Boats, Manatees, and a Dangerous Holiday | Tampa News

Manatees are in peril this Labor Day — with over 600 deaths last year, nearly 100 from boat strikes. These gentle giants, vital to Florida’s ecosystem, feed in shallow waters that put them at risk as boating traffic surges. Zoo Tampa’s Critical Care team is caring for 24 manatees, most injured by collisions, entanglements, or red tide. Despite being reclassified from endangered to threatened in 2017, conservation efforts remain urgent. If you spot a distressed manatee, keep your distance and report it — photos can save lives. Responsible boating is the key to protecting these iconic, ecologically essential creatures. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3ef7aa616e7271cb