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(Mana)tee-minus eight days left and counting until Tampa Electric’s free environmental treasure closes for the season

Visitors have a lot more than just manatees to enjoy at the MVC.
Visitors have a lot more than just manatees to enjoy at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center.

As the temperature goes up, the season winds down at Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center – but there’s still time left to experience this unique showcase for natural Florida before its 29th season ends on April 15.

And even though the manatees themselves – which arrive at the center by water and, curiously enough, by truck – have mostly left for Florida’s rivers and coastal waters, there’s still plenty to see and do at the center for human visitors of all ages.

Butterfly gardens, a habitat trail and wildlife observation tower (open until 4 p.m. daily), a great gift shop, games, vibrant displays, a hurricane simulator and more are just some of the things to experience at the center, which has been the centerpiece of Tampa Electric’s commitment to environmental stewardship since 1986. Since then, it’s earned acclaim from around the world, including from TripAdvisor, “the world’s largest travel site,” which awarded the center its Certificate of Excellence in 2014.

The center, which offers free parking and admission, is ADA-compliant. It’s an outstanding destination for school field trips and a place like no other in Tampa Bay. And for drivers of electric vehicles – we have plenty of information about cars and trucks on the market and more on our website – the Manatee Viewing Center offers free public charging stations.

“It’s exciting to look ahead to our 30th anniversary at a place that gets better every year,” said Jamie Woodlee, senior environmental technician with Environmental, Health & Safety. “That’s sure to be true next season, so if you don’t make it out to see us before April 15, we’ll be open again at 10 a.m. on Nov. 1 – and we hope to see you then!”

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