Citrus County Tourism Advocates

04/11/2024

We made the Forbes List of Manatee Magic: 8 Unmissable Places To Witness Gentle Giants In Florida. We obviously feel they made the right decision with choosing Crystal River as one of the top 8. Thank you to Forbes Magazine. Manatee Season starts in just 11 days, November 15th and goes until March 31, 2025.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/sandramacgregor/2024/01/19/manatee-magic-8-unmissable-places-to-witness-gentle-giants-in-florida/

FORBES MAGAZINE City of Crystal River-Government

Discover 8 great manatee havens in Florida, spanning from the Blue Spring to the serene waters of the Indian River Lagoon. These gentle giants should not be missed.

18/10/2024

Partners, help could be right around the corner! Check it out TODAY!

03/10/2024

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT! Join the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce to help our community, not only recover, but thrive once again. It's all happening tonight. See below for details Hope to see you there!

TONIGHT'S THE NIGHT!! Tag Your organization if we will see you there!

The October BIG BAM Chamber Mixer at Tampa General Hospital- Crystal River!

We are excited to partner with our hosts to kick off our "Cards for Kindness" Gift Card Campaign to support our local businesses and residents impacted by the storm. We invite our business community to bring gift cards purchased from local restaurants that experienced damages, with a suggested value of $20. These will be donated to residents in need, helping both our struggling businesses and affected families. For a list of businesses that have reopened visit https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/hurricane-helene-updates/

💡 BONUS: The Chamber will match every gift card donation, and our amazing hosts, TGH Crystal River, have pledged an additional $5,000 donation to recovery efforts! 🙌

🔹 Additionally, we’re accepting donations of plastic storage bins and Lysol wipes to further support recovery efforts.
We believe in the resilience and strength of Citrus County. Let's come together and make a difference!

Event Details: 📅 Date: October 3, 2024
🕒 Time: 5PM – 7PM
📍 Location: Tampa General Hospital – Crystal River [6201 N Suncoast Blvd, Crystal River, FL 34428]

Why attend the BIG BAM Mixer?
✨ Networking with fellow business owners and community leaders
✨ Gain visibility for your business
✨ Discover ways to get involved in the community
✨ Enjoy light bites and beverages!

Help us celebrate Business Appreciation Month by giving back to the businesses that make Citrus County thrive. See you there! 🌟

02/10/2024

To our friends in Homosassa. Take some time to take care and feed yourself.

We'll be open and back to regular hours this week. Unfortunately, there are many people out there in our community (our employees, family and friends included) that will not be back to normal for a long time. We've partnered with some gracious and caring business owners who would like to invite you to stop by for a free hot meal on Wednesday and/or Thursday to at least have a few minutes of normalcy.

02/10/2024

https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/hurricane-helene-updates/

We have set up a page on our website listing all businesses on the west side of Citrus County that have re-opened. If your business has or will be re-opening, please contact us at 352-794-5506 or simply comment below.

Find information on Crystal River and Homosassa businesses that have reopened since Hurricane Helene passed.

27/09/2024

To All of our Partners...

We hope and pray that EVERYONE is safe from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. We know there are still dangers out there and this is still not over. But we wanted you all to know we are here to support in any way we can.

Our Social Media Channels can be utilized to help spread information on your place of business or where help is needed.

Please email or DM us and let us know.
• If you are open for business let us know we will POST...
• If you need help or assistance let us know we will POST...
• If you are offering assistance let us know we will POST...
This is when we stand together. Its bigger than tourism, this is about COMMUNITY!

Instagram -
Facebook - @ Discover Crystal River Florida


Take care and see you all soon.


Auvis
[email protected]

09/09/2024

Come and spend time with us this Wednesday morning. If you're free, then join us at the next Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau Meeting at the Lecanto Government Building, this Wednesday, September 11th at 9am. You can learn more about how the tourism department is dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Idalia and the recent tornado, new destination marketing efforts underway by staff and voice your thoughts on what future projects should be pursued. See what we've been up to, and what's possibly on the horizon. See you there!

