Manatee found dead off Ben T. Davis Beach

There have been 469 manatee deaths in Florida between Jan. 1 and Sept. 4, 2026, according to preliminary FWC data.

TAMPA, Fla. — A manatee was found dead Sunday morning off Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit responded to initial reports of the dead animal.

Once on scene, deputies met with a marine biologist from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and towed the manatee away from swimmers at the beach.

The FWC is investigating and working to determine a potential cause of death.

According to preliminary FWC data, there have been 469 manatee deaths in Florida between Jan. 1 and Sept. 4, 2026. Of those, 89 deaths were caused by watercraft.

If you see a sick, injured or dead manatee, you’re asked to call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922). It’s helpful to take photos and videos of the animal and to remember the exact time and location you saw it.