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.
Citrus County, Nature Coasters, Public Information

Citrus County woman elected President of Alzheimer’s Family Organization Board of Directors

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Debbie Selsavage, of Inverness, has been elected to the position of President of the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Family Organization, based in Spring Hill, Florida. The Alzheimer’s Family Organization (AFO) is a charitable non-profit corporation that provides education, support, and services to caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and dementia in eight west-central … Continue reading Citrus County woman elected President of Alzheimer’s Family Organization Board of Directors →

Activities, Dade City, Features, Festivals & Events, Nature Coast Communities, Shopping

First Friday Brings Music to the Streets of Dade City

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June 2 kicks off summer’s First Friday, a date night of sorts featuring live music, store specials and a community atmosphere from 5-9 pm in Dade City. Downtown shopkeepers and restaurateurs are staying open late to bring some of the finest shopping and dining to NatureCoasters. Live music, in the form of street musicians throughout … Continue reading First Friday Brings Music to the Streets of Dade City →

Activities, Dade City, Festivals & Events, Music, Nature Coast Communities, Shopping

“Music, Mojitos & Margaritas” at Lori Anne’s June 2

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Street musicians will provide the backdrop for another fantastic, fun First Friday event. Join Lori Anne’s, at 14135 7th Street in downtown Dade City for “Music, Mojitos & Margaritas”. Live Music will be performed by the Amazing Acoustical Duet – Phase 111. Kathy, Tony and Daniel perform a variety of acoustic rock songs from the 1970s … Continue reading “Music, Mojitos & Margaritas” at Lori Anne’s June 2 →

Animals

Shelter Cat Sisters featured on Citrus Channel 16

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On May 24, Channel 16, local television channel, featured Deb Bloss, Leslie Ramalho, and Judy Swinson, from Citrus County Animal Services, and two very special guests, Callie and Sundae*, sister cats from our Meet the Match Cat Room, as part of their morning programming. During the television interview, Mary Lee Johnson with Snippet was thanked … Continue reading Shelter Cat Sisters featured on Citrus Channel 16 →

Activities, Fishing, Homosassa

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney

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Looking ahead to a great Memorial Weekend of fishing and family fun. The weather should be pleasant and nice. For good action head to the waters west of the Homosassa and Crystal River channels to fish the structures in 8 to 12 feet of water. Patchy bottom with sponge, sand and rocks will produce sea … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney →

Public Information

Government Closings for Memorial Day

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Hello NatureCoasters! I have received several notices from area governmental agencies that they will be closed on Monday, May 29 for Memorial Day. Many citizens and businesses will have alternate trash pickup. Schools will be closed. Some public transportation will not be running. Simply put, take the day off. Take time to honor of those … Continue reading Government Closings for Memorial Day →

Brooksville, Education

Hernando Historical Preservation Society features Steve Rinck 6/1

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The Historic Hernando Preservation Society it pleased to welcome HHPS member Steve Rinck as our guest speaker at the June 2017 meeting. Mr. Rinck will portray the character of Paddington McCormick, an Irish immigrant who joined the U.S. Infrantry in 1835.  Paddy’s company traveled to the wilderness of central Florida Territory to force the Seminoles out to Oklahoma, and … Continue reading Hernando Historical Preservation Society features Steve Rinck 6/1 →

Education, Lecanto

Nature Coast Volunteer Center Schedules Special Needs Call Down Drill

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The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a program of the Nature Coast Volunteer Center (NCVC) is hosting a Special Needs Call-Down Drill. It will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The training exercise is being sponsored in partnership with Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Section. NCVC, … Continue reading Nature Coast Volunteer Center Schedules Special Needs Call Down Drill →

Hernando County, Public Information

Hernando County Burn Ban Lifted

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The Hernando County Board of County Commissioners has allowed the temporary countywide burn ban to expire as of May 23, 2017. The recommendation came from Deputy Chief Kevin Carroll after consultation with the Florida Forest Service and based on the recent rains and the improvement in the Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Hernando County. … Continue reading Hernando County Burn Ban Lifted →

Citrus County, Public Information

Citrus County Seeking Participants for Required Lead and Copper Testing

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The County is required to obtain no less than thirty residential samples in the Charles A. Black, Citrus Springs-Pine Ridge, and Sugarmill Woods PWS during this year’s sampling event, which will take place during the month of June.  These samples are collected to determine the contribution of faucet fixtures and household plumbing and/or solder to … Continue reading Citrus County Seeking Participants for Required Lead and Copper Testing →

