About Citrus County, FL

Gainesville Day Trip: Kayaking in Crystal River, Florida

Located less than 90 minutes from Gainesville near the Gulf Coast is Crystal River, home to one of the largest populations of manatees in the world.

The most surprising thing about this kayak trip is how thin a veil separates the wilds of the highway from the wilds of nature.

There are many start-off points for a Crystal River kayak expedition. We began our trip at Crystal River Kayak Company, located at 1420 SE US Hwy 19 in Crystal River, Florida. (NOTE: The mapquest and GPS directions for this company are incorrect.....Crystal River Kayak Company is located in a quonset hut, about a mile or so past the intersection w/Hwy 44).

Talk about convenient....the kayak put-in is located on-site, eliminating the need for shuttles.

The best time to see manatees is November through March. Other wildlife common to the area include dolphins, turtles, fish, alligators, and more species of birds than you can shake a stick at.

A mere ten-minute paddle from put-in is Three Sisters Springs, a critical habitat for manatees which is privately owned and threatened with development.

Leaving Three Sisters Springs, a short paddle brings you into Kings Bay, a popular wintering spot for manatees.

Although we did not see any manatees the day of our kayak expedition, we did see tons of fish and turtles, and even a few dolphins. A beautiful place, so close to Gainesville....we will definitely be back!

Recently an article was posted in our local paper naming Crystal River as one of the top 10 places to snorkel.

In the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to enjoy some of the natural resources we have to offer in our fine county(Citrus County) such as scalloping, snorkeling, Three sisters springs and in the not so distant future the Rainbow River.

It has given me great peace and contentment to know that I have chosen such a wonderful place to live, raise a family, watch my grand kids grow and help people find their dream homes.

Click below to view the whole article:

http://www.chronicleonline.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?071+article+News+2009072122050071071017

Maybe I can help you buy your dream home in our County and you will be enjoy the little peace of heaven we get to enjoy everyday!

Scalloping off the Nature Coast

by Melinda Barry

A few years ago some friends of mine asked if they could use our nature coast home as a jumping off point for their scalloping adventure. The good hostess that I am I said "Sure! It would be great to spend a day out on the water." At the time I had no idea what I was getting myself into because I had never had the experience of scalloping and really didn't know what to expect.

So early on the day of our departure, we loaded up the boat, and set off for the boat ramp on the Homosassa River. Once we launched the boat it took us approximately twenty minutes to get out to where we would first try our hands at the art of scalloping. Being the natural chicken that I am, I proudly stated that I had no problem staying top side to shuck the little suckers. My friends could all have fun snorkeling for the coveted shells. From experience, I figured that shucking scallops couldn't be much different than shucking oysters. I would be a pro at separating out the little yummy hunks of muscle, and the not so yummy gelatinous goop, from the curvaceous scallop shells. Wow, was I wrong. It really takes knack and know-how. However, once you get the hang of it, it is very satisfying to see the bucket fill with miniature morsels of sweet scallop meat. Also, a tired snorkeler frequently came topside to rest and to help me with my shucking duty. The scallops came aboard faster than we could pop them from their aquatic homes.

I was coaxed several times to join the crew of divers, but each time I said "Oh no, thank you. I'm fine right here under the Bimini top." That was my easy excuse, since I am fair skinned and burn easily even with the highest SPF applied over and over again. I especially didn't want to join my fellow boaters because the jellyfish were overly abundant. Each person in the water felt the eerie brush of tentacles on flesh as the jellyfish floated by peacefully. Peaceful or not, I had no desire to enter the depths of the unknown waters we were floating in.

Finally, as the day rolled on and the number of jellyfish actually subsided, I became brave and said I wanted to enter the water to cool off. Well, that was all it took for my friends to encourage me to dive for the little shells they had been gathering all day. Since my fear had somewhat subsided, I asked myself "What do I have to lose?" I borrowed fins, a mask and a snorkel and set out to find the elusive scallop. I looked and looked in the waving green sea grass that is the scallop's favorite hiding place. Then finally I saw one. Down I dove. As I reached the bottom, the scallop caught sight of me with its hundred beady blue eyes. Its shell snapped closed tightly. I picked it up and quickly swam to the surface. What a feeling of great joy and accomplishment it brought me as I shouted out "I got one! I got one!" I dropped it down in the collection bag of a fellow snorkeler and set out to find more. One by one it became easier to find them and more exciting. That was it. I was hooked! Now each year we eagerly await the arrival of our friends so we can head out on our scalloping adventure.*

*Note: scallop fishing requires a fishing license. Make sure to check all regulations about licensure and limits before embarking on your own scalloping adventure.

This is the latest local statistics concerning the real estate market in Citrus County . National statistics are interesting but, are as useful as a national weather report. Look for this to be updated the 2^nd week of each month. The statistics will reflect the last month's activity only in Citrus County . To make comments, suggestions or to be removed from the list, please e-mail me. You may also comment on the Facebook group page, ERA American & Suncoast Realty of Citrus County or search me on Facebook.

6 Month

Category JUNE Last Month Change Trend_____

Residential Inventory 2697 2696 +1 Decreasing

Residential Sales/Month 147 155 -8 Steady

Months of Inventory 18.4 17.4 +1 Steady

Ave. HOME Sales Price $143,947 $139,323 +4,624 Steady

30 Yr Fixed Rate 0 points 5.42% 5.29% +.13% Steady

Vacant Land Inventory 2471 2573 -102 Decreasing

Terms: Residential includes Homes, Condos and Mobile Homes. Sources of information may vary and are deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Average sales price is for homes only, excludes condos and mobiles.

Overall: MARKET BOUNCING AT OR NEAR BOTTOM

Comments: Interest rates held steady after the sharp rise last month and home inventories did the same. The rise in average sale price is a 2 month bright spot but not a trend yet. The market was nearly flat in all other areas this past month. The top end market remains severely depressed. Of the 133 single family homes sold in Citrus County 101 of them were under $160,000. The last 2-3 months show promise, however, the year over year numbers for home sales and average price are not positive, with units down 6.8% and average home sales price off 19.8%.

Outlook: Reading the "tea leaves" is difficult with so much large sweeping new or proposed government spending, regulation and incentives affecting the market place every few weeks. The uncertain conditions in addition to rising unemployment work to hold demand back. Long term buyers (2-3+ years) and first time home purchasers should buy now to capture the selection, pricing and incentives and low interest rates that will dissipate when a recovery becomes clear.

Watch: CAP & TRADE bill passed by the house and going to the senate. It has far reaching affects on the home market. Rumor has it (can't find a written copy) that homes will need to be inspected and updated to federal energy efficiency standards prior to a sale. If true, this would decrease home sales measurably.

These pictures resemble Citrus County's natural appeal. The year round 72 degree crystal clear spring fed rivers attract the endagered West Indian Manatee. The mild weather here on the "Nature Coast" makes for a beautiful autumn-like day to take your boat out onto the "River" for a cruise. You might even decide to take a swim in January! What a treat.