Public Programming

A staff member instructing a camper how to properly shoot archery on an outdoor archery range.

A group of people standing and fishing off a pier into a brackish water pond.

A Volunteer talking to a group of children about snakes. The volunteer is using a live snake and a magazine to inform the children.

Public Season at the Suncoast

The Suncoast Youth Conservation Center is open to the public from Nov. 1st – Apr. 15th every year. During this time, visitors can explore the entire Florida Conservation and Technology Center campus free of charge. This includes the TECO Manatee Viewing Center, the TECO Clean Energy Center, The Florida Aquarium Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center and Coral Care Complex, the Marine Fisheries Enhancement Center, and the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center. The Florida Conservation and Technology Center is a Great Florida Birding and Nature Trail location with many opportunities to see wildlife at the buildings on campus, as well as on the walking trails and from the observation tower. This campus represents a unique partnership between many entities, including Tampa Electric Company, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, The Florida Aquarium, and the University of Florida, all working together to ensure an engaging and educational experience for the whole family.

While open to the public, the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center offers an interactive exhibit hall with knowledgeable staff and volunteers who are available to answer any questions. While visiting you will notice that the Suncoast is home to a few ambassador animals. We have snakes, freshwater pond turtles, and a touch tank with various native marine animals. These ambassador animals are the stars of our daily animal encounters and/or feedings where guests have an opportunity to meet our animals up close and learn a little more about them. We also offer pop-up fishing and archery opportunities for all ages throughout the public season, where we provide the gear and knowledge you need to try fishing on our brackish water pond or shoot a bullseye on our archery range.

In order to visit the Suncoast Youth Conservation Center as well as the other buildings on campus, you must park at either the TECO Manatee Viewing Center main parking lot or the overflow parking lot near the TECO Clean Energy Center. Once parked, there are trams that will take you to the south side of campus where we are located.

Florida Conservation and Technology Center Campus Map

For more information about our public programs, please call (813) 922-7969.

Suncoast Youth Conservation Center Public Season Hours

November 1st – April 15th

Monday - Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET)

(state holiday hours may vary)

Christmas Eve: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (ET)

Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day