Quick Information On An Inspiring Destination
Decades of community determination have saved the precious coastal marshes, the pure, clean-running springs and the rivers and lakes from the development and pollution that are so prevalent elsewhere. Today, as in centuries past, a visitor can select saltwater pursuits in the Gulf of Mexico, springs, rivers and subtropical fauna and flora in Citrus County’s west side, and upland terrain drifting down to large freshwater lakes crying out for anglers, swimmers and boaters over on the east side. This is truly The Water Lover’s Florida.
Inverness: History, Healing and Freshwater Fun
Approach Citrus County from the east, and you’ll soon see The Historic Old County Courthouse in Inverness. The charming streets around the courthouse have quaint shops and cafes, but as you widen your scope you’ll find a thoroughly modern town with well-established neighborhoods, excellent shopping and the 22-mile Tsala Apopka chain of lakes. Inverness offers history, freshwater fishing, boating, water skiing, golf, upland hunting and some great annual fairs and festivals.
Crystal River: The Nature Coast at Its Best
Historically, and even today, Crystal River’s development has been along U.S. Highway 19, which runs the length of Florida’s West Coast. Here, in a concentrated area, visitors find contemporary shopping, lodging and dining, and the beginning of many natural explorations and recreations. The Crystal River itself is broad and deep, and hosts boats of every size as well as anglers on their way to the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Mexico. A nine-mile scenic drive west on Fort Island Trail will take you to the public beach and Gulf of Mexico. Crystal River offers archaeological sites, boating on tidal rivers and the open Gulf, fishing, golfing, manatee encounters, birding and unmatched eco-tourism.
Homosassa: What Florida Was Like 100 Years Ago
Don’t feel bad if the names confuse you: Homosassa is the age-old fishing village sitting directly on the Homosassa River, including the big spring that attracts so many manatees. Homosassa Springs is the commercial area along U.S. 19. But they’re so close together that it doesn’t matter what you call them. Do yourself a favor and follow any of the roads leading westward from U.S. 19 along the strip of highway that runs past Homosassa Springs and Crystal River. You will find places to stay, out-of-the-way restaurants and great places to launch your boat or wet a line. Homosassa provides manatee encounters, fishing, eco-tourism, birding, waterfront relaxation and a look at unspoiled old Florida.
FAST CITRUS COUNTY FACTS
Founded:
1887
Location:
Approximately mid-state, bordering the Gulf of Mexico, about 70 miles north of Tampa and 60 miles northwest of Orlando.
Area:
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 773 square miles. 584 square miles of it is land and 189 square miles of it
(24.49%) is water.
Population:
138,143 persons
(2006 estimate)
70,149 housing units
Government:
Five-member Board of Commissioners, elected to 4-year terms.
Lakes:
Countless small lakes and ponds, plus these named lakes with boat launches:
• Big Lake Henderson;
• Little Lake Henderson;
• Lake Holathlikaha;
• Lake Rousseau;
• Tsala Apopka Lake Chain; and
• Lake Hernando.
Rivers:
Seven Outstanding Florida Waterways run through the county:
• Crystal River;
• Homosassa River;
• Halls River;
• Chassahowitzka River;
• Withlacoochee River
(72 miles of navigable water running through 7 counties);
• Salt River;
• St Martins River.
Springs:
The county is home to dozens of springs, from beautiful King Spring, Homosassa Spring, Chassahowitzka Spring and Three Sisters Springs.
Click Here for a detailed list that includes maps and GPS coordinates.
Please direct media inquiries to Mary Craven, director of the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau at 352-628-9305 or mary.craven@visitcitrus.com or Keith Gold at GOLD & Associates at gold@strikegold.com or 904-285-5669.
