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Every second of every day, at least 100 cubic feet of water flow from an
underground source into the 45 ft. deep Homosassa Spring, amounting to more than
64 million gallons of water per day. The spring outflow creates Homosassa River,
a 9-mile waterway to the Gulf of Mexico through some of the most breathtaking
scenery in the world.
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The beauty of the Homosassa River was recognized by a group of New England
investors who obtained ownership of virtually all the land bordering the
Homosassa River in 1886. Successors to the owners began selling land to the
public in 1921, leading to the gradual growth of Homosassa as a fishing village
and a place of permanent residence. Travel in those early days was by stagecoach
from Ocala. The big, crystal clear spring always was a major tourist attraction, with
manatees—and the visitors who come to swim and snorkel with them—enjoying the
year-round 72 degree water, a combination of fresh and salt water fish and
countless waterfowl. A series of private businesses owned the property until
1984, when the Citrus County Commission bought the attraction. Today, Homosassa
Springs Wildlife State Park is owned by the State of Florida and managed by the
State Department of Environmental Protection. |
| There are really two “Homosassas.” The village of Homosassa
Springs is a developed area along a stretch of U.S. Highway 19, with a
selection of goods and services for permanent residents and passers-by. An
office of the Wildlife Park is the gateway to a most unique experience of
natural Florida, including a chamber where windows to the aquatic life give a
close-up view of manatees and fish. Homosassa (without
the “Springs”) is a village along the banks of the Homosassa River, offering
lodging, dining, guide services and some small town delights including seasonal
festivals and contests. A public school and a library serve a growing population
of permanent residents. |
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The
large, planned development of Sugarmill Woods is located south of
Homosassa, as well as several golf courses. Sugarmill Woods,
Southern Woods, and World Woods golf courses are all semi-private and
can be played virtually all year long.
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