New Wakulla Springs boat enhances wildlife viewing during river cruise
The Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park launched a new fleet of tour boats Friday including one powered by a hybrid-electric engine boat bought with money raised through purchase of the “Explore State Parks” specialty license plate.
The "Great Blue Heron" seats 35, and its nearly silent propulsion will enhance wildlife viewing, according to officials with the State Parks Foundation, which manages the proceeds raised by the plate.
The Foundation’s president, Kathleen Brennan, said the "Blue Heron" purchase is part of a 'green initiative' financed by the nearly $500,000 the plate has raised so far.
The “Explore State Parks” plate was sponsored by Rep. Allison Tant, D-Tallahassee, and Sen. Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, in 2021.
In less than two years, the plate is now on 11,157 vehicles and is 55th most popular among 170 plates, surpassing the total of some plates that have been offered for more than 33 years and more than the total of nine of the state’s professional sports franchises.
Of the $35 charge for the specialty plate, $25 goes to a foundation to support a cause associated with the plate’s theme and message.
Brennan said the Parks Foundation purchased a hybrid boat for Wakulla Springs to reduce air and water pollution, improve access to the park for those with disabilities, and educate people about the unique wildlife and beauty found at state parks.
While Brennan spoke, a pair of orange-beaked Moorhens paddled up to inspect the "Blue Heron," osprey flew across the horizon behind her, and the growls of an unseen and apparently large bull gator punctuated the remarks.
“I guess that’s the magic of the real Florida at work,” said Brian Fugate, a former Wakulla Park manager, about the park’s wildlife joining the celebration to launch the new river fleet.
More than 166,500 people annually visit Wakulla Springs State Park annually, according to state officials, with the wildlife cruise a big draw for both domestic and international visitors.
The route passes nests of exotic birds in moss-draped oaks, alligators sunbathing on the banks, and manatees occasionally serving as escorts.
But last April, the park’s 60-year-old touring boats were pulled into dry dock for maintenance. The Park Service deployed the “Monroe” from Crystal River State Park to offer tours during the summer of 2023 and officials began looking for a new fleet.
The boat cruises date to the 1870s and have been part of the Wakulla experience ever since, according to the Department of Environmental Protection, which manages state parks.
Friday, the Park Service put into service four new ships, each costing more than $250,000, manufactured by Trident Platoons in Tavares.
The “Blue Heron,” joins the newly state purchased “Manatee,” “Acuera,” and the soon to be re-named “Splish Splash,” along with the glass-bottomed “Henry” in the park's fleet of cruise boats.
“It is a true Old Florida experience right here,” said Lance Kelly, the current park manager, as two dozen people boarded the “Blue Heron” for its inaugural cruise.
The boats will be available for use with the park lodge’s dinner cruises, which recently resumed.
James Call is a member of the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jcall@tallahassee.com and is on X as @CallTallahassee
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Explore State Parks license plate money funds boat at Wakulla Springs
