ORANGE CITY -- A record number of 227 manatees have made their way to Blue Spring State Park in search of warmer waters.
However, there are new concerns water levels could drop and impact the sea cows now that the St. Johns River Water Management District has permitted several agencies to draw water from the river, as well as from a source linked to the spring.
Manatees flock to the spring during cold days because water temperatures in the spring are a constant 72 degrees.
One manatee protection group said drawing water from the spring and river could leave less room for the sea cow, as well as disrupt their ecosystem.
"Manatees need a certain amount of space to make up their habitat. A certain amount of water. They need good water quality, so that there's ample sea grass and that the environment is healthy," said Dr. Katie Tripps from Friends of the Manatee.
The city of DeLand, and Volusia and Seminole counties were permitted to draw water from the river.
Colder temperatures are expected Wednesday night and Thursday morning, which means more manatees could be vying for space in the spring.
Join News 13 At The Manatee Festival
Come see us at the 24th Annual Orange City Blue Spring Manatee Festival on Saturday and Sunday.
The following News 13 on-air personalities will be at the festival:
- Saturday, Jan. 24 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Lisa Bell and Jeff Day
- Saturday, Jan. 24 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. -- Ybeth Bruzual and Christine Webb
- Sunday, Jan. 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. -- Scott Fais
Admission is $8 for adults, $2 for children ages 4 to 12 and dogs are $10. Children under 4 are free.
The Manatee Festival will be held at Valentine Park just off of French Avenue near Blue Spring State Park in Orange City.
To get there, take Interstate 4 to Exit 114. Take Hwy. 472 to U.S. 17-92 south towards Orange City. Make a right on French Avenue towards Blue Springs State Park.
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