Cole in the BD golf shop has been a follower of Grant Horvath and Grant is known as a golf “influencer”… AND after his video posted on youtube BD received many stay and play requests and memberships leads!
Black Diamond Ranch Golf Lecanto FL
Citrus County Hurricane info 2024
Hurricane season starts June 1 and typically peaks in early September, according to federal data. Time to get supplies ready and the home ready. I took most of this info from the Bay News 9 website.
https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/weather/2024/05/17/noaa-2024-atlantic-hurricane-season-outlook
The forecast calls for 23 named storms this season. Of those 23 storms, 11 are expected to become hurricanes and five are expected to reach major hurricane strength with winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.
Five things about hurricanes you may not know…
What You Need To Know
- Winds are not the deadliest part of a hurricane
- Size doesn’t mean all when it comes to a hurricane
- The right-front quadrant of a hurricane is often the strongest
- full article: https://baynews9.com/fl/tampa/weather/2020/08/20/five-things-you-might-not-know-about-hurricanes
What You Need To Know
- NOAA predicts above normal activity this hurricane season
- Atlantic sea surface temperatures are experiencing record warmth
- La Niña conditions are expected during the peak of hurricane season
NOAA’s outlook predicts an 85% chance of an above normal season, a 10% chance of a near normal season and a 5% chance of a below normal season.
NOAA forecasts a likely range of 17 to 25 named storms, of which 8 to 13 could become hurricanes, including 4 to 7 major hurricanes, which are a Category 3 or higher on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.
“This is the highest number of named storms NOAA has ever issued in its May forecast,” says Dr. Rick Spinrad, Ph.D., administrator, NOAA.
Emergency officials suggest starting early by taking inventory of what you have and what you need for the coming season. Households should have at least seven days’ worth of food and water per family member, including pets. You should also keep at least 30 days of prescription medication on hand.
First aid kits, dust masks and portable power banks are also highly suggested, according to the Florida Division of Emergency Management’s checklist.
Florida will have two sales tax holidays in 2024 that are exempt from sales tax for disaster preparedness items: June 1–14 and August 24–September 6. On those days, household goods including pet food, household cleaners and batteries will be exempt from sales tax.
When a storm approaches, store shelves empty out. So, it’s best to buy everything you’ll need — and want — to have on hand way ahead of time. You don’t want to end up with the leftovers after the canned food aisle has been combed though.
Here’s a list of all the basics:
- Flashlights and extra bulbs
- Battery-operated radio
- Battery-operated lanterns
- Extra batteries (various sizes)
- Wind-up or battery-powered clock
- Matches
- First aid kit
- Duct tape
- Rain gear
- Plastic garbage bags
- Fire extinguisher
- Scissors
- Can opener
- Clean clothes
- Extra blankets and pillows
- Heavy gloves
- Food
- Bottled water (one gallon/person/day)
- Two coolers (one for drinks, one for food)
- Canned foods
- Bottled juice
- Dry pet food
Checklist for Securing Your Home
- Remove outdoor items
- Trim dead branches from trees
- Install shutters or board up windows
- Fill gas tanks and extra containers
- Withdraw extra cash
- Move furniture away from windows
- Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers
CITRUS Evacuation Zones:
Service Location
3549 Saunders Way
Lecanto, FL 34461
United States
352.746.6555
URL
https://www.sheriffcitrus.org/how_do_i/contact_us/emergency_management_phone_nu…
This site offers a list of shelters during emergency situations. It is for the residents of Citrus County. Anyone who is considered special needs and will need to be transported to a shelter can register ahead of time. Please see the website for more information.
For this blog, I re-include a repost from previous blog and Facebook.
Facebook post: Elaborate details:
1. Charge any device that provides light. Laptops, tablets, cameras, video cameras, and old phones. Old cell phones can still used for dialing 911. Charge external battery back ups.
