APOLLO BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — As a cold front swept through Apollo Beach on Sunday, both locals and tourists experienced an unexpected chill at the Manatee Viewing Center. The drop in temperature, while uncomfortable for many, seemed to be a blessing for the local manatee population.

“For us Floridians, it’s freezing,” remarked Traci Willingham, a Sarasota native. “But the manatees are definitely enjoying it.” Her sentiment was echoed by the growing number of these gentle sea creatures gathering at the TECO discharge canal, seeking warmth.

Jamie Woodlee, a representative from the Manatee Viewing Center, explained the situation: “Manatees can tolerate water temperatures around 68 degrees, but if it drops lower, they can become cold-stressed. They have only about an inch of fat, which means they get cold quite easily.”

Meanwhile, Bruce and Shirley Osadil, visitors from Kansas City, expressed surprise at the unseasonably cool weather. They, like many others, were unprepared for the Floridian cold snap, which starkly contrasted the state’s typically warm climate.

Bruce Osadil and his wife, Shirley, visited from Kansas City. They told us they were surprised by the weather. 

“I wasn’t prepared for this cold,” said Mrs. Osadil. 

However, some who wore shorts assured us that the temperatures, which seemed frigid for the locals and manatees, were quite nice for them. 

“I don’t think it’s cold. We’re from Seattle. So we’re used to this…this is quite pleasant,” Paul Kipping told us. He was visiting from Seattle. 

The ‘Viva Tampa’ festival at the Curtis Hickson Waterfront Park was postponed due to the weather. They still haven’t shared when the event will occur.