Ranching isn’t the first occupation that comes to mind when one thinks of Florida.  Back in the 18^th century, however, it thrived at the hands of the Spanish colonists, native Seminoles and American settlers, who first drifted down from Georgia and mirrored the rough conditions.  The cattle and horses introduced by the Spaniards were smaller and more stocky than later herds, but they offered the same challenges – and more so, since it was virtually free range.  The Anglos became known as Crackers, presumably as a result of the noise from their whips.  But the term became one of derision, representative of people who were crude, morally deficient brutes.  No one was more responsible for this slight than cowboy artist number one, Frederick Remington, who, in the late 19^th century, branded them as “wild-looking individuals” on what appeared to be “very emaciated Texas ponies.”

Undaunted, Crackers are very proud of their heritage.  And among their events, Florida Crackers celebrate annually in February in Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, just north of Citrus County.  It was there that we met not only genuine Crackers but also their sturdy horses, cattle and a mascot — a Catahoula Panther Cur.     The dog is a member of the first breed created in North America, native to Catahoula County in Louisiana.  Its principal talent is boar hunting, and the heavy collar is designed to protect the neck and throat from the swine’s vicious teeth.  During the weekend, we also visited home makers, music makers and craft makers of every stripe.

The Florida Cracker Trail Association is dedicated to preserving the Cracker legacy through education, active involvement and scholarship.  Each year, they hold a week-long Cross-Florida Cracker Trail Ride (without cattle) from the Sarasota area on the west coast to Fort Pierce on the east.

One of the more exciting features of the “Nature Coast,” as the natives have dubbed this area, is the natural habitat known by the mouthful Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.  Ellie died in 2009 at age 65.  Among other accomplishments, she taught mathematics to children in Tibet and served as a fisheries biologist in the state of Washington.  Best of all, however, was convincing her father, Phil Felburn, founder of one of America’s preeminent trucking companies, to create the foundation which, under her leadership, has endowed or contributed to untold numbers of conservation and education organizations.

Homosassa Springs is about 15 miles southwest of Beverly Hills.  The Park runs along the shoreline, encompassing 200 acres of which 5 are waterways of the Homosassa River.  The Park includes dozens of outdoor wildlife exhibits ranging from black bears and bobcats to alligators and waterfowl.

Manatee at the surface

What it’s best known for, however, is one of the very few winter habitats for the West Indian Manatee.  These gentle creatures can’t exist in waters less than 72^o,   and that’s the minimum temperature of the lagoons within the Park.  So they hover and huddle there by the hundreds (thousands?) during the winter months.  You can see them from the raised boardwalks and bridges meandering through the grounds, or you can view them in an underwater observatory near their preferred habitat.  Seeing them underwater, however, can be blurred by the 34 species of native fish that swim by.

Take a deep breath!

Feeling ambitious?  You can actually rent a kayak, wetsuit and snorkel or scuba gear and swim with them.  Or get up close on one of the dozens of tourist boats that circle very gently through their habitat.  The Park is also equipped to care for them in a “hospital” enclosure.  Downtown Crystal River hosts a two day Manatee Festival each January, with music, entertainment, endless rows of vendor booths and themed events.

Lu the Hippo

But wait . . . there’s more.  The manatees share their celebrity with of nature’s giant mammals:  Lu, the resident hippopotamus.  Born in San Diego on January 26, 1960, he is a retired movie star, having appeared in flicks and TV shows as part of the Ivan Tors Animal Actors troupe.  The troupe’s winter home was the land now occupied by the Park, and he kinda hung around when it was sold to the state in 1989.  He almost was deported with all the other animals, because the park is dedicated to native species.  But Governor Lawton Childs granted Lu honorary citizenship, allowing him to stay.   His birthday is the occasion of a major celebration each year.

We’ll be covering the Park each year.  There’s always more to see, and we wouldn’t miss the manatees.