JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A "polar plunge" is an event featuring daring swimmers submerging into cold water during the coldest months. Jacksonville Beach's version, although wildly popular, pales in comparison to those "up north".
On this New Year's Day 2012, hundreds of participants entered the Atlantic Ocean on an unusually mild day. Even the water temperatures are above average this time around.
As these enthusiasts rushed into the water, the air temperature was a mild 55 degrees and the ocean temperature was a reasonable 59 degrees. No, not bath water...but definitely not Minnesota frigid either.
High temperatures peaked in the lower 70s today for a fabulous start to the new year.
