Floridians love manatees. The marine animals, lovingly known as "sea cows" or "gentle giants," spend the winters swimming in rivers, bays, canals, estuaries and coastal areas from Nov. 15 to March 31.

The best events this weekend include a community festival, a wildlife refuge celebration, a St. Paddy's fest, a St. Paddy's parade and a plant sale.

If you want to spot some manatees before the season's end, you can go manatee-watching at Moore's Creek in Fort Pierce ... Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is the only national wildlife ...