Run the Neff Lake Monster at the Spring Lake Memorial Classic on May 29
In 2007, the idea to hold a foot race and fun run/walk in the beautiful area surrounding The Arc Nature Coast’s Neff Lake Campus was… Read More
Author Archives: Diane Bedard
Diane Bedard's Articles
Let’s Get Pickin’ and Grinnin’ during 2021 Blueberry Season
Picking blueberries throughout Florida’s Nature Coast is one of my favorite things to do. I look forward to April when the season starts and will… Read More
Watch out for Manatees on the Move
Please slow down and look out for manatees while boating in Florida this spring is a reminder from Florida’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission… Read More
Pigz in Z’hills BBQ & Blues Festival COVID Style to be a Smokin’ day of Fun
Drive-in or fly-in to the 11th Annual Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival COVID Style at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, located at 5200 Airport Road… Read More
Discover the Dragonflies of Florida’s Nature Coast
Dragonflies fascinate me. They seem to materialize out of nowhere and then disappear again. Occasionally, I would see one land on a stick or object… Read More
34th Annual Manatee Festival returns to Crystal River March 27-28
The Florida Manatee Festival returns to downtown Crystal River on Saturday and Sunday, March 27-28. Make your plans to attend now! The Florida Manatee Festival… Read More
Discovering the Florida Trail Book Review
Discovering the Florida Trail, A Photographic Journey along the Florida National Scenic Trail by Sandra Friend and John Keatley was published in October 2020. It… Read More
Insider’s Guide to the 2021 Kumquat Festival
Kumquats are fun to eat and the word kumquat is fun to say, so it stands to reason that the Kumquat Festival March 27 in… Read More
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
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