Tampa Electric's award-winning manatee viewing center opens up Wednesday for its 31st season.
- TECO's manatee viewing center now open
- Viewing center has new 900 foot walkway
- Center is open through April 15
The manatee viewing center has re-opened, and this year, visitors can expect to see some upgrades, including a 900 foot walkway that will give guests a better view of the manatees.
Right now, the 1,200 pound sea cows are making their way to their winter home near the TECO Power Plant in Apollo Beach.
The viewing center is the power station's discharged canal where water from the bay is taken to the plant, then flows back out to the bay, clean and warm, said Jamie Woodlee of TECO.
"Manatees need warm water once the Bay temperature hits 68, if not, they can get sick, so they come here in and congregate," Woodlee said. "We'll get 300 plus manatees in here and you can see them up close so it's an interesting thing to see."
Now, visitors will be able to see the manatees much better with the new 900 foot tidal walk that sits 5 feet higher.
"It's quiet and when you look at over the manatees, it kind of soothes you," Woodlee said.
The center opens today at 10 a.m. It is free and will remain open through April 15.