationship, WFLA reported. (mission.cmaquarium.org) Ignacyo Matynia plays Dr. Lewis Ford, a veterinarian character who sees the aquarium first as a rescue center for animals that need protection, the station said. John Harris, founder and chief executive of Country Mile Entertainment, said the plot centers on two former lovers who end up working together to protect the aquarium. (fox13news.com) In a statement carried by WTSP and the aquarium, Harris said the aquarium’s “rescue, rehab, release” mission gave the production “a story with real heart.” ### Is the filming affecting visitors? Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s public site says the facility is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continues to advertise scheduled June events, including a World Oceans Day celebration on June 6 and Dolphin Yoga on June 12. (wfla.com) The aquarium has not posted a broad closure notice on its homepage. Patch’s Clearwater coverage flagged that filming could briefly affect operations and visitor access during on-site shoots. (fox13news.com) Local TV coverage described the aquarium as having transformed into a movie set, but the reports did not say the facility had shut down to the public. ### Why was Clearwater chosen? FOX 13 reported that several crew members are from the area and said that helped inspire the decision to film at the aquarium. Joe Handy said the project highlights “the beauty of Clearwater and our aquarium” as well as the community around it. (cmaquarium.org) WTSP reported that the production will include original music and a country-influenced soundtrack. The company said the movie is the first holiday title in Country Mile Entertainment’s developing slate of country-music-inspired film and television projects. (patch.com) ### What happens next? May 29 marked Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s public announcement that principal photography was underway, and the film is targeting release during the 2026 Christmas season. (fox13news.com) Visitors looking for operational changes or event timing can check Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s site, which currently lists regular hours and upcoming June programming. (mission.cmaquarium.org) (wtsp.com)