The cool weather of a Florida winter has been upon us for several months and the manatees have been visiting Homosassa Springs frequently Some daily counts in January reached 200 or more manatees in the spring and spring run with numerous others in the warm waters just outside of the state park We’ve also had some extremely low-water events that have kept manatees outside of the park in deeper waters the water outside the park is still warm enough for them and the water levels came back up quickly Manatee Watch volunteers have been hard at work keeping an eye on our paddle-tailed visitors making sure that the manatees are able to get the rest and respite they need and Piper are enjoying their heated pool on the cooler days When they first moved from the spring run into the paddocks and pool area the ladies quickly consumed all the aquatic vegetation that had sprouted Piper has continued to improve her strength and has learned to navigate the spring from Ariel and Betsy All four manatees can be viewed every day in the paddocks or the in-ground pool Are you interested in giving a unique gift Consider adopting Ariel or Betsy through Save the Manatee Club’s Adopt-A-Manatee program Where are the best places to see manatees in our state park The top level of the Underwater Observatory gives a great view of manatees resting in the spring boil and the surrounding shallow waters This is the best place to see cow/calf pairs The Long River Bridge gives visitors the opportunity to see manatees not only resting along the edges of the sanctuary but also an excellent view of them as they swim under the bridge and into the park This is the best place to see active manatees The final place to view manatees is at the observation deck at the Garden of the Springs This view looks down the Homosassa River and many many manatees rest in the deeper warm water Plan a visit to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where you can see our two adoptable manatees The 2024-25 winter was busy for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab/Manatee Sighting Network with the highest number of stranded manatee responses in Alabama history several coastal adoptees made appearances throughout the state as they traveled to their warm-water refuges January was an unusually cold month that even saw snow in some parts of northern Florida making it intolerable for manatees without a warm-water habitat to stay in FL 32779Phone: 1-800-432-5646 | 407-539-0990 Save the Manatee Club's mission is to protect imperiled manatees and their aquatic habitat for future generations © 2024 Save the Manatee Club | Website by Blackbaud This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page and much of our wildlife are ready for the reprieve of cooler weather this fall Our resident manatees have been happy all season long in the steady temperature of the beautiful Homosassa spring the gates on the Long River Bridge will be opened to allow the wild manatees to enter checking in-water fencing and evaluating for any potential hazards This ensures the safety of our resident and rehabilitation manatees when they move into the paddock area as well as the safety of the wild manatees that visit the warm Homosassa spring and Piper—are enjoying the main spring until being moved into the paddocks for the winter under the watchful eye of park rangers and a staff member from Jacksonville Zoo Piper was moved into the main spring from the paddock She demonstrated great strength and improvements to her buoyancy control and remains under close observation Shantay is in the in-ground pool for daily medical treatments and will have added heat when the air temperatures dip Betsy enjoyed the flooded shorelines that occurred after Hurricane Debby where she was viewed munching on vegetation Ariel and Heinz have a renewed interest in the park’s dive volunteers and are routinely seen “assisting” with cleaning the windows of the Underwater Observatory Are you local to Citrus County or the surrounding area and interested in volunteering to help manatees We have manatee-related volunteer positions and many other volunteer opportunities available Interested in giving a unique gift to a friend or family member Give them the gift of a manatee they can visit any time You can choose one of our adoptees—Ariel or Betsy—at savethemanatee.org/adopt and come visit them in person at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park The resident manatees have been spending the winter in their heated pools as wild manatees took refuge in the main spring and our animal ambassadors are doing what they can to relax in the shade our resident and rehabilitation manatees have the best place to beat the heat—in the spring make sure to visit our park during the cooler morning hours All five of the manatees in our care—Ariel and Shantay—are enjoying the cool waters of the spring and spring run you may notice that not all of our manatees are in the main spring Wildlife care rangers have some of our manatees contained in the paddock and in-ground pool for close observation This means that our team is closely monitoring certain health factors to gauge improvements to the manatee’s health and where they prefer to spend their time all contribute to the overall picture of an animal’s health join one of our two daily manatee programs presented by our rangers or expert volunteers to get the full picture on manatees and how our state park plays a valuable role in their continued survival Director of Multimedia and Manatee Research Associate Pre-recorded highlights stream overnight or when the cameras are down for maintenance While these webcams are a popular way to learn about and enjoy manatees they’re also helping us with important research we can extract photos of manatees with distinctive scars These images are then shared with our partners from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) for inclusion in the statewide manatee photo-identification database The webcams are also incredibly helpful for monitoring sick or injured manatees they can share that information with FWC and other partners who can evaluate the situation and plan a potential rescue if needed The best part is that the manatees are completely undisturbed while we get to observe their natural behavior without having to get in the water for an up-close evaluation we have been able to monitor manatees that have buoyancy problems our team made several necessary upgrades to the existing cameras including cleaning the underwater dome housings and installing new cleaner arms to provide the clearest view during the winter months upgrading the cameras to higher resolution and optimizing our streaming for the public There actually aren’t a lot of options for permanently installed underwater cameras on the market so we’ve developed a lot of custom solutions for our manatee cameras So, whether you’re near or far, be sure to watch ManaTV.org this winter for some amazing manatee moments Pizza is one of those universal languages that Americans just get Even if the styles are vastly different based on the region—like a thin wide slice from New York a thick rectangular cut with crispy edges from Detroit or deep cheesy pie in a pan from Chicago—many can agree that the combination of chewy dough and gooey cheese is a true American classic The growing number of pizza joints is proof enough: More than 74,000 pizza restaurants were logged in the United States in 2024 how is a pizza connoisseur supposed to know the best place to grab a slice There's a lot of competition out there to become the best pizza place in town especially with people who have a lot of opinions The aesthetic is always important to consider; maybe customers prefer a classic greasy joint with checkered tablecloths and shakers of Parmesan