Record Number of Manatees Flock to West Palm Beach Lagoon During Cold Spell

Hundreds of the gentle giants seek refuge in the warm waters around Manatee Lagoon to avoid cold stress

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A record number of manatees, over 240, have crowded into the warm waters surrounding Manatee Lagoon in West Palm Beach, Florida to escape the recent cold spell that has brought record-breaking low temperatures to the area. The manatees are seeking refuge in the warm water outflows from a nearby Florida Power & Light power plant, which the educational center sits next to.

Why it matters

Manatees are a threatened species in Florida, and they rely on these warm-water pockets to survive the winter months when temperatures drop. This influx of manatees highlights the importance of places like Manatee Lagoon that provide a safe haven for the gentle giants during cold weather events.

The details

On February 3rd, over 240 manatees were counted at Manatee Lagoon, the highest number in recent years. While the numbers dropped to 180 on February 4th, more manatees are expected to continue seeking refuge at the center as the cold weather persists. Manatees gather in these warm-water outflows when temperatures drop below 68 degrees Fahrenheit, as they are at risk of cold stress which can be fatal.

  • On February 3, over 240 manatees were counted at Manatee Lagoon.
  • On February 4, the number of manatees at the lagoon dropped to 180.

The players

Manatee Lagoon

An educational center in West Palm Beach, Florida that sits near a Florida Power & Light power plant that releases heated water into the Lake Worth Lagoon, providing a warm-water refuge for manatees.

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

The state agency that reports there are more than 8,000 manatees in Florida's waters today, though they are still considered a threatened species.

Rachel Shanker

The education and conservation manager at Manatee Lagoon, who advises boaters to 'go slow and wear polarized sunglasses' to help protect manatees and other marine life.

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What they’re saying

“Going slow and wearing polarized sunglasses can really help if you are a boater.”

— Rachel Shanker, Education and Conservation Manager, Manatee Lagoon (palmbeachpost.com)

What’s next

The cold weather is expected to continue in the West Palm Beach area, with another cold front expected to move through late on February 5th, so more manatees are likely to seek refuge at Manatee Lagoon in the coming days.

The takeaway

This influx of manatees to Manatee Lagoon during the recent cold spell highlights the importance of providing safe, warm-water habitats for these threatened marine mammals to survive the winter months. It also underscores the need for boaters to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid collisions with manatees and other wildlife.