TECO Manatee Viewing Center Reopens for the Season
For those looking to relax after last month’s chaos from back-to-back hurricanes, there’s another option to enjoy the outdoors.
The Tampa Electric Company’s manatee viewing center is reopen for the season. It sits across from the power station’s canal where manatees seek out food and warm shallow water.
“So, for Helene, we had quite a bit of storm surge out here, and even though we sit at about nine feet of elevation, we did get water up to about my shoulder height,” said Lauren Gomez, an employee at the viewing center. Gomez said workers had to hose saltwater off their equipment and clean out their stingray touch tank. She also says Helene flooded their lower restrooms with two feet of water.
Milton, which had less impact in the area, only created plant debris along nature trails, but didn’t damage their facilities.
Despite their troubles, the viewing center is open on schedule, and residents are already enjoying it.
“We just saw one manatee. We did see some birds,” said two-year-old Garen after not seeing many manatees on opening day.
More manatees are expected to migrate to the canal as the bay continues to cool. Gomez said the records last season for the most seen at the center was 810.
The viewing venter is now open through April 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here to learn more.
USF honors Vets with ‘Salute to Service’ at Bulls football game
The University of South Florida Bulls are gearing up for a special game this weekend, honoring those who have served our country.
Military appreciation week is an annual event for USF Football. There will be a pregame barbecue for military members and veterans, as well as giveaways throughout the game.
Additionally, USF players and coaches will be given USA themed gear to sport on the field.
Click here to learn more.
Credits
- Anchors: Malia Knight
- Reporters: Ava Jochims, Sam Poulin
- Editor: Melissa Baldelomar
- Web Editors: Marla Rodriguez, Marissa Stiff
- Audio: Fallon Crowell
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- Producer: Luciana Cordero Velarde
- Assistant Producer: Paula Sanchez
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- Graduate Assistant: Grace Ficara
- Faculty Advisor: Dr. Stephanie Anderson