ORANGE CITY, Fla. – Freezing cold weather in Florida is sending manatees in search of warmer waters.
Blue Spring State Park in Orange City on Tuesday recorded 241 manatees, with more expected in the coming days to an extended, even colder blast of weather headed to the state.
Spring waters stay 72 degrees year-round, providing a comfortable setting for manatees, which don’t have a lot of body fat and can’t tolerate temperatures much colder than 68 degrees.
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The manatee turnout also causes an uptick in human visitors to the park.
“(The) sun was out, it was over 50 degrees, and we saw hundreds of manatees,” a park visitor said. “The water is clear and the fish are so big, and it’s just an amazing place.”
“(Manatees) are amazing animals,” a woman said.
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The forecast calls for a hard freeze in Central Florida over the weekend, so there will be ample time for you to see manatees at Florida springs — if you’re willing to brave the cold weather.
Blue Spring State Park’s website, however, warns visitors that park frequently reaches capacity and may temporarily close.
“Closures occur intermittently and may last several hours. Visitors with camping or boat tour reservations will be admitted to the park while it is closed, but pedestrians and bicyclists will not be allowed to enter until the park reopens,” the website message says.Daily Forecast
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