Homosassa Springs News

No need to stay home and die of boredom. From the spooky to the truly scrumptious, there are plenty of events this Halloween weekend to satisfy your appetite for fun and fright.

Think ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night.

A South Florida-based animal rights organization has thrown its support behind a federal plan to release manatees held at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.

A baby manatee, shown in Homosassa Springs, Fla. The fate of a Florida manatee that has wandered into northern New Jersey waters remained unclear Saturday night.

Places to eat for ladies who lunch - and others, too - are alive and well in Citrus County, with two new ones on Citrus Avenue in Crystal River, including today's featured establishment, the Crystal River Tea House.

Citrus County commissioners on Tuesday added their voices to those who want the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park manatees to stay put.

Competition will be hot this weekend at the Homosassa Chili Championship at Nature's Resort in Homosassa.

Morris Frank clutched the microphone and looked a little forlorn. He told the 30 spectators sitting in bleachers Friday afternoon about manatees that live in the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, but his heart wasn't in it.

When the state of Florida took control of the former Homosassa Springs Nature World Attraction in 1989, its plan was to rid the park of all non-native animals.

The federal government does not intend to wipe Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park of its manatee population, but it will follow the law.

These are some of the best photos from dozens of Florida springs. Get more info on these and more springs in our Just For You Take a photo tour of Florida springs These are some of the best photos from dozens of Florida springs.

In a time when vampires are invading every aspect of popular culture, it's hard to get your fangs to stand out.

Florida state park enthusiasts will pay a few more dollars to enter the parks beginning Wednesday.

Visitors from across the county and around the world come to Citrus County every year to experience a peaceful, natural side of the Sunshine State.

State park visitors have until June 30 to purchase annual passes at the current rates of $40 for individuals and $80 for families up to 8 people.

Contributed by the Department of Environmental Protection Originally published 3:32 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2009 Updated 3:32 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2009 Park fees For a complete list of park fees.

The fees for Florida's 160 state parks are going up July 1. Day-use entrance fees for vehicles with up to eight people will increase between $1 and $3, depending on the park.

BEACON PHOTO/LYNN BOWEN This debonair, adept green-backed heron crouches in a foraging position, with his neck temporarily looking short, at Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on the west coast of Florida.

Florida State Parks have twice been named the "Nation's Best Parks," and beautiful Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, "A Showcase For Florida Wildlife," is one of the many reasons why.

The hope is to alleviate the pain of children who have experienced abuse and neglect.