APOLLO BEACH — The manatees are back. Tampa Electric Co. opened its Manatee Viewing Center for the season this week with a few improvements. The overflow parking lot will now have a 75-kilowatt solar array, which will shade the shuttle bus waiting area. There are also new handrails and fence along the Tidal Flat Walkway, as well as new LED lighting in the picnic areas.
"The Manatee Viewing Center proves that you really can have fun while learning about the natural treasures of Florida," said Stan Kroh, manager of land and stewardship programs for the utility. "We're proud to be the showcase for Tampa Electric's commitment to environmental stewardship."
There is no charge for admission, according to Tampa Electric, and the facility's boardwalks are compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act. It is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Nov. 1 through April 15, and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. For more information, visit tampaelectric.com/manatee or call 813-228-4289.
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Contact Malena Carollo at mcarollo@tampabay.com or (727) 892-2249. Follow @malenacarollo.