Citrus County Florida Overview Citrus County is located about 65 miles north of Tampa Bay and is bordered to the west by the Gulf of Mexico and along the north and the east by the Withlacoochee River and the Tsala Apopka lake chain. The county's 683 square miles have a distinct "northern" look due to the gently rolling hills which are common throughout the area. Over 152,000 acres of the county have been set aside for wildlife preserves making the area a popular destination for bird watchers and others interested in experiencing Florida the way it used to be - natural and unspoiled. The Withlacoochee State Forest, which comprises much of the wildlife preserves in Citrus County, was named as one of the "Top 10 Coolest Places You've Never Seen" in North America by the World Wildlife Fund. Enjoy the county's beauty by car, boat or take a leisurely bike ride, walk, jog or skate down the 46-mile paved Withlacoochee State Trail as it winds through some of the most beautiful scenery on Florida's west coast. The county seat is the City of Inverness which is located in the eastern part of the county. One of the highlights of the revitalized downtown Inverness area is the newly restored Old Courthouse which once again looks as it did when it was built in 1912. The Old Courthouse is now a museum featuring history and artifacts of the area. The downtown area is also the site of various festivals and fairs throughout the year. To the west and bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, the city of Crystal River is the destination for snorkelers and divers from around the world who enjoy diving in the sparkling waters of the Crystal River and Kings Bay which is fed by Florida's second largest spring. The endangered manatee also makes these warm waters home and lucky visitors can get a chance to swim with these docile creatures. "Cracker" architecture is featured in Crystal River's restored downtown area. Just to the south of Crystal River, are Homosassa and Homosassa Springs which offer yet another aspect of Florida the natural way with a major attraction being the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, home to many of Florida's native creatures as well as a shelter for the endangered Manatee. Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site in Homosassa was once part of a thriving sugar plantation owned by David Levy Yulee, who later became Florida's first State Senator when the state was admitted into the Union in 1845. Still standing are the stonework chimney, well, foundation, steam boiler, crushing machinery, and large cooking kettles used to process the sugar cane. The Old Mill House & Printing Museum across from the Sugar Mill Ruins features antique presses and a look at printing the way it used to be. Citrus County Florida Communities Black Diamond...opened its gates in December 1987. Black Diamond Ranch was a breath of fresh air amidst the endless string of existing Florida golf communities. A private golf club community, Black Diamond offers generous homesites atop rolling countryside with wonderful views as far as the eye can see. Black Diamond Ranch is the best of both worlds – an escape, worlds apart from the urban jungles of America, but close enough to all the major attractions, entertainment and niceties of city life. At Black Diamond, the golf, rather than the real estate, was given top priority in the planning of the community. Citrus Springs...is a master planned community located in the northeastern part of Citrus County. The famous Rainbow Springs State Park, just outside of Dunnellon Florida, is a short 20 minute drive. Rainbow Springs is Florida’s fourth largest spring, popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing and Kayaking. Citrus Springs is also home to El Diablo Golf & Country Club, known for its dramatic elevation changes. In addition there is Citrus Springs Golf & Country Club, famous for its sharp doglegs. Citrus Springs contains over 32,000 homesites, a brand new 2 million dollar Community Center, elementary & middle schools, and the Withlacoochee State Trail, for biking/hiking. Crystal Shores...is a quiet waterfront community in Crystal River that is known for it's tranquil surroundings and wonderful community atmosphere. It is nearby to the Crystal River Mall and Crystal River Beach. Dixie Shores...is a peaceful waterfront community in Crystal River that caters to the fisherman in all of us. Beautiful canals and a lovely, unspoiled setting makes Dixie Shores very appealing to avid boaters and fishermen alike. Pine Ridge Estates...is a deed restricted community, with residential lot sizes ranging from 1 to 8 acres, rolling hills with elevations up to 200 feet above sea level. Other amenities include an Equestrian Center with stables, corrals, & paddocks. Approximately 30 miles of riding trails, wind their way through the community. A large number of lots in Pine Ridge are certified for the stabling of horses. Pine Ride Golf & Country Club offers 27 holes of challenging play with rolling fairways and protected greens. The community center offers a variety of activities including tennis, horse shoes, & shuffleboard. A new fitness center is proposed to be built in the near future. Pine Ridge Estates is only minutes away from shopping, medical, dining, entertainment. Riverhaven...is a waterfront community as beautiful as it gets. If you are searching for peace, tranquility, and an incredible way to return to nature, Riverhaven Village is perfect for you. Riverhaven Village offers its residents the very best in waterfront views. Most residents own boats and have easy access to the Homosassa River and the Gulf of Mexico. Both of these are renowned for amazing freshwater and saltwater fishing. Sugarmill Woods...is a deed restricted community located in the southwest corner of Citrus County. It is conveniently located to the Suncoast Parkway, which allows easy access to the Tampa International Airport. Sugarmill Woods Golf Course offers 27 holes of championship play along and Southern Woods 18 holes. Recreation facilities include putting greens, driving ranges, clubhouses, pro shops, tennis courts, swimming pools, & restaurants. Sugarmill Woods is unique with its design concept, where each lot overlooks a golf course or natural vegetation of native pine, oak, & palm trees. This allows privacy from neighbors for each residential lot. In addition, underground utilities are in place along with central water & sewer. Woodland Estates...located north of Crystal River, Woodland Estates is a water lover's paradise. Whether you enjoy boating or fishing, you will find what you need here.