Hurricane Idalia has tied as the Big Bend of Florida's strongest hurricane landfall on record.

Idalia made landfall Wednesday morning as a Category 3 with 125 mph winds near Keaton Beach. This is Florida's Big Bend, the region of the state described as the transition zone between the panhandle and the peninsula.

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M?ajor hurricanes have been exceedingly few. According to NOAA's historical hurricane tracks database, only two other Category 3 hurricanes have previously tracked anywhere between Apalachicola and Homosassa Springs, Florida, dating to the 1850s.

T?he last one to do so was 73 years ago, when Hurricane Easy made landfall just east of Cedar Key with 120 mph winds, then abruptly pivoted south to a second landfall near Hernando Beach.

T?he only other Category 3 hurricane in this region was the September 1896 hurricane, whose eyewall raked across Cedar Key with estimated 125 mph winds. Idalia's landfall has equaled the intensity of that hurricane.

A s?torm surge record for the Big Bend is also in jeopardy. Idalia could also produce a peak storm surge that could set a new record for the region.

T?he National Hurricane Center was forecasting a peak storm surge inundation of 12 to 16 feet above ground level in parts of the Big Bend.

W?hile not a tropical cyclone, the March 1993 Superstorm produced prolific storm surge flooding along parts of the coast of Florida. An up to 12 foot storm surge in Taylor County, drowned 13 people, according to the National Weather Service.

T?he September 1896 hurricane pushed a storm surge of 10.5 feet into Cedar Key, and 12.6 feet into Yankeetown, Florida, according to the NWS. An estimated 100 deaths were attributed to the storm.

It could be some time after Idalia until final peak storm surge inundation measurements can be taken by survey teams.

Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. His lifelong love of meteorology began with a close encounter with a tornado as a child in Wisconsin. He studied physics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, then completed his Master's degree working with dual-polarization radar and lightning data at Colorado State University. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on X (formerly Twitter), Threads and Facebook.

The Weather Company’s primary journalistic mission is to report on breaking weather news, the environment and the importance of science to our lives. This story does not necessarily represent the position of our parent company, IBM.

Hurricane Idalia is picking up steam: It's expected to bring 100-plus mph winds, destructive storm surge, and heavy rains to Florida.

Many of the worst impacts will happen in parts of the state's Gulf Coast, where Idalia will make landfall Wednesday morning. For those interested in following or understanding the effects of such a powerful storm, there are a number of live webcams showing the event, which you watch below.

Idalia, a tropical storm on Monday, has now intensified into a Category 4 hurricane as of Wednesday morning. The National Hurricane Center observed rapid intensification of the storm as conditions become more favorable for a hurricane, notably the decrease in wind shear (which are winds that can impede the formation of a strong, coherent storm). What's more, Idalia has traveled over extremely warm ocean water, which provides energy for these storms. The water in Idalia's path is the warmest it's been in at least decades.

This all set the stage for the storm to strengthen.

"We expect it to rapidly intensify," Joel Cline, the National Weather Service Tropical Program manager, told Mashable on Monday evening. "This will be a rapid intensifier from a tropical storm."

Although an intense storm is unfortunate news for many people in the Florida region, the good news is this intensification expectation has been forecast days in advance, allowing people to follow the informed guidance from local officials, Cline noted.

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SEE ALSO: Why the U.S. will get a whole lotta sea level rise

The impacts will be serious.

"There is a danger of life-threatening storm surge inundation from Idalia along portions of the Florida Gulf Coast where a Storm Surge Warning is in effect, including Tampa Bay & the Big Bend," the National Hurricane Center wrote. "Residents in these areas should follow advice from local officials." (Storm surge is caused by potent winds pushing water into the shore, at times causing violent inundations.)

Heavy rains from Idalia pose great risk, too. In recent years, freshwater flooding from heavy deluges has driven the majority of tropical storm-caused deaths. After landfall, Idalia will weaken but still carry potent rain bands over Florida, in a wide area between Tallahassee and Jacksonville. The ocean will certainly cause coastal flooding, but expect lots of flooding from rainfall in both coastal and inland areas.

