All posts by Florida's Original NatureCoaster™

Diane Bedard is Florida's Original NatureCoaster™. She published a comprehensive visitor guide to Citrus, Hernando & Pasco Counties from 2004 - 2010, and began NatureCoaster.com in 2014 to help visitors and residents find the best this area has to offer. Diane writes feature articles for NatureCoaster.com, as well as the Hernando Times, Pasco Times, and Hernando Sun. Her work can also be seen on CyberAngler and Gems of the Nature Coast, as well as Authentic Florida.com. Diane is available to speak on Nature Coast topics and welcomes ideas for new articles about the area.
Activities, Art, Hernando Beach, Hernando County, Public Information

New Firehouse Program brings Awareness and Community Pride

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Hernando County Fire Rescue (HCFR) has recently kicked-off its new Community Firehouse Initiative designed to engage the neighborhoods in which it serves. This program aims to raise awareness about public safety and create opportunities for residents and emergency responders to work together on local projects that result in community pride. The first of these projects … Continue reading New Firehouse Program brings Awareness and Community Pride →

Activities, Animals, Education, Homosassa, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Wildlife Park to Present two Eclipse Programs Aug. 20

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Park volunteer Elizibeth DeMonte invites you to learn some fun and interesting facts about solar eclipses. She will present two programs on Sunday, August 20, 2017, one will be held at 11:00 am with another at 2:00 pm. Both programs will be held in the Florida Room of the park’s Visitor Center located on US … Continue reading Wildlife Park to Present two Eclipse Programs Aug. 20 →

Animals, Citrus County, Features, Hernando County, Nature

Are the Chassahowitzka (Chazz) Bears OK?

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 Chazz Bears are dangerously Isolated The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge on Florida’s Nature Coast was established in 1943 as a winter preserve for migratory water birds. Today, over 31,000 acres are protected and managed by several federal, state and local government agencies with the goal of offering migrating and wintering water birds a place to … Continue reading Are the Chassahowitzka (Chazz) Bears OK? →

Activities, Awards, Nature, Public Information

The Tampa Bay Conservancy Earns National Recognition

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Strong Commitment to Public Trust and Conservation Excellence At a time of political change, one thing is clear and consistent: Americans strongly support saving the open spaces they love. Since 2001, the Tampa Bay Conservancy (TBC) has been doing just that for the people of the Tampa Bay area.  Now, the Tampa Bay Conservancy announced … Continue reading The Tampa Bay Conservancy Earns National Recognition →

Activities, Dade City, Festivals & Events

2018 Kumquat Festival Offering Sponsorship Opportunities

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The Pasco County area Kumquat Festival – an event of regional impact for the Tampa Bay area – winner of the Southeast Tourism Society “Top20 Event” and the Pasco County “Event of the Year” is offering sponsorships for their 2018 event. As many as 35,000 people attend this one day event every year, with over … Continue reading 2018 Kumquat Festival Offering Sponsorship Opportunities →

Awards, Pasco County, Public Information

Pasco students recognized for Water Conservation Contest

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Contest proves water resource management is elementary A joint team from Pasco County Utilities and the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) has inspired local students each year to protect water resources through the annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. The Pasco County Board of County Commissioners recognized students who took part in the 8th Annual Water … Continue reading Pasco students recognized for Water Conservation Contest →

Awards, Nature Coast Communities, Pasco County, Public Information

Pasco County Recycling receives Award

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Newspaper in Education insert won Honorable Mention in national contest Pasco County Recycling and Education in partnership with the Tampa Bay Times and the Pasco County School Board won an Honorable Mention in the National Newspaper Association “Newspaper and Education” contest for their work on the insert Pasco Recycling 2017: Make every day Earth Day. … Continue reading Pasco County Recycling receives Award →

Awards, Pasco County, Public Information

Wells Fargo Foundation donates $10k to Pasco EDC Microloan Program

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Loan applications now being accepted from entrepreneurs to launch and grow Pasco County businesses The Wells Fargo Foundation has made a donation of $10,000 toward the Pasco Economic Development Council, Inc.’s microloan fund to help small business growth in Pasco County. “We are thrilled to be able to support organizations like the Pasco Economic Development … Continue reading Wells Fargo Foundation donates $10k to Pasco EDC Microloan Program →

Activities, Fishing, Homosassa

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney

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For those anglers who can take the heat, some of the best inshore mangrove snapper fishing can be had on live hard bottom and rock piles. Although these inshore mangroves are not their big brothers, further off shore, in deeper waters, they can provide a spirited fight on light tackle and excellent table fare. Most … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney →

Activities, Adventures, Animals, Brooksville, Chinsegut Conservation Center, Education, Nature