Agriculture, Brooksville

Blackberries come in early at Bramble Creek

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Ann and Gene Altman opened their well-established blackberry farm early this year, due to the weather. For local blackberry lovers, this is good news – Tuesday evenings from 5 – 8pm, you can pick your fill of huge, delicious, thornless blackberries at 23031 Hayman Road, Brooksville, Florida 34602. They are also open on Saturday mornings … Continue reading Blackberries come in early at Bramble Creek →

Awards, Brooksville, Public Information

Brooksville Seeks Nominations for this year’s Great Brooksvillian Award

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The City of Brooksville is now seeking nominations for the 2017 “Great Brooksvillian” Award. This annual program recognizes the outstanding men and women who have made significant positive contributions to the history, culture and/or economy of our great community. Each year the Brooksville City Council will make a selection from the nominees. A perpetual plaque … Continue reading Brooksville Seeks Nominations for this year’s Great Brooksvillian Award →

Awards, Citrus County

Spring 2017 Citrus Citizens Academy Graduates Celebrated

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The 2017 Spring Citizens Academy Graduation Event was held in the Board of County Commissioners Chambers at the Citrus County Courthouse on Thursday, May 18. In attendance were Commissioner Ron Kitchen and County Administrator Randy Oliver, who both congratulated the participants and thanked them for spending time learning more about local government. Graduates recognized at … Continue reading Spring 2017 Citrus Citizens Academy Graduates Celebrated →

Activities, Nature, New Port Richey, Parks

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park to Reopen May 20

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County Park to reopen with limited access on trails Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park will reopen this Saturday, May 20, 2017, although sections of many trails still remain off limits. The park was closed for safety concerns and to provide access to firefighters dealing with the recent wildfire. Here is the latest information from the … Continue reading Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park to Reopen May 20 →

Citrus County, Education, Lecanto

Free First Time Homebuyer’s Class offered in June

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Citrus County Housing Services is offering a free First Time Homebuyer’s class which is being conducted by the University of Florida/IFAS Extension Citrus County office. Participants, who attend the entire program, will receive a Certificate of Completion which is valid for two (2) years and is required for first time homebuyer assistance programs. These classes … Continue reading Free First Time Homebuyer’s Class offered in June →

Agriculture, Masaryktown

Upicktopia Masaryktown Farm Update

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Come out to the farm and get fresh produce without the work. This weeks harvest includes Gladiola Flowers, Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Italian Broad Beans, Cukes, Eggplants and more! See the image below for a complete list of Upicktopia’s available produce and pricing. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9am to 6pm 19125 Phillips Rd. in Masaryktown, Florida … Continue reading Upicktopia Masaryktown Farm Update →

Awards, Inverness, Nature Coast Communities, Public Information

Woman’s Club of Inverness is Recognized on its 100th Anniversary

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May 9, 2017 was the 100 year anniversary of the General Federation of Woman’s Club of Inverness (GFWC). The GFWC Woman’s Club of Inverness has been working for the betterment of Citrus County since 1917 and has been responsible for many educational firsts in Citrus County including the establishment of the first library and Parent … Continue reading Woman’s Club of Inverness is Recognized on its 100th Anniversary →

Darby, Shopping

Darby Harvest Community Sale and Market May 27

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We are a friendly outdoor market located in some of Dade City’s prettiest countryside. This is a free event for all where you can enjoy a delicious lunch from Two Stax Grill BBQ and shop with our great vendors. You can expect to find LuLaRo clothing, Faire Soaps,  handmade jewelry, Origami Owl jewelry, pallet and … Continue reading Darby Harvest Community Sale and Market May 27 →

Activities, Adventures, Bayport, Features, Hernando Beach, Hernando County, Nature, Parks, Sports

Paddling Adventure for NatureCoasters: Blazing a new Trail

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Kayaking and canoeing are peaceful ways of interacting with nature on the water and getting healthy exercise, without getting too wet. Florida’s Adventure Coast (Hernando County) recently opened a new paddling trail from Bayport Park to Linda Pedersen Park to  give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy what makes Florida’s Nature Coast such a … Continue reading Paddling Adventure for NatureCoasters: Blazing a new Trail →

Activities, Animals, Festivals & Events, Land O'Lakes

WoofStock May 20 benefits Pasco Animal Services

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Pasco County Animal Services will hold the Third Annual WoofStock Saturday, May 20! We will have live bands, kids’ crafts, pony rides, vendors, food, wine tastings and more! The funds raised will go toward the care of sick or injured animals that come into the shelter. This annual fundraising event will occur from 11:00AM – … Continue reading WoofStock May 20 benefits Pasco Animal Services →

