Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park held a graduation for twenty-four 11 and 12 year-olds who took part in July’s Wildlife Ranger Camp. This group of young people learned about Florida’s wildlife, enjoying hands-on activities and learning experiences. Camp topics included mammals, birds, reptiles, manatees, the … Continue reading Wildlife Ranger camp graduates 24 Junior Rangers
Due to drainage construction work, traffic has been shifted on US 19 (Suncoast Boulevard) near W. Homosassa Trail. As a result, the southbound US 19 left turn onto eastbound Homosassa Trail is now temporarily closed. Homosassa Trail on the west side of US 19 is also temporarily closed to all traffic. Drivers going to the … Continue reading Temporary traffic changes at US 19 and Homosassa Trail intersection
To try to describe this rain filled weekend, and half way through the week that would be that we need the water. I can remember, when I was young, fishing in ditches or retention ponds (in Citrus County). Most of them had bass and breambut now they are nothing but grassy embankments. I believe that … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Okay, let’s talk about Old Homosassa in July….and August…..and even September. It’s scallop season! Such a fun time in Old Homosassa for all those that get out into the Gulf and scoop those future delicious morsels out of the sea grass. Also a boon for our local businesses which is a very good thing for … Continue reading Old Homosassa in July
What I enjoy about snorkeling for scallops is the underwater solitude and being in a environment that is free and clear of the topside world. Maybe I’m the only one but highly doubt it, I’ll start with some Red Hot Chili Pepper’s in my head ( Love Under The Bridge ) then some Bob Marley … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will be focusing on the threatened Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), our national bird, during the month of July. Educational exhibits about the Bald eagle will be on display in the Park’s Visitor Center and Discovery Center throughout July. Three mature Bald eagles; Spirit, Homosassa and Summer; an immature … Continue reading Bald Eagles Featured at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for July
The beginning of the 2017 scallop season is a reminder that folks love the Nature Coast and come to Citrus County to collect their limits of tasty scallops. It would be silly to try to tell you the best area to go because the amount of boats north of the Homosassa channel should be the … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
We must talk and discuss the very important Saturday coming up. The first day of scallop season for Citrus County and the Nature Coast is July 1. Many folks have ask me where are they at? All I can say is that I have not snorkeled in the water or have seen any with my … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney – Scalloping too
Very excited to report that Old Homosassa has a new class starting in July that is open to the public. Yoga 101! The Homosassa Civic Club has asked Tiffany Beck of “Yoga at Tiffany’s”, a certified yoga teacher, to lead the yoga class. The first session will be on Saturday, July 8th at 10 am … Continue reading Yoga 101 — New Class at the Homosassa Civic Club
Join your friends and neighbors at West Citrus Community Center to enjoy the swinging music and dancing! West Citrus Community Center is hosting a dance and concert featuring the Citrus Community Swing Band, July 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. until they can’t swing anymore! The event is free (donations are encouraged), and open to the … Continue reading Citrus Community Swing Band to perform 7/3
Not much of a change from last weeks report except that we have had some much needed rain and overcast cool conditions. The snook bite has been very good on the incoming, and first part of the outgoing tide. Start just a few keys back from the outside edge on incoming tide with Eppinger Rex … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
It’s hot! It’s sticky! It’s humid! (Well, it’s been that way for the past month but now officially) IT’S SUMMER! Hot and sticky and humid does not stop the fun in Old Homosassa! And the summertime fun starts this weekend with the 19th Homosassa River Fireworks Festival & Poker Run hosted by MacRae’s of Homosassa … Continue reading Sum-Sum-Summertime in Old Homosassa
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! 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 … Continue reading Another Old Homosassa Update
The over cast conditions can make it hard for sight casting rolling tarpon but south of the Homosassa River the season is doing very well with anglers of all rods ( fly & spin ) catching plenty of fish. Expect the tarpon to be around till scallop season starting in July. Good baits for the … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will be focusing on Florida’s Black bears during the month of June. There will be displays and hands-on activities in the Visitor Center and in the Discovery Center throughout the month. A special program is planned on the theme of Black bears on Thursday, June 15, 2017. The … Continue reading Learn About Black Bears at the Wildlife Park in June
