Manatee Viewing Center Preps for New Season

Last year more than 300,000 people came to see the Manatees at Tampa Electric's famous viewing center in Apollo Beach.  During the off season the company has been making some upgrades to the facilities to make sure it can continue to attract the crowds.

I have still yet to go, but have always wanted to and this year I'll definitely be making the trip down.  This year Teco installed a new 40 foot observation tower that promises grand views of the bay area.  The tower is part of a nature trail loop that takes visitors through three types of Florida ecosystems and a chance to get up closes to the wildlife and plants that are a part of them.

I'm sure the Manatees will be enough to hold my daughter's attention.  But if not, the education center has gotten a facelift as well with new interactive displays and games.  

The viewing center makes it into Kristen Hare's "100 Things to Do in Tampa Bay Before You Die" and it looks like I'll be crossing it off the bucket list this year.

You can find out more info on the viewing center by visiting their website.  www.tampaelectric.com/manatee.