2. Wash all trash cans, big and small, and fill with water for flushing toilets. Line outdoor trash cans with trash bags, fill with water and store in the garage. Add bleach to sterilize.
3. Fill every tub and sink with water. Cover sinks with Saran Wrap to keep it from collecting dust. Fill washing machine and leave lid up to store water.
4. Fill old empty water bottles and other containers with water and keep near sinks for washing hands.
5. Fill every Tupperware with water and store in freezer. These will help keep food cold longer and serve as a back up water supply.
6. Fill drinking cups with water and cover with Saran Wrap. Store as many as possible in fridge. The rest you can store on the counter and use first before any water bottles are opened. Ice is impossible to find after the storm.
7. Reserve fridge space for storing tap water and keep the sealed water bottles on the counter.
8. Cook any meats in advance and other perishable foods. You can freeze cooked food. Hard boil eggs for snacks for first day without power.
9. Be well hydrated before the storm hits and avoid salty foods that make you dehydrated.
10. Wash all dirty clothes and bed sheets. Anything dirty will smell without the A/C, you may need the items, and with no A/C, you’ll be sweating a lot. You’re going to want clean sheets.
11. Toss out any expiring food, clean cat litter boxes, empty all trash cans in the house, including bathrooms. Remove anything that will cause an odor when the A/C is off. If you don’t have a trash day pickup before the storm, find a dumpster.
12. Bring in any yard decor, secure anything that will fly around, secure gates, bring in hoses, potted plants, etc. Bring in patio furniture and grills.
13. Clean your environment so you have clear, easy escape routes. Even if that means temporarily moving furniture to one area.
14. Scrub all bathrooms so you are starting with a clean odor free environment. Store water filled trash cans next to each toilet for flushing.
15. Place everything you own that is important and necessary in a backpack or small file box that is easy to grab. Include your wallet with ID, phone, hand sanitizer, snacks, etc. Get plastic sleeves for important documents.
16. Make sure you have cash on hand.
17. Stock up on pet food and fill up bowls of water for pets.
18. Refill any medications. Most insurance companies allow for 2 emergency refills per year.
19. Fill your propane tanks. You can heat soup cans, boil water, make coffee, and other stuff besides just grilling meat. Get an extra, if possible.
20. Drop your A/C in advance and lower temperatures in your fridges.
21. Gather all candles, flashlights, lighters, matches, batteries, and other items and keep them accessible.
22. Clean all counters in advance. Start with a clean surface. Buy Clorox Wipes for cleaning when there is no power. Mop your floors and vacuum. If power is out for 10 days, you’ll have to live in the mess you started with.
23. Pick your emergency safe place such as a closet under the stairs. Store the items you’ll need in that location for the brunt of the storm. Make a hand fan for when the power is out.
24. Shower just before the storm is scheduled to hit.
25. Keep baby wipes next to each toilet. Don’t flush them. It’s not the time to risk clogging your toilet!
26. Run your dishwasher, don’t risk having dirty smelly dishes and you need every container for water! Remember you’ll need clean water for brushing your teeth, washing yourself, and cleaning your hands.
27. Put a small suitcase in your car in case you decide to evacuate. Also put at least one jug of water in your car. It will still be there if you don’t evacuate! You don’t need to store all water in the house. Remember to pack for pets as well.
28. Check on all family members, set up emergency back up plans, and check on elderly neighbors.
29. Remember, pets are family too. Take them with you!
30. Before the storm, unplug all electronics. There will be power surges during and after the storm.
31. Gas up your car and have a spare gas container for your generator or your car when you run out.
If you can, take a video of your house and contents….walk room to room–open cabinets/drawers and closets. This will help if you need to make a claim later. It will show proof of items and help you list all the items (help your memory, so you don’t forget anything)…I highly recommend!!!
