Manatees

[abbyndrewmom]

I hope this is the right board to post this. WE are heading to Flordia in March. WE are spending the first 3days in Tallahasse with SIL then driving down to Orlando. Along the way I would like to stop and see the Manatees. When I was a teenager we went to a State Park with my parents and saw them. I can't remember where this was but I think it was near where we are driving through. If anyone can suggest a good place to stop between Tallahasse and Orlando tosee the Manattees I would really appreciate it.


Thanks,

 

[spiceycat]

here is one - but it is much further out of the way than down I75

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=498521&highlight=+manatees

maybe you were thinking of Silver Springs - but they don't have any manatees.
http://www.silversprings.com/index-flash.htm

this is Ocala one of the towns right before the Florida turnpike.

 

[CajunDixie]

On the west coast of FL try Homosassa Springs and closer to the east coast in the winter try Blue Springs

Message from the Manager (at Blue Springs)
The colder weather has arrived at Blue Spring State Park and the Manatees have also. We have had over 153 different manatee already this season. The most we have had at any one time has been 80. As long as the weather stays cold you should be able to see the manatees, so pack up your car for a picnic and view the manatees afterwards. Remember Blue Spring State Park is very busy during Manatee season. I would recommend trying to get here early morning.

From Homosassa

The park serves as a rehabilitation center and refuge for endangered West Indian manatees that have been orphaned or injured in the wild and also for manatees that have been born in captivity. The natural spring environment allows them an opportunity to re-acclimate themselves to a more natural environment before they are returned to the wild.

The park does not allow swimming with the manatees since these animals may someday be released and would lose their fear of man, placing them at a disadvantage once they are back in the wild.

 

[abbyndrewmom]

thanks I think we are going to Hormossa Spring Park. i am pretty sure that is the one I went to as a teenager with my family. I am really looking forward to showing my children the manatees!!

Allison