Manatees Congregate Near Power Plants Due To Polar Vortex Temperatures

Urgent Shift in Manatee Behavior in Florida Due to Polar Vortex RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. — A polar vortex that has strained the northern United States with ice and snow has caused a ripple effect in the Sunshine State, where a mass of manatees is gravitating towards warmer waters. The numerous power plants around Florida have become a haven for the docile aquatic mammals, particularly those following the warm-water outflows of approximately a dozen power plants.

According to The Associated Press, the sea cows, which can reach lengths of up to 10 feet and weigh a substantial 1,200 pounds, have been congregating in large numbers near various power plants in the region, primarily the Florida Power & Light Company's Riviera Beach plant, where a dedicated facility for public viewing has been established.

The company's Manatee Lagoon attraction, which features a two-story, 16,000-square-foot complex... has become a popular destination for those seeking a glimpse into the ___s of these endearing creatures. When asked about the sudden increase in manatee activity, Rachel Shanker, education manager at Manatee Lagoon, noted, "Manatees are such a special species in our waters here in Florida, as they are sentinel species, which means that they are an indicator for any water problems we may have or any environmental issues we may have... They're kind of the first animals to start to respond to any changes in the environment.

And because they're so charismatic... people really take note of that." As the polar vortex continues to affect the region, power plants have become a crucial ___line for the manatees, providing them with the warmth they seek in these cooler temperatures. The warm-water outflows, which are part of the power generation process at various power plants around Florida, draw the manatees in like a beacon, with many attracted to the Riviera Beach plant, where The Associated Press will be following this story in the coming days.

Manatee Lagoon, "which has been hosting various events and educational programs over the years," "has even scheduled a FamilyFest on February 1," offering a unique opportunity for the public to observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat.

Source: Found here

Riviera Beach is a coastal city located in Palm Beach County, Florida. Established as a small hamlet in the mid-19th century, Riviera Beach began to expand and develop rapidly in the early 20th century, driven by the growth of the citrus and sun-sponsored traffic industries. In 1920, it officially incorporated as a city.

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RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A polar vortex that has hit much of the U.S. with ice and snow has dealt a glancing blow to Florida, dropping coastal temperatures and causing the Sunshine State's manatee population, still recovering from a mass starvation event several years ago, to seek warmer waters. Besides inland natural springs, a popular destination for the docile aquatic mammals is the warm-water outflows of about a dozen power plants around Florida. Manatees have been attracted to the warm-water discharges for decades, following a watery travel route that mother manatees have taught to manatee calves. Public viewing areas are located near power plants in Riviera Beach , Fort Myers and Apollo Beach .