"The rain will come down heavily at times," Tony Fracasso, a National Weather Service meteorologist, told Mashable.

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Tampa Bay Riverfront webcam

Tampa Bay is expected to see some four to seven feet of storm surge, along with hurricane force winds.

St. George Island beach cam

A rental vacation home on St. George Island shows a clear view of the beach. This region will experience some storm surge.

Frenchy's Clearwater Beach Cam

Live footage of Clearwater Beach from Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. Clearwater beach is located just west of Tampa.

Homosassa Springs live webcam

This webcam is situated just inland of the coastal Homosassa region, at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. Some of Florida's iconic manatees live in these springs.

Gulf Coast live webcams

The following live webcams aren't on YouTube, so they couldn't be embedded in this post like the livesteams above, but they are situated close to where Hurricane Idalia will make landfall. You'll have to click on the links:

- Homosassa Live View: A webcam at MacRae's of Homosassa, just inland of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

- Cedar Key Beach Webcam: Live webcams at Cedar Key, Florida, near where Hurricane Idalia will make landfall.

- St. George Island Webcam: St. George Island, located in the NHC's "Hurricane Warning" zone, is located off the Florida Panhandle.

How is Hurricane Idalia related to climate change?

Climate change is impacting hurricanes. Some of these impacts are clear, particularly more serious rainfall and historic flooding, along with higher storm surges. Other impacts, like how the relentless warming oceans are affecting how strong these storms grow, are an intensive and ongoing area of research.

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Most people know that winter is the best time to see manatees. But where can you see manatees in Florida, any time of year? The answer is Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Our complete guide to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park covers everything you need for a perfect day trip.

Spark some romance and hit the road. A day trip is a great way to connect with your honey. Put together a playlist, grab a few of your favorite road trip snacks, and make the hour and 45-minute drive to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. There are multiple roadside stops along the way if you want to make it a real road trip, plus other springs and parks nearby if you'd like to make it a weekend getaway.

Updated October 2022

Homosassa Springs Things To Do

There is so much to love about Florida's State Parks, and Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is a shining example of what makes our state parks so special. You get a little bit of everything here — natural springs and a river view, wildlife, boardwalks, and walkways. It's pretty easy to explore the 200 acres of this park.

We parked in the parking lot on US Highway 98. This parking lot has a Welcome Center with restrooms, a small shop, and a few exhibits showcasing the park's history of nearly 100 years. From here we boarded a tram that drove us down to the park's visitor center and entrance. Expect crowds on the weekend. After purchasing our tickets ($13 per person over 5 years of age), we passed through the doors and into Florida's beauty.

The Underwater Observatory in the “Bowl” of the springs is one of the very first attractions added to this park during its early years. In 1968 the underwater “fish bowl” was installed, back when this park was a roadside attraction, rather than a state park. This bowl is a great place to start your day.

By visiting the Underwater Observatory first, we caught some views of manatees in the wild before they moved on in the afternoon. We also enjoyed the boardwalk leading up to the Underwater Observatory. There are multiple photo opportunities here.

This simple spot, billed as a floating observatory, was once a main attraction for this part of the state of Florida.

After viewing the manatees and plethora of fish, we continued walking past the observatory, towards the river. Soon we came to a lovely wooden pavilion that enabled us to look out over the Homosassa River. Plenty of boaters enjoyed the weekend and safely moved slowly along the river to be mindful of manatees and other wildlife. It's important to enjoy the spring water safely.

We backtracked and followed the walkway along the riverbank. We saw turtles sunning themselves on logs and a few more manatees in the wild. Hiking along the park's walkways is fairly easy.

We noticed a few people crowding along a bridge-like structure and soon found that this is where some of the rescued manatees dwell.

Animals at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

There are lots of animals to see at the Wildlife Walk. This winding walkway makes a complete circle, so there's no way to lose your way. All the animals along this lovely Wildlife Walk are rescued from various places around the state. As much as possible, such wildlife is rehabilitated and sent back into the wild.

