The Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach

Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach FL

If you’re moving to Apollo Beach, FL, you’ll love knowing that there’s always something spectacular to see or do in the area.

And that includes Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center.

About the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center

Between November 1 and April 15, the Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center is a great place to catch a glimpse of fascinating—and wild—sea life.

The Manatee Viewing Center is located at the Big Bend Power Station, run by Tampa Electric, and it exists because people started noticing (back in 1986) that local manatee would head for the power station each time it dipped below 68 degrees in Tampa.

Why?

Because the power station discharged warm, clean saltwater. The water was originally taken from Tampa Bay and used to cool one of the power units. The water simply ran through the unit like water in an old car radiator would, cooling the machine’s components, before being put right back into the bay.

What Will You Find at the Manatee Viewing Center?

The Manatee Viewing Center is a pretty remarkable place. Outside, you’ll find award-winning butterfly gardens, huge solar panels, and plenty of native plant life. Inside, there are numerous displays that teach you (and your kids) about manatees and their natural habitats. They also have an amazing hurricane simulator to give visitors a glimpse of what a real super-storm feels like.

The Manatee Viewing Center is free. It’s about a half-mile walk from the building, and once you’re there, you can climb the tower to get an even better view of the graceful (and huge) manatee in the water below.

Are You Thinking About Moving to Apollo Beach?

If you’re thinking about moving to Apollo Beach, check out the links below; each will take you to the full list of homes for sale in the category you choose.

When you’re ready to start looking at homes for sale in Hillsborough CountyPasco County or Pinellas County, we’re here to help.

Call us at 727-584-8480 or 813-961-6000. If it’s easier, get in touch with us online. We’ll begin searching for your new home right away.