Description: Nick and I were heading to Tampa for our Segway tour when Nick Sr. told us we needed to stop in at the Manatee viewing station as it was right on the way. I am all for viewing manatees, so we headed on out to see what we could spot.
Since 1986, millions of visitors have been enjoying the manatee viewing station that has been provided by TECO energy. That year the company install unit 4. People started noticing large numbers of manatees around the canals discharge station. Saltwater is taken from Tampa Bay to cool unit 4 and flowed back into the canal. When the temperature dropped below 68 degrees, the manatees sought refuge in the warm waters. The electric company decided to build an area that would allowed visitors to view these magnificent creatures.
At first there were just a few viewing platforms for guests to observe the manatees. Today it has grown to a 50-acre factuality. The center is also part of the company’s renewable electric energy program. It features a 23.8 kilowatt installation of solar power. The company is a clean and renewable energy source. The water that empties into the canal is clean and the emissions you see coming from the plant is steam.
Manatees are protected and are thriving in Florida thanks to the warm waters. The viewing station allows guests to safely enjoy the manatees in their natural habitat. In addition to the viewing platforms there is the visitor’s center. Within the visitors center there is an education area which provides guests with information on the manatees and how to protect them. There is a 900 foot tidal walkway that takes guests through a mangrove habitat. The walkway is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Guests can observe wildlife, trees and flowers. There is also a garden which features native plants and attracts butterflies.
There is a gift shop at the visitor's center. They do have restrooms. There is a café on the premises. They do offer glasses and tours for groups. They also have my favorite souviner..the squished penny. So make sure you have 51 cents. Admission is free and so is parking.
Recommendation: VERY highly recommended
Website: www.tampaeletric.com
When we were here, we never saw any manatees other than the statues and furry one from the gift shop. But we were able to see many fish, sharks (no not great whites), and birds. It is still beautiful to visit. So if you’re out this way, make sure you come and observe the manatees.
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