MANATEE

SeaWorld offers passholders chance to see expanded manatee care space

Manatee rescue An injured 10-foot long, 1,025-pound manatee has made his way from the Florida Keys to Orlando, thanks to a transport truck recently donated to Florida wildlife officials. (FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute)ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — An injured 10-foot long, 1,025-pound manatee made his way from the Florida Keys to Orlando, thanks to a transport truck recently donated to Florida wildlife officials. Florida Wish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said their staff used the brand-new truck donated by Florida Power & Light to move the injured manatee from Marathon to SeaWorld Orlando on Tuesday night. “Rescuing manatees remains a top priority for FWC and this new truck helps to support this important conservation work,” officials said in a social media post. Wildlife officials said the public can help by reporting injured, sick or dead manatees to the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or by purchasing a “Save the Manatee” license plate.

The gentle giants cruising Florida's waterways are one of the state’s most beloved creatures. On the surface, they may seem like slow, gray lumps grazing on sea grass but there is more than meets the eye with the ancient anatomical and ancestral traits still visible in manatees today.

The experimental program that has fed tons of lettuce to starving Florida manatees will begin to wind down soon as the weather warms.

Florida, Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission workers along with other organizations said they are hoping the warm weather will help with manatee mortality in the state.

As bad as this year’s manatee deaths seem, for the moment, at least, last year was way worse.

Satellite Beach police are urging people not to feed the manatees after water hyacinth, a highly invasive plant, was found dumped in an area canal.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Since the beginning of 2022 state and federal wildlife officials have reported 97 manatee deaths. Brevard County is one area that has seen the greatest impacts on manatee populations this year. Last week FWC reported 16 manatee deaths in one day, with 13 of those deaths reported in Brevard County. To that end the Joint Unified Command has begun feeding manatees to try to keep manatee populations from dwindling even further. To report injured, distressed or dead manatees contact the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

A program to feed manatees facing starvation in Florida is starting to show some positive results. Manatee feeding stations have been placed around the state, but the marine mammals were not showing much interest. READ: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: What’s being done to curb record manatee deathsOn Friday, officials with Florida Fish and Wildlife shared video of manatees using the stations to eat lettuce that was given to them. FWC teams found groups of munching manatees eating the vegetation that was provided to them for the first time on Thursday. Florida state and federal law makes it illegal for people to feed manatees on their own.

‘Stranded high and dry’: Manatee rescued from side of dirt road in FloridaCRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A manatee was rescued this week after it was found stranded on the side of a dirt road, according to officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. FWC said a juvenile male manatee was rescued and transported to SeaWorld after it was found beached next to a road near Crystal River. READ: Manatee feeding program ready as winter tests survivalOfficials said the manatee likely gained access to the road during a high-water event caused by a passing storm during high tide. Once the water receded, the manatee became stranded, FWC said. READ: ‘It’s heartbreaking’: What’s being done to curb record manatee deathsThe number one cause of death was starvation, above boating accidents, entanglements and cold stunning.

Manatee deaths In 2021, more than 1,000 manatees have died in Florida. (WFTV.com News Staff)ORLANDO, Fla. — More manatees died this year in Florida than ever before. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Cora Berchem, with Save the Manatee Club. “We have never seen anything like we’ve seen this year.”In 2021, more than 1,000 manatees have died in Florida. “Because there’s no food.”READ: FWC investigating after more than 1K manatees died this yearMatthew needed help again, so SeaWorld saved him once more.

Starvation is blamed for a record number of manatee deaths in Florida this year, with at least 1,075 recorded in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s preliminary 2021 report so far.

An orphaned manatee calf was transported to SeaWorld for care after it was found at the Cape Canaveral Clean Energy Center in Brevard County, according to The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.

Over 1000 manatees have died this year in Florida.

More than 1,000 manatees have died in Florida so far this year, eclipsing a previous record as the threatened marine mammals struggle with starvation due to polluted waters.

Manatees typically flock to Florida in November for warmer water, abundant seagrass and shallow shores.

Florida's manatees are dying, in unprecedented numbers this year, with 959 documented deaths as of mid-October.

The latest data from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission shows 968 manatees have died this year in Florida and the majority have been in the Indian River Lagoon.

It's been a record shattering year for manatee deaths in Florida.

Wildlife biologists fear another cold, harsh winter in store for Florida's starved sea cows.