and red pepper flakes to douse their slice or perhaps something artisanal with wood-fired pies served with a thoughtfully curated wine menu Is the restaurant using high-quality ingredients Does the taste make you want to keep eating more and more It may seem like a lot of meticulous details, but given that Americans could eat up to 180 slices of pizza in a year it only makes sense that all of these details are considered when choosing a go-to local spot there's enough data out there to steer customers in the right direction instead of having to do the research themselves Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated pizza shops in the Homosassa Springs area based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025 Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "pizza" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Homosassa Springs were included some restaurants featured may serve other food items Get ready to find the perfect place for your next slice - Rating: 3.0/5 (123 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 6612 West Gulf To Lake Hwy Crystal River, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Cafes- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.2/5 (93 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2492 North Essex Ave. Hernando, Florida - Categories: Pizza- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.3/5 (105 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 5792 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Italian, Sports Bars- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.3/5 (72 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 4828 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Burgers, Sandwiches, Pizza- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.3/5 (40 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 4538 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Pizza- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.6/5 (117 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 3938 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Italian, Seafood- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 3.8/5 (114 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 2649 North Forest Ridge Blvd. Ste 486 Publix Shopping Center Hernando, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Italian- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.0/5 (122 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 6746 West Gulf To Lake Hwy Crystal River, Florida - Categories: Pizza- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.0/5 (60 reviews)- Address: 5297 South Cherokee Way Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Bars, Pizza- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.1/5 (54 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 750 West Hampshire Blvd. Citrus Springs, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Italian- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.4/5 (106 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 3772 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Pizza, Italian- Read more on Yelp This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 321 metros (Not that there's anything wrong with that style of food; it's delicious and is responsible for popularizing Mexican food in the United States.) But Mexican food means more than that It reflects Mexico's diverse population—shaped by waves of immigration—and has proliferated throughout the U.S., showcasing the cuisine in all its complexity and regionality. Mexico has 32 distinct regional styles of cooking and thanks to immigrant chefs and the rise of promising culinarians of Mexican descent looking to share their signature dishes diners are reframing their idea of "Mexican food." According to a 2024 Pew Research Center analysis of SafeGraph data, 1 in 10 restaurants in the U.S. serve Mexican food counties have at least one Mexican restaurant The analysis also reveals that California and Texas are home to a majority of the Mexican American population and together host 2 out of 5 Mexican restaurants in the country These findings serve as a testament to the influence Mexican cuisine has had and continues to have in America Which begs the question: Where does one go for the best old-school Mexican restaurants loncheras slinging tacos out of a half-window and innovative modern Mexican food pushing culinary boundaries To help you out, Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated Mexican restaurants in the Homosassa Springs area based on diners' reviews on Yelp as of February 2025 Restaurants with at least 20 reviews tagged as "Mexican" on Yelp within a 10-kilometer radius of Homosassa Springs were included some restaurants featured may serve other food items besides Mexican food in an effort to highlight independent businesses and local chains those with more than 50 locations nationally Keep reading to see if your favorite Mexican spot made the list or to discover a new restaurant to try - Rating: 3.5/5 (68 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: 445 Northeast 1st Ter Crystal River, Florida - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.1/5 (115 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 6875 West Gulf To Lake Hwy Crystal River, Florida - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.3/5 (123 reviews)- Address: 3887 North Lecanto Hwy Beverly Hills, Florida - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.4/5 (27 reviews)- Address: 773 Northeast 5th St. Crystal River, Florida - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.4/5 (33 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 4522 South Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Mexican- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.7/5 (44 reviews)- Price level: $- Address: Orlando, Florida - Categories: Food Trucks, Tacos- Read more on Yelp - Rating: 4.8/5 (85 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 5380 South Boulevard Drive Homosassa, Florida - Categories: Food Trucks, Seafood, Tacos- Read more on Yelp and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 326 metros Spring has sprung at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park The trees are covered in fresh green leaves our resident animal ambassadors are active in the cooler mornings and some of the migratory wild birds are beginning to return home An occasional wild manatee can still be viewed from the Long River Bridge or river observation deck but the masses of manatees have moved out for the summer We have added another manatee to our rehabilitation herd Manatee Piper was brought to us from Jacksonville Zoo to gain strength in a natural spring environment She was rescued in 2015 from a culvert and in 2023 after injuries from a crab trap and cold stress She is learning the layout of our pool and paddocks from Ariel and Shantay Piper seems to be adjusting well to her new environment and park rangers record observations of her progress daily Betsy and Heinz are in the spring run and are very prompt in showing up for the daily manatee programs at 11 a.m We hope that your summer travel plans include a visit to our beautiful state park Wild manatees can possibly be viewed at other spring parks We hope you include us in your summer memory-making Amanda was rescued with her calf Ariel in 1973 and was known to be “assertive and impressive!” She passed away in 2011 during a medical procedure much larger than the average wild manatee weight of 1,200 pounds and her caretakers tried various methods to shed some pounds off the manatees at the park Amanda made her appetite known by using her face to splash water and using her prehensile lips (think of an elephant’s trunk and how it can grab objects) to “grab” at the air hoping