Manatee count approaches record number at Blue Spring State Park. Here's how to see them
As last week’s cooler temperatures meant that manatees were headed back in abundance to Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, another cold snap this New Year's weekend might see even more of the gentle creatures headed there.
On Thursday, the park logged a daily count of 705, according to the park's Facebook page.
That approaches the park’s previous record daily count of 729 manatees, set on Jan. 17, 2023. The previous high was 721, logged on Jan. 29, 2022. It also represents an increase over Wednesday’s count of 685.
With warmer temperatures moving in over the Christmas weekend, the number of manatees in the spring dropped to 325 on Sunday. But that could change by the end of the week.
Forecasts from the National Weather Service in Melbourne call for lows in the lower 40s by Thursday, so it's a safe bet the creatures will remain in the 72-degree spring waters through the weekend. The park will be open from 8 a.m.-sundown throughout the holiday weekend, including New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Here’s what you need to know about manatees and how to see them at Blue Spring:
Why do manatees flock to Blue Spring?
The spring run is federally protected and closed to recreation during manatee season, which runs from mid-November to March, as the marine mammals flock to the 72-degree waters when temperatures drop.
The St. John's River was a chilly 61.7 degrees on Wednesday, according to Save the Manatee Club, but manatees can swim into the river for short periods during cold weather to feed.
How cold is it expected to get this weekend?
Nighttime lows are forecast to dip to 43 degrees on Thursday, according to the NWS. Friday's lows will be even cooler at 42.
What are tips for visiting the park to see manatees?
Blue Spring State Park, 2100 W. French Ave. in Orange City, is open year-round from 8 a.m.-sundown daily.
Admission at the gate is $4 for single-occupant vehicle, $6 for per vehicle of 2-8 people, $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists.
In case you missed it: Blue Spring State Park sets single-day manatee record in Orange City
If the park reaches capacity during winter manatee season, it remains open to visitors on a one-in, one-out basis. Biggest crowds typically arrive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when waits can range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the day.
On weekends, rangers advise that it’s best to arrive before 10 a.m. or later in the day, between 2 and 3 p.m. It usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes to view the manatees.
Visit floridastateparks.org for more Blue Spring information.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Manatee count approaches record at Blue Spring in Orange City
