Community News
Real Estate News 2015:
—National Foreclosure Inventory Down 25.7 Percent Year Over Year—
CoreLogic® (NYSE: CLGX), a leading global property information, analytics and data-enabled services provider, today released its March 2015 National Foreclosure Report which shows that the foreclosure inventory declined by 25.7 percent and completed foreclosures declined by 15.5 percent from March 2014. There were 41,000 completed foreclosures nationwide in March 2015, down from 48,000 in March 2014, representing a decrease of 65.2 percent from the peak of completed foreclosures in September 2010, according to CoreLogic data.
Completed foreclosures are an indication of the total number of homes actually lost to foreclosure. Since the financial crisis began in September 2008, there have been approximately 5.6 million completed foreclosures across the country, and since homeownership rates peaked in the second quarter of 2004, there have been approximately 7.7 million homes lost to foreclosure.
CoreLogic also reports that the number of mortgages in serious delinquency declined by 19.1 percent from March 2014 to March 2015 with 1.5 million mortgages, or 3.9 percent, in serious delinquency (defined as 90 days or more past due, including those loans in foreclosure or REO). This is the lowest delinquency rate since May 2008. On a month-over-month basis, the number of seriously delinquent mortgages declined by 1.9 percent.
As of March 2015, the national foreclosure inventory included approximately 542,000 homes, or 1.4 percent, of all homes with a mortgage compared with 729,000 homes, or 1.9 percent, in March 2014, representing a year-over-year decline of 25.7 percent.
“We are seeing additional improvement in housing market conditions due to a decline in the serious delinquency rate to 3.9 percent, far below the peak of 8.6 percent in early 2010,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist for CoreLogic. “Despite the decline in the number of loans that are 90 days or more delinquent or in foreclosure, the percent of homeowners struggling to keep up is still well above the pre-recession average of 1.5 percent.”
“Foreclosures and serious delinquency rates continue to drop as the home purchase market begins to emerge from its eight-year slump,” said Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic. “Based on the current trends in completed foreclosure rates, we expect the foreclosure inventory to drop below 1.3 percent by midyear, a level not seen since the end of 2007. Many states in the Northeast and Midwest, as well as Florida, still have elevated levels of distressed housing, but they are making more rapid progress as of late. In March, foreclosures in these areas accounted for a large proportion of completed foreclosures.”
Additional highlights as of March 2015:
- On a month-over-month basis, completed foreclosures increased by 7 percent from the 38,000* reported in February 2015. As a basis of comparison, before the decline in the housing market in 2007, completed foreclosures averaged 21,000 per month nationwide between 2000 and 2006.
- The five states with the highest number of completed foreclosures for the 12 months ending in March 2015 were: Florida (110,000), Michigan (50,000), Texas (34,000), Georgia (28,000) and Ohio (28,000). These five states accounted for almost half of all completed foreclosures nationally.
- Four states and the District of Columbia had the lowest number of completed foreclosures for the 12 months ending in March 2015: South Dakota (16), the District of Columbia (87), North Dakota (326), West Virginia (462) and Wyoming (517).
- On a month-over-month basis, the foreclosure inventory was down by 1.3 percent from February 2015. The March 2015 foreclosure rate of 1.4 percent is back to March 2008 levels.
- Four states and the District of Columbia had the highest foreclosure inventory as a percentage of all mortgaged homes: New Jersey (5.3 percent), New York (3.9 percent), Florida (3.3 percent), Hawaii (2.7 percent) and the District of Columbia (2.5 percent).
- The five states with the lowest foreclosure inventory as a percentage of all mortgaged homes were: Alaska (0.3 percent), Nebraska (0.4 percent), North Dakota (0.5 percent), Montana (0.5 percent) and Colorado (0.5 percent).
Crystal River, the gem of Florida's beautiful Nature Coast, is about a two hour drive from Tampa/St. Petersburg. Because Kings Bay is one of the best places in the world to observe manatees Crystal River is an international destination. Kings Bay, which has been designated an "Outstanding Florida Waterway," offers opportunities for boating, diving, swimming, fishing as well as a variety of Manatee and Eco-Tours. In addition, there are miles of nature trails to hike, bike and observe an abundance of birds, deer, alligators and other wildlife.
History of Citrus County
Citrus County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 118,085. The U.S. Census Bureau 2008 estimate for the county was 141,416. Its county seat is Inverness, Florida. More than 90% of the population of Citrus County lives outside the two incorporated towns of Inverness and Crystal River.
