Join us as we celebrate our milestone “mana-versary”
For 40 years, Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach has connected visitors with Florida wildlife, environmental education and one of the Tampa Bay area's most beloved winter traditions. What began as a simple response to growing public interest in manatees has evolved into a destination that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each season and serves as a hub for conservation, education and outdoor recreation.
From a handful of visitors to a Florida favorite
On a winter day in 1985, Tampa Electric’s Julius Hobbs, director of corporate relations, noticed an unusual sight outside our Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach.
A handful of people had parked their cars near the plant’s discharge canal and climbed the fence to get closer to the water.
The attraction? Manatees seeking comfort in the warm, clean water flowing into the bay after cooling the power station. Warm water is especially important to manatees during colder months, making the area an ideal place for them to gather, rest and feed.
Day after day, Julius watched as word spread and more visitors arrived. For safety, Tampa Electric built a small parking lot. Then more people came. We added a trailer to help educate visitors about manatees and their connection to the power plant.
It soon became evident that an informational trailer couldn’t accommodate all the manatee seekers.
Then even more people came.
One thing led to another, and the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach, now one of the Tampa Bay area’s most beloved attractions, was officially born in 1986.
The Manatee Viewing Center’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 1986.
Four decades of growth
Today, the Manatee Viewing Center is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary where hundreds of manatees and hundreds of thousands of visitors gather each year. Guests can enjoy boardwalks, a stingray touch tank, an education center, a gift shop, a café and much more.
Far removed from its original small parking lot, the center now offers large parking areas, accessible ramps, electric vehicle chargers and a shuttle service for guests with mobility needs, all free to the public.
We’re also proud that the Manatee Viewing Center has been voted among the top three free attractions in the nation for four consecutive years in the USA Today 10BestReaders’ Choice awards.
In March 1988, Today, the center welcomes approximately 450,000 visitors each season.
The Manatee Viewing Center serves as the cornerstone of Tampa Electric’s Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC), a 500-acre campus dedicated to environmental stewardship, wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, research, education and recreation.
Visitors to FCTC can see where The Florida Aquarium rehabilitates rescued sea turtles and works to restore coral ecosystems critical to Florida’s marine environment.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) hosts summer camps that introduce children and families to activities like kayaking, fishing and archery while fostering a deeper appreciation for Florida’s natural resources.
FWC also partners with the University of Florida to spawn and rear sportfish at its Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center, located on the FCTC campus.
FCTC is also home to Tampa Electric’s Tom Hernandez Clean Energy Center, which offers interactive exhibits and learning opportunities about energy generation and technology.
Beyond the boardwalks: rescues, releases and restoration
Like our visitors, we have a deep appreciation for these gentle marine mammals and the habitats they depend on, so our.
Over the years, we’ve built strong partnerships with manatee rescue and rehabilitation groups, including FWC, ZooTampa and SeaWorld. The Manatee Viewing Center also provides specialized accommodations that allow rehabilitated manatees to be safely returned to the wild, including dedicated access for transport vehicles and a gently sloped release ramp.
“Truffleshuffle” weighed just 205 pounds when rescued. After rehabilitation, he was released at the Manatee Viewing Center at a healthy 580 pounds.
The center also plays a role in Tampa Electric’s broader efforts to support seagrass, a vital food source for manatees. Our work supports seagrass growth both directly and indirectly.
At our Polk Power Station, an innovative water purification plant treats and diverts millions of gallons of wastewater that would otherwise reach Tampa Bay. Reduced nitrogen levels help limit harmful algal blooms, creating healthier conditions for seagrass and the wildlife that depends on it.
We’re also helping advance a goal of growing up to five acres of seagrass in the Big Bend waterway. Multiple species are being planted and monitored to determine which thrives best in the area.
“Mana-taining” a peaceful, easy feeling
That spirit of appreciation and protection has been part of the Manatee Viewing Center story from the beginning. Four decades after a few curious visitors stopped to admire manatees near Big Bend Power Station, the center continues to inspire wonder, conservation and a deeper appreciation for Florida's natural world. Whether you're visiting for the first time or carrying on a family tradition, we invite you to celebrate 40 years of unforgettable memories with us.
Ready to experience the wonder for yourself? Plan your visit to the Manatee Viewing Center today.