Manatee release Mandy the manatee and her calf Manilow are back home in the St. Johns River after months of rehabilitation. (WFTV.com News Staff)VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Mandy the manatee and her calf Manilow are back home in the St. Johns River after months of rehabilitation. Officials with the Save the Manatee Club said the pair were rescued from Blue Spring State Park in March after researchers noticed Mandy showed signs of emaciation. The staff at SeaWorld Orlando worked to rehabilitate her back to a healthy weight, and nicknamed her calf Manilow, after the Barry Manilow song “Mandy.”The pair were released in the St. Johns River adjacent to Blue Springs State Park on Tuesday morning. WATCH: 9 facts about manateesThe Save the Manatee Club and the Friends of Blue Spring State Park are raising funds to rebuild the park’s rescue and release area.

Gov. Ron DeSantis will be providing an update regarding Tropical Storm Elsa Saturday evening.

Ribs jutting out from its side, the manatee appears to be starving in the video shot by Dana Pinnick at Manatee Hammock Campground in Titusville.

Hundreds of residents in Manatee, Florida, were told to evacuate their homes amid fears that a wastewater pond could collapse. Janet Shamlian has the latest.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Manatee deaths are on track to reach new records this year as the sea cows face multiple environmental threats, but Florida wildlife officials are asking boaters to take extra precautions this year to prevent adding to the problem. A combination of cold weather, a decline in seagrass due to development and contaminated waterways have put Florida on pace for its highest number of manatee deaths in a decade. Last year, the state recorded 637 manatee deaths for the entire year, and in 2019, there were 607. On Wednesday, the FWC issued a reminder to boaters to slow down and look out for manatees this spring. As water temperatures warm up, manatees begin to move away from their winter habitats, according to Florida wildlife officials.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A combination of cold weather, a decline in seagrass due to development and contaminated waterways have put Florida on pace for its highest number of manatee deaths in a decade. Last year, the state recorded 637 manatee deaths, and in 2019, 607. AdThe largest number of deaths is in Brevard County, with 179, the newspaper reported. But the loss of sea grass there is forcing them into other areas. AdRose said there are probably more manatee deaths than the state has documented and the causes might not be accurately attributed.

After five years, Taco Bell’s Quesalupa is back. It’s like a quesadilla with an added crispy chalupa shell that creates a double layer of beef, lettuce, cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and sour cream. [TRENDING: ‘Manatee graveyard in Fla. | 6 major announcements from Disney | Fla. woman charged in US Capitol attack]The fan-favorite originally debuted in 2016. Taco Bell says this iteration has 50% more cheese. The item costs about $3 and it will be available Thursday, for a limited time, but users of the Taco Bell app can start ordering the Quesalupa on Wednesday.

PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A motorcyclist was killed early Wednesday in a crash in Port Orange, according to police. The fatal wreck was reported around 12:40 a.m. near Country Lane and Taylor Road. [TRENDING: ‘Manatee graveyard in Fla. | 6 major announcements from Disney | Fla. woman charged in US Capitol attack]Police said Coty Eldridge, of Port Orange, was the lone rider of the motorcycle and died in the crash. An investigation is being conducted by the Port Orange Police Department. AdAnyone who witnessed the wreck is asked to call Investigator Phillip Slease at 386-506-5838.

The situation is threatening a number of species, including manatees, who depend on seagrass for food. An expert who has spent 40 years studying manatees in Central Florida said dead manatees are being found with nearly nothing in their stomachs. Essentially, it’s an emergency.”Rose and others blame the seagrass loss for a spike in manatee deaths this winter. In all of 2020, there were 637 manatee deaths across Florida. AdThe Indian River Lagoon system stretches 165 miles from Volusia County south to Port St. Lucie.

It’s almost time for the big game, and everyone wants to know who will win the Super Bowl, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or the Kansas City Chiefs. Nicholas the dolphin, shown in the video at the top of the story, picked the Kansas City Chiefs. According to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Nicholas has correctly predicted the last six major sporting events. Hugh the manatee, with a selection record of 6-6, picked the Kansas City Chiefs to win, while his fellow manatee Buffett, who has a record of 10-2, picked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s a house divided at the Mote Aquarium.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The SpaceX Cargo Dragon undocked from the space station Tuesday morning and completed the splashdown off Florida’s west coast. A day after the weather postponed the undocking, Dragon got the green light to undock around 9:05 a.m. Tuesday. 🐉 The upgraded @SpaceX cargo Dragon successfully undocked from the @Space_Station at 9:05am ET & is on its way back to Earth for splashdown on Jan. 13, west of Tampa off the coast of Florida. @ISS_Research will be delivered to researchers at @NASAKennedy: https://t.co/Dqltf5ME8X pic.twitter.com/esYxtUmBfH — NASA (@NASA) January 12, 2021Back at the space station, the crew onboard is preparing for upcoming spacewalks planned for Jan. 19 and 25. Commander Mike Hopkins and pilot Victor Glover, who both flew aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon in November, will conduct both spacewalks.

