The slogan for Citrus County is “The Water Lover’s Florida.” The county--located in the middle of the state off the Gulf of Mexico--contains seven rivers, dozens of springs and numerous lakes and ponds, including six with boat launches. Indeed, water sportsmen and wildlife lovers have plenty of choices. Citrus County, however, has more options than just water fun.
Boating and Kayaking
It’s not hard finding a water venue around the county. Several businesses take people on water tours and rent boats, canoes and kayaks to individuals. A highlight is the 25-mile Nature Coast Canoe and Kayak Trail, which begins on the Salt River near the Marine Science Center and goes to the mouth of the Chassahowitzka River. Along the way, you’ll pass salt marshes and spot wildlife like dolphins, eagles and osprey. The trail is also part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, a program of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission that notes outstanding bird-watching sites.
Diving and Snorkeling
Snorkelers and scuba divers come to Citrus County to swim with wintering manatees. The gentle manatees are herbivores and weigh an average of 1,200 lbs. and measure 10 feet in length, according to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce. The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, which houses the West Indian Manatee, is only reachable by boat. Companies provide a manatee snorkel tour to the area. You can also spot dolphins, largemouth bass and tarpons throughout the county’s waters.
Swimming
For those who prefer to swim with humans, check out the Bicentennial Park Pool in Crystal River. The venue features a 225,000-gallon Junior Olympic pool. Besides swimming, there are water aerobic classes, swim lessons and programs geared for different age groups. Kids from elementary school through high school can compete on the Sun Coast Swim Team, and people 60 and older can take part in the Senior Fitness Program.
Organized Sports
Athletes can stay grounded by competing in one of the county’s parks and recreation department’s sports leagues. They include men’s basketball, flag football and softball leagues, and co-ed kickball and softball leagues. Children between the ages of 3 and 5 can sign up for the Preparing Little Athletes Youth Program (P.L.A.Y.), which includes basketball, cheerleading, football, soccer and T-Ball. Programs are sometimes offered to kids between the ages of 5 and 7.
Trails
Bikers, hikers and walkers have paved trails in Citrus County. They include a portion of the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail that also covers Hernando County and Pasco County. The Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, meanwhile, has a 1.1-mile hiking trail through its wildlife park. Visitors can stop to sit in bleachers at the Manatee Program and Wildlife Encounters area that showcases animals like American alligators, black bears and white-tailed deer.
Member Comments