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Social Event

Manatee Viewing

February 15, 2020

10:30 AM - 01:30 PM EST

Tampa Platoon

Event overview

Tampa Platoon lets get out and get active while enjoying nature and learn about one of Florida's Native creatures. Florida is known for its gators but, there is a much gentler majestic creature in these Florida waters. Join us Saturday and learn how energy and the environment are merging together to create the perfect habitat for these docile creatures. Then stop by our picnic table for some lunch, beverages, and mingle with your fellow platoon members. Inside the MVC's environmental education building, colorful displays immerse you in the world of the manatee and its habitat. Others show how Big Bend Power Station generates electricity for the community in an environmentally responsible way. See some of the power station's beneficially reusable byproducts. Inspect actual manatee bones and piece together puzzles. And before feeling the blast of a hurricane in the center's simulator, find out more about hurricanes and how Tampa Electric prepares for and responds to major storms. Butterfly Outside, stroll among award-winning butterfly gardens and Florida-friendly landscaping. You also can see a variety of native and coastal plant life as you stroll along the center's tidal walk. Catch a glimpse of animals in the wild that make the center's habitat their home. A towering symbol of our environmental commitment Halfway along the Manatee Viewing Center's habitat loop trail – a winding route through natural Florida – you'll arrive at a boardwalk that takes you to our wildlife observation tower. Marvel at the surrounding habitat, including the estuary below, from a 50-foot-high vantage point. Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the tables at the base of the tower. And on clear days, see all the way across Tampa Bay! Wildlife Tower Built and located to minimize the impact on the environment, the tower, boardwalk and habitat trail are part of a network of trails that will connect to the Florida Conservation and Technology Center, an under-construction project between Tampa Electric, the Florida Aquarium and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. To access the tower, park at the Manatee Viewing Center. Here are some things to help you get the most out of your visit: Be prepared for approximately a mile-long walk; select the right shoes. There are no restrooms at the tower site, habitat trail and boardwalk. To get to the top of the tower, you must climb several flights of steps. Apply bug spray and dress appropriately (the tower will be closed in the event of severe weather). Visitors with sensitive health conditions, including those aggravated by exertion, should use caution if they decide to go to the tower. No food or water is available at the tower. Feeding wildlife is prohibited.

Type

Social Event

What To Wear

Wear comfortable out door clothing and comfortable shoes for walking.

What to Bring

Sun screen as needed

Event Contact

When and where

Date

February 15, 2020

Time

10:30 AM - 01:30 PM (EST)

Location

Manatee Viewing Center

6990 Dickman Rd.
Apollo Beach, FL

Parking Information

Parking: Free **Big Bend Road is currently closed at the bend** From the intersection of Big Bend&41 take 41 South to Apollo Beach Blvd. Turn right (West) on Apollo Beach Blvd then turn right (North) on Dickman Rd.

Who We Are

The Mission Continues is a national non-profit that empowers veterans to continue serving in our nation’s under-resourced communities, giving veterans the opportunity to keep serving even after the uniform comes off, right here at home. Our programs deploy veterans and volunteers to work alongside nonprofit partners and community leaders to improve educational resources, tackle food insecurity, foster neighborhood identity, and more.  

Who should volunteer?

Our service projects are for all veterans with a desire to continue their service and for all non-veterans that want to be part of a nationwide movement to transform communities. Please note, age and accessibility accommodations can be made at any project. There is room for everyone to make an impact. 

How to volunteer 

Click “Attend” to fill in simple volunteer information. You will get an email confirmation and updates about this event through your choice of email and text messages. 

What is a Service Platoon? 

Service Platoons are your opportunity to engage and connect with veterans and community members while generating community impact in a real and tangible way. Led by veteran volunteer platoon leaders, each platoon works with dedicated community partners and volunteers to provide the manpower and support that they need to help them do their work more effectively. 

We currently have service platoons in more than 40+ cities across the country that are having events at least once a month. Everyone is invited to serve, regardless of veteran status: a service platoon is for you if you have a passion for service. 

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