The rivers headwaters start and flow from several springs that produce millions of gallons of fresh spring water every hour. Fishing abounds in the Homosassa and Halls rivers and much of the local economy continues to be supported by the fishing industry. Both commercial and recreational fishing is popular in the area and a number of service businesses continue to support the endeavor.
David Yulee, the first U.S. Senator of Florida, moved into the area and grew sugar cane on 5,000 acres. The sugar mill has been partially refurbished and is now a state park located on Yulee Drive, the main road into Old Homosassa.
Shrimp boats and crabbers still dock their vessels at several commercial docks in Homosassa and fresh seafood is available from several fish houses.
The Homosassa River is a comparatively narrow and shallow waterway. Hell's Gate, a narrow bottleneck in the channel, is a navigation difficulty that only experienced captains in the area care to guide a large boat through.
The nature of the river, with its winding channels and unforgiving oyster bars and rock beds, drives many larger boats to deeper rivers. By following channel markers the adventurous fishermen can navigate the channel with care
The Homosassa River continues to supply some of the best fishing for both salt and fresh water species, especially in winter.
The name Homosassa means
"Place where the wild peppers grow"
The main spring produces 50 million gallons of water per day.
The Homosassa River is 9 miles long
The main spring is home to injured and orphaned manatees
The underwater observatory was first put in in 1963
The Park was purchased by the state of Florida in January 1, 1989
The number of manatees varies as they are released back to the wild and new manatees are brought in.
(current number is nine)
•Homosassa River •Children's Education Center •Boat Docks
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