Wednesday, September 11th,
Lecanto Government Building - Room 166
3600 W. Sovereign Path
Lecanto, FL 34461

29/08/2024

Don't Miss the Event of 2024.... Tickets on Sale Now for the CCA Star Fishing Tournament Awards Ceremony Banquet Oct. 12th, at Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort!

To all our partners, you can now purchase tickets to attend the 2024 CCA Florida Star Awards Ceremony (Oct. 12, 5:30pm -9pm) at the beautiful Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort in Crystal River. Meet, and mingle while supporting this amazing state-wide fishing tournament sponsored by the The Plantation Resort in Crystal River.

To purchase Tickets for the Awards Banquet
https://ccaflorida.org/event/2024-star-awards-ceremony-and-banquet/

More About Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort
https://www.discovercrystalriverfl.com/directory/sweet-citrus-acres-rv-resort/

CCA Florida STAR Tournament
Plantation Resort On Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection

CCA Florida STAR presented by Yamaha will be celebrating and awarding nearly $500,000 in boats, motors, prizes and scholarships at the 10th Annual STAR Awards Banquet and Ceremony presented by … Continue reading "2024 STAR Awards Ceremony and Banquet"

23/08/2024

On Monday we had the opportunity to showcase our fabulous scalloping season on Great Day Live on 10 Tampa Bay, with hosts Java & Janelle. Paul Cross was on hand from Waterfront Adventures based out of Paddletail Lodge, as well as Chef Wallace from Wallace's at the Green House in Homosassa. They both shared the different aspects of scalloping, from chartering a fun day out on the water, to having a local restaurant cook your catch for a delicious fresh seafood meal. This scalloping segment received over 900,000 views, so it was fantastic exposure for Citrus County.

Watch this fun, tasty and informative segment.
https://www.wtsp.com/video/features/great-day-live/catch-and-cook/67-82f8b80e-beec-46be-9c32-7b59f97e9f9d?fbclid=IwY2xjawE1a6JleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZ4XCp0xnv_a9hFPnjbjjH2nzo1mZEtS4PY8W2qiPtFfXmkut9UkE7K4-g_aem_iNZrCkPGxfweZMHxr8gxSQ

Wallace's at the Greenhouse Waterfront Adventure; Swimming with the Manatees

We dive into scalloping season with Waterfront Adventures to find out everything we need to know about catching and cooking the hidden delicacy.

15/08/2024

We received some great PR from Susan Smiley-Height a writer for Ocala Style Magazine for our Media Elvis FAM Trip. We invited several publications on a tour of Inverness and Crystal River for an Elvis inspired excursion to explore the many places that were used as location spots for the 1961 film, Follow that Dream. The tour included a special screening of Follow that Dream at the beautiful art deco Valerie Theatre, as well as a stop in Ingliss for another film location. This unique Elvis tour can be experienced by anyone with a penchant for the King or just interested in movie history. Besides the Elvis connection, Inverness and Crystal River have so much to see and do, as well as wonderful quaint downtowns, and fabulous restaurants.

Check out the great article...
https://www.ocalastyle.com/ocala-style-august-2024/
Article begins on page 50

Ocala Style Magazine Theatre

12/08/2024

We're in the middle of the Scalloping Season, and what better way to celebrate this time of year but with a fabulous article that generates wonderful buzz about what Citrus County has to offer.

Patrick Connolly, a writer for the Orlando Sentinel visited Crystal River, and had a wonderful day scalloping and, as he puts it, "enjoyed his delicious payoff."
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/08/12/florida-scalloping-season-crystal-river-hunt/

The scallop charter was with Waterfront Adventures out of Paddletail Lodge, and the scallops were prepared by Waterfront Social.

Waterfront Social Waterfront Adventure; Swimming with the Manatees

Crystal River’s visitors can embark on an underwater hunt with the reward of meaty morsels of shellfish during Florida’s scalloping season, while local eateries offer “catch and cook” s…

07/08/2024

Just Checking in with all of you! Hope all is well, and if not, let us know how we can help!

