El Camino highway, US 84.
If you should choose this route, I can give you very recent and specific information as I just used this route to return from Brunswick, Ga to North East Texas. PM me if I can help.
We have stayed several times at Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland, FL. We have never seen a manatee there, but we were always there at the wrong season. They come up to the springs in winter.
However, you can be assured of seeing manitees at Homosassa Springs Wildlife center at Homosassa, FL
Homosassa Springs Web Site