Chinsegut Conservation Center Nature Programs for September

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Chisnegut Conservation Center is located 7 miles north of Brooksville, and covers 408 of the 850 acres comprising Chinsegut Wildlife and Environmental Area (WEA). The Conservation center has regular nature programs and is the only educational facility operated by the Commission’s Office of Public Access and Wildlife Viewing. September 1st 7:30 PM                     Night Hike: As … Continue reading Chinsegut Conservation Center Nature Programs for September →

Nature Coast Communities

Pasco County Extension Classes for September

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BEGONIAS #101 Tuesday, September 5, 2017, – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm – Hudson Library, 8012 Library Rd, Hudson, FL.   Learn about the various types of begonias and how to plant, propagate, and care for these beautiful plants at this FREE UF/IFAS Pasco Extension seminar. Registration Required:  Begonias #101 WATER GARDENING Tuesday, September 5, 2017,, … Continue reading Pasco County Extension Classes for September →

Animals, Pasco County, Public Information

Join PCAS for a Nationwide Pet Adoption Event!

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Pet Adopt-A-Thon set for Saturday, August 19 The Pasco County Animal Services Department (PCAS) shelter is filled with adorable – and adoptable – cats and dogs. The summer months bring in more strays than average and PCAS needs to find these great pets their forever homes. PCAS is joining NBC, Telemundo, and nearly 700 shelters … Continue reading Join PCAS for a Nationwide Pet Adoption Event! →

Citrus County, Public Information

Road construction Debris will be Recycled and Repurposed

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Nothing is going to waste during the CR491 road widening project, officially named; County Road 491 Phase I Roadway and Regional Storm Water and Utility Improvements Project.  Thanks to project contractor Commercial Industrial Corporation (CIC) the project has become a “best practices” for construction debris repurposing. During demolition of the vacant Circle K at the … Continue reading Road construction Debris will be Recycled and Repurposed →

Animals, Homosassa, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Butterfly Presentation at the Wildlife Park August 24

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Jeff Rundell, a Park Volunteer and retired biology teacher will give a special program on “The Hidden Lives of Butterflies, Moths, and other characters with more than four legs” on Thursday, August 24, 2017, starting at 1:00 pm in the Florida Room at the park’s main entrance and Visitor Center located on US 19. Rundell … Continue reading Butterfly Presentation at the Wildlife Park August 24 →

Nature Coast Communities

Taste of Trinity set for Sept. 9

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Trinity’s 9th Annual food tasting fundraiser to benefit Seven Springs Middle Schools will also include business expo Promising lots of family fun along with stage music, a bounce house and delicious food and desserts, the 9th annual Taste of Trinity takes place at Seven Springs Middle School (SSMS – 2441 Little Rd.) in New Port Richey … Continue reading Taste of Trinity set for Sept. 9 →

Pasco County, Public Information, Zephyrhills

Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore adds Off-site Hours

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Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore is adding off-site office hours to make it easier for citizens to meet with him. Citizens who wish to meet directly with Commissioner Moore should contact his Executive Assistant, Terry Ewing-Chow at 352.521.4111 Ext. 4682 to schedule a meeting. Commissioner Mike Moore’s off-site hours Thursday, September 7, 2017 from 11 … Continue reading Pasco Commissioner Mike Moore adds Off-site Hours →

Activities, Adventures, Fishing, Nature

Catch a Florida (Fishing) Memory with 10-year-old Katlyn Paul

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Summer may be coming to a close, but for 10-year-old Katlyn Paul, this summer was one she’ll never forget. Katlyn submitted 10 different species to the 71-species Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Saltwater Fish Life List, one of three of our Catch a Florida Memory Saltwater Recognition programs. This qualified her for the … Continue reading Catch a Florida (Fishing) Memory with 10-year-old Katlyn Paul →

Pasco County, Public Information

Pasco County Libraries’ book reuse program tops $25,000

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Better World Books reuses books, donates to Friends of the Library Pasco County Libraries is pleased to announce its partnership with Better World Books has resulted in more than $25,000 in donations to Friends of the Pasco County Library System! Pasco County Libraries has been partnering with Better World Books since 2005 as an outlet … Continue reading Pasco County Libraries’ book reuse program tops $25,000 →

Activities, Citrus County, Hernando County, Volunteer

Guardian adLitem Program Seeks Volunteers

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The Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is currently in desperate need of volunteers to be advocates for abused, neglected or abandoned children whose cases are in the court system. A GAL is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advocate on behalf of a child. The GAL becomes familiar with the child’s case and … Continue reading Guardian adLitem Program Seeks Volunteers →

