Every winter, when the air in Florida turns cold, a special journey begins. As the big rivers get too chilly, hundreds of manatees swim toward the warm “blue heart” of our state. Places like Blue Spring stay at 72 degrees year-round. This warm water is like a natural heater that keeps manatees safe when the weather turns freezing.
This February has been a record-breaking year. On one morning in 2026, researchers counted 834 manatees in the spring at once. I was fortunate to witness this beautiful sight—a sea of gray giants resting together in the clear water. Fifty years ago, only a few manatees came here. Today, thanks to people protecting the water, the spring is full of life.
In the clear water, you can see a mother and her baby (called a calf) swimming side-by-side. The baby stays very close to the mother’s flipper. She is teaching her baby how to survive. She shows the little one where to rest and how to come up to the surface for a quiet breath of air. It is a very peaceful and gentle moment.
These springs are more than just a pretty place to visit. They are the soul of Florida. The fresh water that flows here supports our birds, fish, and our whole way of life. Seeing so many manatees this year is a sign that our hard work to keep the water clean is working.
As the sun comes up, the mother and baby drift back into the deep blue water. They remind us that even as Florida grows and changes, we still have these quiet, wild places. For those of us who live here, seeing the manatees return is a reminder to slow down and enjoy the beautiful nature we share.
Vimaris Arroyo
https://vimarisphotography.com
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Vimaris Arroyo’s love and joy for photography are apparent in her playful photographs. Her timing and experience behind the lens capture those special candid moments just as her whimsical images give us a moment to reflect and smile. Her love and reverence for the outdoors and connection to people are embedded in her images. Vimaris is originally from Puerto Rico. She lived in Massachusetts for 20 years before moving to Florida. Currently residing in Ponte Vedra Beach Vimaris delights in the lack of snow, and never misses a moment to enjoy the outdoors. Her images beckon us all to get outside!
You can find Vimaris throughout the city of Jacksonville and the beaches enjoying nature and capturing those special moments with her camera.
