[juneroses]

For those looking for a day trip, consider manatee viewing at Tampa Electric Company. A picture in the Daily Sun prompted our trip. It was about 100 miles (one way) and easy to find: south on I-75 to Exit 246 (CR 672 / Big Bend Road); west on Big Bend for about 2.5 miles; entrance on the right. There are "Manatee Viewing Area" signs along the roadway.

Parking and entrance is free.

This pleasantly exceeded our expectations. The viewing area is elevated and one can easily see lots of manatees. Initially, they look like boulders strewn across the water, but then they poke their noses up for air. There were quite a few people viewing but it was no trouble getting a front-row position. A volunteer on the boardwalk offered worthwhile information and answered questions.

There is also a butterfly habitat area. Despite the recent two days of cold weather, there were a few butterflies flitting about. A slightly elevated walkway farther along the river offers information about coastal plants, etc.

Here's the link to the website:

http://www.tampaelectric.com/manatee/

[wynnshanks]

Thanks so much for that info. My daughter and my two teenage granddaughters will be here in about 2 weeks, sounds like a great place to take them.

[chuckinca]

Blue Springs State Park in Orange City, about a hour and a half drive East of TV, has manatees in their natural winter setting.

About a 60 mile drive (one way) via CR 42/44.

http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/default.cfm


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