NewsWFLA News Channel 8November 1, 2026Hillsborough County
Tampa Electric Company reopens Manatee Viewing Center for 40th season in Apollo Beach
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
The Tampa Electric Company reopened its Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach for its 40th season, welcoming visitors daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until April. The center provides free access to viewing areas, trails, and educational exhibits where the public can observe manatees attracted to the warm water generated by the adjacent power plant's cooling system.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
Visitors gain free daily access to educational trails, museums, and marine life viewing areas in Apollo Beach throughout the winter season.
Key Facts
- The Tampa Electric Company Manatee Viewing Center has officially opened for its 40th season.
- The center is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. until the weather warms up in April.
- Admission to the viewing center, trails, museums, and hands-on learning activities is free.
- The power plant's cooling system uses water from the bay and recycles it back, creating a warm-water refuge that attracts manatees during the winter.
- Last year, the center broke a record with more than 2,100 manatees visiting at one time.
- The viewing center originated after the FWC closed the nearby waterway to boats, prompting onlookers to peer through fences and inspiring the creation of a public platform.
- Visitors can observe other marine life at the site, including sharks and rays.
Who's Mentioned
locationApollo Beach“Location of the TECO power plant and viewing center in Florida”PersonLindsey Petsch“Visitor interviewed on opening day”OrganizationFWC“Closed the waterway beside the plant to boats due to manatees”OrganizationTampa Electric Company“Operates the power plant and viewing center”PersonTasia Warthman“Visitor interviewed on opening day”PersonJamie Woodlee“Operations administrator for TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center”