On this day in 1493, Christopher Columbus saw three manatees and mistook them for mermaids, much to his dismay. Manatees are gentle, curious creatures who are also an important part of Florida‘s tourism economy. Sadly, they are threatened by everything from careless boaters to Rick Scott‘s “red tide.” To know manatees is to love them and if you’ve ever touched one it’s a truly spiritual experience you will never forget.