eventually that a carrot or other treat would be placed in her mouth her permanent scars from her watercraft injury served as a poignant reminder of the daily dangers faced by wild manatees Amanda was frequently spotted resting with Rosie or her daughters Thank you so very much for choosing to care about Amanda and all manatees through this memorial adoption Save the Manatee Club remains grateful to you and we are honored to serve as your voice for manatees and their imperiled habitat Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More — Recovery continues up and down the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Helene swept thru last week That includes some of the more historical sites in the area MacRae’s of Homosassa has been a staple in Citrus County for 100 years and has seen its fair share of storms in the past. But nothing that could prepare it for Helene MacRae’s of Homosassa has looked a bit different since Hurricane Helene hit because the water came in so high and so fast," said Executive Manager Rebecca MacRae "We’ve really never seen anything like that here.” MacRae said plenty of work is being done on the property — especially tractors pulling debris from the property’s motel “We do have to replace the skirting on the building that got taken off," MacRae said "The A/Cs that are under here — they got destroyed through these rooms on the side But for a business — and family — that have called this area home for the last 100 years “We have so much experience here with flooding because we are kind of on a low piece of property on the Homosassa River," MacRae said "There is some measures we can take here that help She said the the work has been made easier by help from some friends “You can see the piles of things destroyed in people’s homes growing every day which is really sad," MacRae said "But we come together to try to come back stronger and better There’s a lot of love that goes around at times like these the perfect destination to explore charming coastal towns Animal lovers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor activities and exploring Florida’s diverse wildlife will love Elliei Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park about a 90-minute drive from Orlando International Airport The park is a well-respected wildlife sanctuary home to captive wildlife that cannot survive in the wild for various reasons The Wildlife Walk is an elevated boardwalk that runs through the park allowing visitors to view the natural habitats of its native Florida residents Birders can walk the .75-mile Pepper Creek Trail or take a guided boat tour on the creek The Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory gives visitors an up-close view of the saltwater and freshwater fish in the Homosassa Spring The Spring’s star attraction is the wintering West Indian manatees who make their home there Considered the best museum in Florida for children and families, the Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg was created with children in mind Hands-on and immersive experiences let children explore agriculture and more in a fun and educational setting only 40 minutes from MCO Children can learn about food and produce and even go grocery shopping or work at the cash register at a kid-sized Publix market “My First Checkup” is a child-size healthcare center while the “On the Air” exhibit lets kids see them on television or deliver a news broadcast Energetic kids can test their endurance on the playground and ropes course and many of the exhibits encourage climbing and moving—a great outlet for all that energy Marine enthusiasts or aquarists won’t have to travel far from the airport to Sea Life Orlando Aquarium as it’s only about 20 minutes away the aquarium is also a great educational experience where visitors can learn about ecosystems Explore what’s happening under the sea in Florida’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel where visitors can come face to face with fish There’s a Rocket Garden where young astronauts can walk among historic rockets from NASA's Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs, visit the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and maybe meet a real astronaut and hear about their space experiences or pay tribute to fallen astronauts at the Space Mirror Memorial Take a break at one of the fun eateries onsite If travelers to Orlando want to visit a “theme park” but want it geared more towards nature a unique all-inclusive day resort for families Discovery Cove is a one-of-a-kind day trip where visitors can meet the photogenic otters in the turquoise waters of Freshwater Oasis hand-feed exotic birds in the Explorer’s Aviary or snorkel with tropical fish in the Grand Reef The most sought-after experience in the park is the ability to swim with the bottlenose dolphins after a brief introduction to their behavior and communication skills with an animal expert Special tours can be arranged for visitors who want to feed sting rays Discovery Cove is about 40 minutes from the airport Home of the world-famous glass bottom boats Silver Springs State Park has been a natural landmark destination since the 1870s The 4,000-acre park encompasses the springs and the 5-mile Silver River or paddleboard downstream on the crystal clear Silver River or take a guided tour with a professional guide who will introduce paddlers to the history of the area The jewel in the state park’s crown is the Glass Bottom Boat Tour in a historic glass bottom boat with an awe-inspiring view of the underwater life in the springs and the size of Mammoth Spring, the river’s head. Watch colorful bottom feeders, ancient Native American artifacts, and even leftover movie props when Hollywood used the park as a movie location NASCAR fans and motorheads are sure to enjoy the 90-minute drive from the Orlando Airport to the iconic Daytona International Speedway, home to NASCAR’s most prestigious event—the Dayota 500. First opened in 1959, the “World Center of Racing” is almost as legendary as Daytona Beach the “World’s Most Famous Beach” and the original site of car racing in the early 1900s Tour the famous racetrack and learn about its history Visit the world-famous Motorsport Hall of Fame of America which pays tribute to all kinds of motorsports See bronze sculptures of all 250+ Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductees including a shrine to the most recent individuals While the Orlando theme parks get all the glory the Ocala National Forest is a not-to-be-missed day trip 90 minutes from the airport for avid outdoor enthusiasts The 387,000-acre forest is the oldest national forest in Florida encompassing over 600 lakes and rivers well suited for swimming There are hundreds of miles of unique walking trails through the forest with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting A 66-mile segment of the Florida Scenic Trail winds through the Ocala National Forest with numerous trailheads including access points in the Juniper Springs Recreation Area incorporating boardwalks and nature trails leading into deeper wooded areas find the Alexandra Springs Recreation Area trailhead for the only designated off-road 22-mile Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail Talk a walk on the wild side with a jam-packed family day at Wild Florida, where animal lovers can ride, walk, or drive through the adventure of their choice. Take a ride on an airboat through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades looking for diverse wildlife like alligators Stroll through Gator Park and meet more than 200 native and exotic animals like bobcats Younger visitors will love the Petting Zoo and Hawk Swamp under the shade of the cypress canopy boardwalk stay in the car and discover more than 150 animals roaming