However, if it is not safe for an animal to return to the wild for whatever reason, it finds a home here. Along our walk, we spotted Florida alligators, river otters, pelicans, flamingos, owls, deer, black bears, a Florida panther, and more. What a cool mix of native Florida wildlife and other fascinating creatures.

Some might compare this part of the park with visiting a zoo, and the experience is similar, but to see a sample of Florida's diverse wildlife in one spot like this is truly special. Speaking of special, you won't be able to overlook Lu the Hippo. A former animal actor, Lu is over 60 years old. He is a reminder of when this land was used to show off animals that were trained to perform in movies and television. Hippos certainly are not a Florida animal, but Lu the hippopotamus is considered an honorary Florida resident.

What a way to enjoy a blend of old school tourist attraction and beautiful natural habitat in Florida.

Special note – Homossas Springs Wildlife Park is adorned with Christmas lights in a few spots during the holiday season.

Where to See Manatees in Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

One of the must-do experiences in Florida is seeing manatees in the wild. These native animals are so special. When entering Homossa Springs park, head to the left to the Underwater Observatory. Both inside the observatory and along the boardwalk leading to and from the observatory you may spot some manatees.

First thing in the morning and cool weather days are your best bet for catching views of manatees in the wild at Homosassa Springs. However, you can also view a few rescued manatees that remain at the park year-round. Their habitat is near the center of the park.

The manatee programs at this state park are crucially important.

Due to multiple environmental reasons, including over-development throughout Florida, wildlife experts are concerned about the increased mortality rate of manatees. One way to bond together is to do some good together, so I would encourage you and your honey to learn more about manatees and how we can help them.

Practicalities: Parking, Food and Beverage, and Restrooms

Don't expect anything fancy at this state park. However, there are plenty of creature comforts. There are restrooms near the center of the park, as well as the Welcome Center at the Highway 98 parking lot, and the Visitors Center that you must pass through before entering the park itself.

There are two parking lots – one off County Road 490 and the other on Highway 98. Since we came from Orlando it was easiest for us to park at the parking lot on Highway 98. This is where the Welcome Center is, and where you will board a tram to head to the park entrance itself. The trams come and go about every 15 minutes. There is also usually boat transportation, but this is temporarily unavailable.

The parking lot off County Road 490 is smaller, but it does put you next to the park's actual entrance and the Visitor Center, with the ticket counters. At this visitor center, there is a casual cafe with sandwiches and snacks, as well as a gift shop. Some of the t-shirt designs in this shop are fun and attractive.

Dogs are not allowed in the park, but there is a kennel at the Welcome Center where your pup can hang out while you explore.

There is also a small snack stand near the center of the park. This is a good spot for a midday snack with cold drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, and other quick snacks.

Pack some water to keep yourselves hydrated. You don't want to feel rushed as you explore this lovely park.

More Ideas – Plan a Date to Explore Springs in Florida Near Orlando

What's Near Homosassa Springs State Park

Driving to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park from Orlando takes about an hour and 45 minutes. It's not a very quick trip, but it is worth the drive. And if you want to make it a full day or a full weekend getaway there is plenty nearby.

Along the drive, my husband and I took note of some places that would be fun to stop in next time. On our recent visit to Homosassa Springs we hadn't built enough time to stop along the way. But, there is plenty to see.

Within 10 – 20 minutes drive of Homosassa Springs State Park, you'll find plenty of other parks, activities, and restaurants.

This state park is also an easy trip from Cedar Key, Florida if you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Dress comfortably and enjoy being in Florida's natural beauty, together.

HOMOSASSA, Fla. — Florida springs and the rivers they feed into are some of Florida’s most precious resources, including the Homosassa River. It serves as a habitat for wildlife and plants, and is used recreationally by both residents and visitors alike.

But over the years, an invasive algae has taken hold. Now, concerns grow as funding for restoration efforts hangs in the balance.

