The Manatee Lagoon, a place where kids can have a great learning experience and a great view of real live manatees, had a grand opening on Feb. 5.

Even though the facility opened on a burning hot Saturday, there were no manatees in sight.

“We didn’t get to see the manatees today,” a visitor said, “but it was still a fun learning experience for the kids.”

Ironically, the next morning, when it was windy and chilly out, many manatees were seen.

Manatees like to stay warm just like humans. So, when the cold wind strikes they like to gather where the warm water is.

The Florida Power & Light Co. Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center creates a warm flow of water that is just right.

As the manatees swam up close, visitors would lean against the railing to get a good look.

“Look, there’s one,” said the kids who would point and cheer each time they’d spot a manatee.”I should’ve brought a chair, so I could camp out here and watch,” one visitor said.

Admission is free and the lagoon is open every day from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.