Nature Coast

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Map of Florida's Nature Coast
Map of Florida's Nature Coast

The Nature Coast is a region of the U.S. state of Florida. It comprises the inside curve or Big Bend area of the western coast of the state and encompasses Citrus, Dixie, Hernando, Jefferson, Pasco, Levy, Taylor, and Wakulla counties. This region of Florida is culturally partially southern, with the Deep South culture extending to Levy County with the lower southern end (Pasco, Hernando, and sometimes Citrus county) often considered part of the Tampa Bay Metropolian Area. Pasco County is sometimes considered part of the Sun Coast.

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[edit] The history of the Nature Coast

The origin of the name "The Nature Coast": Florida held a vote organized by the Governor of Florida a few years ago. The name "the Nature Coast" had the most votes cast.

[edit] Wildlife and Nature

Activities common in this area are: hunting, fishing, boating, bird watching, nature hiking and the like. Snorkeling spots are found in the rivers along the Nature Coast. Also diving and Manatee tours, predominate in areas such as Crystal River, Homosassa and Homosassa Springs.

The Naturecoast is home to wildlife such as: Deer, wild pigs, roseate spoonbills, alligators, raccoons, opossums, snakes, great blue herons, egrets, turtles and countless others, including at least 19 endangered species.

[edit] Additional information and facts about The Nature Coast

The NatureCoast covers 8 different counties and 1 partial county (Dunnellon is a part of Marion County). It encompasses 980,000 acres (4,000 km²). There are also 50 Golf Courses located within these counties

[edit] Culture

[edit] Citrus

Crystal River Archaeological State Park
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River Preserve State Park
Hitters Hall of Fame
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Lake Rousseau
Ted Williams Baseball Museum
Withlacoochee State Trail
Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins State Historic Site

[edit] Hernando

The Heritage Museum

[edit] Jefferson

Letchworth Mounds

[edit] Levy

Cedar Key Museum State Park
Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve
Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge
Fanning Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park
Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

[edit] Marion

Rainbow Springs State Park

[edit] Pasco

Pioneer Florida Museum

[edit] Taylor

Forest Capital Museum State Park

[edit] Wakulla

Bald Point State Park
Bradwell Bay Wilderness
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail State Park

[edit] External links

[edit] References

Robert Painter, Writer & Photographer (1995)
information provided from State Of Florida and department of tourism (2006)
Literature from the Homossassa State Park, brochures and pamphlets (2005-2007)
Citrus County Chamber and Naturecoast Chambers Of Commerce including information and literature provided by: Cedar Key Chamber, Citrus County Chamber, Dixie County Chamber, Dunnellon Area Chamber, Greater Dade City Chamber, Greater Hernando County Chamber, Perry-Taylor Chamber, Wakulla County Chamber Historical Wakulla County Courthouse (records and information), West Pasco Chamber, Citrus County Tourist Development Council, Levy County Development Authority and Economic Development Council, Hernando County Tourist Development Council, Wakulla County, Taylor County, literature and information (2004-2006)
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