Retired firefighter Steve Minguy is the president of the Homosassa River Restoration Project. He recalled when he first moved to the river community with his wife.

“We were about 15 years out from retirement and we were looking to retire on the water,” Minguy said. “A friend told us about Homosassa, I came out and took a look at it. I think a month later, we owned our house.”

Minguy’s boat is docked not even a quarter mile from the section of the river the locals call the blue waters.

“It is beautiful, we thought. But all the neighbors and the longtime residents kept telling us how beautiful it used to be,” Minguy said.

What You Need To Know

It was a river much clearer and full of vegetation. But over the last few decades, Minguy said the area has been overrun by a toxic blue-green algae known as lyngbya. It coves much of the riverbed and if it’s allowed to keep growing, it’s projected to kill of 90 percent of the river’s native vegetation.

In 2016, Minguy and other concerned residents learned of the same issue just north of them at Crystal River, where restoration efforts had already begun.

“We were invited up to Crystal River to see what they were doing up there and I’d say within 10 minutes of being on one of their boats, I wasn’t even listening anymore,” Minguy said. "I just decided we have to do it here at the Homosassa.”

A grassroots effort took off and the Homosassa River Restoration project was formed. The group took their cause to Tallahassee, worked and reworked plans. Finally, in 2020, Minguy says he got a call that $2 million in grant funding had come through.

“I was dancing in the living room,” Minguy recalled with a laugh. “It wasn’t pretty.”

At last, work on the river could finally begin.

The goal is to replant seagrass, so that it grows, forms meadows and takes back the riverbed. It’s all done by a team with Sea and Shoreline, the aquatic restoration company contracted to do the work, the same company working successfully on Crystal River.

The first step is vacuuming the riverbed. A diver uses a hose to suck up the algae. The water is then cleaned and put back.

“These guys are down there, sometimes in zero visibility, removing all of that,” said project biologist Jessica Mailliez. “So when the biology team comes in they have a nice natural bottom to put those plants in.”

The team uses eelgrass, which is grown in the Sea and Shoreline nursery. Often, cages are installed for protection until the plants are established enough for removal.

Already, Mailliez says the team is seeing success and manatees are feeding on newly formed meadows.

“We have a strong root hold and these plants, even though they’re being munched on, springtime next year, when the manatees move back out to the gulf, these plants will grow tall again,” Mailliez said.

And it’s not just food for the manatees. The grass provides cover for smaller marine life, helps to filter water and stabilize the riverbed. Mailliez said what the Lyngbya algae destroys will eventually affect us, too.

“A lot of people may not understand how bad this river system could be without restoration efforts. We could lose our crabbing industry. We could lose recreational and commercial fishing,” Mailliez said. “We could just lose the enjoyment of hanging out in the river in the crystal clear spring water. It will be just a downfall for the community.”

By the end of this planting season, Sea and Shoreline will have completed phase one of the project, a total of 25 acres cleaned and planted.

Minguy recalled what it was like to first see grass growing in place of the lyngbya algae.

“To go up there after all these years and to go underneath the bridge and see nothing but grass meadows, white sand and no algae was gorgeous,” he said. “We couldn’t wait to get in the water.”

It was a rewarding feeling, though Minguy said there is still a long way to go. To date, the Homosassa River Restoration Project has received a total of $9.5 million in state funding. But to finish all 53 acres of the blue waters, another $9 million is needed — even more if efforts are to continue further down the river.

Right now, that funding has stalled. An earmarked $10 million, approved in the most recent state budget, was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis, despite an equal amount approved for the very same work being done in Crystal River. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, funding for the efforts at Crystal River have now reached $37 million.

“We are basically the same type of river. We have the same issues and we’re using the same project and we’re getting the same results. So it would be nice to get the same funding,” Minguy said. “However, I love it when Crystal River gets funding. That means they’re going to get their project done. I’m just hoping that down the line, we’re shown the same love.”