You know about brownies and you’ve heard of Oreos. Now introducing the Brookie-o, the love child of an Oreo and a brownie. The tasty treat features Oreo’s original chocolate wafers with a three-layered filling of brownie cream, original cream and cookie dough cream. [TRENDING: Manatee found with ‘Trump’ etched into skin | Carnival says 2020 bookings are strong | Here’s how to register for COVID-19 vaccine]They’re on sale now but only for a limited time. The cookie company hit the market in 1912 and about 100 years later, it got big into the new flavor game.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – Starting Tuesday, Lake County will now offer shots of Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine via appointment. The Florida Department of Health in Lake County has a limited number of vaccines to be distributed to Florida’s priority groups including long-term care facility residents and staff, persons 65 years of age and older and health care workers with direct patient contact. Registration opened at 2 p.m. and the appointments were filled within minutes. [TRENDING: Manatee found with ‘Trump’ etched into skin | Carnival says 2020 bookings are strong | Here’s how to register for COVID-19 vaccine]“We have been listening to concerns from our community and wanted to expedite appointment-based immunization for our residents and vulnerable seniors,” Lake County Board Commission Chairman Sean Parks said in a news release. The Florida Department of Health will also continue first come, first serve vaccinations.

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 54-year-old Orlando woman was struck and killed by two vehicles and may have been run over by others Monday night in Orange County, the Florida Highway Patrol said. The fatal crash happened at 9:10 p.m. on Sand Lake Road near Voltaire Drive. [TRENDING: Manatee found with ‘Trump’ etched into skin | Carnival says 2020 bookings are strong | Here’s how to register for COVID-19 vaccine]The FHP said a car driven by a 17-year-old Orlando girl and another vehicle driven by a 60-year-old Florida man struck the woman, who was crossing Sand Lake Road. The victim then may have been run over by other cars, with the drivers unaware of the incident, troopers said. Anyone who might have been involved is asked to call the FHP at 407-737-2213.

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A manatee was recently spotted swimming along the Homosassa River with the word “Trump” scraped onto its skin and now, a federal investigation is underway. Fish and Wildlife Service is investigating. Fish & Wildlife Service is investigating the harassment of a manatee...reported to federal authorities over the weekend discovered w/ words "Trump" scraped in its back ...discovered in Blue Hole on the Homosassa River” (via @CitrusChronicle )-Insurrectioning wildlife? Fish and Wildlife Service. Fish and Wildlife Service is aware of this incident and is working closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

click to enlarge AdobeOfficials are investigating after a Florida manatee was abused last weekend. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently seeking information regarding a manatee that was discovered with “Trump” scraped into its back near the Blue Hole on the Homosassa River. Manatee are also protected by the Florida Manatee Sanctuary Act of 1978, which states: "It is unlawful for any person, at any time, intentionally or negligently, to annoy, molest, harass, or disturb any manatee." Last February, a Tampa Bay man poked a manatee with a fishing pole from his boat and faced a $2,000 fine. Anyone with information regarding the “Trump” scraping of this animal can call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hotline at 888-404-3922 with information.

To the contrary, researchers were tracking more manatee deaths than usual this year. Brevard County far and away led the state with 143 manatee deaths by early December. Of the counties around greater Tampa Bay, Manatee saw the most deaths by Dec. 11 at 25, fifth in the state. “I don’t see that we’re in a position to be able to relax in terms of what the future holds for manatees,” Rose said. If you see an ailing manatee, the state asks that you call and report it to 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922).

ORLANDO, Fla. – A 34-year-old man was killed in an officer-involved shooting when he pointed a gun at investigators Wednesday night in Baldwin Park, according to the Orlando Police Department. [TRENDING: Manatee found decapitated | Santa, Mrs. Claus spread COVID-19 | Grammy winner saves Fla. theater with $20,000 donation]Orlando police on Thursday identified the man as Adam Robertson. According to police, officers responded to a domestic call around 8:30 p.m. in the 5300 block of Baldwin Park Street. Police said authorities were getting ready to negotiate with Robertson when he came outside and pointed a gun at the officers. One officer, identified by police as Mike Zambito, shot and killed Robertson, officials said.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A witness shared a video of a plane crashing into Lake Hiawassee from Tuesday afternoon. The Orange County Fire Rescue said the pilot only had minor injuries and was able to escape from the plane after the crash. At the 9-second mark of the video, you see the plane come into the sight of the camera. About 14 seconds later in the video, the plane crashes into the water. At the 33-second mark, you hear the reaction from a witness at the lake.

