September 2024

Although the staging is not finished, I’d like to share a special thank you to Bobbie Harvey, wife of the renowned artist André Harvey (1941-2018), for her generous donation of this wonderful sculpture. It now adorns our new facility, adding beauty and inspiration to our workspace.

A Year Of Growth And Gratitude

Our new facility has not only provided us with a solid foundation for our conservation efforts but also a beautiful space that continues to evolve.

Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latriostris) A subspecies of the West Indian Manatee. A Manatee mother nurses her young calf in the warm waters of the Ichetucknee River near the Mill Pond Spring. Florida.

SMC Initiatives To Improve Water Quality

Recognizing the importance of clean water for manatees, aquatic vegetation, and other aquatic species, as well as for humans.

Kee with a calf at Blue Spring in February 2021.

Manatee Kee’s Amazing Story

Manatee Kee’s story began in April 2009, when she was rescued as an orphaned calf on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Graduated tagged manatee Clog spotted on his trip back to Alabama along Pensacola Beach, Florida, in May 2024.

Tagged Manatees Shed Light On Migration Patterns

Manatee sighting season is in full swing along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast! Many familiar manatees have made their appearances in Alabama waters.

Coastal manatee Cal appeared at Blue Spring in 2013.

A Swimming Parade And A Few Summer Sightings

The departure parade for our adoptees began in January. Read about who was first to leave and our exciting summer sightings!

SMC staff at the USPS launch event for a new manatee postage stamp. From left to right, Eric, Gina, volunteer lead Rhonda, Stephanie, Cora, Pat, Shelby, and Tonya.

A Summer Of Events And Volunteerism

Typically, our summer schedule is less busy, but this year has been exceptional! After a full manatee festival season over the winter, we attended several events over the summer.

Kayakers visited by adoptee Millie (front) swimming in the Silver River.

Millie And Gator Make Summer Appearances

Summer is usually a slower time when it comes to spotting our adoptees as they migrate and spend time in coastal areas, estuaries, and rivers.

Blue shaded areas indicate BMAPs for the state of Florida. 
Map courtesy of Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Protecting Florida’s Waterways From Pollution

Knowledge about water quality isn’t only important for manatees and their habitat, it’s also important for humans.

Betsy glides over the Homosassa main spring on a humid summer morning. Photo courtesy of Kate Spratt, HSWSP.

Summer at Homosassa Springs: Volunteer Opportunities Available

Out of all of the park’s ambassadors, the resident and rehabilitation manatees have the best place to beat the heat—in the spring!

Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latriostris) A subspecies of the West Indian Manatee. A manatee surfaces for air on the Ichetucknee River,Florida. Image is a screen capture from original 4K video.

My Journey With Manatees: A Lifelong Love Story

Administrative Assistant Judy Bower shares how her love for manatees began with a trip to Orlando during a family vacation.