Manatees are breaking records in Citrus County.
The word seems to be spreading about the local manatees in Citrus County. Apparently, there are are plenty of spots for the animals to keep warm in the waters near Crystal River.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service just did a manatee count and a new record has been set. Officials counted 797 manatees in the waters of Citrus County. The old record was 657.
"This area, with all the warm water springs, is just that perfect haven for them," said Kimberly Sykes, who works with U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
The record comes at a time when new rules are in the works for Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River. Local wildlife officials want to limit access to create some peace and quiet for the manatees during the busy winter tourist season.
Wildlife officials want to keep watercraft like kayaks out of the springs and only let people swim from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with a guide.
The Crystal River City Council needs to approve the rules, but they're waiting to see if the proposal gets approved by federal leaders first.
Mayor Jim Farley says they're in a waiting game right now.
"I think there is a lot of support for the proposal because we care about the manatees," he said.
"We are very hopeful that it will soon be approved," said Sykes.
Sykes says if the proposed rules aren't approved by the end of the manatee season in late March, they will have to start all over again for next season.