Page 5 - The Islander - December '21

The Islander, Page 5

in Your CommunitY from page 1

helping protect these wonderful creatures and the ecosystems
they inhabit.”
Florida’s manatee season runs from Nov. 15 to March 31,
during which time manatees migrate to warmer waters. When
the waters of Lake Worth Lagoon dip to 68 degrees or colder,
manatees gather in the clean, warm-water outflows surrounding
FPL’s Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center,
adjacent to Manatee Lagoon.
In addition to providing guests with panoramic views of Lake
Worth Lagoon and manatees in season, the center also offers a
variety of ongoing activities including free educational lectures,
arts and crafts and more.
Now in its sixth year of manatee education and environmental
conservation, Manatee Lagoon is a popular community
destination, which makes it an ideal place for people to learn
about these beloved marine mammals. FPL built Manatee
Lagoon in 2016 as part of its environmental mission to teach
the public about manatees, with a goal of inspiring communities
to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife for
future generations.

“We’re using our platform to educate visitors about what’s
happening to manatees in the wild, and show them how they
can help,” said Sarah Marmion, manager of Manatee Lagoon.
“Although these gentle water giants are an iconic part of our
local ecosystem, it’s up to us to protect them.”
New For The 2021/22 Season
New for the upcoming season are enhanced outdoor walking
pathways and a 3-D augmented reality solar exhibit.
Newly planted lush landscaping of dune sunflowers and
native Florida flowering trees join solar canopies and the new
augmented reality exhibit. Visitors can use their cell phones to
make “Sunny” appear – a 3-D animated junior solar tree who
teaches about solar technology and the environmental benefits of
clean energy. It’s “info-tainment” visitors of all ages can enjoy!
Self-Guided Tours And Virtual Visits
Visitors who return to the indoor portion of the facility can
now enjoy self-guided tours at their convenience by scanning QR
codes on signage around the building. Expert Manatee Masters
will share information on a wide range of topics. For those who
prefer to stay home, the educational tour videos will be offered
on Manatee Lagoon’s website.
Waterfront Walks
Every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.,
visitors can participate in short walking tours along the shoreline
of Manatee Lagoon. Led by Manatee Masters, guests will learn
more about Lake Worth Lagoon, an extraordinary 20-mile urban
estuary, which serves as home to all kinds of marine creatures,
including manatees. Programming begins Nov. 8.
Lagoonside Chats And New Outdoor Seating
Daily at 2 p.m., Manatee Masters will offer an outdoor seated
talk from Manatee Lagoon’s new Adirondack seating section
along the first-floor observation deck. Limited seating is available
on a first-come, first-served basis. Programming begins Nov. 8.
Outdoor Yoga
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday at 8
a.m., adult yoga classes are led by certified instructors against the
calming backdrop of Lake Worth Lagoon. Advance registration
is required as space is limited.
Manatee Tales Story Time
The popular story time returns with new take-home coloring
activities on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Listen as a Manatee Master
storyteller reads from a selection of engaging books, which share
stories about various aquatic species that live in the Lake Worth
Lagoon and the waters beyond. Targeted for children ages 2 and
older. Programming begins Nov. 8.
Enhanced Cleaning And Sanitation Protocols
Manatee Lagoon has added enhanced cleaning measures
and installed HEPA filtration units, as well as touchless soap,
paper towel and hand sanitizer dispensers in restrooms. When
visiting the indoor portion of the facility, masks are encouraged
for all, and required for unvaccinated visitors. Social distancing
and masks are strongly encouraged throughout the property.

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