freely in the Drive-Thru Safari Park Wild Florida is about a 45-minute drive from Orlando International Airport While Orlando isn’t on the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf Coast if day trippers to Florida want to squeeze in a trip to the beach Cocoa Beach is the closest beach to the airport There are kayaking expeditions if visitors want to explore some of the inlets and watch for dolphins or drop-in surf lessons if visitors want to learn a new sport in the “East Coast Surf Capital” of the U.S. or there’s always the option to lay on the say and enjoy the salty sea air The Cocoa Beach Pier is a landmark on Florida’s Space Coast, stretching 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean, and is home to great restos, bars, gift shops, and live entertainment. The pier is among the best places to watch a SpaceX Falcon rocket launch and catch the boosters falling to Earth See a schedule of upcoming rocket launches on The Kennedy Space Center website Many live in protected areas like the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and only a few licensed tour operators have permits to take groups on swim tours Get up close and personal with these gentle sea giants on a 3-hour Manatee Swim Tour with Explorida photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com 2024HOMOSASSA SPRINGS — Under a bruised sky Thursday afternoon a man twirled a green sign beside a quiet stretch of South Suncoast Parkway in Citrus County It was emblazoned with two words: “Got weed?” No matter that Hurricane Helene was rapidly intensifying in the Gulf of Mexico, some 190 miles away and marching ever closer. No matter that forecasters said the storm would be among the largest to threaten the region this century likely leaving no part of Florida untouched by wind He declined to give specifics but said he’d had a steady stream of customers at Freedom Vape all day He showed little interest in stopping even though his store was located in Zone A a street sign flashed: “SEVERE WEATHER WARNING Forecasters predicted 10-15 feet of “catastrophic life-threatening storm surge” along this swath of marshy Gulf Coast where many residents are still reeling from Hurricane Idalia who kept spinning the sign and offering a thumbs up to anyone who passed he said he moved to Florida from West Virginia and started the shop about five months ago He shooed away a lovebug from on his T-shirt and readjusted his oversized red 5 things to know about the 2024 hurricane season, according to forecasters. Forecasters predict ‘extremely active’ 2024 hurricane season. Here’s why. Could Tampa Bay flood insurance rise after a hurricane? A warning from Hurricane Ian Want to know what areas are flooding in Tampa Bay? Here’s where to look Checklists for building all kinds of storm kits. Olivia George is a former reporter covering the City of Tampa. Many tourists who visit Florida head for Orange County, home of the state’s most famous theme parks. But just 85 miles west of here lies a lesser-known county, with a similar name and its own wild character. If you’re looking to explore Florida’s natural beauty, or if you’re into hiking, biking, and paddling, you should visit Citrus County That hippo is Lucifer, better known as Lu, and he took up residence in what’s now Homosassa Springs State Park back when it was just another roadside attraction Lu faced a possible eviction: only native animals are allowed in the state parks his many fans beseeched the then-Governor Lawton Chiles for a special dispensation to let Lu stay Chiles declared Lu an official citizen of Florida and Lu has been delighting (and occasionally splattering) visitors ever since But Lu isn’t the only worthy attraction here – there’s plenty more wildlife and incredible nature to see Use this guide to inspire your next adventure to Citrus County The Wildlife Walk takes visitors past captive bobcats Panthers are the official Florida state animal yet they’re also on the endangered species list The park’s most notable landmark is the enormous manatee statue out front large enough to be seen from the nearby U.S 19 If you’d rather see a living manatee you’ll find them in the Fish Bowl Underwater Observatory sunk down in the spring itself the park has a manatee program in the bleachers that overlooks the Fish Bowl The 20-minute show offers a quick tutorial by a park volunteer about manatee biology Manatees are central to tourism in Citrus County thanks to a Cornell University grad student named Daniel “Woodie” Hartman who conducted the first in-depth study of the lives of manatees in the late 1960s He ended up writing about his research for National Geographic Jacques Cousteau happened to read the article and featured Florida’s “forgotten mermaids” on his popular TV show in 1972 and Crystal River is now the only community in America with a manatee-based economy This 61-acre site just off U.S.19 contains six pre-Columbian burial and temple mounds demonstrating that this was one of the longest continuously occupied sites in Florida Not only was it occupied for more than 1,000 years but the evidence shows people traveled thousands of miles to visit every year to trade goods take the mile-long trail and stop by the museum a piece of memorable ‘60s architecture which shows off some of the artifacts found amid the mounds The trail includes a 51-step staircase to the top of Temple Mound A which rewards you with a beautiful view of the surrounding tidal creek Described as “the jewel of Crystal River,” and beloved by locals Hunter Springs Park offers a relaxing stopover at the most accessible spring in Kings Bay In addition to the boardwalk for manatee viewing the park is open to swimming year-round and has a playground There’s a fee for the use of the launch but no kayak rental is available at the park kayaks are available for rent from many outfitters out of Kings Bay to ensure you have a wonderful day on the water To step into Crystal River Preserve State Park is to enter a time machine. Much of the property has remained untouched for centuries, allowing visitors a vision of Florida of the past. The park, just down the road from Crystal River Archeological State Park stretches 20 miles along the Gulf Coast between Yankeetown and Homosassa protecting more than 27,000 acres of scrub There are two kayak and canoe launches – one by the park headquarters, the other by Mullet Hole. Crystal River Preserve Adventures offers reservations for guided kayak excursions Wednesday and Friday provided by the 24- seat vessel “Monroe.” But what many visitors prefer is to hike or bike on the Seven-Mile Loop Trail which is the longest unpaved loop in Citrus County What adds even more to its appeal is that it’s part of the Great Florida Birding & Wildlife Trail The coastal location combined with the undeveloped character of the park makes it a major hotspot for birders looking to boost their life lists Be forewarned – there are no restrooms or potable water on the trail so take your canteen and be sure you go before you go Another prime paddling spot is the Tsala Apopka chain of lakes This is the largest freshwater system in Citrus County covering approximately 22,000 acres near Inverness Local residents love the undeveloped feel of the area although people have altered the landscape repeatedly since the 1880s it’s three separate pools that connect 15 lakes relying on water from groundwater and surface water movement from the Withlacoochee River The Tsala Apopka Chain of Lakes surrounds most of the Flying Eagle Preserve and swamps along five miles of the Withlacoochee River Along the water are 22 miles of multi-use trails winding through woods and old pastures making the preserve a terrific place to hike or bike The preserve is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail