As I see, you like my stories about Florida so, I will tell you one more today. It is about the area where we live. Our town, Crystal River, is rather small with the population of about 15,000, located at the estuary of the river with the same name. There is almost nowhere to go or nothing to do here. Most of people work somewhere else (like me) or have their jobs in service or tourist business. But we can't leave this area as we all in love with its primordial wild beauty. When I moved to Florida from Boston about 30 years ago and saw Crystal River for the first time I didn't hesitate. I was sure, I want to live here all my life. After living in a big fuzzy city I fell in love with this land that gave me peace of my mind, feeling of harmony with nature being its integral part.
I will never exchange this feeling for any luxurious life I can afford. Being a university professor I have been working with young people all my life. And when they say they want to make their carreers to buy luxurious cars, houses, clothes, etc., I always want to ask if they have ever looked around, read world news, visited other countries. 
Unfortunately, our new generation is spoiled with secured, comfortable, well-organized lifestyle. They don't even know that people from all over the world come here every year just to swim with manatees and to come in touch with our nature. So, here we are to the point! Crystal River is the only one place in the world where you can swim with wild manatees legally. Many hundred of them immigrate from colder waters to Florida in fall and stay till spring or summer. 
Many of them never leave our waters. Manatees are wonderful creatures! They are smart, very friendly and trusting. They are not scared of people and seem to love us like dolphines. Well, I'd like to say that manatees are the most inordinary animals in our area and there are so very many of them here in winter! 
Crystal River wildlife park is not as large as Silver Springs or Everglades but you can see very many different animals and birds here.
First, there are a lot of pink/red flamingoes. They live not only in the park and many Floridians decorate their houses with the images/sculptures of those birds. They are said to bring happiness. 
Also, you can meet black Floridian bears here. They are not big or dangerous and their cubs are very funny like all cubs!
Well, if you are patient and brave enough, you can also see water horses (hippopotamuses) here. Just have a look at this peacefully resting female! It reminds me of Gloria from "Madagascar"!
Well, There is much more to see here and tell about but the size of a blog is limited. 
The only one more thing I'd like to say is that some thoughtless irresponsible authorities permitted to construct the nuclear plant just on the Crystal River! I hope, you can see the contrast! Sure, America consumes much energy and needs it badly to live comfortably but why to built nuclear stations close to wildlife refuges? What will remain if we kill everything alive? Hope, you agree, my friends! Have a nice trip round Crystal River!
Comments
Dear friends! Excuse my not replying sooner, but it is uneasy for me to do it on week-days as I am usually very busy with my work. Hope, it is ok.
So, first I have to admit that I am not good at taking pictures and most of those I posted had been either taken by my wife or found in the internet. I just wanted to tell you about one place worth visiting and fall in love with as I did many years ago. I am so very glad you like my land!
Dear Elen! Yes, in our community is almost no choice what to do: either tourist/service or small-scale business. So, many people who have some property in Florida are used to working in the north-east or other areas in winter but coming here every fall. It is like call of wild. It may be explained but why to explain what is well-known?
Lady Noor! Thank you very much for sharing my points of view. Only humans are responsible for what they do and it is only us who can prevent one more Apocalypse. I lived through one. That's it!
Estanis! My dear friend! In fact, I am a rebel, an outcast if you know what it means in America but I don't call people to stop making their careers, by no means! My idea is just opposite. All people should be well-educated to realize the difference between true and false values. I wish I could say more, but there are the terms of the EC.
Nimzaf! Thanks for being my friend and taking part in my discussions.
Thanks everyone for your great comments! Either you are too polite or you really love our world! (BIG SMILE!)
Danny, so, there are no many companies there and most people go daily in another town for work. It sounds like people there want to protect this place from the luxury life. Amazing photos! And thanks for the information about your place!
What a beautiful name "crystal river" ; I am sure it suits the river. Thanks for your great post and information.
This place is nature's sanctuary! It's unfortunate we can't keep it that way. :( Thanks for the tour! :)
Amazing! I never thought we could swim with manatees.
It sounds like a paradise for both wild animals and those who love animals.
Thanks for sharing. Keep it up!
By the way, I just could use the words about wild animals.
When you live in a wheel for years is difficult to change your habits although I think age is making me watching life from other perspective.
Feel proud to live in such a wonderful paradise :)
Thanks for sharing your area with us.
We did not see any wild life refuge in Florida now feeling down to miss the chance. One of our friends wanted to show us though. Anyway if we get back again, we will see! Thanks a lot for sharing this beautiful blog.
quite intresting ,while reading i feel like i am there.
you captured nature very well in your camera.
thanks for sharing your surounding experience.