Homosassa, Florida is a small fishing community in Citrus County. The population was 2,578 in the 2010 census. Old Homosassa is the historic area of Homosassa on both sides of the Homosassa River. There are several resorts, waterfront restaurants, fishing charters, scalloping charters, and two State Parks: the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins in Old Homosassa. There is a boat ramp to access Homosassa River at the end of West Yulee Drive, a boat parking area, and a Veterans Memorial in the Old Homosassa area. Florida Senator David W. Yulee lived in Homosassa until the Civil War.
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Nature Coast Dog Parks bring Joy
Is your Rottweiler rambunctious? Is your poodle depressed? Perhaps they just need to “paws” and reflect. Dogs put on a happy face for their owners, but experts say they are actually more vulnerable to mental or emotional stress than humans, triggering any number of physiological ailments. One method of… 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 Karst geography demonstrates one of the Nature Coast’s finest assets. “The fishbowl spring is about 35 feet deep, with three vents feeding it. Each vent… 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 music, and beachfront parties along Halls River Road and South Boulevard. This is the second part of our story about the positive change we are… 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, but Homosassa has always remained true to its roots with the strong sense of a community that has grown up along river. New vibes are… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
One cool fish that has shown up on the Big Bend is the triple tail. They are a good eating fish with a curious habit of hanging around buoys, floating grass and other structure. The minimum size is 18″ and one of that size is a good meal for a few… Read More
Enjoy Activities and Entertainment at West Citrus Community Center
West Citrus Community Center, located at 8940 W Veterans Dr, Homosassa, FL invites you to join them for live musical entertainment and other events during the month of April, including: Enjoy Activities and Entertainment at West Citrus Community Center Music by “Better Than Nothin” on the 1st Wednesday of each… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
A great week of fishing is on it’s way. Last week’s cold front helped by rewinding us back just a little to keep the spring fishing coming. There are two ways to find trout. One way is to fish the shallow rocks out at 8 feet with a MirrOlure… Read More
The Friends of the Community Centers Host Annual Lucky Number Auction
The Friends of the Community Centers announces their Annual Lucky Number Auction will be held Monday, March 29, 2021 through Friday, April 9, 2021. The Friends of the Community Centers Host Annual Lucky Number Auction Auction items will be available at three locations: Central Citrus Community Center, 2804 W. Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
We are looking at a week that is “between tides.” Between tides to me is when we have an incoming tide early morning and late evening, leaving most of the day as a outgoing or low tide. It’s easy fishing for some anglers because they will go out at the… Read More
Citrus County Parks and Recreation Brings “Rec and Roll” to Neighborhood Parks
Look out for Citrus County Parks and Recreation’s “Rec and Roll” truck in your local parks every Tuesday from April 6, 2021, to October 2021. Rec and Roll is a new mobile recreation program created to bring sports and games outside and directly to your neighborhood. Citrus County Parks and… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Being a full-time guide and on the water most of my life has helped me become a very good caster. Knowing how to cast is just as important as finding fish. Helping anglers learn to cast better is a big part of my job. In my line of work, nothing… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Easier winds to deal with is how the second half of this week will be. The first part included some super low tides with a northeast flow that was made for anglers in airboats or surface drives. Backcountry holes and deep creeks can be like fishing in a barrel if you can… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
We are looking at some classic nearshore fishing coming this March on the Big Bend. The waters around 6- to 10-feet with scattered structures can have more species of fish than a Sea World aquarium. There are pelagic species like Spanish mackerel, bluefish, pompano, and homebodies like big sea trout. The… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Looking at a week of warmer weather will improve the bite after a cold weekend. Anglers and boaters have asked me about the tides around Homosassa, especially when there is a high tide that never comes. With weak winter tides and a hard northeast wind, the tide goes from low to lower. Read More
Nature Coast Dog Parks bring Joy
Is your Rottweiler rambunctious? Is your poodle depressed? Perhaps they just need to “paws” and reflect. Dogs put on a happy face for their owners, but experts say they are actually more vulnerable to mental or emotional stress than humans, triggering any number of physiological ailments. One method of… Read More
Homosassa Inshore Fishing Report with Captain Toney
Looking at fast swimming hard fighting fish, there are two that are moving through the Big Bend right now. Any fish that has a V-shaped tail are known for their fast strikes and long runs. Spanish mackerel fit that bill and are showing up on the nearshore rocks and deep channels. Read More
Nestled in heavy forest between US 19 and the Gulf of Mexico is a magical area of Citrus County: Old Homosassa.
Watered by several spring fed rivers, Citrus County residents enjoy the area’s great natural beauty, small town charm and myriad of outdoor activities.
Homosassa is the home of the Yulee Sugar Mill State Park, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Monkey Island, and Old Homosassa. A delightful fishing village, Homosassa has been considered a sports lover’s paradise sine the early 1900s.
It was a destination for wealthy and prominent Americans such as Grover Cleveland, Thomas Edison, John Jacob Astor and Winslow Homer.
General resorts, B & Bs and RV parks make Old Homosassa a fun and easy weekend getaway for NatureCoasters™.
Not only are the land and sea beautiful and bountiful, but the people are also friendly and accomodating. There is great food, from pressed Cubans to fresh locally caught seafood, all-you-can-eat crab and Cajun delights at reasonable prices.
Several talented artists reside here, creating and selling their wares in quaint “cracker” homes converted to gift shops, studios and resort lobbies.
Potters, glass artists, copper sculptors, painters, and carvers seem to be drawn to this natural area with its abundance of native flora and fauna.
From the last part of June to the last partof September each year, you can go “scalloping” with a charter and hunt for these tasty morsels with a snorkel mask and a bag for your bounty.
The healthy seagrass beds of this area provide a home to Bay Scallops, a simple, delectable, aquatic bivalve. (See our feature article on Scalloping here!)
Fishing is plentiful on the Homosassa River, as are manatee sightings, kayaks, pontoons, and airboat rides.
Several big fishing tournaments are held in Homosassa throughout the year!
There is often live music on the weekends at several Old Homsassa locations, including MacRae’s Shed, the Florida Cracker Monkey Bar, and Crump’s Landing.
Oh, and did I forget to mention the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park?
For a small admission ($13) you will be treated to a boat ride down the river (canceled during COVID-19 precautions – check with the Park for current information), see manatees and a vortex of thousands of native Florida fish, bobcats, panthers, alligators, snakes, river otters and birds, birds, birds – including American Bald Eagles.
The whole community seems to volunteer at the Wildlfie Park, which adds to the warm feeling I get every time I visit. You will too.
Homosassa’s community is a joy to visit, so plan to take a little trip off the beaten path of US 19 and enjoy this thriving enclave today.
