News

With the recent cold front cooling the waters, manatees are finding safety in their warm-water refuges, and our incredible Volunteer Mana-team is enjoying some well-deserved rest and time with loved ones this holiday season.

This comes after an action-packed November, a month when people worldwide raise awareness for manatees. Thanks to the dedication of our staff and exceptional volunteers, we participated in an amazing 16 events across four weekends! This level of impact wouldn’t be possible without the incredible generosity of our volunteers, who so graciously donate their time and energy to help protect manatees and raise awareness.

A special shoutout goes to our three Lead Volunteers, who made it possible for us to attend multiple events on the same dates by leading efforts on both coasts. Your leadership and commitment inspire us every day!

The photo above captures a moment from the St. Pete Run Fest: Good Sweat Expo, where we participated for three days in November after joining their kickoff event on July 4th. This wonderful organization introduced a “Manatee Marathon,” and we were thrilled to be part of it. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, we raised nearly $5,000 for manatee protection!

As we look ahead to the new year, we’re preparing for what I am calling the “Super Bowls of Manatee Festivals.” Come January, we’ll need all hands-on-deck for the Florida Manatee Festival in Crystal River and the Blue Spring Manatee Festival in Orange City—the two largest manatee festivals in the world.

Save the Dates:

• Florida Manatee Festival: January 18-19
• Blue Spring Manatee Festival: January 25-26

These festivals provide a unique opportunity to connect with fellow manatee enthusiasts and to see manatees in their natural winter habitats. It’s a rewarding experience that we’re excited to share with you!

If you’re a Central Florida supporter with availability, we’d love your help at our Longwood office during this busy season. While events may slow down, our office team is working tirelessly to manage the influx of adoptions and donations during the holidays. If you’re interested in lending a hand, please email me for more details.

To our amazing volunteers, thank you for making everything we do possible. Your dedication and passion inspire us every day. If you’re not yet part of our Volunteer Mana-team, we’d love for you to join us! You can sign up on our Volunteer page.

If you’re a lapsed volunteer or unsure of your current status, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please remember to protect your skin, stay hydrated, and enjoy the peace and joy of the holiday season. We are so grateful for your continued support and kindness.

Sending Sirenian greetings to all for a serene and peaceful season!