Manatee Viewing Center

On Monday, friends from FWYC, Ric and Katy came and picked us up for a day of sight seeing and boat part shopping.  They were down visiting relatives and it was greating spending the day with them.  Ric had read about a marine surplus store in Sarasota so off we went.  On the way down, we stopped at the Manatee Viewing Center built and maintained by the Tampa Power Plant.  All types of critters like to luxuriate in the warm waters that are created as a byproduct of electricity being produced.  Manatees are especially drawn to the warm, calm waters.  The center is a must-see for anyone visiting central Florida!

Cute statue of manatee mama and calf.

This is what you typically see, the snouts taking in air.  On a sunnier
day, you can clearly see their outline in the water.  This day, we
saw dozens of them around the area near the viewing platform.
My camera just couldn't capture them all.

I've never been so close to such a collassol piece of engineering.

These solar panels help to power the visitors center and recharge the
fleet of electric vehicles used by staff.  Interestingly, most of the staff
are volunteers who are retired from the power plant.

These were tarpon that I could get a picture of for you.

Great way to welcome visitors.