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Author Topic: Has anyone swum at Blue Spring State Park in Florida? Topic is locked Back to Topics
kris72663
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New York

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Message Posted: Oct 4, 2005 10:40:45 PM
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Just wondering if anyone has swum at Blue Spring State Park? The spring is a constant 75 degrees and during the winter the manatees come in from the ocean to keep warm. The one time I was there there were over 55 manatees in the river and by the spring. People are allowed to swim in the spring but you're not allowed to touch or feed the manatees. Thinking when I go down this December I might go for a swim....must be something pretty cool!!

:-) Kris
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meezette
Veteran Author Austin

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Message Posted: Dec 9, 2005 5:25:36 PM
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Yes, we used to go to Blue Springs and also to Rock Springs. I always thought the water was freezing, but swimming with the manatees is a lovely experience!
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bicycler
Champion Author Ontario

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Message Posted: Nov 7, 2005 9:00:28 AM
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Sounds like fun
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kris72663
Sophomore Author New York

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Message Posted: Oct 11, 2005 8:09:23 PM
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Thanks airduct...
The day that I was at Blue Spring, I got there around 10 in the morning. When I left at 2, the line to get in was going down the road. That day there were about 55 manatees there - at least that's what the sign at the entrance said. I think even if you can't swim, it's still an awesome sight to be so close to them.
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airduct
Champion Author Florida

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Message Posted: Oct 8, 2005 3:35:32 PM
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Swimming is not allowed when the Manatees are there in great numbers.
The park is located west of Orange City on US17/92. Follow the signs.
On the days the critters are there and its a weekend the park can become overcrowded and they will close the Park until some of the people leave. I have seen the traffic backed up for a mile on the road leading to the park entrance.
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kris72663
Sophomore Author New York

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Message Posted: Oct 5, 2005 9:38:56 PM
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It's about 45 minutes or so from Daytona - in Orange City I think.
Here's the link Blue Spring State Park

The manatees are pretty cool - they look like giant rocks except that rocks don't come up for air every 8-10 minutes. I have some pictures somewhere - if I can find the disk I'll be more than happy to share them with you.

:-) Kris
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youngoldfogie
Champion Author St. Louis

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Message Posted: Oct 5, 2005 7:50:59 AM
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I have never heard of it, kris72663! How far is it from Daytona Beach? We saw a manatee at Seaworld, but have never seen one in the wild. Don't know if I would WANT to swim next to something that big even thought they have a gentle nature. And 72º is pretty cold water! In recent years, I've vowed not to get into water under 80º. lol

The only park I've experienced in Florida is St. Andrew State Park at Panama City Beach! Beautiful and serene. My wife has found a lot of shells there. And the second time we were there, I was swimming outside the breakers and actually got to touch a wild dolphin. That was pretty cool!
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