The Manatee Messenger Bringing you the latest news about West Volusia's
special events, area attractions and lodging promotions
September 2011
Does Volusia Have a Girlfriend?
Volusia's mom Alice left him several months ago, and he has spent his time making friends and exploring the mighty St. Johns River and its tributaries. During his travels, he has encountered many manatees new to him since they probably haven't spent the winter at Blue Spring. As manatees mature, they tend to wander further and further, some eventually finding their way into the ocean and intracoastal waterways.
Now that Alice is gone, Volusia finds himself attracted to other mother figures who may or may not have a calf. He has been following Willow and her calf around Lake George trying to get her to pay attention to him by bringing her food and giving her gentle head butts. So far, Willow has been somewhat tolerant of Volusia's efforts but will forcefully push him away if he gets too close to her calf.
Even though Volusia seems enamored by Willow, it's not in a romantic fashion at all. He misses his mother and is just trying to find a replacement figure. Male manatees don't start adopting adult behavior until they are around 9 years of age. So, we will have to wait awhile for Volusia to do some growing up before he starts his own family. In the meantime, let's just enjoy his youthful antics!
Next month: Volusia meets his first human
Above Photo: Volusia the Manatee, remembering
wintertime at Blue Spring with his mother Alice.
Courtesy of Amy Teague, USGS
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! September 24 - 25 in Downtown DeLand
Featuring Rivertown Craft Show & Bazaar
AND International Beer & Food Tasting Mark your calendars and join us for all the festivities!  Rivertown Craft Show & Bazaar - Sept. 24-25: Artists and crafters from all over the state will display and sell their handmade wares in downtown DeLand. There will be musical entertainment, demonstrations by crafters, children's activities and more! Saturday: 11am-6pm; Sunday: 11am-4pm.
International Beer & Food Tasting - Sept 24: Enjoy a sampling of international beers and delicious foods provided by regional restaurants at locations throughout downtown DeLand. $15 ticket price includes a souvenir beer mug. Saturday: 4-8pm. Both events are presented by the MainStreet DeLand Association: 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org Fun with Foursquare - Be sure to check in on foursquare on your smartphone at each downtown stop 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 .
Hot Deals on Vacation Packages
West Volusia Golf Escape - SUMMER SALE - From just $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.
St. Johns River Fishing Escapes
The 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: Days Inn, Orange City - This freshly renovated hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool and a sundeck. Its location provides easy access to I-4, Daytona Beach and the Orlando attractions. Blue Spring State Park, the winter retreat of hundreds of Florida manatees, as well as plenty of shopping and dining options are nearby. 386-775-4522 www.daysinn.com
Bed & Breakfast: Eastwood Terrace B&B, DeLand - Relax in the laid-back atmosphere of this historic 1920s Florida inn with a variety of shops on-site. Located within easy walking distance of downtown DeLand and Stetson University, the Eastwood offers ten rooms, including two suites for your vacation or business travel needs. A delicious breakfast is served on premises at the Secret Garden Restaurant. Extended stay rates and honeymoon packages are available. 386-736-9902 www.eastwoodinn.com
Riverfront: Tropical Resort and Marina, DeLand - Tropical Resort is a fisherman's dream and a nature lover's paradise, nestled along Lake Beresford and the St. Johns River. Discover the natural beauty of Old Florida where time seems to stand still. Choose from fully-furnished motel suites or RV sites. This pet-friendly resort features a pool, houseboat rentals that sleep up to six, and fishing and pontoon boat rentals. Or bring your own boat and dock at the marina. 386-734-3080 www.tropicalresortandmarina.com
Campground: Clark Family Campground, Orange City - Clark Family Campground has been family owned and operated for more than 25 years. It accommodates everything from tents to luxury motor coaches while maintaining the natural beauty of its surroundings. Blue Spring State Park and the St. Johns River are just minutes away. The campground is centrally located off I-4 near area beaches, attractions, speedways, golf, flea markets and antiques. 386-775-3996 www.clarkfamilycampground.com
Featured September 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 .
