Governor Ron DeSantis highlights efforts to protect Manatees at Blue Springs State Park

Governor Ron DeSantis is accompanied by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Executive Director, Roger Young and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Shawn Hamilton.

Gov. Ron DeSantis DeSantis spoke at Blue Spring State Park Tuesday. (WFTV staff)

By Casey Wright

Orange City, FL — Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference Tuesday in Orange City at Blue Spring State Park.

DeSantis highlighted efforts to protect Manatees in Florida and improve water quality in the state. DeSantis said in 2024, Blue Spring State Park saw a record 932 manatees in a single day.

Governor DeSantis has invested over $50 million in manatee programs and more than $1.8 billion in improving Florida’s water quality since 2019. The governors office said Florida manatees are at it’s lowest mortality rate since 2017.

“Our unprecedented investments in manatee rescue and rehabilitation efforts have allowed the manatee population to increase and the mortality rate to decline,” DeSantis posted on X, “Thanks to FWC for the great work!”

Governor DeSantis was accompanied by Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission Executive Director, Roger Young and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary, Shawn Hamilton.

Watch full press conference on X below: