Local News
Pregnant manatee dies after boat strike in Matanzas Pass off Fort Myers Beach
A near-term manatee rescued after a watercraft strike in Matanzas Pass died from severe internal injuries, adding to Lee County's grim manatee toll.
- When
- Friday, May 22, 2026
- Where
- Matanzas Pass
- Official source
- Fort Myers Beach Talk
What happened?
Fort Myers Beach Talk reports a pregnant adult manatee struck in Matanzas Pass died two days later at ZooTampa from blunt-force trauma. The area is a manatee protection zone with minimum-wake limits, and officials said Lee County has already recorded 85 manatee deaths this year, including 13 directly tied to watercraft collisions. The case adds more pressure on boaters in one of the county’s busiest and most sensitive waterways.
Why it matters
This is a local update worth knowing for residents, visitors, or nearby businesses.
Source
Use the Fort Myers Beach Talk source for the latest details.
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