Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center Reopens Nov. 1 for Its 40th Anniversary Season

Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center will reopen Sunday, Nov. 1, for its 40th anniversary season, continuing four decades of free conservation education and opportunities to experience Florida wildlife in Apollo Beach.

The center welcomes nearly 400,000 visitors each season and anchors the 500-acre Florida Conservation and Technology Center, where Tampa Electric partners with The Florida Aquarium, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida to support research, education and conservation.

This season brings several improvements for visitors:

• Permanent home for the rays: Cownose rays now live year-round in the touch tank, reducing the stress of seasonal moves and supporting summer camp education.
• Expanded wildlife experiences: Visitors can explore a new freshwater turtle habitat with underwater views at the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center and the newly accessible FWC fish hatchery.
• Visitor amenities: A new tram pickup shelter and replacement solar-powered charging tables provide added convenience. Improvements to the Clean Energy Center will continue throughout the season.

The warm-water canal at Big Bend Power Station remains a critical refuge for manatees when Tampa Bay temperatures drop to 68 degrees or below. Last season, a record 2,100 manatees gathered in the canal on one particularly cold day.

As we celebrate this milestone season, we look forward to welcoming the community back to connect with Florida’s wildlife and learn more about the conservation efforts protecting it.

For more information, visit https://www.tampaelectric.com/Manatee.