How to help during Manatee Awareness Month

November is a month to celebrate and protect one of the Tampa Bay area’s most iconic creatures.

A manatee mother and her calf are pictured. They are side-by-side, swimming through gorgeous blue water.

Fun fact: Manatees are related to elephants.

First declared in 1979, this month gives TBAY residents a chance to help our favorite whiskered sea mammals by raising awareness about the dangers they face.

Here are three ways you can get involved in our area:

  • TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center is now open for the winter down in Apollo Beach. Stop by for a glimpse of the iconic creature (for free) + to learn more about them at the on-site education center. Pro tip: Wait for the water to drop below 68 degrees.
  • A trip to ZooTampa supports the institution’s ongoing efforts in manatee conservation, rescue and rehabilitation. The zoo is also hosting an event on Saturday, Nov. 18 in honor of the awareness month.
  • The Save the Manatee club offers symbolic adoptions from $25 per year which goes to helping gentle giants in danger and their habitats. The website currently lists five in TBAY.
More from TBAYtoday
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in TBAY in the spring — find out where you can spot them.
We break down literary contributions by some of Tampa Bay authors past and present.
Move aside pickleball, there’s a new racket sport in town
We’re taking a look at the full scope of Phoebe, Tampa International Airport’s massive flamingo, from her upkeep to her international fame.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
We’ve got the latest on the Rays’ new stadium plans, safety upgrades to a historic Tampa neighborhood, and a Pinelllas Park youth sports complex finally comes to fruition.
Dining in Tampa and St. Pete is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
We rounded up rounds of music, drag, and old fashioned bingo across the Gulf Coast area.
Here’s a look at the latest towers and businesses rising up in Tampa and St. Pete.
The economic landscape of Tampa Bay, who’s hiring, and who’s most likely to expand investments into our community.