scavenger hunt
Activities, Features, Homosassa, Nature Coast Communities

Another Old Homosassa Update

Hey, I write things.  And now it’s time to update them!

First, the winners of the Scavenger Hunt sponsored by the Old Homosassa Heritage Council!

scavenger hunt
Waiting for the scavenger hunt racers!
Another Old Homosassa Update
Happy Hunters! Melinda Smith, 2nd place winner and Sue Cole, 1st place.
Another Old Homosassa Update
Marian MacRae OHHC chairperson on the left, Teri Reed, 3rd place winner, and Pam Phelps, chairperson of the Scavenger Hunt committee

Everyone that I talked to about the race thought it was FUN, FUN, FUN!

Now, on a more serious note.  Things that will make Old Homosassa better…..

The post I wrote about Old Homosassa Goes to Tallahassee back in April.  Both groups, “Access to the River” and “Homosassa River Restoration Project” got bills passed and money in the state budget.  Unfortunately, the governor vetoed the money for the restoration project.

Steve Minguy, president of the Homosassa River Restoration Project, is not giving up.  In an email to concerned residents, Steve thanked Senator Simpson and Representative Massullo for their support but the group is not waiting for next year to ask for money from the state.  They are staying active. He will be setting up a community meeting plus putting together a brochure.  In addition, he is looking for a “good grant writer”.

The “Access to the River” group fared better.  $850,000 was put in the budget for what is now being called the Homosassa Heritage Park and that made it past the governor’s veto pen!  But much more is needed to buy the property.
As a member of the “Access to the River” committee, I attended Citrus County Board of County Commissioner’s meeting Tuesday (June 13) to find out if the park would receive money from the BP Restore Funds.  I’ve attended a few of these meetings and there are several projects seeking that money.  Today’s meeting put the park at number two, behind the Crystal River Boardwalk project.

I’m disappointed.  The commissioners unanimously voted for Crystal River saying that the boardwalk idea has been discussed for 24 years!  The chairperson of our group, Roger Cullen, got up to say that Old Homosassa has been trying to get a park on the river for 70 years.

Anyhow, that’s where we are now.  I’ll update you as the park progresses–that’s what I’m here for!