Exploring Solar Energy and Sea Creatures

With spring right around the corner, now is the best time of year to get outside, enjoy the weather and explore the many locations throughout the Sunshine State with exotic and native wildlife.

FPL SolarNow understands the importance of protecting our planet. Sunshine helps power our communities and future, but a better tomorrow also includes the conservation of wildlife. From zoos to aquariums to conservation centers, we partner with organizations throughout the state that know caring for our natural world today is the key to preserving it for our future.

You can find one of our unique solar arrays located in over 70 local parks, zoos, and museums across Florida, where they harness the power of the sun to generate low-cost and reliable energy. Solar energy plays a crucial role in adding to FPL’s diverse mix of energy sources, which helps keep  bills as low as possible for customers. By supporting solar energy and partner locations like Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Manatee Lagoon, we also contribute to the protection of endangered species like sea turtles and manatees.

 

Dive Right In

Sea turtles have an undeniable charm that captivates us all, and at Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) in Palm Beach County, you can learn more about how LMC works to preserve marine environments, while also learning more about the benefits of solar energy.  During your visit, don’t miss the opportunity to admire the solar tree at the entrance that features an artistic sea turtle design.

LMC is one of the leading nonprofit institutions focused on ocean conservation and the rehabilitation of sea turtles. Situated on a globally significant sea turtle nesting beach, LMC monitors a roughly 10-mile stretch of coastline from March to October.

Each year, LMC’s dedicated team and volunteers provide care for nearly 100 sea turtles and 1,000 hatchlings at their ocean-side facility. In 2021, the center saw an impressive 15,000 sea turtle nests along the nearby shores of Juno, Jupiter, and Tequesta!

While there, take time to explore the educational exhibits and aquariums inside. You can support sea turtle conservation efforts by “adopting” a sea turtle, contributing to their food supply, medical care, and tank maintenance. Visitors can also visit the hospital to meet the beloved sea turtle patients or join a guided tour.

 

 

Lend a Helping Flipper

If you’d like to get more involved in helping the center, feel free to take part in their weekly, self-guided beach cleanup. Taking place on Saturdays from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., you can join this rewarding service event at your convenience, with unlimited participants and no RSVP required.

Materials will also be provided, including gloves, recycling bin and mesh bags, with all debris to be collected by the center following cleanup. This is great start to a day of exploring the conservation facility and getting a closer look at the on-site solar tree that provides emissions-free energy for the community.

 

 

See a Sea Cow

Nearby to Loggerhead Marinelife Center is another great opportunity to see sea creatures up close at Manatee Lagoon. This FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area for viewing manatees up close. It also offers the chance to see two solar trees, two solar canopies and to get a selfie with Sunny, a 3D animated junior solar tree that uses a fun, augmented reality video to show how FPL’s investments in solar technology help reduce energy costs.

The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about these threatened and unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. On cold winter days, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatee herds basking in the warm-water outflows from FPL’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.

The highlight of the year will be on February 1, when ManateeFest 2025 kicks off with a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of manatees, the Lake Worth Lagoon and environmental conservation. This free, family-friendly event offers face painting, live music, photo opportunities with Mia the Manatee, and a KidsFunZone, as well as tasty treats from food vendors. Visit their website to learn more about the event.

 

 

You Have to Sea It to Believe It

Next time you’re in Palm Beach County, make sure to check out the local sea turtles at LMC or the manatees at Manatee Lagoon to learn more about our mission to educate future generations about caring for Earth’s creatures. FPL also partners with institutions like Zoo Miami, Naples Zoo, Brevard Zoo, and Palm Beach Zoo, to raise awareness about the benefits of emissions-free solar energy, while at the same time supporting conservation efforts across Florida.  FPL continues to invest in innovative technologies to harness this abundant source of energy to deliver low-cost, reliable energy solutions for communities across the state.

By promoting these energy solutions and conservation efforts, we help ensure a brighter future for generations to come.