The Manatee Messenger Bringing you the latest news about West Volusia's
special events, area attractions and lodging promotions
November 2011
We Have a Secret to Share!
How do we know for certain? When manatees are young, both genders have the same body shape. It's not until they start maturing, well into their second year, that the females start plumping out with a more rounded shape. The males however keep a more streamlined body. In the last few photographs taken of Volusia we had a feeling that there might be a surprise coming soon.
On the 24th of October Volusia showed up at Blue Spring and swam all the way up the spring run to the boil. There is a platform there where divers and swimmers enter the water and Volusia swam right up, begging people to come in the water and pet her. Since there were a total of nine manatees in the run, a Park Ranger had been posted to keep folks out of the water. That didn't stop Volusia - she wanted attention! She rolled and rolled, snorting loudly and used her flippers to slap the water. AHA! Volusia was "exposed" and finally confirmation was granted.
Remember when Volusia had the run-in with a boat propeller this spring? Well, her wounds have healed nicely and she has three white scars on her left side. Ranger Wayne has documented this in his file and will use them to identify her. Alice, her mother, was not in the spring but may show up soon since the waters in the St. Johns River are hovering around 70 degrees. Ranger Wayne says the magic number is 68 degrees but many manatees come to the spring run just to check it out and see what's going on. With fall well advanced, there is going to be a lot of activity to report in next month's newsletter. Stay tuned.
Next month: Volusia and Alice re-unite.
Volusia's Adventures is an ongoing series of entertaining articles that illustrate typical manatee activities based on known behaviors and traits. Follow Volusia each month on his journey along the magnificent and historic St. Johns River to see what exciting situations he gets into.
Have Fun with Foursquare! November 19-20 in Downtown DeLand
featuring the Fall Festival of the Arts
Mark your calendars and join us for all the festivities! Fall Festival of the Arts - November 19-20: Over 200 National Artists will display and sell their art work in the historic downtown shopping district, just in time for holiday gift-giving. This is an exciting, juried fine art show not to be missed! Discover the rich colors of imagination in paintings, expressive pastels, unique pottery, sculpture, woodwork and nature photography from around the country. Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 5pm  Fun with Foursquare - Spend the day downtown taking in a wonderful assortment of shops, galleries, and restaurants. Be sure to check in on foursquare on your smartphone along the way to earn points, badges and mayorships. Leave lots of tips, and take advantage of special discounts at participating stores, restaurants and area lodging! Visit our website for details: www.visitwestvolusia.com/foursquare
West Volusia Golf Escapes - ON SALE FOR A LIMITED TIME
From $75pp per night!
Tee up for some of the best golfing in Central Florida with great priced golf packages! Golfers visiting West Volusia will be pleasantly surprised to find themselves playing championship courses with rolling hills and lush fairways more characteristic of the Carolinas. Price includes one 18-hole round of golf, cart and one bag of range balls per night stay, as well as accommodations (based on double occupancy) and breakfast. In addition, each golfer receives a free eco-friendly golf gift and a chance to win a Wilson golf bag. Prices valid until December 31, 2011.
Check out our NEW PACKAGES!
Fishing Escapes on the St. Johns River
Th e West Volusia section of the St. Johns River, a federally designated American Heritage River, boasts some of the best fishing Florida has to offer. Largemouth black bass, warmouth, bluegill, specks, stripers and catfish abound. Our professional and knowledgeable guides will show you a great time. Not only is the fishing terrific here, but a day out on the soothing sun dappled waters of the majestic St. Johns surrounded by lush landscapes and native wildlife will refresh your spirit!
Featured Accommodations
Hotel/Motel: Quality Inn, Orange City - Whether in the Orange City area for business or pleasure, the Quality Inn hotel takes pride in providing clean, well-appointed rooms at affordable rates. Some rooms have microwaves and refrigerators, and non-smoking rooms are available. The hotel is conveniently located between Daytona Beach and Orlando with a wide variety of restaurants and family activities in the surrounding area. Pets are welcome at the hotel with a nightly fee. 386-775-7444 www.qualityinn.com
Riverfront: Riviera Resort & Marina, DeLand - Recent improvements have converted this St. Johns River fish camp into a beautiful, comfortable and upscale fishing resort with lots of amenities and moderate rates. There is no shortage of things to do, including fishing, boating, nature watching and swimming in the outdoor pool. 386-822-5662 www.rivieraresort.net
Campground: Orange City RV, Orange City - You'll be right at home in this charming RV resort that's quiet and secluded yet only 30 miles from Daytona area beaches and the Orlando attractions. Amenities include free wireless hotspots, a beautiful heated pool and spa, and mini golf. Shopping and restaurants are close by. 386-775-2545 www.orangecityrvresort.com
Featured November Events
The West Volusia County area is a family-friendly destination that offers a variety of recreational and cultural activities for all ages. Experience our charming, small-town Florida communities, unique shopping, delightful restaurants and affordable accommodations. Below are a few highlights from our Calendar of Events .