History
- Levy County, Florida - northwest
- Marion County, Florida - northeast
- Sumter County, Florida - east
- Hernando County, Florida - south
- Beverly Hills
- Black Diamond
- Chassahowitzka
- Citrus Hills
- Citrus Springs
- Floral City
- Hernando
- Holder
- Homosassa Springs
- Homosassa
- Inverness Highlands North
- Inverness Highlands South
- Lecanto
- Meadowcrest
- Pine Ridge
- Pineola
- Red Level
- Sugarmill Woods
- Mannfield (original county seat, now a ghost town)
- Orleans
- Stage Pond (Cemetery still remains)
- Arlington
- Fairmount (town site is now Meadowcrest Industrial Park)
- Citrus County is served by two local airports; Crystal River Airport and Inverness Airport.
- U.S. Route 19 is the main local road through western Citrus County, running south to north.
- U.S. Route 41 is the main local road through eastern Citrus County, running south to north. North of CR 48 in Floral City, the road is also shared by the DeSoto Trail.
- U.S. Route 98 runs northwest to southeast from Hernando County, Florida, and joins US 19 in Chassahowitzka on its way to Perry.
- State Road 44 runs east and west through the northern part of the county from Crystal River into Sumter County. A county extension south of the western terminus runs into Fort Island.
- County Road 48 runs mostly east and west through Southeastern Citrus County. It spans from US 41 Floral City winding southeast along the Withlacoochee River, which it eventually crosses on the way to Bushnell and Center Hill in Sumter County, and Howey-in-the Hills in Lake County. The segment in Bushnell between I-75(Exit 314) and US 301 becomes a state road. Throughout Citrus County, County Road 48 is also shared by the DeSoto Trail.
- County Road 480 is the southernmost county road in Citrus County. It runs east and west from Chassahowitzka with a short concurrency with US 98, then through the Withlacoochee State Forest where it eventually terminates at US 41 in Floral City, south of CR 48.
- County Road 490 runs east and west from the Gulf of Mexico along the south side of the Homosassa River until it briefly joins US 19-98 in downtown Homosassa Springs only to head northeast towards SR 44 in Lecanto.
- County Road 491: A Bi-County road that begins in unincorporated northwestern Hernando County, then runs north and south along the western side of the Withlacoochee State Forest, and into Lecanto and Beverly Hills where it curves east in northern Citrus County and crosses US 41 in Holder, only to terminate at SR 200 near the Citrus-Marion County Line.
- County Road 581: Runs north and south along the eastern side of the Withlacoochee State Forest from Hernando County Road 481 in Lake Lindsey, into Inverness where it joins SR 44 east towards US 41, only to branch off on its own as a dead end street on the banks of the Withlacoochee River.
Presidential elections results
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57.1%
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41.1%
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1.8%
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56.9%
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42.1%
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1.0%
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52.1%
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44.6%
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3.3%
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40.6%
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44.4%
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15.0%
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36.7%
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35.6%
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27.9%
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63.0%
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36.4%
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0.7%
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There really is a Crystal River in Crystal River, Florida. It is a six mile long winding waterway fed by some 30 springs, connecting Kings Bay with the Gulf of Mexico. The bay and the river combine to provide virtually every aquatic activity conceivable—from swimming and diving, to boating, water skiing, fishing and just drifting along admiring the views that make this city “The Gem of the Nature Coast.”
Long before Europeans came to the New World, native civilizations recognized the resources of the Crystal River area and left signs of their presence, some of which have been excavated and made accessible to visitors at the Crystal River State Archaeological Site. Boaters can see many other mounds as they cruise down the river.
There is solid evidence of the Deptford culture here from 500 BC to 300 A.D, then the Weedon Island culture from 300 to 900 AD, and finally, the Safety Harbor culture from about 900 A.D. until historic times, perhaps 1400 A.D.
Crystal River was once a center of cedar timber logging, and back about 100 years ago a local mill produced cedar slats that were sent to the Dixon Pencil Co. Countless users who chewed on Dixon pencils and released that characteristic aroma of cedar wood were getting a small taste of this beautiful community.
West Indian Manatees—those large, beloved marine mammals that graze underwater vegetation—are frequent visitors to the Crystal River area, because they cannot tolerate the wintertime chilly water of the Gulf of Mexico. Rather, they much prefer the steady 72-degrees of the spring-fed river. Together with neighboring Homosassa, Crystal River is the site of the largest gathering of manatees in North America and the only place in the nation where people can legally swim and snorkel with them.