I also heard you should freeze a cup of water, place a coin on top after it is frozen…keep this in your freezer to help you gauge the temperature if the power goes out. If the coin stays on top, the food is staying frozen. If the coin falls into the water, the freezer thawed out and most food will likely need to be thrown away. This is super helpful is you have to leave and come back, as it may appear everything is still frozen, but if the coin is in the cup–you will know!
Finally, anything that you want to try and preserve, but you can’t take with you—place it in a plastic bin and put in your dishwasher, lock the door—this should make it water tight in case of any water intrusion into your home. But of course, take all the important/irreplaceable items you can!!
Stay Safe everyone!
Home Improvement Ideas
In last week’s blog I presented some prices per square foot for homes that have sold and are now on the market in Black Diamond. As reported: the age of your air conditioner, hot water tank and your roof make a big difference on the price of your home. But also important to the price is if your home is “outdated”: formica counters, cultured marble counters, a lot of white carpeting (although an easy update) etc. I present articles that claim other out-of-date features and including: wallpaper, blind window treatments, brass fixtures, linoleum, etc. What should you change? The articles report most home improvements and renovations are done with kitchens and bathrooms. I include four articles and even though I don’t agree with everything they say in them, they are the experts. I still like my granite and I still like my wallpaper border, but I have updated my house including the hot water tank and air conditioner (although it’s now at the end its age of life.) Clean, Clean, Clean is important especially if you are thinking of putting your home up for sale soon. One Bob Vila article warns of scammers. The last article is: Should You Renovate Before Selling.
Bob Vila warns…Don’t Fall for these 10 Home Improvements Scams: The article points out this includes vendors wanting a downpayment before beginning work, fake companies, and “free inspections” scams.
Full Vila article:Don’t Fall for These 10 Home Improvement Scams – Bob Vila
realtor.com article: Skip These Home Decor Trends
They include: wallpaper, open floor plans, open shelving, animal prints, brass fixtures, linoleum floors, popcorn ceilings…(50 items mentioned).
full article:Designers Say Skip These Home Decor Trends | Florida Realtors
FAR: 25 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive
Refresh cabinet paint, add backsplash, new sink or faucet, stylish lighting, enhance window treatments, keep cabinet hardware fresh, get new linens, and much more.
link to full FAR article: 25 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Look More Expensive | Florida Realtors
And after reading these articles…
Should You Renovate Before Selling? (FAR-Florida Association of Realtors)
If you were looking to buy right now, and walked into your home…how would you view it as to its potential? Does is need paint? updates? cleaning? What is your return on your investment? (ROI). What is the state of market? ( it is still a seller’s market.)
link to full article:Should You Renovate Before Selling? | Florida Realtors
This and That about Black Diamond FL real estate:
This and That about Black Diamond real estate:
What are the prices per square foot for resale homes in BD?
Who to call to maintain that real estate?
And how much house do you need?
Is my house really worth $254 per square foot? That depends on age of home, and ages of: air conditioner, hot water heater and roof. How many updates and upgrades does your home have?
Prices per square foot in Black Diamond “closed” so far in 2024… we’ve had nine closings…on average, homes that were built between 1989 to 1999 averaged $195 per square foot. Three homes built in 2001 have sold this year for an average of $202 a square foot. Two homes built in 2023 sold for $245 square foot.
We have 11 homes for sale in Black Diamond right now. Homes built between 1988 and 1997: eight of them averaging $197 a square foot. Three homes built between 2001 and 2005 are averaging $249 a square foot. (most of the homes have pools.)
Check out “Days on Market.” With 900-1000 people moving to Florida a day, if priced correctly, a home should sell in 30-40 days.
If your home is in good working order, clean, has updated appliances, counters etc. your home will be valued more. Age of the roof and hot water will affect the price also.
You may not like the price per square foot, but I remember that our house-built in 2000-2001 was about $90-$100 per square foot to build (today building is about $260-$300 a sq. ft. ) and homesites on the golf course were $100,000.+ So my house and yours has increased in value!
