Last Chance: Manatee Viewing in Florida

0:00It's April 14th, Tampa Bay News today starts now, AI powered and ready. If you're in Florida, heads up, you've got one final shot this week to catch a bunch of Manatees chilling at Tampa Electric's viewing center in Apollo Beach. The spot shuts down for the season at 5 p.m. on Wednesday as the weather heats up. Manatees season runs from November 1st through April 15th when cooler Gulf waters push these warm-blooded sea cows toward the power stations. Some discharge can now for protection from the cold. Folks love this place, drawing nearly 400,000 visitors each year, and over 7 million total since it started. It snagged USA Today's top free attraction award three times, with perks like a viewing platform, education center, cafe, stingray touch tank, and A. Nature trail to a 50 foot observation tower. Manatees have been flocking here since the early 1970s whenever Tampa Bay dips to 68 degrees or lower. The canals are state and federal sanctuary, giving these gentle giants a safe haven.

1:04As spring kicks in, the Manatees head back to rivers, canals, and near shore spots, so plan that last visit quick before the center goes quiet till.