Boasting seven spring-fed rivers, an unspoiled Gulf of Mexico shoreline, rolling hillsides and thick verdant forestland, Citrus County residents have an esthetically pleasing and wonderfully diverse setting to live, work and play.
Uncovering the past is a journey into layers of cultures and the nurturing of a unique heritage carved out by Indians, explorers, pioneers, farmers, miners and families simply searching for that place to call home.
Located approximately 70 miles north of the Tampa Bay area and 60 miles northwest of Orlando, residents enjoy a short drive to metropolitan attractions. Tourists, seasonal visitors and year-round residents alike are instantly charmed by Citrus County’s unmatched mix of down-home charm and “big-city” convenience.
The country is composed of two municipalities, Inverness which is the county seat, and Crystal River. The balance is distributed throughout the rural areas and unincorporated communities of Floral City, Hernando, Citrus Springs, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Citrus Hills, Homosassa Springs and Sugarmill Woods.
More than doubling its population over the past 25 years, Citrus County has transformed into a sophisticated network of services with an economy driven by tourism, retailing, construction and agriculture. While maintaining an identity of hometown affection and never losing sight of its unsigned commitment to Mother Nature as a guardian of the abundant resources, this community has kept in time with progress while still keeping its own unique beat.
Environmentally, Citrus County has set aside more than 152,000 acres out of its 683 square miles to preserve wildlife. Area parks are enhanced by a variety of natural untouched settings. Visitors to these areas can find a variety of activities ready for their enjoyment, from skateboarding or racquetball to picnicking and horseshoes. Additionally, many of the planned developments and communities offer ample recreational facilities for resident to enjoy as well as more active pursuits such as tennis, swimming, and horseback riding.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State park is a showcase of native Florida wildlife offering visitors a rare opportunity to observe these animals and plants in their natural setting. Visitors can stroll through unspoiled nature trails in this 180-acre park and see deer, bear, bobcat, otters and alligators. Many varieties of bird from colorful wood duck and flamingos to majestic birds of prey, heron and egret also make this park their home.
Internationally known as a mecca for sport fishermen, fishing in Citrus County is not a matter of if, but rather where, when and for what. There are seven Florida Outstanding Water bodies and they are some of the most pristine and productive estuaries in the state. And the belief is still repeated that the best way to appreciate Citrus County is with a rod and reel in hand.
Mother Nature has thought of everything by providing the magnificent landscape to remind golfers why they have chosen to play in the great outdoors. Challenging in their variety and breathtaking in their beauty, the network of private and public golf courses in Citrus County put a tee within a golf cart ride of nearly every home.
Citrus County has a veritable potpourri of festivals and events throughout the year. The Chamber of Commerce, civic groups, charitable organizations and clubs have long discovered that residents and visitors to this community enjoy getting out to celebrate, eat, buy and have fun, all which translates into a yearly calendar chock full of things to do. Holiday parades, rodeos, fairs, circuses, craft shows, tractor pulls, concerts, pageants, fishing tournaments, fireworks, bike rides, dances, historical reenactments, marathons, art festivals, balls, auctions, expos and exhibits – and, of course, the famed Strawberry Festival, Manatee Festival and Cooter Festival.
The rural community of bygone days in Citrus County has evolved to include cultural enrichment as a major part of daily life. Residents actively support the performing and visual arts through participation and attendance in a varied cultural climate from community theater to concerts to art shows.
Citrus County provides the perfect outdoor setting for biking and cycling enthusiasts with both paved and dirt paths situated in a serene, natural setting among granddaddy oaks and rolling hills. The most popular trail of choice is the Withlacoochee State Trail, a 46-mike stretch which was once used as a railroad corridor.
It’s so easy, a child can do it, and it requires little more than a strap-on face mask with an air tube, a pair of flippers, and clear water.