which means you’re liable to see everything from ducks to wild turkeys to raptors here Birds recorded in the preserve include sandhill cranes whose long necks have earned them the nickname “snakebirds” You’re also likely to see gopher tortoises which Floridians used to call “Hoover chickens” during the depression Don’t try to eat them now – they’re a protected species An even better ride—if you’re up for it—can be had on the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail The trail passes through three counties (Citrus making it one of the longest paved rails-to-trails projects in the state you don’t have to ride the whole trail all the way to the end in one trip It passes through several small towns that offer a good place to stop for the afternoon or the night (or even the week) “The southern end of the trail offers plenty of shade and a nice view of the Withlacoochee River while the northern end is more open,” says trail manager Christopher Raby “My favorite portion is the mid-section of the trail that runs through downtown Inverness and borders Wallace Brooks (park) and Liberty Park.” You can peel off the Withlacoochee State Trail to explore the Liberty Trail a meandering boardwalk through cypress and palm trees that runs along Lake Henderson and connects Liberty and Wallace Brooks parks You’ll have to park your bike and tie your walking shoes because the Inverness-owned Liberty Trail is for foot traffic only you have a better chance to spot the wildlife all around you Waterfowl such as egrets and herons swoop in to feed in the marshes and you’re likely to see alligators and turtles To protect the natural habitat of manatees Fish and Wildlife Service set up the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge in 1983 which covers Three Sisters Springs the last unspoiled and undeveloped spring habitat in Kings Bay You can view Three Sisters Springs from land by hiking the boardwalk which offers a variety of viewing platforms and regular guided tours during what the staff calls “manatee season.” Beginning in mid-November seeking the warmth of the springs’ flow from underground which protects them from the cold That crowding usually continues until late March when the temperatures rise and they slowly disperse it’s still possible to see manatees and your best chance of spotting them is the early mornings Here you can spot up to 100 different native and migratory bird species that have flocked to this lush home You can’t jump into the spring from the boardwalk and splash around with the manatees but you can bring or rent a canoe or kayak and launch from any of the public boat ramps or kayak launches on Kings Bay Then you can make your way to the spring run for Three Sisters This is it: the one place where everyone says you can experience Florida the way it was meant to be People will call it “pristine” the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge will blow your mind was established in 1943 for the protection of the flocks of migratory birds that stop off there There’s a visitors center with a two-story observation tower but most of the refuge is accessible only by water and best experienced from a kayak or canoe along the spring-fed Chassahowitzka River estuaries and brackish marshes provide the perfect environment for a variety of marine life including manatees which like to graze on the seagrass meadows in the refuge’s tidal bays This post is sponsored by Discover Crystal River. Click here to explore more We depend on ad revenue to craft and curate stories about the world’s hidden wonders Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month Follow us on Twitter to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders Like us on Facebook to get the latest on the world's hidden wonders As the heat of another Florida summer gives way to cooler air Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is gearing up for the beginning of manatee season the gates on the Long River Bridge are opened to allow the wild manatees to enter our team of staff and volunteers snorkel in the spring This ensures safety for our resident manatees when they move into the paddock area the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park’s Facebook page will start up ‘Manatee Mondays with Ranger Kate’ in mid-November as well Ocala and Homosassa Springs, two communities located in Florida, have the fastest-growing Latino populations in all metropolitan areas in the United States, according to new estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau highlighting differences in growth between the U.S Hispanic and non-Hispanic populations from 2022 to 2023 reflected a tie between both Floridian communities at the top of the ranking of metropolitan areas with at least 10,000 Hispanic residents Both Ocala and Homosassa Springs saw its Latino population increase by 9.3%. At the national level, Latinos accounted for nearly 71% of all population growth in the United during the same time period There were over 65 million Hispanic individuals in the U.S. The report also revealed that although approximately one-third of the overall net gain in the Latino population can be attributed to international migration the largest increase was due to natural causes with 722,000 more births than deaths recorded during that period Florida was second overall with the largest numeric increases in Latinos: 191,373 individuals approximately 50,000 less than Texas (242,306) What's more, Marion County officials have said that the uptick is is also bringing in more cash to the area. Florida's WCJB reports that the county is close to seeing the numbers they ended 2023 with and they plan to use those funds to make the area even more attractive to tourists Crystal-clear and a refreshing temperature year-round Florida's springs are the swimming holes of your dreams Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure Manatee programs are offered daily at 11 a.m The programs are presented along side the main spring at the bleachers overlooking the Fish Bowl Underway Observatory The programs are presented alongside the main spring at the bleachers overlooking the Fish Bowl underwater observatory Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park includes the Wildlife Walk and paved trails for wildlife viewing The Wildlife Walk consists of elevated boardwalks that are accessible for strollers or visitors in wheelchairs The boardwalk allows an elevated view of the natural habitats and provides rain shelters along the way Unable to survive in the wild for various reasons the park’s captive wildlife are ambassadors for their species The Fish Bowl underwater observatory floats in the main spring and allows an up-close view of the spring and the fish and manatees that swim by A live-feed television screen is located on the sundeck allowing visitors to view fish and manatees from an underwater perspective Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is an excellent site for birding The Pepper Creek Birding Trail runs from the visitor center parking area along the tram road and ends at the parking areas at Fish Bowl Drive This trail is one of 20 birding trails in Citrus County that are part of the Great Florida Birding Trail An information kiosk is located at the trailhead behind the parking area of the visitor center on U.S Your browser is not supported for this experience.We recommend using Chrome Manatees roam the waters of Florida from April through October -- but when things get a bit chilly, they head to places like freshwater Florida Springs where the temperatures remain constant throughout the year Copyright © document.write(new Date().getFullYear())2021 VISIT FLORIDA. All rights reserved. VISIT FLORIDA® is a service mark of the Florida Tourism Industry Marketing Corporation, d/b/a