With the rain cooled waters look for a good bite this weekend. The red fishing has been very good on the incoming high tides and on the outside keys up to a few keys towards the east. Live shrimp and pinfish are the choice baits. A few trout are in the shallow flats and if … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
So happy to announce that Jessica MacRae is the summer coordinator at the Old Homosassa Learning Center this year. Jessica currently teaches Freshman English at Crystal River High School and is taking on this role during her summer break. The 8-week summer program started on Monday, June 5th, and the last day is July 28th. (Closed … Continue reading Old Homosassa Learning Center’s Summer Program
It’s HOT! Right? But that doesn’t stop the Old Homosassa community! We have stuff to do! And all of you NatureCoasters are invited to join in! First up, put Wednesday June 7th on your calendar for “Paint for Paws” at Watson’s Art Gallery. The class will be held at two different times, 12:00 – 3:00 … Continue reading Old Homosassa Events in June
Join your friends and neighbors at West Citrus Community Center to enjoy the swinging music and dancing! West Citrus Community Center is hosting a dance and concert featuring the Citrus Community Swing Band, June 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. until they can’t swing anymore! The event is free (donations are encouraged), and open to the … Continue reading Citrus Community Swing Band to perform 6/13
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park will offer special activities to remember and honor all who served our Country. Volunteer Carla Nicklas is coordinating this event. Volunteers will be collecting items for the Mission in Citrus Homeless Veterans Shelter in Inverness, Florida. They need the following items: toilet … Continue reading Memorial Day activities at the Wildlife Park
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
I’ve been writing here on NatureCoaster.com for two months now! Started on March 28 and it’ already late May with sum-sum-summer time right around the corner! Thought I’d take today to give a few updates from my previous posts…. First, the Fishing Homosassa 101 seminar was a great success! Eager guests started arriving at 5:30 pm for … Continue reading An Update from Old Homosassa
A young male manatee was rescued by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) on February 20, 2017. He was found at Three Sisters Spring in Crystal River. The manatee was suffering from cold stress injuries and was underweight. FWC brought him to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park for treatment and rehabilitation. … Continue reading Manatee Successfully Rehabbed and Released
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
If you have been looking for a place to “jam”, this is the post for you! I play the banjo. I know, crazy right? Really crazy because I’ve never been a big fan of bluegrass! And still wonder why I bought a banjo. (Possibly the influence of Mumford & Sons, Kermit the Frog, and Steve Martin rather … Continue reading Jamming on the West Side of Citrus County
The public is invited to join the Board of Citrus County Commissioners for a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the South West Regional Water Reclamation Facility (SWRWRF) on Tuesday, May 23 at 9:00am at 5040 W Oak Park Blvd, Homosassa, Florida 34446-6802.No RSVP is needed to attend. The South West Regional Water Reclamation Facility (SWRWRF) is an … Continue reading Groundbreaking Ceremony for the South West Regional Water Reclamation Facility
Winds, full moon, and all the weather has made me work for fish this week. Trout are scattered from the bars west of Fort Island Beach, south at Crawl Key in Chassahowitzka, and deep 2.5 miles past Homosassa marker #2. The best way to put some in the box: if the anglers on board catch … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
The Homosassa Civic Club is very excited to announce a new seminar in their Adult Learning Series. Captain William Toney will be presenting Fishing Homosassa 101 at the Old Homosassa Learning Center at 10950 W. Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa–right across the street from the Homosassa Elementary School–on Thursday, May 18th at 7 pm. This is a … Continue reading Fishing Homosassa 101
As the flats warm up, look for trout more in open water. I have still been catching a few on the rocky points, but more action can be found in the 3 to 5 foot range west of St. Martins Keys. Live bottom is holding larger trout then the turtle grass. The best bait has … Continue reading Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has announced periodic lane closures may take place in both directions of US 19 from W. Green Acres Street to S. Jump Court between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Friday through Saturday (April 28 – May 6) nights. At least one lane will remain open in each direction during the … Continue reading Periodic night lane closures on US 19 in Homosassa Springs 4/28-5/6
