A very neat place to go is Blue Spring State Park near Orange City just South of Deland, FL which is maybe a 40 minute (give or take) drive from Ocala. The manatee are in the spring run that time of year. The spring goes down to the St. Johns river which is much colder than the spring water that time of year and the manatee are in the St. Johns and follow the warmer spring water to the springs. The water that comes up out of the spring is a constant 72 degrees and the manatee flock to the warmer water. Since the manatee are mammals they seek the warmth. There have been record numbers of the big marine mammals in recent years. The rest of the park is really neat as well. Go during the week if you can since it fills completely up on weekends. If you go on a weekend be there when they open because once if fills up they won't let any more in 'till some leave. We go there every time we're in Florida during the winter. Blue Spring is located west of Orange City. Take U.S. 17/92 to Orange City, go west two miles on French Avenue to the entrance. Not positive but I think the hours are 8 AM till 8PM.

Silver Springs is still open and it's definitely interesting and a worth while deal, as well.

Did anyone mention Big Daddy's museum? LOL. It really is a must seen!