Police Drone Spots Manatees and Dolphin in Florida River

A Bradenton Police Department drone pilot recently captured a rare and heartwarming scene along the Manatee River near Bradenton Riverwalk, as My Sun Coast reported. Not one, but two manatees drifted through the calm water. A playful dolphin even joined the group as if it wanted to be part of the celebration.

The timing could not be better. November is Manatee Awareness Month. Florida officials use this period to remind boaters to slow down, stay alert, and respect manatee protection zones. These gentle animals often move toward warmer water as temperatures drop, which brings them closer to busy boating areas.

Sadly, early data shows that manatee deaths for 2025 have already exceeded totals from the last two years. That makes every reminder and every sighting even more important. When a drone can help raise awareness, it matters. A single overhead clip can show people what is at stake in a way nothing else can.

If anyone spots a manatee that looks injured or distressed, the Florida Fish and Wildlife hotline is open around the clock. Quick action can save a life.

Florida’s Gentle Giants Under Pressure

Florida manatees are massive creatures. Many reach 1,200 pounds and can live for sixty years or more. They glide slowly through rivers, springs, and coastal waters, spending much of their day eating seagrass. Their calm nature has earned them the nickname sea cows.

But life for these animals has become harder. Much of their habitat has been damaged or destroyed by development along the coast. Pollution has washed into rivers and bays, feeding algal blooms that choke out sunlight and kill seagrass. In places like the Indian River Lagoon, entire seagrass ecosystems have collapsed. Thousands of manatees have starved in recent years because their food source simply disappeared.

Cold stress is another danger. Manatees cannot survive long when water stays below 68 degrees. They once depended on natural warm springs during winter months. Many of those areas have changed due to construction or water management. As a result, manatees now gather near power plant discharge zones. If a plant reduces its warm water outflow or shuts down, these animals can face deadly cold exposure.

Human activity adds more problems. Fishing lines, nets, and debris can tangle around manatees. Some ingest trash that damages their digestive systems. These are slow moving animals with no natural defense against the hazards we leave behind.

The Growing Risk From Boats

Boats remain one of the biggest threats to manatees today. The animals move slowly, surface often to breathe, and are difficult for fast moving boaters to spot. Propellers and hulls can cause deep cuts, broken ribs, and severe internal injuries. Almost every adult manatee in Florida carries scars from at least one boat strike. Many carry several.

Even when they survive a collision, the recovery drains their energy and weakens their long term health. Collisions keep happening as Florida’s population grows and more boats fill rivers and coastal areas. Simple actions like slowing down, watching the water, and avoiding manatee zones can prevent tragedy.

This is why drone footage like the Bradenton clip is so valuable. A calm family of manatees swimming with a curious dolphin reminds people that these animals are part of Florida’s identity. They are worth protecting. And with manatee deaths continuing to rise, every reminder carries weight.

DroneXL’s Take

This drone clip shows why manatees capture the hearts of Floridians and visitors. A small police drone revealed a quiet moment that most boaters never see from the surface. But the beauty comes with a warning. These gentle giants are struggling, and boaters can play a huge role in their survival. Slow down, stay alert, and give manatees the space they need. A single careful decision on the water can save a life.

Photo credit: Bradenton Police Department