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Manatee Viewing Center Reopens

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT, The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 7, 2007

APOLLO BEACH - The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds who want a close-up peek at the gentle Florida sea cows, has reopened for the season.

The center, on Tampa Bay near the Tampa Electric Co.'s Big Bend Power Station, is open each year from Nov. 1 through April 15, when rare Florida manatees are most likely to take refuge from cold Bay waters in the warm water flowing from the power plant's outtake pipes.

TECO owns and operates the center, which includes several viewing areas, a gift shop, classrooms and a cafe.

When the temperature drops below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, manatees typically congregate in the area, making for easy viewing. Last year, 312,000 people visited the center, the only one of its kind in Florida.

"We're excited to welcome the public to a new season at the center," said Wendy Valle Anastasiou, environmental specialist for the center. "This year, visitors will find an expanded parking lot, and we've improved our Florida-friendly gardens and butterfly gardens."

The center also has new solar panels atop the education building to teach guests about renewable sources of energy while generating electricity. The panels were installed in conjunction with TECO's Renewable Energy Program.

Parking and admission are free at the center, which is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. This season, the center will be closed Nov. 22 for Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and all day Dec. 25 for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and March 23 for Easter.

To reach it from Interstate 75, take Exit 246 in Apollo Beach, turn west on Big Bend Road and drive 2.5 miles to the curve intersection of Big Bend and Dickman roads. The Manatee Viewing Center entrance is on the right.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 657-4532 or yhammett@tampatrib.com.

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