Some of the coldest weather of the season is expected to settle in Tuesday night through Wednesday morning, especially in our northern counties.
For manatees, staying warm is a group effort. When temperatures drop, a spot near Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River becomes popular. Manatees need the warm spring water.
There are similar spots up and down the county's coast, and a record number of manatees are taking advantage of them. Federal wildlife officials just counted a total of 1,042 manatees in county waters.
"It's a perfect place for them to come," said Mary Kay Corcoran who is visiting from Louisiana. "It's beautiful."
The previous record was 1,016 manatees, which was set last year in February.
The manatees will stay put through Wednesday morning as temperatures dip below freezing in many spots.