Send A Letter to the Editor

Express your support for manatee protection by writing a letter to your local newspaper. It’s a powerful and effective way to voice your position on manatee issues within your community. You can see a sample letter at the bottom of this page. In addition, here are some helpful tips:

  • Keep your letter brief. Most newspapers suggest a word count of 200 words or less in a letter to the editor submission.
  • Explain why you are writing, and express your views in your own words. Please note that you support manatee protection. If you are a boater, please include that fact. If possible, include a personal experience in your letter.
  • Be polite and professional in the letter. Please avoid personal attacks or inappropriate language. The newspaper may not print it or will edit it considerably.
  • Newspapers often require that you include a first and last name, regular mailing address, and a daytime phone number where you can be reached if they wish to confirm your authorship of the letter.
  • If you are sending e-mail, include a short description of the topic in the subject box. Start your e-mail with a salutation, such as “Dear Letters Editor.” Finish your e-mail with a close such as, “Sincerely,” and remember to include your name, address, and daytime phone number.

Sample Letter

Dear Letters Editor,

I would like to express my support for manatee protection in Florida. My family and I are proud to live in a state where the magnificent manatees make their home. These gentle creatures have lived in Florida’s waterways for millions of years and are Florida’s state marine mammals.

We own a boat and travel frequently in Brevard and Volusia County waterways. A highlight of our trips is to spot a manatee in the wild, and we don’t mind slowing down in manatee zones. In fact, we often stop to observe them. Slowing down seems like such a small thing to ask in order to be able to share the waters with these unique animals.

If we protect manatees today, tomorrow we can be proud to say that we contributed to the continued existence of manatees for future generations. What a notable accomplishment that would be!

Jane Smith
123 Main Street
Orlando, FL 32179
(407) 683-1234

Additional Background Information

You can also find additional information to help you write your letter by going to the Manatee Info section of the Save the Manatee Club web site.

Thank you for your help!  Your support for manatee protection is appreciated.