Now for sale in Black Diamond:
What has sold in last six months in Black Diamond:
I added to the Who to Call List: window cleaner, housecleaner, power washer and pool tile refinisher.
Who to Call for Services spring:2024
How much house do you need? Interesting article from Florida Association of Realtors:
Spring To Do Citrus County Florida
This week I update some things to do in Citrus County this Spring.
The last of the season: Black Diamond Farmers Market, Saturday, March 23, 9 to 12, including Tony’s Produce, Kats Dog Krack, knife sharpening, candle company, bakehouse, plant and garden growers, LARS Jewelry, Wow Citrus Massage and Fitness and Bookman landscaping.
Concert:
Black Diamond resident and guitarist/vocalist Reese NORRIS will perform on April 11 from 6 to 9 PM at KC Wine and Bistro, 4083 N. Lecanto Highway in Beverly Hills featuring music by James Taylor Cat Stevens, CCR, Ed Sheeran, Jimmy Buffett, Train and much more.
The Manatee will heading out once the weather turns warm. Check out my blog of February 24, 2024, and this link I found:
Top Rated Guided Swim & Snorkel Manatee Tours
Spring Break $1.00 movies at the Valerie Theatre:
https://www.inverness-fl.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1383
Inverness Corn Hole League:
Introducing the 2024 Corn Hole League hosted by the City of Inverness & The Train Station, every Wednesday starting March 13th, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Teams of 2, aged 18 and above, will compete in 10 weeks of league play, leading up to a single-elimination seeded tournament. Registration is $40 per team or $20 per person. For more information and registration, contact the City of Inverness at parks@inverness.gov or (352) 726-3913.
Home Inspections Issues Citrus County FL
I am back on my pedestal this weekend. After going through a home inspection on a home for sale, I again am asking you these questions …is your pool more than 15 years old and you’ve never had it resurfaced? Do you have a Challenger brand electrical box in your garage? …If you live in Bent Tree and/or Bermuda Dunes in Black Diamond… you better check that out. People trying to buy a house with the Challenger box cannot get insurance with that brand electrical box in it (fire hazard). It’s going to be almost $2000 to replace it …depending on home size. Is your house near 20 years old? How is the door wall functioning ? Stiff to open? It may need new rollers. If you do not have a termite system set and a bond on your house… you’re going to have a hard time selling it, especially if termites are showing up somewhere on the property. Your kitchen appliances need to be working. You can disclose that they are not working, like a pool heater…but that does not look good for you as a diligent homeowner. I added pool refinishing companies, window cleaners.
Printable .pdf:Who to Call for Services
I am including an article that says 25 things that make any house feel old and outdated. Here is the list. They include: beige walls, carpet everywhere, honey oak cabinets, pastel fixtures, laminate countertops, oversize media cabinets, chintz wallpaper, word art and wall decals, tile countertops, pine furniture, stenciling and sponging, avocado green appliances, shiny gold fixtures, dark wood paneling, vertical blinds, millennial pink, wallpaper borders, linoleum floors, heavy window treatments, floral accents, matching furniture sets, in-wall tech from the last millennium, bathroom carpeting, and traditional style ceiling fans.
Full article:25 Things That Make Any House Feel Old and Outdated – Bob Vila
I include an article from the FAR on how to get the best price for your home…
How Sellers Get Top Dollar for Their Homes | Florida Realtors
and NAR article on what colors to avoid when selling your home…
Colors to Avoid When Selling a HomeColors to Avoid When Selling a Home
Maintaining Your Citrus County Home
This week I present articles on keeping your home “in shape and up-to-date.” I include an updated “Who To Call” sheet that now includes: appliance repair, photography, odor elimination, electrician, and garage door repair. Two National Association of Realtors article suggest what items buyers are looking for in homes today. (in case you are updating your home.) And included is a list of Ultimate Smart Home Series Guide.
