The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission urges boaters in Lee County to be on the lookout for manatees. As manatees are on the move in and around the Caloosahatchee River, and with a red tide bloom continuing in southwest Florida this week, boaters are asked to slow down and strictly obey posted speed restrictions in manatee protection zones.

“Manatees have been on the move as of late, and with mild temperatures leading to increased boat traffic, we want to remind boaters to be vigilant,” said Capt. Guy Carpenter, FWC law enforcement supervisor for Lee and Charlotte counties. “We ask that boaters scan the water around their vessels for signs of manatees and proceed with caution in areas where manatees may be present.”