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Manatee Tag Redesigned

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By MIKE SALINERO, The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 21, 2007

Updated: 12/20/2007 11:45 pm

After a 17-year-run, one of Florida's most popular specialty license plates is getting a new look.

State conservation officials unveiled a new manatee license plate Thursday in a ceremony at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. The new plate shows a manatee looking straight ahead with most of its body submerged in blue water.

"With the sale from this plate, we hope to generate revenues that will sustain valuable manatee research and conservation for years to come," said Greg Holder, regional director for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Proceeds from the license plate sales are a major source of funding for the manatee trust fund, which finances research and conservation efforts.

The state's manatee programs also receive money from manatee-themed decals, boat registration fees and donations.

Pat Rose, executive director of the Save the Manatee Club, praised the fish and wildlife commission's manatee scientists and management staff, whose work is financed largely through plate sales.

"I urge all Floridians to support them by purchasing the newly designed manatee plates so these dedicated and caring individuals can be given the tools necessary to save the manatees and their aquatic habitats from the ever-increasing threats ... as Florida's human population continues to grow," Rose said.

Sales of manatee license plates have declined, though they're still popular.

Last year, the state sold 68,707 manatee plates, ranking it fifth in sales of specialty plates. In 2002, manatee plate sales ranked second at 95,406.

The new plates can be purchased at local tax collectors' offices or by going to the Web site www.buyaplate.com.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 or msalinero@tampatrib.com.

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