Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach is drawing attention as chilly weather arrives in South Florida, and the warm-water refuge is a prime spot to see manatees. The lagoon sits beside a Florida Power & Light plant that releases clean, warm water about six to 10 degrees warmer than the surrounding water.
Manatees can be seen at the lagoon year-round, but sightings rise sharply during manatee season, which runs from November through March. South Florida is expected to see chilly temperatures Saturday morning, according to the forecast cited by WPBF, but one cold day is not enough to bring the animals in.
Rachel Shanker, conservation and education manager for Manatee Lagoon, said the water needs a few consistent days of cold air before it cools enough to attract the manatees.
Visitors can take part in education programs and hands-on activities while they wait. On Nov. 21, the lagoon will host a migration celebration to mark the start of manatee season.
