By nearly all accounts, Florida's manatee population has made an amazing recovery in the past 30 years. The state once estimated that only 600 to 800 remained, while today the fewest that have been counted during recent winters is 3,100. It's likely the total is much higher, because the warm winters recently have not concentrated the animals in areas where they can be counted readily. ...more

November 30, 2007

In September this year, the IUCN World Conservation Union (IUCN) officially declared the Florida manatee endangered using exactly the same criteria state officials are attempting to use to justify downgrading the manatee's status from Endangered to Threatened. After a scientific status review at the international level, the Florida manatee was declared Endangered on the Red List, which is recognized as the most reliable evaluation of the world's species. The manatee's status evaluation was conducted and also reviewed by some of the world's most qualified sirenian scientists who based their recommendation for listing as Endangered on the most recent scientific data. ...more

November 23, 2007

This past weekend was one of the most undeniably weather-perfect we have had all year. The bright, warm sun, slight, steady breeze and cool temperatures just begged for outdoor activities of any kind. ...more

November 16, 2007

The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds who want a close-up peek at the gentle Florida sea cows, has reopened for the season. ...more

November 7, 2007

The Manatee Viewing Center, a popular stop for locals and snowbirds alike, has reopened for the season. ...more

November 1, 2007

Lisa and Joe Vogt have left their mark on South Tampa. The working artists - Lisa does the designs and Joe the bulk of the fabrication - owned Originals in Glass, 4430 W. Kennedy Blvd., for 18 years. ...more

October 3, 2007

Governor Charlie Crist did the right thing for Florida manatees last month. The governor urged the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to delay a vote that will decide whether manatees will lose protection as an endangered species. ...more

October 1, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist says wildlife officials should hold off before deciding whether to change the manatee's status from endangered to threatened. ...more

September 11, 2007