Fishing was, and continues to be, a major attraction for Crystal River visitors. Many professional athletes have come here to enjoy some of the best saltwater fishing available anywhere. The short run to the Gulf and then the abundance of fish relatively near the shore make for memorable days.
The proximity of the Withlacoochee River provides a freshwater alternate to the saltwater delights of Crystal River. There is a very long canoe trail that can provide a week or more of lazy drifting and exploration, plus equally scenic equestrian trails.
The City of Crystal River has all the resources of any town in America, including excellent schools, convenient shopping, acclaimed antiquing, good restaurants featuring local seafood and produce, a Heritage Village with interesting shops and more. Crystal River also has an excellent airport, suitable for private aircraft and located just outside of the main business area.
LIGHT AT THE END OF TUNNEL IN LOCAL HOUSING MARKET..
A recent roundtable discussion among a handful of local real estate, development and banking industries revealed cause for optimism despite the present economic climate.
There's no denying that times are tough, but their outlook on present circumstances and what the future holds has merit.
A good starting point is that Citrus County is an enviable place to live.
Sooner or later the glut of baby boomers coping with the cold and snow of the northland will likely conclude that it may be several years before their home values rise to the all-time high prices of two or three years ago and a sacrifi.
Once on that end it is worth it to enable a desired lifestyle change.
Many in this pent-up market will conclude that putting off the move south isn't worth the sacrifice of their retirement years. With golf, swimming, hiking and an array of other outdoor options available year-round here, shoveling snow is just not that appealing.
Similar to the quandary faced by northerners, would-be home sellers here have to bite the bullet and acknowledge the realistic price they'll fetch for their home, which is loosely what values were in 2004. Some who bought in recent years will take a hit while may others will simply not profit to the degree they'd hoped.
One big factor that potential buyers should be aware of is interest rates are at historic lows. While it'd likely require more cash down that in the recent past, as well as a solid credit history, good-old 30 year fixed-rate loans are readily available for those who qualify. Another factor is that there's a large selection of homes to choose from, making it a buyer's market.
No doubt, Citrus County is experiencing a housing slump that's typical of what much of the nation is going through. However, with our enviable locale, a lot of homes to choose from, and banks with low-interest loans awaiting qualified takers, there's every reason to believe the storm clouds of the recession will give way to brighter economic times.
This was an Editoral featured in the Citurs County Chronicle
AIRPORTS
There are two county airports located in Citrus County. One is located in Crystal River just off Highway 19 and the other is located in Inverness behind the Fairgrounds/Race Track just of Highway 41. There are two International Airports (Orlando and Tampa) within a 90 minute drive of Citrus County and are served by all major carriers. Gainesville Regional Airport, located within 60 minutes of Citrus County offers service from Delta, US Airways and several commuter airlines.
CHURCHES
There is a church for everyone in Citrus County.
Assemblies of God Inverness 352/341-1711
Baha'is of Citrus County Inverness 352/344-5177
Beverly Hills Community Church Beverly Hills 352/746-3620
Christian Center Church Homosassa 352/628-5719
Citrus County Salvation Army Homosassa 352/621-5532
Crystal River United Methodist Church Crystal River 352/795-3148
Faith Lutheran Church Lecanto 352/527-3325
First Assembly of God Crystal River 352/795-2594
First Baptist Church Crystal River 352/795-2259
First Presbyterian Church of Crystal River Crystal River 352/795-2359
First United Methodist Church of Homosassa Homosassa 352/628-4083
Gospel Light Baptist Church Lecanto 352/628-9885
Grace Baptist Church of Citrus Springs Citrus Springs 352/465-0362
Gulf To Lake Church, s.b.c. Crystal River 352/795-8077
Hernando SDA Church Hernando 352/344-2008
Hernando United Methodist Church Hernando 352/726- 7245
Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church Homosassa Sprg 352/628-7950
Hope Baptist Church Citrus County Hernando 352/464-4441
Inverness Church of God Inverness 352/726-4524
Nature Coast Unitarian Universalist Beverly Hills 352/746-7040
Pleasant Grove Road Church of Christ Inverness 352/344-9173
Redeemer Presbyterian Church Inverness 352/726-0077
Roman Catholic Churches of Citrus County - Homosassa, Crystal River, Lecanto,Inverness, Beverly Hills, Citrus Springs
Seven Rivers Presbyterian Church Lecanto 352/746-6200
Shepard's Way Baptist Church Lecanto 352/628-0924
St. Anne's Episcopal Church Crystal River 352/795-2176
Vineyard Christian Fellowship Inverness 352/726-1480
ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS
Citrus County is growing. The purpose of this list is to provide people planning to move to our beautiful area information on Citrus County Community organizations and clubs. Our list is short, there are many more to find out about. Hope this will provide an insite into the place we call home.
