Within seconds the newly refurbished Limpkin glided back into the water. Folks from around Wakulla County came aboard to witness the maiden voyage of the river boat.

The Limpkin is one of eight boats that have been getting tourists up close and personal with wildlife around Wakulla Springs for 40 years. "When Ed Ball had this property he eventually replaced the boats in the 1960's with these boats. So it's important for us to remember that boats and visitors to the county are very important, not only historically, but economically," explained Madeleine Carr, the historian for Friends of Wakulla Springs.

And the relationship between the river boats and wildlife is just as important. The creatures below and above the water have grown up around these tour boats, so staying uniform is key to giving riders a magical experience. "That's only possible because we keep these same boats operating for so many years and the wildlife, it's part of their environment now and they don't run from it," said Brian Fugate, the park manager.

Friends of Wakulla Springs, which is a non-profit group, helped the park staff raise $18,000 dollars to refit, re-paint, and revamp this river boat.

And those residents involved are far from running aground. "We want to continue working on the boat throughout the years. This is not only a launch of the Limpkin, but a launch of our refurbishing effort," said Ron Piasecki, the Friends of Wakulla Springs president.

The Limpkin also has a new wheelchair ramp so everyone can enjoy the tours. The next boat in line to get refurbished is the Heron, set to leave the water in October.

For more information about Friends of Wakulla Springs, or to donate, click on the link below.