Discover Crystal River
Partners in Tourism
Email or Call Us
[email protected]
352.794.5506

19/07/2024

This past week, our very own Terry Natwick, Sales and Marketing Manager for Discover Crystal River, represented us at ICAST 2024 in Orlando, July 16-19, the world’s largest fishing trade show! 🎣
Terry showcased the incredible fishing opportunities in Citrus County, from world-class saltwater to freshwater fishing, all within a 30-minute drive. Our booth was buzzing with activity, attracting many of the anticipated 15,000 attendees.

P.S.
If your'e at ICAST today, stop by our booth 4067 and say HI to Terry. She'll be there until 3pm.


Guy Harvey Reel Animals Fishing Show Florida Insider Fishing Report Plantation Resort On Crystal River, Ascend Hotel Collection Plantation Adventure Center and Manatee Tours

Photos:
1) Terry Natwick with Micheal Mancke from the Plantation Resort on Crystal River
2) Captain Mike Anderson from Reel Animals with Terry Natwick
3) Mike Mancke, Terry, Brie Gabrielle and Captain Rick Murphy from Florida Insider Fishing Report
4) Terry deep in discussion with Guy Harvey, renowned marine wildlife artist and conservationist
5) Several attendees visiting with Terry
6) Some coveted giveaway goodies at our booth
7) Micheal Mancke speaking with attendees

15/07/2024

We did it again, we made Tripadvisor's List of top 25 experiences. We thank Trip Advisor for the wonderful accolade. Fun 2 Dive was the company that officially received this honor, so congrats to them!

Check out the link to get the full list of the best things to do...
https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-ThingsToDo-cTopExperiences-g191

https://www.fun2dive.com/

Tripadvisor

Tripadvisor - Travelers' Choice Awards. Find out what the best travel experiences in the United States are as awarded by millions of real travelers.

11/07/2024

It's summertime, which means Scallop Season! And the scallop sorters have just arrived to make sure you leave the smaller scallops alone, and in the Gulf where they belong. The scallop sorters allow you to easily know what to keep, and which scallops to put back. Discover Crystal River will be providing the scallop sorters as a courtesy to tour operators while supplies last. Happy Scallop Season!

Visit Us at Our Walk-In Visitors Center
to Pickup Your Scallop Sorters (25 Max)
915 N Suncoast Blvd
Crystal River, Florida 34429
8am-5pm M-F
352.794.5506
[email protected]

08/07/2024

Paul Cross (Director of Operations for Waterfront Adventures) over at Paddletail Lodge was recently interviewed On Good Day Orlando by Fox 35's reporter David Martin. They discussed Scalloping Season in Citrus County, and the deals being offered by Waterfront Adventures. Check out this fabulous video. TV spots like this are a great way to get the word out about Scallop Season. https://www.fox35orlando.com/video/1479164




Adventure; Swimming with the Manatees

July 1 marks the start of scalloping season in Florida. This year, we will experience the brand new PaddleTail Waterfront Lodge’s “Stay N Scallop Package” and hit the Gulf of Mexico to catch our tasty scallops.

05/07/2024

It's July; summer is already in full swing, and Scallop Season has just begun. So, there's no better time to promote this Citrus County Tradition than with some good press. The Orlando Attractions Magazine wrote a beautiful article on why you should visit and what to expect. We are sure this will attract some new and past visitors to us during the summer months!

It's time ot get out on the water in Crystal River. It's scallop season! But there is so much more to discover, so read on!

25/06/2024

We recently received some great press from Nature Coaster Magazine. They went on an adventure with Crystal River Watersports to experience their new exciting Cat Boats. Check out the article and the great photos.

Pictured: NatureCoaster Diane Bedard and Crystal River Watersports owner and operator Mike Engiles. Photo by Sally White

Click the link
https://naturecoaster.com/crystal-river-catboat-adventure-tour-with-crystal-river-water-sports/?no_cache=1717631546

NatureCoaster.com
Crystal River Watersports