State approves new ‘no entry zone’ for manatee protection in Brevard County

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Florida wildlife officials have signed off on a new rule to help protect manatees here in Central Florida.

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They’ve approved a seasonal “no entry zone” restricting people and boats from entering certain waters near the Florida Power & Light power plant in Cape Canaveral.

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It’s a place where manatees gather in the winter in search of warm water.

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The new restrictions will be in place annually from Nov. 15 to March 31.

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Manatees are currently listed as a “threatened” species — but some groups are pushing to put them back on the “endangered” species list.

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