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Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center was born from the discharge canal of the city’s power station. Because this clean Tampa Bay water was used to cool a power unit, it warmed before it released back into the bay via the canal. Manatees naturally began converging in the warm water during cold weather. Now, the discharge canal known as Big Bend is a designated manatee sanctuary with state and federal protections. Highlights of the Viewing Center include an environmental education building with numerous displays, award-winning butterfly gardens, a tidal walk, a manatee habitat loop trail, and a wildlife observation tower.

Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center, 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach, FL, Phone: 813-228-4289

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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