Manatee Time

-Manatees cozying up at FPL’s Manatee Lagoon.

Hey there, brave souls of the chilly weather! ❄️

Guess what? Our two days of winter have officially graced us with their presence. Brace yourselves for temperatures daring to dip into the 50s, and oh my, the daring lows flirting with the low 30s. Rumor has it, we might even get a taste of the upper 20s this year—now that’s what I call a winter extravaganza!

For those of us used to the usual 80-degree subtropical warmth, this feels like a journey to the Arctic. Count me in as one of the shiverers. And guess who else feels the chill? The Manatees —our fellow cold-weather comrades.

When the temperature drops, I’m on the lookout for anything warm, just like our gentle Manatee pals. They adore lounging in cozier waters, especially near power plants that generously share their excess warmth with the ocean. A top-notch spot for Manatee spotting is the Manatee Lagoon. You can even catch them on a live webcam —the next best thing if you can’t be there in person.

Thankfully, our flirtation with subtropical winter doesn’t last too long. It usually happens in the wee hours before sunrise and bids us adieu in just a few short hours.

But oh, those fleeting moments are enough to send some tropical plants into a mini crisis. My orchids? They’re on a cozy indoor retreat. And my beloved tropical fruit trees? They’re getting a warm, well-watered sprinkle to keep their spirits up.

No iced coffee on my agenda today. It’s all about embracing a large, piping hot mug to keep the chill at bay. I’m wrapped up in a blanket, indulging in the delightful sight of Manatees online, counting the moments until our usual balmy 80-degree temps make a triumphant return.

Until then, it’s winter in the subtropics—where chilly is a relative term! 😉

Stay warm and toasty!

✨

Cheers, D 🌴🌊