The Brief
- The Manatee Viewing Center opening in Apollo Beach kicks off its 40th anniversary season Sunday with free admission for visitors.
- A permanent touch tank habitat for cownose rays joins several facility upgrades, including shaded shelters and new wildlife viewing areas.
- Hundreds of wild manatees gather each winter in the warm-water discharge canal near Tampa Electric’s Big Bend Power Station.
APOLLO BEACH, Fla. – The Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach is opening for its 2026-27 season Sunday, marking the free attraction’s 40th anniversary with new features and improvements for visitors.
Manatee Viewing Center opening
The backstory:
Tampa Electric announced the center will welcome visitors beginning Sunday, Nov. 1. The popular destination draws nearly 400,000 visitors each season to see manatees gather in the warm-water canal near the utility’s Big Bend Power Station.
One new feature this season is the permanent home for cownose rays in the center’s touch tank. TECO said keeping the rays at the facility year-round avoids the stress of moving them to another location for the summer. During the off-season, the rays will serve as ambassadors for summer campers.
What’s new at the Manatee Viewing Center?
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