Through November 19th: "Giants" by Ted Hollins, DeLand - African American Museum of the Arts presents an 18 piece exhibit by Ted Hollins. Each one of the subjects have made a difference and contribution to our American culture, and have reached iconic status. 386-736-4004 www.africanmuseumdeland.org
November 3-13: Volusia County Fair & Youth Show, DeLand - Come ride the rides, see the exhibits, enjoy the food, walk the midway and see all it has to offer. 386-738-0649 www.volusiacountyfair.com
November 5: Africanized Bees - Fact Vs. Fiction, Deltona Join local beekeeper Ed Williams and discover the difference between the Africanized honey bee and the European honey bee. Learn what to do if you encounter Africanized bees and how to bee-proof your yard and home. 386-789-7207 www.lyoniapreserve.com
November 5: Original Music Festival, DeLand - The largest one day independent music festival in the southeast featuring over 190 acts performing at various stages and venues throughout downtown DeLand. 386-308-2694 www.ssa.cc/deland.htm
November 5 & 6: 35th Annual Fall Country Jamboree, Barberville - Florida history and folk culture come alive at the Pioneer Settlement with performances by 150 Florida musicians, historical exhibits, storytelling, hands-on children's activities and Florida Cracker style food that transport you back in time. 386-749-2959 www.pioneersettlement.org
November 13: "The Foreigner", DeLand - The Stetson University theatre program in collaboration with the Sands Theater presents The Foreigner , by Larry Shue. This time "Froggy" has brought along a friend, a pathologically shy young man named Charlie who is overcome with fear at the thought of making conversation with strangers. So "Froggy," before departing, tells all assembled that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and speaks no English. Once alone the fun really begins, as Charlie overhears more than he should. 386-822-8700 www.athenstheatre.org
November 15: Veterans Day Parade, DeLand - Honor those who have served our nation at this heart warming annual parade down Woodland Blvd. The parade kicks off at 11am with a vintage military aircraft flyover. It then features veterans of all branches of service, as well as military vehicles, marching bands and patriotic floats.
November 17-20: SkyQuest, DeLand - SkyDive DeLand hosts a skydiving air show that includes big way skydives, a 4-way competition and spectacular swoops for the enjoyment of not only the jumpers themselves, but a visiting audience as well. 386-738-3539 www.skyquestflorida.com
Beginning November 18: "Pride and Prejudice", DeBary - Gateway Center for the Arts presents a production of the beloved romantic comedy by Jane Austin. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
November 19: Holiday Floral Design Workshop, DeBary - Learn how to design fresh floral centerpieces for the holidays at DeBary Hall Historic Site. 386-668-3840 www.debaryhall.com
November 19 & 20: Fall Festival of the Arts, DeLand - Over 200 National Artists will display and sell their art work in the historic downtown shopping district, just in time for holiday gift-giving. 386-738-5705 www.delandfallfestival.com
HOLIDAY CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Mark Your Calendars Now!
November 15, 2011-January 7, 2012: Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours, DeLand -
Magical and awe inspiring are the best words to describe the estate and tour. 386-490-2054 or 386-873-0167 www.stetsonmansion.com/christmas-tours.html
December 1-11: Stetson Holiday Series, Deland - Christmas Candlelight Concerts featuring the Concert Choir and the Community School of the Arts Children's Choir Concert , 386-822-8950 www.stetson.edu/music/calendar/fall11/december.php
December 2: MainStreet DeLand Merchant Open House - The shops and restaurants offer a great opportunity for holiday shopping with refreshments & discounts. Santa will also be available for picture taking. 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org
December 3: 63rd Annual Jaycees Christmas Parade, DeLand - This year's theme is "Sights & Sounds of Christmas Past". 386-848-6041 www.delandchristmasparade.org
December 3: "The Nutcracker", DeBary - Gateway Center for the Arts and Volusia Dance Theatre present this holiday classic. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
December 3-4: Tour of Historic Homes, Lake Helen - The Christmas Home Tour includes 6 homes, 5 churches and 3 historic buildings decorated for the season. 386-228-9818 www.lakehelenchristmashometour.com
December 5-21: Cardinal Holiday Village, DeLand - A scenic layout depicting a 1920s-era, mountain side town which has over 50 buildings, 250 people, scores of animals and dozens of vignettes. 386-822-9788
December 9-18: "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever", DeLand - Athens Theatre and Sands Youth Theater Company present this hilarious Christmas tale. 386-736-1510 www.athenstheatre.org
December 10: St Johns River Boat Parade, DeLand - Bring your blankets and pick a place along the river to enjoy this West Volusia tradition. 386-801-5685
E - Reptile Discovery Center, DeLand - Step right up - but not too close - to the residents at the Reptile Discovery Center. This conservation-based education and research development center is a working snake farm and venom research laboratory with some of the world's most dangerous and exotic snakes on display. It is also the home of Medtoxin Venom Laboratories where visitors can witness live venom extractions. 386-740-9143 www.reptilediscoverycenter.com
C - Athens Theatre, DeLand - Take in a show - from live concerts and theatrical performances to vintage and foreign films - at the historic Athens Theatre in downtown DeLand. This beautifully restored 1922 theater has been revived to its glory days when vaudeville acts reigned on the stage. Don't miss the Sands Theater Company's production of Sweeny Todd this month! 386-738-7156 www.athenstheatre.org
H - Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, Barberville - Immerse yourself in Florida's past at the Pioneer Settlement, a living-history village of restored pioneer-era buildings, trade shops and Native American structures with exhibits of folk art and historical objects. The Settlement hosts several Florida history events and festivals throughout the year. 386-749-2959 www.pioneersettlement.org
O - Spring Garden Ranch, DeLeon Springs - November 1st marks the start of the winter training at the Spring Garden Ranch in DeLeon Springs. If you enjoy watching the trotters and pacers train, hundreds of Standardbreds will be arriving at the Ranch to learn how to be a racehorse. The trackside restaurant opens under new management, Saturday, October 29th, 7am-2pm, 7days a week. 877-985-5654 www.springgardenranch.com
STOP BY AND SEE US!!!
West Volusia Tourism Bureau & Visitor Center Open seven days a week 116 W. New York Avenue, DeLand FL 32720 800-749-4350 - 386-734-0162 www.visitwestvolusia.com We also have a satellite visitor center at
DeBary Hall Historic Site 210 Sunrise Blvd., DeBary FL 32713 386-668-3840 - 386-736-5953 www.debaryhall.com | |