Citrus Shrine Club 4400 N. Elkam Blvd. Beverly Hills 352/746-6936
Abate of Florida, Inc. 352/489-1644
Abundant Life Coach 4 U 2834 W. Rutland Dr Citrus Springs 352/489-4440
Beverly Hills Recreation Assoc 530 W. Milkweed Lp Bev Hills 352/746-7040
Citrus County Historical Society Crystal River [email protected]
Citrus Tree 3089 S. Graymor Path Inverness 352/341-3711
Creative Quilters of Citrus 21 Floribunda Court Homosassa 352/382-7683
Nature Cost PT Cruisers [email protected]
Scottish American Society of Citrus County Homosassa 352/382-2519
Sky High Amateur Radio Club [email protected] 352/382-3108
CITRUS COUNTY SCHOOLS
Academy of EnvironmentalScience
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12695 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, 34429
Telephone Number: (352) 795-8793 Fax Number: (352) 794-0065 Administrator: Ben Stofcheck Student School Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 1:45 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:15 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Central Ridge Elementary
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185 W. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, 34434
Telephone Number: (352) 344-3833 and (352) 465-5709 Fax Number: (352) 249-2103 Principal: Nancy Simon Assistant Principal: Kay L. Harper Student School Hours: 9:20 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Citrus High School
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600 W. Highland Blvd., Inverness, 34452
Telephone Number: (352) 726-2241 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2102 Principal: Dale A. Johns Assistant Principals: Teresa Alvarado, Dr. Linda Connors, Deon Copeland Student School Hours: 7:50 A.M. - 2:20 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:00 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Citrus Springs Elementary
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3570 W. Century Blvd., Citrus Springs, 34433
Telephone Number: (352) 344-4079 or (352) 489-8144 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2110 Principal: Scott Hebert Assistant Principal: Alice Harrell Student School Hours: 9:20 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:10 A.M. - 3:55 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Citrus Springs Middle
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150 W. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, 34434
Telephone Number: (352) 344-2244 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2111 Principal: David W. Roland Assistant Principals: Jason Koon, Jennifer Sasser Student School Hours: 7:45 A.M. - 2:20 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:00 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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CREST
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2600 S. Panther Pride Drive, Lecanto, 34461
Telephone Number: (352) 527-0303 Fax Number: (352) 527-0355 Principal: Richard C. Hilgert Assistant Principal: Anita Moon Student School Hours: 8:45 A.M. – 3:15 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M Email: [email protected] |
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Crystal River High
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1205 N. E. 8th Avenue, Crystal River, 34428
Telephone Number: (352) 795-4641 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2106 Principal: Mark R. McCoy Assistant Principals: Charles Brooks, Kit Humbaugh Student School Hours: 7:45 A.M. - 2:23 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:00 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Crystal River Middle
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344 N. E. Crystal Street, Crystal River, 34428
Telephone Number: (352) 795-2116 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2108 Principal: Gloria M. Bishop Assistant Principals: Inge Frederick, Brian Lancaster Student School Hours: 7:45 A.M. - 2:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:00 A.M. - 2:45 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Crystal River Primary
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8624 W. Crystal Street, Crystal River, 34428
Telephone Number: (352) 795-2211 Fax Number: (352) 249 2109 Principal: Donnie Brown Assistant Principal: Lee Mulder Student School Hours: 9:20 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Floral City Elementary
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8457 E. Marvin Street, Floral City, 34436
Telephone Number: (352) 726-1554 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2127 Principal: Janet B. Reed Assistant Principal: Jennifer Hetland Student School Hours: 9:20 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Forest Ridge Elementary
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2927 N. Forest Ridge Blvd., Hernando, 34442
Telephone Number: (352) 527-1808 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2128 Principal: Laura H. Windham Assistant Principal : Brendan Bonomo Student School Hours: 9:10 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:05 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Hernando Elementary
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2975 E. Trailblazer Lane, Hernando, 34442
Telephone Number: (352) 726-1833 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2130 Principal: Laura J. Manos Assistant Principal: Amanda Parker Student School Hours: 9:10 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Homosassa Elementary
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10935 W. Yulee Drive, Homosassa, 34448
Telephone Number: (352) 628-2953 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2131 Principal: Christopher R. Bosse Assistant Principal: Jill Young Student School Hours: 8:50 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Inverness Middle
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1950 U. S. Highway 41 North, Inverness, 34450
Telephone Number: (352) 726-1471 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2133 Principal: Patricia A. Douglas Assistant Principals: Rick Darby, Joseph Susi Student School Hours: 7:55 A.M. - 2:20 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:15 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Inverness Primary
