Space Coast, FLVol. 47 · No. 180

Independent · Established 1979

The Brevard Sentinel

The Space Coast's Daily Record · Brevard County, Florida

EnvironmentWildlife

Wildlife Officials Urge Boaters to Slow Down as Manatees Return to Warm Waters

Seasonal speed zones are back in effect across several Brevard waterways.

By Elena Brooks

Environment Reporter

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 · 3 min read

Manatees gather in warm, clear spring water.
Manatees gather in warm, clear spring water.

State wildlife officials are reminding boaters to observe seasonal speed zones as manatees move through Brevard County waterways. Collisions with watercraft remain a leading cause of manatee deaths, and officials say slowing down can save lives.

Conservation groups continue to monitor the gentle giants closely following recent years of population stress tied to seagrass loss in the Indian River Lagoon.

Elena Brooks can be reached at elena@brevardsentinel.com

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