Activities, Charity, Festivals & Events, History, New Port Richey

Social Event to be Held at the Historic Hacienda Hotel on August 26th

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Evening fundraiser will support the restoration of historic New Port Richey landmark An exquisite evening is being held by the Friends of the Hacienda and Historic New Port Richey (FOHH) to help raise funds for the restoration of the historic Hacienda Hotel. The August 26 event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. inside the main … Continue reading Social Event to be Held at the Historic Hacienda Hotel on August 26th →

Land O'Lakes, Parks, Public Information

Land O’ Lakes Heritage Stage Grand Opening Aug. 17

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Official ribbon cutting for the new LOL Community Center The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources Department will be holding a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony to dedicate a new performing arts stage in Pasco County. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 11 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Community … Continue reading Land O’ Lakes Heritage Stage Grand Opening Aug. 17 →

Activities, Adventures, Crystal River, Features, Nature Coast Communities

Charming Crystal River

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(Feature image courtesy of The Cutting Edge Photography.) Crystal River is situated around Kings Bay, which is spring-fed by a cluster of more than 30 springs, designated as a first-magnitude system. Because the water stays a constant 72 degrees, this area is a popular area for West Indian manatees to winter in. Incorporated in 1903, … Continue reading Charming Crystal River →

Activities, Dade City, Public Information

Pasco MPO Open House for Withlacoochee State Trail Connector August 10

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The Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is holding a Public Information Open House for the Withlacoochee State Trail Connector Planning Study on Thursday, August 10, 2017 starting at 6 p.m. The event will take place at the Historic Pasco County Courthouse in Dade City. The study will identify the preferred trail alignment alternative to … Continue reading Pasco MPO Open House for Withlacoochee State Trail Connector August 10 →

Animals, Pasco County, Public Information

Pasco County Animal Services Introduces SNIP!

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Animal Services is now offering low cost spay/neuter and TNVR To help reduce the number of stray and feral animals, the Pasco County Animal Services Department (PCAS) has introduced the SNIP Program, or Spay/Neuter in Pasco. As the stray population grows, animal shelters struggle to find all of them homes, and many are euthanized. The … Continue reading Pasco County Animal Services Introduces SNIP! →

Nature Coast Communities

Jaimie Ross to speak at Housing and Community Development Summit Aug. 21

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Triennial event to discuss Pasco’s housing and neighborhood needs Jaimie Ross, President and CEO of the Florida Housing Coalition, will present a statewide perspective on the State’s affordable housing situation at the fifth Housing and Community Development Summit presented by the Pasco County Community Development Department. The Summit brings together local experts and hosts panel … Continue reading Jaimie Ross to speak at Housing and Community Development Summit Aug. 21 →

Activities, Weeki Wachee, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Buccaneer Bay moves to Weekends only August 14

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Buccaneer Bay hours move to the Fall schedule. Beginning August 14, the water slides will be open only on Saturday and Sunday through October 1, 2017 — when the slides will close for the winter season. Buccaneer Bay is open for swimming year-round. Children age 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at … Continue reading Buccaneer Bay moves to Weekends only August 14 →

Activities, Inverness

Tickets on sale for Glen Campbell documentary at Valerie Theatre

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Tickets are now on sale for two showings of “I’ll Be Me,” at the historic Valerie Theatre at 207 Courthouse Square in Inverness, Florida. “I’ll Be Me” is the acclaimed documentary of singer Glen Campbell’s struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease during his 2012 farewell concert tour in Australia, Europe, and the United States.  Staring Campbell and … Continue reading Tickets on sale for Glen Campbell documentary at Valerie Theatre →

Activities, Fishing, Homosassa

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney

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This week has been a big push in red fish and expect the same through out the month of August. The full moon tides helped bring the red fish together to start the fall schooling that begins they’re spawning cycle. The Citrus county coast line has many points, bays, creeks and keys that can be … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney →

Nature Coast Communities, Pasco County, Volunteer

Take part in Pasco County’s Coastal Cleanup Sept. 16!

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Help prevent trash from reaching our waterways Pasco County is partnering with Keep Pasco Beautiful in an effort to help clean up our roads and waterways. The annual International Coastal Cleanup will be held throughout Pasco County on Saturday, September 16, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. “Last year the turnout was amazing with … Continue reading Take part in Pasco County’s Coastal Cleanup Sept. 16! →

Citrus County, Hernando County, Lecanto, Nature Coast Communities, Public Information

Hernando/Citrus MPO Meeting Aug. 15

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The Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at the Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Room 166, Lecanto, Florida. Items scheduled on the agenda include, but are not limited to: Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Administrative Amendment Authority and Roll Forward Amendment … Continue reading Hernando/Citrus MPO Meeting Aug. 15 →