VISIT FLORIDA, registered in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. | Contact Us and I’m not fond of looking at caged wild animals,” says the Netherlands native “It’s just not my thing.” But after a friend persuaded her to pay a visit to the park Lamme came away with an entirely different viewpoint of the 210-acre facility in Citrus County that put her misconceptions to rest A wild wood stork joins the resident birds at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park during feeding time Wild ibis join the resident birds at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park during feeding time And getting an up-close and personal view of the massive West Indian manatees feasting on lettuce leaves in the park’s freshwater springs meant she could cross another item off her bucket list Visitors can begin with a short pontoon boat ride down Pepper Creek guided by a captain who points out details such as sunbathing turtles nests of blue herons and the red cedar trees along the shoreline Two bald eagles at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park The park takes visitors through a variety of animal and bird exhibits visitors follow a path on boardwalks and paved trails in a lush tropical setting under a canopy of grand oak there’s the comfort of constant shade on the jungle-like grounds One of the Florida black bears at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park sleeps while visitors get a close look Both were found as cubs in Ocala National Forest abandoned by their mother Visitors to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park can hop aboard a pontoon boat for a ride along Pepper Creek or take a tram to the park entrance Lamme is one of the park’s many devoted fans calling it a “true hidden treasure” on the state’s Nature Coast “Anyone with an interest in what makes Florida unique needs to put this place on a must-see list,” she says It’s the kind of place where you can return time and time again and see something different.” Susan Strawbridge loves to hear testimonies like this Her fondness for the park is evident: She’s been a part of the operation here for 35 years and eventually became its weekend photographer Now she’s a park services specialist acquainted with nearly every facet of the sprawling property and its inhabitants She’s witnessed its vast changes over the years from a privately owned attraction with exotic animals and shows to its evolution as a Florida state park with a new focus on the preservation of natural and cultural resources along with interpretative programs and exhibits that rotate monthly “This is truly real Florida,” she says “Even after many years of working here I find that every day brings new experiences that continue to inspire me I never get tired of coming to work.” A flock of flamingos resides at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park The Fish Bowl underwater observatory at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offers a unique view of a school of snook It became a tourist attraction back in the early 1900s when the “Mullet Train” would stop here to let passengers off to view Homosassa Springs and its multitude of colorful fresh and saltwater fish while the crews would load up freight of fresh crab the 50-acre site and surrounding 100 acres were purchased and developed as a small tourist attraction and given the name “Nature’s Own Attraction.” Ivan Tors Animal Actors brought the animals they trained for television and movie roles when they weren’t performing on set “We call this an assisted living facility,” says Strawbridge Arguably the most popular draw is the manatee viewing pool where visitors can attend an informative program on one of Florida’s most beloved mammals The park also has an education center dedicated to these gentle giants an endangered species under federal protection 55-feet deep underwater observatory in the springs of the headwaters of the Homosassa River at the park’s entrance Its engineering feat was so innovative for its time that Popular Mechanics published a story about it in its January 1965 issue A framed copy of that weathered article is hung in the floating structure where the descent is a few steps down to an oversized viewing area visitors can see dozens of species of fish glide by More national exposure is in the works. National Geographic Wild is planning upcoming segments on two of the park’s most captivating stories One will focus on the enduring love tale of whooping cranes Levi and Peepers the baby Florida panther found abandoned by biologists at a week old Through a collective effort of wildlife groups and veterinarians from ZooTampa and the park though he will never possess the skills necessary for survival in the wild “He belongs to us now,” Strawbridge says “That’s what makes this place so special We provide an environment where we can give animals like Yuma a second chance he can teach us so much about the importance of protecting the wildlife that shares our land.” experiencing Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park made her realize why she fell in love with Florida in the first place and made this her second home “Its natural beauty can take your breath away,” she says Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Admission is $13 for adults (age 13 and older) and $5 for children (ages 6 through 12) Kennels are provided free at the Visitor Center For more information, call (352) 628-5343 or (352) 628-2311, or visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park.  By Michelle Bearden Elly Lamme loves exploring Florida but the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park was not high on her list By Lauren Tjaden With varied terrain and tremendous ecological diversity Florida provides hikers of every skill level a perfect backdrop for exercise.. Ariel was just two weeks old when she was rescued with her mom She lifts her head out of the water to "smile" at manatee education program visitors she was rescued with her mother Amanda in Lake Worth Inlet located along Florida’s southeastern coast and Amanda had been hit by a boat and had bad injuries caused by the boat’s propeller but she was too young to be separated from her mother Calves are dependent on their mothers for up to two years nursing and learning all the things necessary to survive they were both moved to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa Amanda died in 2011 during a medical procedure She shares the space with another permanent resident named Betsy The park also serves as a temporary home for manatees in rehabilitation so the duo sometimes assist in keeping those manatees company as they recover tipping the scales at nearly 2,300 pounds the last time she was weighed and females are typically larger than males on one occasion even locating a lost shoe and pushing it around the spring to play with it She is fond of popping her head up above the water to observe visitors as well as park staff when they are talking during the manatee education programs Ariel and Betsy enjoy spending their days exploring the spring run and watching the park visitors in the Fish Bowl underwater observatory From March to November, check our Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park live webcams to see Ariel and Betsy at the park The Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is helping to make sure the wildlife of the park are taken care of Thanks to local volunteers in the park's citizen support organization, the park streamlined the evacuation process for the park’s non-releasable captive wildlife. The relocation of captive predators can be challenging and requires special equipment The Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park raised over $35,000 and purchased seven transport