The Volusia County Fire Services Director has enacted a county-wide burn ban as of April 6, 2012 to remain in effect until repealed. This includes campfires except for cooking within a charcoal or gas fired container.

Firefly Season at Blue Spring is ending. The peak hatch was last week, and the numbers of fireflies visible are dropping dramatically this week. We will honor requests to stay after closing to view fireflies through this Sunday, April 8, 2012. Some fire flies may still be seen in the woods along the Blue Spring run and around the Thursby House. 

Day visitors wishing to stay after hours to view fireflies through this weekend should indicate to gate personnel that they want to stay to view the fireflies. They will receive a firefly pass allowing them to remain in the park for an extra hour after sundown. After hours firefly visitors will leave the park through automatic exit gates.    

After hour’s firefly watchers are reminded that they must arrive before sundown to gain admission and to bring a flashlight to safely navigate the paths and boardwalks after dark. Best viewing is along the boardwalk between the Thursby House and the Spring Boil. Insect repellent for mosquitoes may be needed.    

Again this season, day visitors wishing to stay after hours to view fireflies should indicate to gate personnel that they want to stay to view the fireflies. They will receive a firefly pass allowing them to remain in the park for an extra hour after sundown. After hours firefly visitors will leave the park through automatic exit gates.   

After hours firefly watchers are reminded that they must arrive before sundown to gain admission and to bring a flashlight to safely navigate the paths and boardwalks after dark. Best viewing is along the boardwalk between the Thursby House and the Spring Boil. Insect repellent for mosquitoes may be needed.   

Here's a way to safely view the world of the manatee http://www.savethemanatee.org/savethemanateecam.html

Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring and spring run are closed during Manatee season, mid-November through March.  Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced.
For centuries, the spring area was home to Native Americans. In 1766 it was visited by Colonial American botanist John Bartram, but it was not until 1856 that it was settled by Louis Thursby and his family. The Thursby house, built in 1872, remains standing. The spring´s crystal clear, 73 degree water can be enjoyed by swimmers, snorkelers, and certified scuba divers with a partner. The river is popular for fishing, canoeing, and boating. River boat tours are available; for reservations, call St. Johns River Cruises at (386) 917-0724. The park has plenty of picnic areas and a hiking trail. For overnight stays, air-conditioned cabins,and a full-facility campground are available. This is a very popular park on weekends. To ensure entrance into the park, we recommend arriving early; otherwise, the parking area will be full and you may not be able to enter.