April 17, 2026
Manatee Slow Speed Zones April 1-November 15
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Indian Rocks Beach Reminds Boaters to Observe Slow Speed Manatee Zones April 1 – November 15
The City of Indian Rocks Beach is urging all boaters to exercise caution and comply with designated slow speed zones during manatee season, which runs annually from April 1 through November 15.
As warmer weather returns to Florida’s coastal waters, manatees become more active and frequently travel through local waterways. These gentle marine mammals are vulnerable to collisions with watercraft, making adherence to posted speed regulations critical for their protection.
Boaters navigating the Intracoastal Waterway and surrounding areas near Indian Rocks Beach are reminded to observe all posted signage indicating slow speed or idle speed zones. These regulations are designed to reduce the risk of injury or death to manatees, which often swim near the surface and may be difficult to spot.
Protecting manatees is a shared responsibility. By slowing down and staying alert, boaters can help preserve one of Florida’s most iconic and threatened species.”
In addition to reducing speed, boaters are encouraged to:
- Wear polarized sunglasses to improve visibility in the water
- Avoid boating in shallow seagrass areas where manatees feed
- Keep a safe distance if a manatee is spotted
- Never feed or attempt to touch manatees, as it is illegal under state and federal law
Violations of manatee protection zones may result in fines and penalties. Law enforcement agencies, including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), actively patrol local waters during manatee season.
Residents and visitors can report injured, distressed, or deceased manatees by calling the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).
For more information about manatee protection zones and safe boating practices, please visit the FWC website at the following link to learn more about doing your part: https://myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve/wildlife/manatee/.