Citrus County, Florida

Citrus County is located 54 miles north of Tampa and 60 miles northwest of Orlando. The County is centrally located to all major cities, airports and other metropolitan amenities. Few counties in Florida enjoy a more temperate year-round climate than Citrus. Summer days average 82 degrees, moderated by constant breezes from the lakes and the Gulf of Mexico, while winter lows average 62 degrees. Citrus County is watered by seven spring driven rivers and wrapped in tropical forest. Citrus County may be Florida's most natural attraction. If variety is the essence of the Florida experience, then from its unspoiled shore on the Gulf of Mexico to its rolling hills and sparkling lakes, Citrus County has it all.

Citrus County is 30 minutes from one of Florida's most exciting growth areas; Ocala, with its thoroughbred horse farms, and only 60 minutes to Gainesville, famous for the University of Florida Campus and Shands Teaching Hospital.

This area is laced with scenic lakes and rivers, wooded terrain and hardwood forests. Everywhere you go you'll find friendly neighbors, warm greetings and an abundance of natural beauty.

Citrus County is blessed with all the splendors that Florida's Nature Coast has to offer. To the nature lover our county is a virtual paradise. Our natural springs, rivers, and lakes in addition to the Gulf of Mexico create an environment pleasing to an abundance of animal life and species of birds. The Audubon Society has recorded over 300 species of birds in our area.

Preservation of the endangered manatee is a cause that has been adopted by the Citrus Springs area. The manatees come to our spring-fed rivers to escape the cooling waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters, fisherman and divers alike are surprised by the gentle friendliness of this large creature.

Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge - Experience the many wild life refuges and parks of this national refuge that is located in the southwest corner of Citrus County and has saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes fringed by hardwood swamps. Established in 1943 to protect endangered waterfowl, the refuge today also serves to protect the manatee. Accessible only by boat.

Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park - Located on Fishbowl drive off Highway 19, this park is a showcase for native Florida wildlife and endangered species. The complex includes manatee rehabilitation and educational programs, an underwater observatory in a freshwater spring, nature trails and wildlife park.

Withlacoochee State Forest - This 123,240-acre complex of natural woodlands is dotted with improved recreation areas. The terrain of the various tracts that make up the forest ranges from low, sandy hills that mark prehistoric ocean beaches to quiet, dark cypress swamps virtually bursting with animal and plant life.

Withlacoochee State Trail - A linear state park from Citrus Springs to Ridge Manor with hiking, biking, and horseback riding along an abandoned railroad corridor complete with mileage and whistle markers. Points of interest along the trail include the Inverness Depot and three parks.

Citrus Springs is also home to a variety of recreational activities. Citrus County has 22 miles of lakes, 7 rivers and a Gulf of Mexico coastline. Enhanced by our beautiful weather, individuals and families can golf (Citrus Springs has 2 championship courses, there are 14 in Citrus County), fish, snorkel, scuba dive, boat, sail, canoe, hike, bike, horseback ride, bird watch and more. Swim with a manatee in Homosassa or watch a magnificent sunset over Fort Island Beach in Crystal River.