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5 things to do under $5 in Tampa Bay Dec. 27-Jan. 2

 
Times (2011) Manatees swim in warm water outside Teco power plant in Apollo Beach.
Times (2011) Manatees swim in warm water outside Teco power plant in Apollo Beach.
Published Dec. 26, 2018

1 See the manatees: Do you have visitors in town for the holidays? Nothing impresses those Northern relatives more than a herd of manatees lolling about. The gentle lugs love the warmer water coming out of TECO's Big Bend power station this time of year, and you can find dozens if not hundreds of them hanging out at the company's Manatee Viewing Center. Note: The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Best of all, it's free. 6990 Dickman Road, Apollo Beach. See tampaelectric.com/manatee for live webcams.

2 Outback Bowl Parade: Marching bands and cheerleaders from Iowa and Mississippi State combine for this New Year's Eve parade and pep rally expected to draw 10,000 people to see floats, walking units and more. The parade steps off at 5:30 p.m. Monday and runs along Seventh Avenue in Ybor City. Free. (813) 874-2695.

3 Sunsets at Pier 60 Daily Festival: Another good option if you are entertaining visitors is the nightly celebration on Clearwater Beach's Pier 60. Watch the sunset at the end of the pier and shop the artisans, crafters and check out the street performers. The party starts about two hours before sunset and runs until about 8. 10 Pier 60 Drive, Clearwater. Free. (727) 462-6466.

4 Mr. Brad's Music Fun Time: Kids can sing along and dance to interactive songs as Mr. Brad performs on guitar, mandolin, violin, flute, drums, glockenspiel and ukulele. 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Nature's Food Patch, 1225 Cleveland St., Clearwater. Free. (727) 443-6703.

5 Weedon Walkabout: Take a guided hike at 9 a.m. Saturday through the mangrove and upland ecosystems of Weedon Island Preserve to learn about the coastal environment, native wildlife and early history of the preserve. 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. Free, but register at weedonislandpreserve.org or by calling (727) 453-6500.