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“the cows of the sea”
Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach delivered reliable electricity to the community for 16 years before the commercial operation of Big Bend Unit 4 in 1986. That year, people started seeing manatees in large numbers in the power station's discharge canal, where saltwater – taken from Tampa Bay to cool Unit 4 – flowed, clean and warm, back to the bay. When Tampa Bay reached 68 degrees or colder, the mammals would seek out this new refuge. The Manatee Viewing Center was soon born. Today, Big Bend's discharge canal is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary that provides critical protection from the cold for these unique, gentle animals.
Wow- what a gem of a place this was to visit! And Everything is free( thanks TECO) Stingray petting, bird viewing nature trails, manatee, tarpon, small fish and a shark! Beautiful paths, bath... Read more
This place is awesome, especially since it is free. Totally worth a stop! We got to see a bunch of Manatees, as well as some little sharks, that we identified by their fins popping up! We also... Read more
What a wonderful thing to do in the winter. Manatees don't like the winter chill so they come to this power plant to stay warm. This is a wonderful park to come to . It's free to park and free to... Read more
Manatee Viewing Center
Hours
- Sun - Sat: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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