We took a little side trip this week to Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach, Florida. Why on earth would we go to a power station you may ask? Well, it was a cold day and the Tampa Bay water is below 68 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the location of a power station using the Tampa Bay water to cool the turbines. The clean water they discharge into the cannel is warm. During the cold weather, the area manatees are attracted to the warm water. I can’t say I blame them.
Walkway to Manatee Viewing Area
Here is a picture of one in the shallows under a mango tree. If you look closely at the picture, you can see the smaller fish cleaning the manatee.
Manatee in Mangrove
There are hundreds of manatees in this one area. They look like step stones across the channel.
Big Bend Power Station
Tampa Bay is home to more than 600 manatees. We have a couple of manatees hanging out in our marina. They had a baby this year. 1….2…..3….. all together now: aaaaaaahh. Yes, even baby manatees are cute.
Handicapped Manatee Parking
I must say, I think I can somewhat relate to the manatee way of life; slow and steady – resting for 12 hours of the day.
