Public hearings have been set to discuss proposed manatee protection zones in western Pinellas County.

Last year, St. Pete Beach Mayor Maria Lowe requested manatee zones under the Pinellas Bayway bridge.

As a result, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is holding public hearings to hear what residents have to say about the possibility of speed zones in that area.

The hearings will be held Tuesday, Jan. 27 and Wednesday, Jan. 28, both at 6 p.m.

The Tuesday meeting will be held at Treasure Island City Hall Auditorium, 120 108th Ave. The Wednesday meeting will be held at the Clearwater Community Sailing Association, 1001 Gulf Blvd.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can submit a written comment via email to ManateeRuleComments@MyFWC.com or by mail to the FWC Imperiled Species Management Section at 620 S. Meridian St., Tallahassee, FL 32399.