As of Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is closed because nearly 400 manatees decided to show up and bask in the 72 degree water, according to its Facebook.
With more cold weather forecast, CNN reported that wildlife officials predict the number of manatees sheltering around the springs to jump as high as 500 and forcing another closure.
The staff will calculate the number of manatees Wednesday morning, and will consider reopening the springs if the number has decreased.
This article appears in Feb 3-9, 2016.

