Celebrating the Florida Mermaid Trail with its First Anniversary Festival
Have you made it to the Florida Mermaid Trail in the last year? If not, perhaps the best time to check it out is during… Read More
Author Archives: Diane Bedard
Diane Bedard's Articles
Chinsegut Hill Retreat Experience is Good for the Soul
Just five miles north of downtown Brooksville is a respite on a hill. A place where one can leave their troubles behind without breaking the… Read More
What’s Happening at Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park?
Homosassa’s Main Spring has been attracting visitors to marvel at its clarity and biodiversity for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. This amazing piece of… Read More
Paddlesport Enthusiasts Unite in New Port Richey
The Cotee River Kayakers Club began as an informal meet-up group for kayakers who enjoy paddling in and around the Cotee River in 2020. It… Read More
2020’s Top 6 NatureCoaster Stories – and our Award Winners
2020 started off with a bang in Florida’s Nature Coast – the Manatee Festival, the Kumquat Festival, the Brooksville Raid, Blues & BBQ Festival, the… Read More
Ten Reasons to Love Florida’s Nature Coast
Here are ten reasons we have to Love Florida’s Nature Coast. 1. Beautiful Surroundings2. Small Town Charm3. Abundant Waterways, both salt and fresh4. Interacting with… Read More
Giving Thanks 2020
As 2020 winds down and families are preparing for America’s biggest holidays, I wanted to just write you some encouragement. I am recovering from a… Read More
Brewing New Port Richey’s Craft Beer Culture
According to the Brewers Association, craft brewer sales now account for more than 25% of the $116.0 billion U.S. beer market. Florida ranks fifth in… Read More
Homosassa’s Riverfront Revival – part 2
New vibes are infiltrating the waterfront on both sides of Homosassa’s bountiful River. Foodies rejoice! Plan an overnight stay to indulge in fresh seafood, live… Read More
Homosassa’s Riverfront Revival – Part 1
With a world-renown fishing reputation, Old Homosassa has been a favorite vacation spot since the 1800s. Resorts and RV parks spring up over the years,… Read More
Bringing the Butterflies back to Dade City
Have you ever wondered what a garden club does? The Dade City Garden Club states it is dedicated to the education of its members and… Read More
Saving Crystal River
Crystal River was frequented by pre-Columbian Native people who enjoyed abundant fishing in the crystal-clear water. The cluster of 30+ springs in Kings Bay constitute… Read More
Zephyrhills, City of Pure Water, is a Great Place
Zephyrhills is a city in Pasco County, Florida, known for its pure water, rolling topography, gentle breezes, and senior population. It is a… Read More
Creating and Growing a Premium Restaurant
In 2014, Eric Gallery and Todd Smith came to Brooksville. They had lived in Tampa for years, Eric working in Customer Service Management and Todd… Read More
Brewing a Captivating Cup of Awesome
The Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters Story When James Cook was five years old, he would get up early every morning to make the coffee for… Read More
Mermaids Move to Brooksville to Create the Florida Mermaid Trail
On February 29, 2020, twenty-one mermaids “ventured outside the pristine waters of Weeki Wachee to visit Hernando County’s historic city of Brooksville.” according to… Read More
Welcome Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve wass created on June 29, 2020. This historic event protects about 800 square miles of coastal waters off Citrus, Hernando,… Read More
Inverness Depot Farmer’s Market Reopens June 20
In November of 2019, Inverness held a grand opening for its Depot District, a vision that was developed over several years… Read More
Brooksville’s Christmas on Main Street awarded STS Top 20 Designation
The Southeast Tourism Society just named Brooksville’s Christmas on Main Street: Annual Tree Lighting one of its STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for… Read More
Memorial Day and the Florida National Cemetery
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, commemorating the men and women who died while in the service of the U.S. military. Read More
Enjoying a Special Stay at The Dolan House
When you visit Florida’s Nature Coast, or a historic city like Brooksville, it is nice to stay in a historic location. It is even nicer… Read More
Entrepreneurial Inspiration, Nature Coast Style
What do you do when your livelihood is completely disrupted? Even with an emergency plan, many small businesses on Florida’s Nature Coast were unprepared for… Read More
Why I am not Worrying
It’s been about a month since the USA got serious about using isolation and social distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 and if I… Read More
Sharing Hope during COVID-19 Social Distancing
With COVID-19 and America’s attempt to “flatten the curve” through social distancing, churches, temples, and houses of worship have been forced to find ways of… Read More
Can You Get Farm Fresh Food during Florida’s COVID-19 Shutdown?
I love to pick blueberries on a farm. The fresh air and healthy, natural activity bring me a real sense of peace. The delicious results… Read More
New Monthly Column on Coping with Dementia to begin April 1
After working together for years to help Nature Coast residents and businesses become more aware of compassionate care techniques for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients,… Read More
Navigating the COVID-19 Nature Coast State of Emergency
What should one do in the Nature Coast State of Emergency? With nearly every public facility, event, and meeting being closed through the end of… Read More
Manatee Adventure by ‘Yak is Fabulous!
Kayak-based manatee experience adventures can start about 8:30 am – and even be scheduled throughout the day at Hunter Springs Kayaks in Crystal River… Read More
Art in the Park celebrates Creativity for all Ages March 14-15
The Hernando County Fine Arts Council invites you to the 36th Annual Art in the Park event on Saturday and Sunday, March 14-15 from 10… Read More
Discovering The White Heron Tea & Gifts
Walking up Grand Avenue, I am always entranced by the historic buildings in downtown New Port Richey. Across the street from the Richey Theater in… Read More