Visit Citrus County

02/27/2026

✨ FROM PSAs TO PARADISE: THE LEGEND CONTINUES! ✨
​If you’ve ever wondered why the air in Crystal River feels a little more "laid back," it’s because the Mayor of Margaritaville himself helped put us on the map! 🦜🍹
​DID YOU KNOW?
In 1982, long before he was a global icon, Jimmy Buffett was right here at the Plantation Resort. He chose our docks and our manatees to film the very first PSAs for the Save the Manatee Club. Jimmy didn’t just visit—he fell in love with this specific slice of "Old Florida" charm. 🧜‍♂️⛵️
​THE CIRCLE IS ALMOST COMPLETE...
Rumors are flying, and the local buzz is stronger than ever: the historic Plantation is officially on the path to becoming a Margaritaville-affiliated resort. It feels like Jimmy’s spirit is finally coming home to the place he helped protect decades ago. 🏝️✨
​THEY ARE OPEN! While the full "transformation" is underway, the Plantation is officially welcoming guests back RIGHT NOW with a special limited-service reopening. You don’t have to wait for the rebranding to enjoy the magic!
​Here’s your "License to Chill" update:
​🛏️ Stay: 52 guest rooms are open and ready for your arrival.
​🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast in the lobby (6–9 AM).
​🏊 Relax: The pool and hot tub "on the point" are sparkling and open!
​🛶 Adventure: The Adventure Center is open daily (8 AM – 5 PM) for manatee tours and boat rentals.
​⚠️ Keep in Mind: The Tiki Bar and West 82° Bar & Grill are currently taking a "siesta" for renovations and are not yet open. But with the manatees back in the bay and the tropical vibes building, there’s no better time to visit.
​From the 1960s architecture to Buffett’s 1980s visits, to the Margaritaville future—this isn't just a hotel; it’s a legend in the making.
​📞 Book your stay: (352) 795-4211
🌐 Latest Updates: www.plantationoncrystalriver.com
​Who’s ready to grab a spot by the pool and toast to the future? 🥂👇
​

Jimmy Buffett and Pat Rose in Crystal River reviewing script for manatee public service announcements. Photo from Florida Memories.
State Archives of Florida

11/20/2024

Got plans this weekend? Make room for some great things to do in Citrus County!

10/07/2024

Reposted from Citrus County Chamber of Commerce

As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida's west coast, it's expected to make landfall on Wednesday as a major hurricane. While much of our community is still recovering from Hurricane Helene, it's crucial that we prepare now and have all available resources on hand to be ready for whatever impact this storm may bring. Please be aware that there is still a 100-mile margin of error in the storm's projected path—do not focus solely on the Tampa Bay area as the potential place of impact.

A mandatory evacuation is in effect for all residents in Citrus County residing in campers, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structure not capable of withstanding sustained winds of up to 110 MPH, beginning Tuesday, October 8, at 8:00 AM.

Shelters Opening at 8:00 AM on Tuesday:

Central Ridge Elementary School (General Population)

185 West Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs, FL 34434
Citrus High School (General Population)

600 West Highland Blvd., Inverness, FL 34452
Forest Ridge Elementary School (Special Needs)

2927 North Forest Ridge Blvd., Hernando, FL 34442
Renaissance Center (Pet Friendly)

3630 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461
Transportation Assistance:

Citrus County Transit provides transportation at no cost to an open shelter or other safe location within Citrus County. To book transportation, please call: (352) 527-7630.

Important Contacts:

Citizen Information Lines are open at (352) 249-2775 for any questions or concerns regarding Hurricane Milton.
Only use 9-1-1 for emergency calls.
Essential Resources for Businesses and Residents:

We understand the challenges our community is facing, especially while still recovering from Hurricane Helene. To assist you in preparation and recovery, we've compiled a list of condensed resources:

Prepare Florida: Visit PrepareFL.com for storm-related resources, including:

Emergency Preparedness Toolkit
Natural Disasters – Are You Prepared?
Navigating the Flood Insurance Claims Process
Homeowners Insurance Claim Tips
FEMA

Additional Resources for Businesses:

OPEN for Business-EZ Toolkit: Tools to help businesses plan for disasters
Small Business Administration (SBA)
Disaster Assistance for Businesses of All Sizes
Develop a Disaster Plan
FEMA - Protect Your Business from Disaster
Ready Business: Comprehensive preparedness resources
FDIC - Small Business Hotline and Website
Rebuild Florida Business Loan Fund
Commercial Insurance Coverage FAQ
These resources offer valuable information to help your business prepare for and recover from the impacts of the hurricane.

Chamber Office Status:

Our Chamber offices will be closed beginning at NOON on Tuesday, October 8th due to Hurricane Milton, but our team is available via email and will continue to keep our community updated through our social media platforms.

Your safety is our top priority. Please take all necessary precautions to protect yourselves, your families, and your businesses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed

09/04/2024

We're updating our Live Entertainment listings for the September magazine. Check out some of the great things to do around town!

10/14/2023

Have a great costume? Show it off at Noon at the Crystal River Scarecrow Fest and win some prizes!

03/21/2023

Check out some of the best things about Citrus County!

Hometown Citrus features some of the best things about Citrus County, the people and businesses that make up our community. We're not just manatees and mermaids!

10/30/2021

Grab an amazing breakfast to start the day right!

10/10/2021

Big things are happening!

10/02/2021

For sale: $220,000. Connell Heights home 3/2/1 with inside laundry, large pantry, updated kitchen and baths. This home has ceramic tile throughout and nice sized closets. FRESHLY PAINTED AND NEW ROOF SEPT 2021 and A/C 2009. The Backyard is partially fenced and the patio is a great place to watch the...

06/04/2021

Have some fun with the family and help support CASA!