According to liuxers.com, Citrus County, Florida is located in the central region of the state and is home to a population of approximately 141,236 residents. The county seat is Inverness and the largest city is Crystal River. Citrus County covers a total area of 773 square miles, making it one of the largest counties in Florida. It has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters.
Citrus County was established in 1887 and was named for its abundance of citrus fruit. The county is home to several natural attractions including Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, and Withlacoochee State Forest.
The economy of Citrus County is largely based on agriculture and tourism. Agriculture includes crops such as citrus fruits, vegetables, hay, sugarcane, cotton, peanuts and corn while tourism focuses on outdoor activities such as fishing and boating as well as attractions like Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park which offers visitors a chance to view manatees up close.
Citrus County has an excellent school system with 11 elementary schools, 3 middle schools and 3 high schools all offering quality education to its students. The county also offers several higher education opportunities including College of Central Florida (CF), Withlacoochee Technical Institute (WTI) and University of South Florida (USF).
In addition to its educational offerings Citrus County also boasts excellent healthcare options with multiple hospitals located throughout the county including Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center in Crystal River which offers comprehensive medical care for both adults and children.
Citrus County provides a great quality of life for its residents with plenty of outdoor activities available year-round along with excellent educational opportunities plus access to quality healthcare services making it an ideal place to live or visit.
History of Citrus County, Florida
The history of Citrus County, Florida dates back to the early 1800s when it was part of Alachua County. By 1887, the county was separated from Alachua and named Citrus after its abundance of citrus fruit.
In the late 19th century, phosphate mining became a major industry in the area, and by the early 20th century, railroads had been built to transport the mined phosphate throughout Florida. The increased transportation also led to an influx of settlers who came to take advantage of the agricultural opportunities in the region.
Throughout much of its history, Citrus County has been largely rural and agricultural with several small towns scattered throughout including Inverness which was established in 1887 as a station on a branch line railroad and eventually became the county seat.
The 1950s saw an increase in population growth as more people moved into the area seeking employment opportunities or looking for a place to retire. This trend continued into the 1960s when tourism began to become a major industry thanks to attractions like Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park which opened in 1954 and provided visitors with an opportunity to view manatees up close.
In recent years, Citrus County has seen continued growth as more people move into the area for its excellent quality of life which includes access to outdoor activities such as fishing and boating along with excellent educational opportunities plus access to quality healthcare services making it an ideal place for both families and retirees alike.
Major cities and towns in Citrus County, Florida
Citrus County, Florida is home to several cities and towns that make up the area’s vibrant and diverse population. The county seat is Inverness, a small town of 7,500 people located in the center of the county. Established in 1887 as a station on a branch line railroad, Inverness has grown to become a hub for local government services and economic growth.
Crystal River is another major city within Citrus County with a population of 3,000 people. Located along the Gulf Coast just south of Inverness, Crystal River is known for its beautiful waterfront views and access to some of the best fishing spots in Florida.
The town of Homosassa Springs is also located within Citrus County, just north of Crystal River. Home to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, this small town has become popular with tourists due to its close proximity to nature and wildlife attractions such as manatee viewing areas.
The city of Beverly Hills is located just west of Inverness and has a population of 8,000 people. It was founded in 1965 as an unincorporated community but was incorporated as an official city by 1970. Beverly Hills is known for its excellent quality of life which includes access to outdoor activities such as golfing plus access to quality healthcare services making it an ideal place for both families and retirees alike.
Finally, Floral City is located just east of Inverness with a population of around 2,500 people. Founded in 1883 as an agricultural community, Floral City remains largely rural today but still offers plenty of outdoor activities such as fishing along with excellent educational opportunities making it an ideal place for those looking for a more laid-back lifestyle.
Airports in Citrus County, Florida
According to Countryaah, Citrus County, Florida is home to several airports that serve as a gateway for visitors and residents alike. The largest airport in the area is Tampa International Airport, located just over an hour away in Tampa. This airport offers a wide variety of international and domestic flights, making it an ideal hub for travelers.
The smaller but still significant Ocala International Airport is located just over 30 minutes away from Citrus County and serves as a regional hub for air traffic. This airport offers daily flights to major cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago.
Closer to home, the Inverness Airport is located within Citrus County in Inverness. This small public airport offers limited services but does provide charter and private plane services for those who need them. The airport also offers scenic flights of the local area including Crystal River, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, and Beverly Hills.
The Crystal River Airport is also located within Citrus County near Crystal River. This public-use airport provides limited services but does offer charter flights to nearby cities such as Tampa and Orlando. The airport also hosts regular air shows throughout the year that attract thousands of visitors from around the world each year.
Finally, the Floral City Airport is located just outside of Floral City near Inverness in Citrus County. This small public-use airfield provides limited services including private plane charters along with flight instructions for those looking to learn how to fly or brush up on their skills.