APOLLO BEACH -- It's been a hot October, but the start of November brings cooler weather and points toward the time of year when Florida's manatees will huddle in warm waters... basically whenever the water temperature dips below 68 degrees F.
That need to stay heated has drawn the sea cows to a power plant near Tampa for decades.
November 1st opens the 34th season for the Manatee Viewing Area at the Big Bend power plant in Apollo Beach. Tampa Electric (a unit of Emera) runs the viewing center, which is free to the public, and draws nearly 400,000 visitors each season.
Visitors can see the mammals up close from several boardwalks and vantage points.
Also visible... stingrays that make up a critical part of the Tampa Bay ecosystem.
The site includes a nature trail and a 50-foot observation tower.
The viewing center is open through April 15th, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for Christmas Eve when it closes at 3 p.m. Only trained service animals are allowed on site.
Photo and video credit: Tampa Electric
1 of 4 2 of 4 3 of 4 4 of 4