Manager's Message

Larry Steed

Larry Steed, Park Manager

Winter is upon us with northerly winds bringing cooler days and crunchy leaves on the ground. The warm springs attract manatees to our park, and thousands of snook have returned to the safe haven around the Underwater Observatory. Wildlife, such as deer and migratory birds, become more active along our tram road and are best viewed in early morning hours. 

Come by the park and take a quiet stroll on a crisp, cool morning. Inside you may see that our resident animal ambassadors are more active with the cooler weather. Manatees are often viewed cruising in and out of the park’s sanctuaries while fish, such as mangrove snapper, face into the current. Listen in on one of our two daily manatee programs to learn more about this charismatic species and how you can help them to survive in a changing environment.

I’m thankful for the great staff and volunteers here at the park. Without their dedication to the park’s natural and cultural resources, it wouldn’t be the great place that it is to call home.