TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis couldn’t lead “the great American comeback” he promised as a presidential candidate, but his administration’s environmental policies may help usher in “the great manatee comeback.”

Speaking at Blue Springs State Park, a notorious manatee gathering place, on Thursday, DeSantis highlighted the species’ strides over the decades, saying state efforts to restore their habitat are succeeding.

In 2023, officials observed record numbers of manatees at Blue Springs and the TECO station in Hillsborough County, according to DeSantis, as well as lower mortality rates and increasing quantities of sea grass, a crucial food source for manatees.

“We put our money where our mouth is,” DeSantis said. “We had great work from our agencies, the FDEP and FWC, they did the feeding program, and now we’re in a situation where things are much, much improved.”

After announcing a $100 million “historic investment” to improve water quality in the Indian River Lagoon area, DeSantis’ remarks veered into a tangent that resembled his campaign talking points, touching on topics from border security and education, to taxes and state debt.  

Roger Young, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Executive Director, and Shawn Hamilton, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Secretary, appeared alongside DeSantis at the park to tout the administration’s environmental policies.

In his brief remarks, Young said his agency is committed to preserving Florida’s diverse wildlife and resources for future generations. Hamilton elaborated on what the state is doing to make it possible.

Hamilton touted an executive order and environmental bills signed by DeSantis last year, as well as the state’s land conservation efforts and investment in water quality studies.

“At FDEP we have a phrase, ‘protecting Florida together’,” Hamilton said. “We use it to basically memorialize the fact that, collectively, we all have a mission to accomplish the environmental restoration and protection of our resources.”

Dr. James “Buddy” Powell, Chief Zoological Officer and Executive Director at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, also appeared at the news conference. The self-described “manatee guy” said it’s “encouraging” that wildlife researchers and advocates haven’t seen as many deaths or sickly manatees in recent years.

Powell highlighted locations along the St. Johns River and Crystal River, which are known for their burgeoning manatee populations. Those areas have long had protections in place.

“We know manatees are injured and killed by boats, but they also need healthy habitats and clean water,” Powell said. “What is good for manatees is also good for us.”

As a result of conservation and rehabilitation efforts, 17 manatees will be released back into the wild at Blue Springs State Park on Wednesday.