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206 S. Line Avenue, Inverness, 34452
Telephone Number: (352) 726-2632 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2134 Principal: Marlise E. Bushman Assistant Principal: Michelle McHugh Student School Hours: 8:50 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:10 A.M. - 3:55 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Lecanto High
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3810 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461 |
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Lecanto Middle
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3800 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461
Telephone Number: (352) 746-2050 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2138 Principal: William L. Farrell Assistant Principals: William Nelson, Ryan Selby Student School Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 2:35 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:05 A.M. - 2:50 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Lecanto Primary
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3790 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, 34461
Telephone Number: (352) 746-2220 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2139 Principal: Victoria Lofton Assistant Principal: Jennifer Homan Student School Hours: 9:20 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:05 A.M. - 3:50 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Marine Science Station
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12646 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, 34429 Telephone Number: (352) 795-4393 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2140 Supervisor: Hugh Adkins Secretary : Catherine Proveaux Office Hours: 8:00 A.M - 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Pleasant Grove Elementary
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630 Pleasant Grove Road, Inverness, 34452
Telephone Number: (352) 637-4400 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2141 Principal: Lynne M. Kirby Assistant Principal: Robert Hermann Student School Hours: 8:50 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Renaissance Center
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3630 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL. 34461
Telephone Number: (352) 527-4567 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2144 Principal: Danita T. Eatman Assistant Principal: Earnest Hopper Student School Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 7:15 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Rock Crusher Elementary
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814 S. Rock Crusher Road, Homosassa, 34448
Telephone Number: (352) 795-2010 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2143 Principal: John B. Weed Assistant Principal: Rene Johnson Student School Hours: 9:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. Teacher School Hours: 8:15 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Email: [email protected] |
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Withlacoochee Technical Institute
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1201 W. Main Street, Inverness, 34450
Telephone Number: (352) 726-2430 Fax Number: (352) 249 - 2157 Email: [email protected] Director: Denise R. Willis Assistant Directors: Richard Van Gulik (Curriculum) Judy Johnson (Adult Education) Secondary Student School Hours: 8:15 A.M. - 2:45 P.M Post-Secondary Student School Hours: 7:45 am - 2:45 pm. Teacher School Hours: 7:15 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. |
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If You want anymore information regarding School Zones, Grades, etc. Please visit the Citrus County School Board Website:
CHASSAHOWITZKA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1941, is composed of over 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes at the mouth of the Chassahowitzka River. The refuge is located approximately 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, Florida and was established primarily to protect waterfowl habitat.
Chassahowitzka River is one of the more scenic rivers in Florida. Accessible only by boat or canoe, the river is one of the state's Outstanding Florida Waters. Like most of the other rivers in the Springs Coast Watershed, this river is spring fed. The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge borders the river. This refuge includes the Chassahowitzka and Homosassa River estuaries, many islands, 12 miles of river, salt marshes and coastal swamps. This area is protected and managed by several federal, state, and local government agencies. Today the Southwest Florida Water Management District buys lands that are important to the protection of Florida's water resources. In 1990, the District began acquiring lands that now make up the Chassahowitzka Riverine Swamp Sanctuary. Today the Sanctuary is made up of about 5,676 acres of land. The District's Sanctuary includes both uplands and wetlands. Some of the trees and plants you will find in the uplands include sand live oaks, fetterbushes, saw palmettos, longleaf pines, and turkey oaks. Some of the wetland plants include cypress trees, cabbage palms, saw grass, sweetgum trees and red maple trees. Many animals also make the sanctuary their home. These animals include Florida black bears, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, river otters, bobcats, ospreys, great blue herons, wood storks, manatees, and whooping cranes.
Operation Migration started in 2001. The second home for the whoopers will be in the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge. The migration was the longest journey attempted, 1,250 miles from Necedah National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin.
Whooping cranes stand about 5 feet tall and are pure white in color with black wing tips and a red crown. These birds fly at 32 mph. Do you remember hearing of the movie "Fly Away Home?" The story is about a little girl who leads migrating geese in an ultralight? That movie is based on the true experiences of William Lishman and Joseph Duff, founders of Operation Migration. These people DO fly with the birds. May you always hear the whisper of wings...
