From Bonita Daily News

    Seven new manatee protection zones in Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Citrus counties have been designated by US Fish and Wildlife Service beginning October 1st, 2002. The sites were designated after a federal court order. The seven sites includes 3 refuges with slow speed limits, and four sanctuaries where no boating is permitted. Six of the seven sites are near power plants where manatees frequently occur because of the warm waters. Some manatee supporters believe that the designation ignores more critical areas where manatee deaths are higher such as the Caloosahatchee River in Lee county and the St. John’s river in Central Florida.