Homosassa Area, FL

The Homosassa area is part of the Everglades and Crystal River.  The Crystal River area has  population of 3,485 at the 2000 census. According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 3,539. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee". Crystal River Preserve State Park is located nearby, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located in the city's northwest side. Crystal River is at the heart of the Nature Coast of Florida and is a gateway to Homosassa. The City is situated around the magnificent Kings Bay, which is spring-fed so keeps a constant temperature year round, it is the second largest natural aquifer in Florida, after the Everglades. Kings Bay is home to over 400 manatees during the winter when the water temperature in the Gulf of Mexico cools and is the only place in the United States where people can legally interact with them in their natural conditions. Tourism based on watching and swimming with manatee is the fastest growing contribution to the local economy.