Buyers are looking for key features, including open floor plans, and smart home technology in their new homes. They include Smart home features: like facial recognition for doors, smart lights and outlets to control appliances from a smartphone app. “They desire top of the line appliances: To make a home more attractive: modern open floor plans, an outdoor kitchen, saltwater pool, upgraded homeowner suite complete with luxury spa bath, walk-in closet with built-in storage, sitting area and potentially access to an outdoor space.”
In another National Association of Realtors article, these are the key features that buyers are prioritizing around the house: laundry room, patio, energy star windows, exterior lighting, ceiling fans, garage storage, front porch, hardwood flooring, full bath on the main level, energy star appliances, walk-in pantry, landscaping and table space in the kitchen. Technology features that are popular: security cameras, wired home security system, programmable thermostat, multi zone HVAC energy management system, and video doorbell.
Luxury features today’s buyers want:
Link to full Luxury feature article:Luxury Features That Buyers Want | Florida Realtors
Ultimate Smart Home Series Guide Link:The Ultimate Smart Home Series Guide- 24 Products of Note
NAR:13 Features New-Home Buyers Say Are Essential, Desirable
WHO TO CALL LIST
Who to Call for Services (printable .pdf)
HOUSE ODORS? Odor elim. who to call add
PHOTOGRAPHER:
Citrus County FL Now and March 2024 To DO
Time to look at what is happening in Citrus County in the next month…
Don’t miss the chance to see the manatee up close and personal in Citrus County. The winter weather has been so cool! (I hope for not much longer). Many of the manatee have been staying in the Three Sisters Refuge Park. We ventured there a couple of weeks ago and rather than take the trolley because we were not interested in taking a tour of Crystal River… we parked off of 3 Sisters Springs Rd. behind the Sherwin-Williams paint store, and walked into the park. However, you still have to pay, but there are discounts for residents, seniors, as well as United States Park pass holders. You do have to walk a bit, but it’s a nice wooden boardwalk for the most part. You can see from the pictures the manatee do huddle there, and you’re up close to them. We were there at 9:30 am and more people were coming in at 11 am. Our family was very happy with our trip there.
three sisters:https://www.threesistersspringsvisitor.org/sisters
Floral City Strawberry Festival March 2 and 3
https://festivalnet.com/11755/Floral-City-Florida/Festivals/Floral-City-Strawberry-Festival
Plant City Florida Strawberry Festival. Feb. 29-March 10
https://flstrawberryfestival.com
Inverness St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Sunday March 17,
Annual city of Inverness St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival: The festivities kick off with a parade, starting at the Citrus County Tax Collector’s office parking lot winding through Inverness and returning to The Depot Pavilion for more fun. At 5 PM don’t miss the enchanting fairy and leprechaun costume contest …open to both kids and adults at The Depot. Lively atmosphere with live music, delicious food and family friendly time: 4 to 7:30. Cost is free. Contact www.parks@inverness.gov
or call 352-726-3913?
Keep Your Home “Staged to Sell”
In this week’s blog, I continue to talk about having your home in its best condition as possible…in case you have to sell your house. Many of us have been living here several years (getting up there in age… lol) and we never know when we may be forced to put our home up for sale. Having the home ready is important. This week’s advice is from two articles: Bob Villa and one from realtor.com. (full articles at the end)
Staging your home… do you want your house to stand out from the rest of the pack? Staging your home is hugely important… the tiniest detail could be the difference between a for sale and sold.
Make a good first impression. Make sure that your house number is clear to see and matches the design of the house. Make sure that your lawn and flowerbeds are in good shape, including good mulch, and weeds gone.
In the house…Get rid of personal pictures. You want your potential buyer to disconnect from your furnishings, and personal pictures draw their attention away from the house. Swap out personal pictures for scenic landscapes, print landmarks. You might want to switch some furniture around in the rooms. Your home should have neutral colors in it, unless you have an accent wall.
