Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa is a Native American Creek word meaning “place of many pepper plants”. Before the white man came, this area was home to the Creek and Seminole Indians. Recent digs have uncovered all sorts of native artifacts including canoes. At that time this area was a low lying vast swamp spotted with small islands and many natural springs of crystal clear pure fresh water. Millions of
gallons of fresh water per hour pour out of these springs which creates the beautiful contributory creeks and rivers.
 

The Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park began with one mans first impressions. In 1924 Mr. Bruce Hoover, of Chicago visited by railroad the head spring of the Homosassa River and said “this is the most beautiful river and springs in the world”. Afterwards he had a wooden bridge and two higher observatory decks built spanning the springs head, then dubbed the term still used today, he declared this place a true “wonder of the world” and a natural “fish bowl“. Nearby there was a small building that rented bathing suits to the people visiting on the train and people of brave heart would swim in the lagoon
with the fish. At that time period there are no references to the manatees at all.

Today the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has become far more than just a two hundred and ten acre wildlife preserve operated by the state of Florida with the help of an average of three hundred and fifty volunteers. It has been given the highest award for quality of care twice and has grown into one of the finest wildlife
rehabilitation centers in the nation. The Felburn wildlife care center, a cutting edge state-of-the-art care facility which was created with funds donated by the Felburn foundation and matched by the state was just recently opened. Already in full operation at the wildlife park is the manatee rehabilitation area for the care of injured and sick manatees. The manatee abuse hot line toll free number is 1-800-342-5367 or call the local marine patrol. More Later.

 

 

 

Local Weather

Local Weather for Homosassa

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Calendar of Events

Calendar of Events for Homosassa and the Citrus County Area

City of Inverness Patriotic Festival - July 3rd at Dusk
The Patriotic Festival is held on the evening of July 3rd and encompasses both Wallace Brooks and Liberty Park. Besides a phenomenal fireworks display at dusk, the event includes childrens games, rides, and nonprofit food booths. Come see for yourself! Dozens of boaters join thousands of spectators in Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks along Lake Henderson to listen to patriotic concerts and watch the breathtaking fireworks. FREE admission and parking. Call 352-726-3913 for more info or contact Dan Baldner at 352-564-1223 or Dennis Treadway at 352-563-2690.

Crystal River Triathlon Series - Sprint #2 - July 4th at 7:30am
Fort Island Gulf Beach Park. Swim, Bike & Run. For more info visit www.drcsports.com

Fireworks over Kings Bay - July 4th Approx 9pm
To celebrate the freedom we all enjoy, the Crystal River Fireworks will return to Three Sisters Property to increase the viewing area for the community. This years show is dedicated to all the veterans and active military service members who have given so much of themselves so we can be free. The Crystal River Special Events Foundation will again sponsor the show, put on by Dragonworks of Homosassa. For more info call 352-795-2946.

Market Day at Heritage Village
The market will be held on the second Saturdays of the month. We invite the public to stroll the grounds while enjoying outdoor music. Support local businesses by shopping at our specialty shoppes downtown. You will find fresh produce, herbs, flowers and plants, seafood, fine arts and antiques. Demonstrations are encouraged. Enjoy the Experience at Heritage Village, on Citrus Avenue in the Heart of Historic Downtown Crystal River. For more information or to become a vendor, contact Laura Lou at 352-564-1400

Citrus County Genealogical Society Meeting - July 14th at 10am 
The Citrus County Genealogical Society will meet at the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, 3474 W. Southern St., Lecanto, FL. There will be an informal genealogy question and answer session. Many of our members have expertise in a variety of areas of genealogy and can answer your questions. Bring your questions and learn from the discussions. Guests are welcome to attend. Call Mar Ann at 382-5515 for more information.

Art Center Theatre Season Ticket Packages Available - Now thru October 4th
Five plays for $70 per seat are available to the public thru October 4th. This season offers the thriller Deathtrap, September 18th thru October 4th and a farce, Take A Number, Darling, November 6th thru November 22nd this fall. In 2010 there will be a comedy drama, The Champagne Charlie Stakes, January 15th thru January 31. Also see the romatic comedy, Mixed Emotions, March 26th thru April 11 and a mystery, Murder By Misadventure, May 7th thru May 23rd. To purchase call the Box Office at 352-746-7606 or visit the Art Center on the corner of Annapolis Ave. and Norvell Bryant Hwy (CR486). For more info visit www.artcenter.cc

Butterfly Art Exhibit - Now Thru July 20th
The Nature Coast Painter of Citrus and Marion County will be exhibiting their “Butterfly Art” at the Homosassa Butterfly Facility, 6991 W Cardinal Lane, Homosassa, FL. Monday-Sunday 10am to 4:30pm. For more info call 352-628-6362.