PORT ST. JOHN -- Manatees have already started to flock to the Florida Power and Light power plant location in Port St. John.
It's a spot that's become pretty popular this time of year for the endangered animals.
Officials said they counted 1,000 manatees in the surrounding area last year.
Before the smokestacks came down at the plant back in August, the power plant would heat the water, attracting manatees from all over.
A $4.5 million heater was recently installed to warm the water up for the manatees when it goes below 65 degrees.
"Everybody is going to have to pay for it," said John Keebler, who is upset over the heater.
FPL officials said heating the manatees falls under an environmental clause, and that when you paid your electric bill, part of that money went towards this project.
"I don't think it's necessary,” said Ron Stockwell. “Let them go up where it's warm, or down to the springs. There's enough other places for them to go."
FPL leaders said protecting the manatees is the law, and the heating project will prevent them from dying in the cold weather.
Some animal lovers don't mind.
"I feel good about that," said Sal Amoroso. "At least there will be some survival. Manatees don't make it in cold weather amongst other fish that don't make it in cold weather. It will be good for them to keep congregating over there like they have been for years."
For years, the manatees have been calling the power plant home when the water gets cold.
There are 16 FPL locations across the state. This is one of the four locations where you can spot these big, slow creatures that are unique to Florida waters.
The heating system will be in effect for the next three winters until the new plant is built.
FPL has a heater installed at their Riviera Beach location, which is near West Palm Beach.
It's a spot that's become pretty popular this time of year for the endangered animals.
Officials said they counted 1,000 manatees in the surrounding area last year.
Before the smokestacks came down at the plant back in August, the power plant would heat the water, attracting manatees from all over.
A $4.5 million heater was recently installed to warm the water up for the manatees when it goes below 65 degrees.
"Everybody is going to have to pay for it," said John Keebler, who is upset over the heater.
FPL officials said heating the manatees falls under an environmental clause, and that when you paid your electric bill, part of that money went towards this project.
"I don't think it's necessary,” said Ron Stockwell. “Let them go up where it's warm, or down to the springs. There's enough other places for them to go."
FPL leaders said protecting the manatees is the law, and the heating project will prevent them from dying in the cold weather.
Some animal lovers don't mind.
"I feel good about that," said Sal Amoroso. "At least there will be some survival. Manatees don't make it in cold weather amongst other fish that don't make it in cold weather. It will be good for them to keep congregating over there like they have been for years."
For years, the manatees have been calling the power plant home when the water gets cold.
There are 16 FPL locations across the state. This is one of the four locations where you can spot these big, slow creatures that are unique to Florida waters.
The heating system will be in effect for the next three winters until the new plant is built.
FPL has a heater installed at their Riviera Beach location, which is near West Palm Beach.
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