No need to drive to Crystal River to view Manatees.

They can be seen adjacent to the Florida Power Big Bend Power plant just west of US 41 and the intersection of Big Bend Road, just north of Ruskin( about 25 miles north of Sarasota)

Big Bend Road which is about 15 miles south of Tampa has a exit also off of 1-75 (south). If you exit from I-75 go straight west ( crossover US 41) and there is a sign and a wooden walkway/viewing station just on the inlet from the Bay. There will be signs giving directions after you cross US 41.

The warmwater outlet from the power plant attracts large numbers of the creatures just about year round but definately in the Florida winter ( now)

mike