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I used to think of winter as a time to be cooped up, but living in Florida
has changed that. This past February I enjoyed camping at Blue Springs
State Park in Orange City, FL, where the manatees winter in freedom from
the cold. (more)
The beaches of the east coast of Florida are an essential nesting ground
for endangered sea turtles. The most common species are the loggerhead
turtles and Florida is home to about 80% of all the loggerhead turtles
in the US. They nest in Florida from April through September. They
grow to be on average 3 feet in length and 200-350 pounds. Hatchlings
weigh less than one ounce and are only two inches long. They reach maturity
between 16 and 40 years. Scientists estimate that only 1 in 1000 to 10,000
babies will survive to adulthood. Sea turtles live their entire life in
the ocean. The only time they comes ashore is when the female lays her
eggs. (more) | 
