Mangroves and Manatees: Tampa Electric in the Community

A group of people posing outdoors with water and trees in the background.

Aug 30, 2024

This week, Tampa Electric (TECO) partnered with Duke Energy, Coastal Conservation Association Florida and Hillsborough and Pinellas County governments to increase environmental resilience in the region.

Thanks to 40 volunteers from the partnering organizations, about 700 red and black mangroves grown and donated by CCA Florida and the Duke Energy Crystal River Mariculture Center are now taking root at two locations impacted by tidal influence.

Mangrove ecosystems are vital to the health of Florida’s coastal estuaries. They reduce coastal erosion, improve water quality by filtering excess nutrients and absorb carbon dioxide while providing habitat and refuge for fish and wildlife.

People planting by water, possibly a reforestation or conservation effort. Greenery and clear skies visible.

Among the wildlife that make Florida’s coastal estuaries home, the manatee is arguably one of the most beloved. TECO’s commitment to supporting and educating the public about the threatened species has spanned decades. Now, we’re preparing to host our third annual Run for the Manatees 5K in January, which raises awareness and support for manatee conservation.

People planting saplings by the waterside, working on reforestation or environmental conservation.

The 5K route boasts beautiful scenery as it passes our Manatee Viewing Center and winds through the trails of the Florida Conservation and Technology Center (FCTC) campus. We welcome you to join us for this popular run before it sells out!

As we look forward to this and other future stewardship events, we thank you and all our partners for amplifying our efforts to increase the region’s resilience.

Thank you,

Andy Taylor

Regional Affairs Manager, Pasco County, Plant City & Brandon

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