A Disney cast member performs a backstage inspection of the Electrical Water Pageant, the long-running nighttime show that will soon return to Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.ORLANDO, Fla – Walt Disney World said it will soon bring back the fan-favorite, The Electrical Water Pageant. According to Walt Disney World website, the nighttime experience will return on Dec. 20 at 8:45 p.m. The 14 whimsical floating barges display a number of enchanting images like dolphins, seahorses, and turtles as it makes its way across the Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake. The display has been unavailable for guests to experience since the reopening of Walt Disney World back in July. A Disney cast member performs a backstage inspection of the Electrical Water Pageant, the long-running nighttime show that will soon return to Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Walt Disney World)[TRENDING: Manatee found decapitated | Santa, Mrs. Claus spread COVID-19 | Grammy winner saves Fla. theater with $20,000 donation]“Though it has been here since 1971, there are a few changes to each of the Electrical Water Pageant barges.

ORLANDO, Fla. – We are pinpointing a front that will move across Central Florida on Wednesday. The front will come in as a squall line, with heavy rain and some strong wind gusts. Most of the heavy rain will push out Wednesday night. Orlando will reach a high in the upper 70s. Expect 40s and 50s across the region early Thursday morning, with highs in the 60s Thursday and Friday afternoon.

FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. – While the extra rain and flooding Tropical Storm Eta brought to the state has many Floridians irked, the wildlife is absolutely loving it. The caption from the footage blames high tide and Tropical Storm Eta for the water woes. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said tropical storms, hurricanes and other wild weather can pose some problems for manatees. “Manatees can become stranded or trapped during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. Anyone who encounters a stranded, trapped, injured or dead manatee can call FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

ORLANDO, Fla. Miami-Dade has the most deaths from the novel coronavirus, but two other counties Martin and Manatee rank higher in deaths per 100,000 population, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. Florida Today obtained the statewide coronavirus deaths from the Florida Medical Examiners Commission. For some counties, the medical examiners numbers will be higher, for others lower. This can distort the death rate for counties with smaller populations and fewer cases, compared to larger populated counties with more cases. Florida Today created the interactive below so you can search to see how your county fares.

ORANGE CITY, Fla. – A manatee with a bicycle tire wrapped around its stomach was spotted again Thursday at Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. The manatee, nicknamed Wheelie, was first seen at the park last month. A group of wildlife experts worked for days to catch the manatee but were not successful. The manatee was spotted Thursday on the Save the Manatee camera at Blue Spring State Park, and the sea cow still had the tire around its belly. Officials with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission say workers have been made aware and are monitoring the situation.

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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Crews in Volusia County faced complicated conditions Tuesday while working to capture a manatee stuck in a tire at Blue Spring State Park, according to wildlife officials. The tire poses a risk to the manatee because “the animal is continuing to grow and the tire is not,” park ranger Michael Watkins said. A manatee is spotted Fernandina Beach with what appears to be a bicycle tire around its belly. FWC and SeaWorld spent hours trying to rescue a manatee that has a bike tire around its waist. “The SeaWorld Rescue team were sent out this morning to assist FWC with this rescue – the team was not successful in getting this manatee, but we will continue our efforts when requested again by FWC,” a SeaWorld Orlando spokesperson said.

A new study from WalletHub ranked Florida 48th in the country for average teacher pay. Both counties pay higher than the state average, largely because of local optional property taxes approved by voters. This year, each side will identify two sections of contract language they would like to reopen, in addition to haggling over pay raises. Last year highly effective instructors received a three-step pay increase worth roughly $900, and effective teachers got a two-step increase worth about $600. For more Florida stories, visit here, and to support local media throughout the state of Florida, consider subscribing to your local paper.

A new study from WalletHub ranked Florida 48th in the country for average teacher pay. Both counties pay higher than the state average, largely because of local optional property taxes approved by voters. This year, each side will identify two sections of contract language they would like to reopen, in addition to haggling over pay raises. Last year highly effective instructors received a three-step pay increase worth roughly $900, and effective teachers got a two-step increase worth about $600. For more Florida stories, visit here, and to support local media throughout the state of Florida, consider subscribing to your local paper.

A new study from WalletHub ranked Florida 48th in the country for average teacher pay. Both counties pay higher than the state average, largely because of local optional property taxes approved by voters. This year, each side will identify two sections of contract language they would like to reopen, in addition to haggling over pay raises. Last year highly effective instructors received a three-step pay increase worth roughly $900, and effective teachers got a two-step increase worth about $600. For more Florida stories, visit here, and to support local media throughout the state of Florida, consider subscribing to your local paper.