Let me introduce to my home - Citrus County commonly referred to as the "Nature Coast".
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CITRUS COUNTY
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Welcome to the Nature Coast
Think Florida, and you no doubt will conjure up thoughts of dazzling white beaches, wind-blown palm trees and crashing surf. But there is one coast of Florida that is the antithesis of that vision, yet one whose designation most aptly fits. That is The Nature Coast-140 miles of a real, alluring and wildly mysterious bit of Florida that borders the Gulf of Mexico (north of Tampa Bay to just south of Tallahassee).
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Citrus County is a naturalist's paradise. A land of vast forest preserves wetlands with abundant wildlife, close off-shore islands that seemingly float on the clearest waters north of the Florida Keys and a number of world-class sparkling springs. So distinctive are these crystal-clear springs, they have been listed by SCUBA Diving magazine among the top 10 international spots.
Nearly 40% of Citrus County has been reserved by the state for recreation and conservation, insuring that the natural beauty, for the most part, has been virtually untouched. It is little wonder that The Nature Coast has become the vacation destination of so many who want to experience the original Florida.
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The other center of activity is dockside and on the rivers themselves. Fishermen try their luck, assisted by the ever-eager pelicans. It is also a favorite for bird watching. The panoramic view of the outlying islands provides a perfect setting for what the natives call the most beautiful sunset in the world.
The Citrus County is also manatee country. No visit to Florida is complete without a manatee encounter, and the mid-coastal area of The Nature Coast boasts the largest concentration of manatees in the state.
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Outdoor activities abound in Citrus County. It is sometimes referred to as the "Golf Coast" because of the number of outstanding golf courses. These are highlighted by the prestigious Black Diamond Ranch, Citrus Hills, and Pine Ridge Golf and County Club in Beverly Hills to just name a few. A fun fact is that there are more golf holes per capita in Citrus County than anywhere else in the United States.
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Weather
Citrus County's climate is temperate. Temperatures range from an average in winter of 60 degrees to a summer average of 82 degrees. The mean year around temperature is 70 degrees and the county gets about 45 inches of rainfall annually. The Gulf of Mexico contributes to an ideal climate with mild and dry winters and warm days and cool nights during the summer.
Recreation
The diversity of recreational opportunities and natural resources are two of Citrus County's most important location advantages over other areas in the state. Golfing, boating, canoeing, horse back riding, bicycling, nature study, hiking, scuba diving, fishing, and swimming are just a few of the activities enjoyed by residents. There are many possible cultural outings for Citrus County residents which includes the Homosassa Springs State Park, the Crystal River Archeological Site, the Playhouse 19 and the Rock Crusher Canyon.
Points of Interest
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