Manatees congregate in warm waters near power plants as US winter storms graze Florida

A polar vortex that has hit much of the U.S. with ice and snow has dealt a glancing blow to Florida and its manatee population. The manatees have been forced to seek warmer waters as coastal temperatures have dropped. The warm-water outflows of about a dozen power plants around Florida are a popular destination for them besides inland natural springs. Manatees have been attracted to the warm-water discharges for decades and follow a watery travel route that mother manatees have taught to manatee calves. Public viewing areas are located near power plants in Riviera Beach, Fort Myers and Apollo Beach.