crates The rangers conditioned the animals to voluntarily enter the crates which improves safety for the staff and a quicker response to weather threats but puts less stress on the animals during relocation Living up to its name through small towns for any taste, the Sunshine State is an all-season destination sought after around the world Between Juno Beach and Blowing Rocks Preserve Jupiter offers access to some of the most scenically charged sights in the state there's actually more room to breathe without crowds Escape the snow and frigid temperatures into the beautiful weather outdoors—not nearly as hot as the summer for mid-day adventures and lounging on the beach Hernando Beach and Homosassa are renowned for bountiful scalloping From yoga on the beach in Siesta Key to holiday shopping and sales these towns make you forget life as you know it Aerial view of the Cocoa Beach Pier in Florida Just an hour from Orlando Cocoa Beach is a prime water sports destination with easy-going vibes year-round Numerous Santa surfers descend to ride the waves every Christmas Eve Drop by a carnival costume contest alongside the highlighted sands and colorful surf The cozy beach is ideal for celebrating the season in the warm-weather outdoors with picnics park by the shore to ride or learn with a rental board or bring your own like the Inn At Cocoa Beach and Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront you’ll feel like you are part of civilization apart wide-swept beach with free parking to trudge its molasses-like sands Stretch your legs into a shaded maritime hammock of lush live oak with a picnic in a frame of local palmetto and greenery offers to buy your way into a real beach lifestyle over its 52,000 square feet of space The shallows attract families to splash or wade past the breakers Explore the Cocoa Beach Pier; the 800-foot boardwalk into the ocean is really photogenic to browse shops and boutiques in great view of the swell and the beach Hernando Beach is an oasis along the Weeki Wachee River and Springs Those who find it once discover a welcoming shrimping mecca to enjoy the freshest catch year-round how about a holiday feast at Hernando Beach Tropical Grille The colorful Lei-Lo Tiki Hut "On the Water" is a must-stop for American fare with a beachy vibe You'll be full and happy to explore the waters or hike Weekiwachee Preserve Nature Coast Botanical Garden & Nursery is the most serene while the nearby Touchstar Cinemas is the most lively in the next-door town Score a charming beachfront rental with access to the beach scene or explore the Weekiwachee Wildlife Management Area Editorial credit: Sunshower Shots / Shutterstock.com Homosassa is the "Florida Cracker Riverside Resort." One of the most beautiful spots in Florida it is great to escape the wintertime city along various waterways Beat the heat with plenty of shade at the eponymous state park among native Floridian wildlife like alligators plus manatee viewings through an underwater observatory Bring your whole gang to Bluebird Springs Park for a picnic in the covered pavilion River Safaris is a popular pursuit to experience "Adventures on the Wild Side" with various tours that are wildly captivating Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park immerses visitors in the majestic and diverse world of the springs From backcountry fishing adventures with local guides to a quaint marina at sunset you'll be starving for dinner at the laidback Crump's Landing a waterfront restaurant serving surf-n-turf Jupiter Florida Lighthouse with the ocean and sky in the background Heading south along the shore towards the center Coral Cove Park boasts limestone formations and coral reefs abundant in marine life From ocean surfing and fishing in the river to sea turtle walks on the sand Enjoy hiking and biking the beachfront park trails a jetty on a scenic lagoon with a sandy fringe for swimming The next-door Carlin Park boasts a scenic boardwalk along the sands to photograph offers specialty shops and sidewalk dining Shop at Harbourside Place with river views and catch the sunset behind the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse before turning in at one of its luxury resorts Aerial view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline Bursting with small-town charms, this true island delight is often overlooked despite being just a short way from Miami. Wedged between Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the south and Crandon Park to the north, Key Biscayne is an enviable destination for outdoor lovers to escape the cold promising a sunlit streetscape with unspoiled scenery around—an itinerary full of waiting Enjoy adventures at your pace in a calm environment and cycling when not hiking through the parks and amusements like eco-tours and concessions you'll be drawn by the fresh-baked scent from Piononos for a treat to enjoy at the central Village Green Park with a playground and interactive fountain Whether you're in central Key Biscayne Beach or the rugged Ocean Park just south soak up the water vistas and explore beyond You'll be smitten by its coastal barrier reef—the only federally recognized underwater archaeological trail in the US which is among the state's best places to snorkel The state park features the historic Cape Florida lighthouse one of the oldest structures in Miami-Dade drawing couples and photographers at sunset End the day or reserve a holiday dinner at Milanezza Kitchen Bar & Market with a retro feel and Italian and Argentine dishes Aerial view of the coastline of Marco Island off the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida This idyllic barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico attracts tourists year-round Since most of us descend for the summer vacation the sprawling island feels like your own in acceptable winter temperatures to explore the outdoors Offering doorstep access to several relaxed parks with local species like great blue herons and ospreys sandy shores of Tigertail Beach with a tidal lagoon to watch shorebirds and collect shells the hedge-lined paved pathway at South Beach leads you to unspoiled white sands overlooking the Ten Thousand Islands Marco Island Historical Society offers thousands of records to browse Marco Island Farmer's Market boasts a lively feel while Goodland Boat Park offers a double ramp Stop by the town's intimate Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve before dinner next door at Snook Inn a chill hangout with seafood and a salad bar you'll be ready for the next day's set of adventures after the delightful Doreen's Cup of Joe serving coffee drinks and favorite breakfast foods You can take the Key West Express or adventure through Otter Mound Preserve which has a trail through a historic tropical hardwood hammock Catch the sunset at Marina At Factory Bay or Dolphin Cove Marina next door Randell Research Center conveys the ecology while the Museum of the Islands offers human history with ancient exhibits and archeological finds from the Calusa Indian community each of the four communities infuses its flavor into the largest island on the Gulf Coast with plenty of ways to revel in the peaceful Rivaling the best towns in Florida to escape in the cold season while the days are away over leisure and adventures and picnicking at the beautiful Galt Preserve with local fauna and flora Tropical Point Park is excellent for a hike with a picnic to the top views of the water slit through the greenery Phuzzy's Boat Shack is a popular old-school joint on a canal with a funky outdoor bar serving surf-n-turf Boasting bountiful agriculture and fishing opportunities the Bokeelia Fishing Pier is renowned for scenic strolls and fishing among the locals who have enjoyed its length for over a century Just