Hope now hinges on the latest round of grant money the Homosassa River Restoration Project has applied for: $4 million dollars in grant funding, which would allow planting to continue at least another season.

As Minguy and all those involved anxiously await word on funding approval, they worry about the possibility that the progress they’ve made will be overcome once again by the toxic algae.

Spectrum News reached out to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to find out the status of those applications.

“The Homosassa River Restoration Project and Save Crystal River, Inc. applied for $2 million in Springs Restoration funding for their respective multi-year projects,” responded Press Secretary Alexandra Kutcha, in an email. “Additionally, both groups have also requested grant funding through the Spring Coast Water Quality funding. While we don’t have an exact timeline for when these funds will be awarded, it is this fiscal year’s funding so awards will be announced in the near future.”

Kutcha also outlined the overall financial commitment that state has made specifically to springs restoration, citing $300 million over the last four years.

“This record funding has enabled the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to assist local governments and other stakeholders to identify and construct projects that are imperative to achieving restoration goals,” said Kutcha. “Two examples of this are the restoration projects at the Homosassa River and Kings Bay along Florida’s Gulf Coast.”

County commissioners late Wednesday afternoon declared a local state of emergency for Citrus County in advance of Nicole, which was upgraded to a hurricane.

This action is strictly precautionary. Residents in low-lying areas prone to flooding or those in potentially unsafe structures due to prolonged wind, are advised to implement their personal safety plans.

Nicole’s track as of 6 p.m. Wednesday remained unchanged, with the National Weather Service (NWS) expecting 2-4 inches of rain for the county. Citrus can also expect a storm surge of 3-5 feet and potential sustained winds of 70 mph.

Citrus County is still under tropical-storm and storm-surge warnings.

The Sheriff’s Office citizen information lines are open through 6 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. For information on the storm, call 352-249-2775.

At a news conference in Tallahassee, Gov. Ron DeSantis said winds were the biggest concern and and significant power outages could occur, but that 16,000 linemen were on standby to restore power, as well as 600 guardsmen and seven search and rescue teams.

“It will affect huge parts of the state of Florida all day,” DeSantis said of the storm’s expected landing.

Forty-five of Florida’s 67 counties were under a state of emergency declaration.

Florida Division of Emergency Management director Kevin Guthrie said Floridians should expect possible tornadoes, rip currents and flash flooding.

If Nicole moves into the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday, the Nature Coast and Citrus County could see a storm surge of 3 to 5 feet.

Lane Schneider, the county’s emergency management coordinator, said the track nudged slightly in the last 24 hours.

As Nicole continues to approach Florida, it strengthened to a hurricane before making landfall along the east coast, according to the NWS. After landfall, the center of the storm is forecast to track northwest across the state before curving northeast and moving up along the east coast by this weekend.

The county opened two self-serve sandbag sites at Homosassa Community Park, 4210 S. Grandmarch Ave. and Bicentennial Park, 501 N. Baseball Point, Crystal River.

Self-serve sites are open 24 hours but are not monitored overnight for availability of supplies. Residents need to bring a shovel.

All Citrus County Schools will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10. This includes all after-school programs and extra-curricular activities for today, Nov. 9, and Thursday, Nov. 10.

Due to this closure, the last two half days before Christmas break, Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21 and Dec. 22, will now be full days of school.

All schools and offices are scheduled to be closed on Friday for Veterans Day.

The College of Central Florida will be closed Thursday, Nov. 10, and in-person and online classes are cancelled at all campuses. Scheduled activities have also been cancelled.

Any college activities scheduled for Saturday will proceed unless otherwise announced.

Any school closures will be announced to all families via automated phone calls and email, as well as our website and social media.

All Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) offices will close Thursday due to potential impacts from Nicole, and were previously scheduled to be closed Friday for Veterans Day.

For more information about SWFWMD meeting cancellations, visit WaterMatters.org.

The Chronicle will provide updates throughout the day.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Michael D. Bates is a staff writer with the Citrus County Chronicle and can be reached at mbates@chronicleonline.com.