The West Indian manatees are large mammals with a body that tapers to a flat, paddle-shaped tail. They are grayish-brown in color and have two flippers with nails on them. The average adult manatee is about 10 feet long and weights about 1000 pounds.
Manatees are concentrated in Florida in the winter, but can be found as far west as Louisiana and as far north as Virginia in the summer months. The manatee lives in warm, shallow rivers, bays, estuaries, and coastal waters. They are often found in the warm waters released by power plants. The clarity of the water is not important. Manatees prefer water that has a depth of 1 - 2 meters.
Manatees are very gentle, slow-moving, graceful swimmers. They eat aquatic plants. Manatees must come to the surface to breath. Manatees have no natural enemies, and it is believed they can live 60 years or more. Many manatee mortalities are human-related. Most occur from collisions with watercraft. The loss of habitat is a serious threat. There are approximately 2600 manatees left in the United States. You can see the manatees in the local rivers in the winter or in the Homosassa Springs State Park. Crystal River, Florida is the only area where the herds are growing. The City of Crystal River and Homosassa Springs area of Citrus County are very proud of this. Manatee tours are available, so that you can observe the manatee in their natural habitat. Most tours have guides that are true professional and respect the manatees and its environment.
GOLFING
Challenges are everywhere when you golf in Citrus County. Citrus County, the unspoiled gem in the heart of Florida's Nature Coast offers many public and private courses that beckon to both serious and casual golfers. There are more than 50 courses in our area. With one of the world's greatest concentrations of golf courses, some people refer to Florida's Gulf Coast as the "Golf Coast." The Nature Coast courses - include four ranked among the top 100 in the nation by Golf Digest magazine. With so many courses to choose from, long waits for tee times are rare and play usually moves along at a pleasant pace. Mother Nature has provides us with our magnificent landscape to remind golfers of why then have chosen to play in the great outdoors that Citrus County has to offer. Below is a list of some of Citrus County area golf courses. The Citrus County Florida Golf offering is an ever changing and growing list.
Black Diamond Golf & Country Club Lecanto 352/746-3446
Citrus Hills Golf & Country Club Citrus Hills 352/746-4425
Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club Citrus Springs 352/489-5045
Inverness Golf & Country Club Inverness 352/637-2526
Lakeside Golf & Country Club Inverness 352/726-1461
Pine Ridge Country Club & Golf Course Pine Ridge 352/746-6177
Plantation Golf Club Crystal River 352/795-7211
Seven Rivers Golf Club Crystal River 352/795-2100
Southern Woods Golf Club Sugarmill Woods 352/382-5996
Sugarmill Woods Country Club Sugarmill Woods 352/382-2663
Twisted Oaks Country Club & Golf Club Beverly Hills 352/746-6257
World Woods Golf Club Brooksville 352/796-5550 x 4
FISHING
We have seven of Florida's outstanding water bodies. We are sure you will have an abundance of choices, and a productive and enjoyable time when coming here to fish.
If freshwater is your preference, then you have your choice of sunshine bass in the Lake Tsala Apopka chain, speckled perch in Lake Rousseau, catfish in the Withlacoochee or the ultimate southern quarry, the Florida Largemouth Bass, just about everywhere.
If saltwater is more to your liking, you can seek grouper and snapper at the reefs (Citrus County Reef #1, Laran Co-ordinate 14356.2/45305.05) and rock piles of the coast, sea trout and Spanish mackerel on the grass beds, cobia and sheepshead at the markers, redfish and whiting off the oyster bars, and record size tarpon working the flats.
Once you have decided what you would like to fish for, the next choice is where you want to start. We have numerous boat ramps, fishing piers, bridges, and locations for bank fishing as well as professional guides, party boats, and boat rental businesses to serve you. Choose one of our local captains to take you out and show you where the fish are biting.
We also have many bait shops and sporting goods stores where you can purchase live bait and the newest "can't miss" lures. They may even fill you in on the location of the latest hot spots.
If you would like to go even further and find that special spot that the locals always seem to know about, try asking them! Citrus County's regulars are usually ready to share a few secrets, although I wouldn't go as far to ask for directions to that 10 pound bass they caught last week!
The last decision for you to make is when you want to come to fish. That depends on you, Certain fish, however, do have closed seasons and or special requirements that could effect your decision of when to visit. So select the time that is right for you and come and enjoy "Mother Nature's Theme Park!"