Some house hunters aren’t looking for your furniture, but that old living room sofa isn’t worth making your house stand out unfavorably. Try giving worn out pieces a pick me up with new pillows or slip covers.
Spruce up the kitchen. Kitchens can make or break a buyer’s overall opinion of your home. You don’t have to invest in a full renovation, but a few simple and affordable changes can improve the space… like swapping out the hardware, or covering old floors with a runner. You want the kitchen to feel bright and spacious. Get rid of gadgets on the countertops and magnets on the refrigerator. Make sure that the counter, floor grout lines and appliances are sparkling clean. When home is on the market and being shown, try to avoid cooking meals that have strong smells. When you have home showings, a fresh bowl of fruit or fresh cut flowers is a nice touch.
The bathroom is another area you want to pay attention to. Buyers don’t typically spend too much time exploring the spot, but they’ll notice if it is clean. This is a most important factor: get rid of mildew, mold, and soap scum, and don’t forget to clean the toilet. Replace shower curtains, and bath mats if they have seen better days. Arrange toiletries in neat baskets or jars to keep the counters uncluttered. Inexpensive updates: paint existing cabinets, add new hardware and/or finish with a newer cloth shower curtain if appropriate.
It is never too soon to clean out and organize “things.” Declutter! Store or get rid of things are not essential for your life. Clear away clutter even in closets, (keep in mind, the buyers visiting your home will most likely look in every corner of every room and closets.) So stashing stuff all in one closet may give the wrong impression that there’s not enough storage space.
Wash the concrete floor in your garage… and it’s best if it’s painted and sealed. Make sure the backyard is in good shape too. On the lanai, the view out the back is where people spend a lot of their time.
Older homes with low ceilings may want to check out the trick that they include in the realtor.com article. By the use of wild foliage, (6 foot branches) and maybe some select draperies…you can change the feel and look.
If if a bedroom needs freshening look: “snag a bed in a bag.” Purchase an inexpensive “Bed in the Bag” from a discount store prices starting as low as eight dollars. The linens could also be use as a window treatment.
Vilà says pay attention to lighting. Good quality bulbs are important with the right wattage to properly illuminate the home.
Never hurts to be ready, and so it’s never too soon to declutter and have your house staged for sale…
links to the articles: Staging a House on a Budget- 11 Ideas That’ll Wow Bu yers | Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®
Home Staging Tips – 12 Things Every Home Seller Should Know for a Quick Sale – Bob Vila
Citrus County FL Festivals and “To Do” 2024
This week I update the ANNUAL Citrus County Florida Events and FESTIVALS…
What’s coming up in Crystal River and Citrus County, FL?
At the end, I also include upcoming non-golf activities at Black Diamond Ranch…
January (last weekend was the Manatee Festival in Crystal River)
27th-Inverness “Small Town Saturday Night ” Tribute to Journey; Never Stop Believin…5-9pm on the Square.
February
Ozello Craft Show & Chili Cookoff
Who will win the annual chili cookoff? This family-friendly event features a craft show and lots of delicious chili to sample.
Black Diamond’s Reese Norris performs at Twysted Vyne in Inverness on Valentine’s day. They require reservations as they expect to sell out that night. 352-419-4132; 6:30-9:30
He is also performing: 41 Landing in Floral City on February 10 from 7 pm to 11 pm and performing at Twysted Vyne again on March 1 from 6 pm to 9 pm
March
March 4- Cocktail Party/Silent Auction 4C Fighting Cancer in CC. GOLF tournament March 5.
Shrimp-a-Palooza
An annual festival presented by The Rotary Club of Homosassa Charitable Foundation. Join thousands of party goers for a day of food, fun, and live music.
Fort Cooper Days
A historical reenactment from the Second Seminole War. See the battle, experience authentic weapons and uniforms, and enjoy food and refreshments.
