An environmental education facility like no other, the Manatee Viewing Center reopens for the public November 1, 2009. You can experience a tidal walkway showcasing vibrant Florida plants and birds, butterfly gardens, our educational building, and – when the water temperature of Tampa Bay falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit – manatees. No pets, please, but service dogs are permitted. Admission and parking are free!
On March 14, 2009, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Conservation Lands Program honored Tampa Electric’s Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) department at the Green Swamp near Dade City. EHS team members conduct ongoing habitat restoration at Newman Branch Creek in Apollo Beach, located south of the Manatee Viewing Center. This effort includes participation from volunteers including TECO Energy team members and local students, who help restore the coastal habitats while learning about the plants and animals that live in the estuary. Read more.
The Manatee Viewing Center is home to a 40-panel, 7,000-watt photovoltaic (PV) solar panel array. Installed atop the Center's education building, visitors can see this impressive system from the main parking lot and learn more about how solar power is generated. Visit the solar page to learn about Tampa Electric's other PV array installations.
Chart this PV array’s hour-by-hour output.
The Manatee Viewing Center is open to the public from November 1 through April 15. During its operational season, the center is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving, at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Easter). Located at 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, the center hosts school and community groups of all ages during its operational season. For the safety of our guests and environment, smoking is only permitted in designated areas. The Manatee Viewing Center is proud to recycle glass and plastic items. Pets are not allowed, but service dogs are permitted. For more information, call (813) 228-4289.
The Manatee Viewing Center is proud to feature free parking and admission for its guests. Any donations you choose to make to the center are greatly appreciated and go directly toward the purchase and maintenance of educational exhibits and publications that can help teach more visitors about the manatee and the many animals and plants that share its habitat.
