NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. – “Mayport Mitch” the famed base groundhog from Naval Station Mayport made his annual appearance at the beach Monday, leading the “polar plunge.”
The fun-filled event celebrates Groundhog Day.
“Too cold, way too cold,” Mitch said after emerging from the ocean on Monday.
He said we’re ready for spring, but he predicted 6 more weeks of winter.
The famed Punxsutawney Phil also predicted six more weeks of wintry weather on Sunday at the annual Groundhog Day event in Gobbler’s Knob, the scene of the largest and best-known Groundhog Day celebration in the United States.
At Naval Station Mayport, Mitch took the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean on Monday during the Mayport Dunk with dozens of other brave souls.
“Probably the coldest it’s been in years,” Mitch said. “Good polar plunge.”
Despite the chilly water, Mitch told News4JAX he had no regrets.
But others were not happy with the prediction for more winter.
“I want spring now, so let’s just ignore what he says and get ready for spring this weekend,” said Capt. Brian Binder, who was one of those who took a dip Monday morning.
This was the third year of the event, which is Naval Station Mayport’s unique spin on Groundhog Day.
“We’ve got a couple of busy weeks ahead of us. A lot of work to get done, but we have to remember sometimes you have to take a step back and enjoy as a team,” Binder said.