imagine a siesta away from the snow under the pleasant sunshine with easy-on-the-eyes views. Boasting a longstanding history of recognition, you couldn't feel further from the bustle, just a crossing west of Sarasota Many out-of-state visitors reserve an afternoon for the state-of-the-art historic John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art back on the mainland Everything hints at relaxation; the island offers free trolleys to explore its length between the outdoor recreation opportunities from fishing and parasailing spots to the fine white quartz sand of Siesta Beach that stays cool heavenly sand stretch took silver home among US beaches according to TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards Head south to Crescent Beach for lower crowds and further down to Point of Rocks Clear waters wash over the white-sanded Sarasota Beach the nearby Phillippi Estate Park is a dog-friendly 60-acre space to trail around a historic mansion Grab your last-minute gifts at South Village Shopping District or keep the holiday feel going after the Boxing Day specials through Siesta Key Village Captain Curt's Crab & Oyster Bar boasts a tiki bar From North Beach Park to Surfside Park Beach Vilano Beach defines a transformative experience for the mind Escape the snow at home for yoga on the beach to really breathe deep the salty sea scent The beach near the inlet offers to recompose in an intimate space with the complementing Casa Monica Resort at the doorstep Whether you're in for thrilling water sports complete your winter holiday on the beach at Cap's On the Water at sunset with views from the wooden deck and an oyster bar while Aunt Kate's serves eclectic dishes like smoked fish dip and fried alligator tail It’s not an easy task in the Sunshine State and small-town charm spilling onto picturesque beaches perfect for water sports Florida feels more refreshing than ever this time of year where the concept of "snow" becomes a distant memory offers easy access to Sarasota's attractions Vilano Beach lies just 5 miles away from the oldest European settlement in the continental US while Pine Island preserves the pristine environment of Florida as it once was Leave your worries behind and gift yourself a getaway in one of Florida’s warmest towns this winter HOMOSASSA SPRINGS — Lu has always been the star of the show Lu knows a thing or two about captivating an audience the aging actor is enjoying retirement in Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park Lu relies on medication and supervision from dedicated caretakers and it’s pretty special to get to work with him.” The feeling is mutual among Lu’s caretakers but none have a bigger connection to him than James Curry Curry says Lu is one of the biggest reasons why he got into this profession in the first place “I first met Lu in 1981 when I was three years old,” Curry said from childhood all the way now to have worked—been able to have the pleasure of working with him for the last decade.” Curry says words can’t describe how amazing it is to work with Lu And Curry tries to see him at least once every day The last thing he wants is to be covered in hippo dung “Hippopotamuses are very territorial animals,” Curry said “One of the ways they claim their territory is by urinating and defecating on objects So what they will do is begin to defecate and twirl their tale around real fast and then they will fling dung all over something.” Lu’s exhibit has a big yellow sign labeled "Splatter Zone" that warns any unsuspecting bystanders visitors don’t flock to the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park just to get covered in hippo feces They come to see the oldest hippo in the Americas: Lu The 60-year-old bull hippopotamus has lived at the park for almost his entire life Lu was relocated to Homosassa Springs to join the Ivan Tors Animal Actors After nearly two decades of starring in movies and television specials Lu suddenly faced eviction from his beloved home the Florida Park Service took over the park and planned to move non-native species out of the state But Lu had become such a beloved member of the Homosassa community a petition was created and sent to Lawton Chiles “Governor Chiles agreed and actually made Lu an honorary Florida citizen,” Spratt said “and that makes him the one and only Florida hippopotamus and because he’s a citizen that’s how he’s allowed to stay in a Florida State Park as a non-native animal.” Nearly three decades after becoming the only animal citizen in the state Lu enjoys most of his days swimming in his enclosure playing with his toys or entertaining visitors though visitation is limited due to the pandemic who — like Curry and Spratt — is a Park Services Specialist says the lack of a big audience doesn’t bother Lu too much “He has been in captivity his entire life,” Junkunc said “He really does seem to like to interact with the visitors and he’s a big star here so everyone else’s name When he’s feeling really good he’ll kind of do like this weird somersaults where we can see his feet come up in the air.” Lu is living his best life. And while plans are still being made for his 61st birthday in January feel free to stop by the state park and say hi to one of America’s most treasured animals Just don’t get caught in the Splatter Zone Is visiting a Florida state park in your Memorial Day plans Even better: over the Memorial Day weekend, admission to Florida state parks is free. Do these Florida state parks sound familiar Have you visited one of the top 10 most popular spots or do you favor the quieter spots Florida's park system has something for just about everyone Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced earlier all Florida state parks will be free to enter during the Memorial Day weekend. “Florida is stepping up to make summer more affordable for families,” DeSantis said when he announced the state would kick off the summer with savings for families by waiving admission for all visitors to Florida State Parks for Memorial Day weekend The weekend runs from May 24 through May 27 ➤ Check water quality before you go Freedom Month Sales Tax Holiday: Free admission to Florida state parks? Tax free concert tickets? What you need to know How many state parks are in Florida?According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Recreation and Parks, there are "175 state parks, trails and historic sites spanning nearly 800,000 acres and 100 miles of sandy white beach." ➤ Interactive map: See where all Florida parks are located "Florida's 175 award-winning state parks are second to none," said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Shawn Hamilton "I encourage all of Florida's residents and visitors to take advantage of these extra savings and discover the unique experiences the real Florida has to offer Top 10 most-visited state parks in FloridaAccording to data from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida parks with the highest attendance were: total park attendance 2022-2023: 8,576,197Cross Florida Greenway: 3,444,052Anastasia: 1,092,136Sebastian Inlet: 587,951Silver Springs: 579,316Blue Spring: 575,769District 4: Top 5 total park attendance 2022-2023: 6,406,248Honeymoon Island: 1,528,178Gasparilla Island: 956,802Stump Pass Beach: 436,658Weeki Wachee Springs: 346,531Caladesi Island: 287,787District 5: Top 5 total park attendance 2022-2023: 6,223,907Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail: 1,418,263Bill Baggs Cape Florida: 796,523Fort Zachary Taylor: 638,363Bahia Honda: 508,122John Pennekamp Coral Reef: 455,970Florida state parks with the greatest direct economic impactAccording to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection the top five state parks with the greatest direct economic impact in fiscal 2022-2023 are: