Citrus County Tourism Advocates

30/01/2025

We are proud to announce that The Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park was mentioned as one of the top Florida State Parks that should be on your bucket list. The website www.thetravel.com compiled the list and chose The Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park as a spot not to be missed. We couldn't agree more!

Check out the link to read more....
https://www.thetravel.com/florida-state-parks-bucket-list/

The Travel Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

24/01/2025

We are proud to announce that our very own The Crab Plant in Crystal River was named as one of the top ten restaurants with jaw dropping views in all of Florida by the Family Destinations Guide. We have to agree that The Crab Plant is quite special! It's a favorite among locals as well as visitors, and for good reason. It offers fabulous fresh seafood, in an authentic Florida vibe, with tremendous water views of King's Bay. It's situated right in the center of Crystal River, within an easy walk of downtown. We congratulate the Crab Plant on making the list, it's very well deserved!

Click the link to check out the list...
https://familydestinationsguide.com/florida-riverview-restaurants/

Family Destinations Guide

14/01/2025

Come out to Meet and Mingle other Travel Partners! 3 February 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala.

In partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, ATTA invites you to join your local adventure travel friends and colleagues for a casual AdventureCONNECT networking event at the start of the 2025 Florida Huddle. Enjoy fresh coffee and refreshments while you learn more about the Florida Adventure Travel Network (FL ATN) and mix and mingle with the travel professionals attending this event.

Florida Huddle will be held on February 3 - 5, 2025, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the beautiful World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL. The event is Florida's premier trade show for tour operators and wholesalers from around the globe, showcasing the vast offerings of the Sunshine State.

Bring your business cards and join us on from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Monday February 3, 2025 in the Indoor Arena 3 Mezzanine. Refreshments will be provided during the networking event.

You do not need to be registered for the Florida Huddle in order to attend the AdventureCONNECT, but you do need to register for the event below to reserve your space.

For more info...
https://events.adventuretravel.biz/adventureconnect/adventureconnect-florida-huddle-ocala-fl-2025

AdventureCONNECT at Florida Huddle, Ocala, FL 2025
World Equestrian Center | Ocala, Florida: Indoor Arena 3 Mezzanine
1750 NW 80th Ave, Ocala, FL 34482

In partnership with VISIT FLORIDA, ATTA invites you to join your local adventure travel friends and colleagues for a cas...

27/12/2024

Join Our Team!

Are you passionate about tourism? Discover Crystal River is excited to announce a new job opening in our offices. Representing all of Citrus County, we're on the lookout for both experienced professionals and those just starting out in the tourism industry. For more details and to apply, check the link below. We can't wait to hear from you!

Happy New Year from Discover Crystal River!

Click the link for more information...
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/citrusfl/jobs/4772900/customer-service-representative-tourism

04/12/2024

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

The Tourist Development Council is seeking applications for new board members.

The TDC is a nine-member advisory board appointed by the BOCC for four-year terms. The TDC develops the plan for tourism development and marketing and makes recommendations for the use of Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue.

Meetings are held at the Lecanto Government Building (3600 W. Sovereign Path, #166, Lecanto, FL) at 9:00 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month on a bi-monthly occurrence.

To apply, visit: https://www.citrusbocc.com/.../adv.../apply_for_position.php

Completed applications should be sent to Citrus County Administration, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 267, Lecanto, FL 34461 and will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. For more information, contact the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau at (352) 794-5506.

Citrus County

02/12/2024

We received some very nice coverage for manatee Season from the Ocala Gazette.
The Ocala Gazette writes about Citrus County year-round, letting their readers know what's going on in our area, focusing on exciting day trips, and weekend outings that are easy and enjoyable since Ocala is just a short drive away.

https://www.ocalagazette.com/a-rare-occurrence/

Ocala Gazette

Coming face-to-face with a manatee is quite simply one of the coolest things a person can ever do. And there is a place near Ocala where you can legally don snorkeling gear and get into the water with the gentle giants -- but be sure to mind your “manatee manners.” As water temperatures drop in ...

12/11/2024

We are working hard daily to let our potential visitors know we are open for business.

How Florida tourism groups are letting travelers know the state is ‘open for business’ after Helene and Milton. From PR Week

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…