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is hard to believe, but the small hamlet of Floral City once had a
larger population than the City of Miami. Around 1900, the townsite was
the only railroad stop in Citrus County, offloading supplies and
workers for the numerous phosphate mines in the area. The "boom town"
era ended in the late 1920s, and Floral City has remained largely
unchanged in the years since. A quiet and peaceful drive through the
town is puncuated by the shaded canopy of trees lining Orange Avenue. |
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Two fun-filled days of arts,
crafts, games, contests,
prizes and delicious food are celebrated each year (normally the 1st weekend in March) during the Floral City
Strawberry Festival in Floral City. The primary focus of the event is the
celebration of strawberries -- by the berry, by the shortcake, by the flat or
covered in chocolate! Over 120 craft vendors (all work done by hand) offer an array of items to
please all areas of interest. Over 20 food vendors serve up appetizing
menus that range from seafood to ice cream and old -fashioned soda to tasty
BBQ! The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce also hosts a Stawberry
Princess Pageant during the festival, and craft vendors, fine-art artists and
food vendors dot the festival landscape, as well. |
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fishermen and boaters, Floral City is nothing short of paradise.
Numerous waterways carve their way through the area, and are
accessible from public boat ramps. The
spring-fed Rainbow River is renowned for its clarity and pleasant
72-degree year round temperature. Swimmers can relax on floats as the
river's gentle current carries them downstream. Boaters can enjoy the
quiet peace that hangs between the branches of hulking cypress trees
and gaze into the river's sparkling waters. Also nearby are the Crystal
River, Homosassa River, and Withlacoochee River. All of these offer
some of the best freshwater fishing in the state. And don't forget the
Gulf of Mexico along the coast where record-size tarpon have been
landed. |
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Great
shopping is just around the bend. Nearby Ocala offers a wide variety of
shopping opportunities. From shopping malls to antique boutiques to
anything in between, you're sure to find an entertaining way to spend
an afternoon. In addition, the area boasts countless restaurants.
Steakhouses, Japanese and Thai cuisine, fine Italian, Cajun, homestyle
and seafood, Chinese buffets, and cafes-it's all here! Or, head to
Crystal River for some of the freshest seafood around. A great meal,
combined with a relaxed ambiance, and a beautiful sunset in the
background make the perfect ending to the perfect day. |
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