Clean Air Ride
This bike ride on the Withlacoochee State Trail benefits the Key Training Center. With four distances ranging from 14 to 100 miles, there’s a way for participants of all skill levels and abilities to join in the fun!
Inverness Big Bass Classic
Anglers will love this annual bass fishing tournament which pays out $1,000 in prizes to the biggest catch every hour!
Floral City Strawberry Festival
Celebrate local producers with fresh and delicious strawberry shortcakes and on-site cooking demos at one of the top events of the year.
Inverness St. Patrick’s Day Festival
Inverness knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day right! Paint the town green with a pub crawl, free live music, and much more.
St. Patrick’s Day on Citrus Avenue
Wear your green and celebrate all things Irish with a parade, live music, and much more on Citrus Avenue.
April
Fort Cooper Bluegrass Festival
Bring your lawn chair and head to Fort Cooper State Park for live bluegrass, food, drinks, and craft vendors under the shady canopy of oak trees.
Taste of Inverness
A food and beer festival in Inverness, featuring a competition for area chefs. Experience the food and fun with live music, arts vendors, and more.
May
June
Homosassa River Fireworks Fest & Poker Run
An all-day poker run on the Homosassa River followed by a brilliant fireworks display make for a day of outdoor fun for the entire family!
July
Inverness Patriotic Evening
Celebrate the 4th of July in Inverness with a stunning fireworks display over Lake Henderson and live music.
https://www.inverness-fl.gov/550/Patriotuc-Evening
4th of July Celebration
Crystal River’s annual 4th of July celebration takes place at Kings Bay Park and includes a parade, fireworks, live entertainment, food, beer, and wine – and more!
August
Pine Street Jam & Parrothead Party
Calling all Jimmy Buffet fans! This parrot-themed downtown street party in Inverness features live music, food vendors,
October
Cooter Festival (activities all month) 10-5
Rock out at this three-day music festival at Liberty Park in Inverness. Enjoy beautiful Lake Henderson, live performances, family-friendly carnival rides, food vendors, and more.
http://www.inverness-fl.gov/685/Cootertober
Haunted Tram Ride (Spooky Springs) 6-10 pm
A Halloween-themed fundraising event sponsored by the Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, enjoy a haunted house, costume contest, and a spooky tram ride at the park!
https://www.floridastateparks.org/events/spooky-springs-0
Heritage Village Scarecrow Festival
Bring the kids to this fall celebration at Heritage Village in Crystal River. This festival features pony rides, hayrides, a pumpkin patch and live performances.
http://www.theshoppesofheritagevillage.com/UpcomingEvents.html
Withlacoochee Annual Ride
On the first Sunday in October, join the cyclists who will ride all 46 miles of the beautiful Withlacoochee State Trail. Or signup to volunteer at this family-friendly event.
November
Inverness Festival of the Arts ; 10-4
An Inverness tradition since 1971, on the first weekend in November, join art lovers to browse 100 booths of fine arts and crafts at this free two-day event.
https://inverness.gov/527/Festival-of-the-Arts
Blues “N Bar-B-Que Mark your calendars. Live blues and mouth-watering barbecue make for a perfect combination at this fun outdoor festival in Homosassa.
Ozello Arts, Crafts, & Blue Crab Festival
A tradition celebrating all things arts, crafts, and blue crab. Enjoy food, drinks, locally made goods, and lots of delicious blue crab delicacies.
Stone Crab Jam;; 12-10pm
Sponsored by The Kings Bay Rotary, don’t miss this street festival featuring fresh stone crabs, beer and wine, and live music on three stages!
Black Diamond Ranch Coming events (non-golf): January
postponed due to weather—-Saturday 1/20 Farmer’s Market: Chili Cook-off Saturday ($5 donation to Black Diamond Foundation) rescheduled 2/17
Choir Concert; Sunday 1/23; 2-3 pm
Lunch and Learn Monday, 1/29 12-1 Black Diamond history
Valentine’s Dinner Dance February 14.