JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This morning, Naval Station Mayport hosted sailors and their families to participate in the second annual "Mayport dunk" alongside the iconic "Mayport Mitch."
In a quintessentially Floridian twist, the community attempted to predict an early spring by taking the traditional polar plunge into the ocean. With water temperatures hovering at 58 degrees. Mayport Mitch the local Ground Hog Mascot tested the waters along with dozens of fellow plungers.
Capt. Brian Binder expressed enthusiasm about the growing participation in this yearly tradition.
"This is our second annual Mayport dunk here at NS Mayport. We started last year to see how many people would come out. The numbers are growing, and at official sunrise around 7:17 (a.m.) this morning we are going to hit the ocean".
Ditching the conventional Punxsutawney Phil, Mayport Mitch provided his unique weather insights, surrounded by a diverse group of polar plungers. Participants shared their motivations for taking the plunge, ranging from fitness goals to family traditions.
"Just hitting the water, getting a good PT session in," one participant explained, while a young woman stated, "Because my dad is doing it, and I want to do it too." Despite the chilly 58 degree water, reactions varied from "freezing" to "bracing" as the brave participants embraced the cold for this unique experience.
As the morning unfolded, the question lingered on the beach at Naval Station Mayport: How much longer will winter last in Florida? Responses from participants reflected the local weather on the First Coast.
"It's really cold right now, so I feel some winter vibes, but hopefully spring comes," one participant remarked. Another emphasized the reality of Florida weather, saying, "We live in Florida. It's going to be hot one day and cold the next."
Technically our mascot groundhog did see his shadow along the waters edge. But the question remains, does it really matter with our Florida weather? As long as people went out and had fun here on a chilly Florida morning.