Continuing through September 17: "Jamaica Connection: A Toast to Independence" Art Exhibit, African American Museum of Art, DeLand - Featuring works by Kenneth Harris. 386-736-4004 www.africanmuseumdeland.org
September 10: Eating Local-Eating Seasonal Lecture, Lyonia Environmental Center, Deltona - What does it mean to be a "locavore" and to "eat seasonal"? Learn about the benefits and common misconceptions of eating locally grown and seasonally produced food. 386-789-7207 ext. 253 www.lyoniapreserve.com
September 11 and 25: Meet the Mustangs Clinics, Ronnie Ford Training Center, DeLand - In preparation for the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Murfreesboro, Tennessee this fall, renowned horse trainer Ronnie Ford is offering a series of educational clinics at his facility in DeLand, featuring four American Wild Mustangs corralled from out west. There will be demonstrations with the mustangs and some limited interaction. Visitors may learn how to better achieve their horse training goals as well as adopting and training wild mustangs. Come and see these beautiful creatures begin their journey of becoming "gentled." The clinics will conclude on October 9. 386-738-6093 www.ronniefordtrainingcenter.com
September 11-October 8: "Wilton & Wolfe: Post Surrealists in Paradise" Art Exhibit, Gateway Center for the Arts, DeBary - In addition to paying homage to pioneering American artists of the early Modernist period, both John Wilton and John Wolfe have preserved the experimental and accidental aspects of Surrealism in their work. Both artists also employ cutting edge technologies, from Wilton's digital imaging and inkjet printing, to Wolfe's computer-guided plasma cutter used to create his botanically-inspired sculptures. 386-668-5553 www.gatewaycenterforthearts.org
September 16-October 2: "Nunsense," Shoestring Theatre, Lake Helen - "Nunsense" is a musical comedy about a fundraiser put on by the Little Sisters of Hoboken to raise money in order to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia. You don't have to be Catholic to love Nunsense! 386-228-3777 www.shoestringtheatre.net
September 22-25: Stetson University Theater Department presents "Almost, Maine," Stover Theatre, DeLand - This play takes a close look at the lives of several people living in the small and cold town of Almost, Maine. On a magical night when the northern lights are at their brightest, several townspeople find themselves making magical connections of their own. It is a fun and touching play that offers audiences feelings of warmth, hope and inspiration. 386-822-3700 www2.stetson.edu/csata/seasons/sea11-12.htm
September 23: Sock Hop for Seniors, City Hall, DeBary - Rock the night away at the City of DeBary's first ever Sock Hop. Men & women 50 years and older are welcome to attend this unique and fun event! There will be a root beer float station, hula hoop and dance contests, and prizes for best dressed 1950s attire! 386-668-2040 ext. 322 www.debary.org
September 23-October 9: Sands Theatre Company presents "Dixie Swim Club," Athens Theatre, DeLand - Five Southern women, whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other's lives. "The Dixie Swim Club" focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of thirty-three years. 386-736-1500 www.athenstheatre.org
September 24-25: Rivertown Craft Show & Bazaar AND International Beer & Food Tasting, Downtown DeLand - Artists and crafters from all over the state will display and sell their handmade items downtown DeLand on Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy musical entertainment, demonstrations by crafters and children's activities as well as shopping at unique boutiques and galleries each day. Stick around Saturday evening for a sampling of international beers and delicious foods from regional restaurants. Be sure to check in on foursquare on your smartphone along the way to earn points and badges, and take advantage of special discounts at participating stores, restaurants and area lodging. MainStreet DeLand: 386-738-0649 www.mainstreetdeland.org More about foursquare: www.visitwestvolusia.com/foursquare
September 24-25: West Volusia Kennel Club presents All-Breed Dog Show, Volusia County Fairgrounds, DeLand - Come out with family and friends to enjoy a day of friendly competition, featuring specialty shows, Best Puppy in Show competition and Best Bred by Exhibitor competition. 386-734-9514 www.westvolusiakennelclub.com/Events.html
E - Heart Island Conservation Area, Barberville - This conservation area is part of the 35,380-acre Lake George Wildlife Management Area. The mix of natural communities provides excellent habitat for a variety of flora and fauna species, including Florida black bear and gopher tortoise. Deer, otters, woodpeckers, songbirds, foxes, raccoons, alligators and a variety of snakes and lizards have been observed. Hiking, horseback riding, seasonal hunting, bicycling, picnicking, wildlife viewing and primitive camping at designated sites are available. 386-329-4404
www.sjrwmd.com/recreationguide/heartisland
C - Stover Theater, DeLand - Historic Stover Theatre houses Stetson University's theater arts program with a seasonal slate of full-stage productions, one-act plays and the music school's opera. It was the first theater building constructed for a Florida university. See Stetson's production of "Almost, Maine" this month. 386-822-8700 www2.stetson.edu/csata/stover.htm
H - Veteran's Memorial Park and Museum, Deltona - The spirit of American freedom rings clear at Veterans Memorial Park and Museum in Deltona. The park is dedicated to those service men and women that have and continue to serve our Country. Monuments to those lost in battle and currently serving as well as an authentic U.S. Army AH-1 Cobra Helicopter are on display. 386-878-8900 www.deltonafl.gov
O - Dog Parks - Let Fido roam free in West Volusia at one of our beautiful dog parks. Your furry friend will enjoy acres of shady, fenced-in park lands, and amenities including watering stations, large and small dog areas, time-out spaces and training events. Restrooms, benches and plenty of parking are also available. Barkley Square Dog Park, DeLand. Gemini Springs Dog Park, DeBary. www.volusia.org/parks . Keysville Dog Park, Deltona. 386-789-7218 www.deltonafl.gov . Volusia County's Spring-to-Spring Trail is another great venue for you and your dog. www.volusia.org/trails . For more pet friendly places, visit our website: www.visitwestvolusia.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 | |
