On Thanksgiving weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) conducted the second annual Operation Slow Speed Zone in Palm Beach County. Eight FWCC law enforcement boats patrolled the manatee protection speed zones with cooperating agencies including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Palm Beach Sheriff's Office, and the Island of Palm Beach and Manalapan Police Departments.

During winter, over 300 manatees use the warm water refuge at the Florida Power and Light Riviera Beach power plant. To help ensure manatees reach the power plant safely and are able to bask in warm water without harassment, seasonal idle and slow speed zones and one motorboat-prohibited zone are in effect November 15- March 31.

Although the weather wasn't ideal on the first day, these dedicated manatee ambassadors made 166 vessel contacts and issued 111 warnings and 42 citations over the weekend. Save the Manatee Club thanks the FWCC and all the participating agencies for their continued dedication to protect manatees and increase public awareness in this important manatee area! See you next year!