Activities, Fishing, Homosassa

Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney

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Looking at the warm week ahead, after the much needed rain this past Saturday, fishing patterns will be shifting into a new gear. Tarpon are showing up south of Homosassa and on the outer bars west of Crystal River. Cobia are still loitering around markers, structure and rock piles  north of the Homosassa channel and … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney →

Agriculture, New Port Richey

New Port Richey FarmNet to open Farmer’s Market 6/3

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New Port Richey FarmNet will open a new farmer’s market at the West Pasco Habitat for Humanity (4131 Madison, New Port Richey, 34652). Official opening is Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market will also be online, with ordering throughout the week and pick up on Saturdays. This is a great … Continue reading New Port Richey FarmNet to open Farmer’s Market 6/3 →

Activities, Agriculture, Brooksville

JG Ranch May Update: Sweet Corn, Berries & More

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It’s May and we have a little over 2 months left for this season.  Jeff has all ready started working up the strawberry beds and putting in a new irrigation/sprinkler system.  Forty thousand plants have been ordered for October 1st delivery and we are looking for a pre-Thanksgiving strawberry opening. Sweet corn is now available … Continue reading JG Ranch May Update: Sweet Corn, Berries & More →

Activities, Pasco County

Pasco celebrates Bike to Work Day 5/19

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In an effort to showcase the benefits of biking and to encourage more people to give biking a try, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) declares the month of May, 2017 as Bike Month. Pasco County is also declaring the third week in May as Bike to Work Week. Friday, May 19, 2017 will … Continue reading Pasco celebrates Bike to Work Day 5/19 →

Activities, Art, Brooksville, Theater

Live Oak Theatre Summer Camp Registration is now online

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Parents may now register their children and pay directly online for the L:ive Oak Theatre Performing Arts Summer Camp.  Simply go to www.LiveOakTheatre.org and click on the button “SUMMER CAMP” for instructions about how to register and pay. Due to the success of Live Oak Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz, enrollment in its … Continue reading Live Oak Theatre Summer Camp Registration is now online →

Activities, Citrus County, Public Information

Students Find Leaky Toilets

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In celebration of the EPA’s “We’re for Water” initiative, Citrus County Utilities challenged 3rd, 4th and 5th grade classrooms to test home toilets for leaks in the third annual Classroom Leak Detection Challenge.  Twenty-nine classes from six schools tested 593 toilets using dye tablets provided by the utility. “The students were surprised to learn that … Continue reading Students Find Leaky Toilets →

Awards, Charity, Hernando County

Apply now for a $5,000 Community Outreach Grant—deadline June 30

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Hernando County Government has opened its application period for the 2018 Community Outreach Grant program. Organizations may apply for a $5,000 grant to implement a project that will enhance our community’s character, value, safety, environment or recreational opportunities. Applications are due June 30, 2017. Go to www.HernandoCounty.us/bocc/budget/communitygrants.htm to apply or to learn more about the … Continue reading Apply now for a $5,000 Community Outreach Grant—deadline June 30 →

Hernando County, Public Information, Spring Hill

Quality Drive Sidewalk Ribbon Cutting Monday 5/15

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A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Monday, May 15, 2017, at 10 a.m. for the recently completed Quality Drive sidewalk project. The event will take place at the Vista Grand Retirement Community located at 10380 Quality Dr. in Spring Hill. A short reception will follow. Please enter from the Medical Blvd. entrance on the east … Continue reading Quality Drive Sidewalk Ribbon Cutting Monday 5/15 →

Activities, Art, Dade City

Makers & Shakers to Open Maker Space May 16

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Makers & Shakers is happy to announce the beginning of our second phase. Now that the Marketplace is nearly full with vendors displaying their wares for sale, we are ready to launch our Maker Space. An Artisan’s Asylum (3A) Come learn about how Makers & Shakers is creating an  artisan community in Dade City. We are … Continue reading Makers & Shakers to Open Maker Space May 16 →

Citrus County, Education

Senior Legal Issues Information Session Offered

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To celebrate Older Americans Month, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida are partnering to provide an information session to Citrus County seniors on an array of legal issues. The event will take place on Thursday, May 25 at 1:00pm at the Central Citrus Community Center, 2804 W. Marc Knighton … Continue reading Senior Legal Issues Information Session Offered →