The 2022 Scalloping Season in Citrus County

Scalloping Season Dates:

July 1st – September 24th

Many people in Florida look forward to July for the beautiful fireworks over the water every year and the Independence Day celebrations around the state. The locals in Citrus County are also excited for July because the 1st of the month marks the start of the annual Scalloping Season along our unspoiled coast!

Rules

This underwater Easter-Egg hunt lasts almost two months along the Gulf Coast of Florida. (It may be longer or shorter in other counties along the Gulf Coast.) That being said, there are plenty of fun times to be had while scalloping with your friends and family, but there are also many guidelines and rules to follow to ensure a safe and legal trip out on the water.

If you’re planning on going scalloping this season, you want to ensure you don’t take too many scallops! Like any other seasonal fishing, there are limits to how many you can take. Each person is allowed two gallons of whole scallops (in their shell) OR 1 pint of scallop meat per day. Also, there can’t be more than 10 gallons of whole scallops or ½ gallon of scallop meat aboard any vessel. You’re also only allowed to acquire scallops by hand or with a landing or dip net!

Equipment

You may think it’s easy to jump in the Gulf and grab scallops! The truth is, you don’t need much to find them. Usually, you don’t need to dig too far to see their shells sticking out of the sand. They’re even right on top of the sand sometimes!

Like any other fishing sport, there are some things you’re going to need to get your scalloping adventure started… First and most important, you need a Saltwater Fishing License! Time after time, this gets confused with something that does not require a license in Florida, but it does. Second, you need a mask and snorkel to stay underwater long enough to find your scallops.

Third, you need a bag to put your scallops in. Many scallopers will use a netted bag and attach it to their wrist so they don’t drop it. Last, it’s wise to bring a pair of flippers too! These will not only help you move faster through the water, but you can cover more ground and find more scallops this way.

Please visit myfwc.com for more information regarding the Citrus County Scalloping Season guidelines and regulations.

Ask Us a Question About Our Scallop Season or Community!

More Shopping Options Coming to the Citrus Hills Area!

The Citrus County lifestyle consists of a relaxed pace and beautiful surrounding areas! It’s also close enough to modern conveniences but far enough away from the hustle-and-bustle of extensive city areas!

The new Suncoast Parkway Extension that connects the Citrus Hills area directly to Tampa in just about an hour has done great things for Citrus County.

We're seeing new growth and opportunities for all who live here.

This means things like new shopping and dining options and new jobs.

It's been rumored that we will be seeing multiple new shopping and dining options just minutes from the front gates of Citrus Hills.

Here are a few of the stores and restaurants that are rumored to come soon...

• Ulta

• Five Below

• Target

• Petsmart

• Aldi

• Panera Bread

• Ross

• Sketchers

• Old Navy

• Tropical Smoothie

• Glory Days Grill

• Culvers

As this is exciting for all who live in Citrus Hills, it’s not the only area that is expecting new growth.

Our sister city, Crystal River, which is just 10 minutes from Citrus Hills, plans to also see a new Jersey Mike’s and Los Magueyes Restaurant soon.

This kind of news brings us back to a phrase often used by all of us here at Citrus Hills: "The best keeps getting better!”

We expect to see even more expansions and growth here in our area in the next 3-5 years.

These are exciting times for Citrus County!

If you're considering Florida for a second home or retirement option, you owe it to yourself to come to take a private tour of our homes, amenities, and location!

CALL TODAY: 800-511-0814

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A Foodies’ Guide to Tacos in and Around Citrus County

There are few foods out there that are as popular as tacos, and foodies here at the Villages of Citrus Hills know that we have plenty of fantastic options for delicious tacos all over Citrus County.

We have multiple options for classic tacos topped with fresh salsa. We have options for steak and chicken tacos that take things to the next level. And we also have mind-blowing authentic taco joints that are making their own carnitas, chorizo, and barbacoa.

So whatever type of taco you get excited about can likely be found just a short drive from the Villages of Citrus Hills. Let’s take a quick look at some of our favorite options.

Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina, Crystal River

Riviera Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is the first stop on our taco tour around Citrus County, and they are the perfect place to grab a quick taco that is both cheap and delicious.

In addition to standard tacos served with steak, chicken, chorizo, pork, or shrimp, Riviera also offers Baja Fish Tacos that come grilled or fried.

El Ranchito Mexican Grill, Crystal River

Another popular taco destination in Crystal River is El Ranchito Mexican Grill. This is an authentic-style Mexican restaurant that features fresh-made salsa and a fantastic queso blanco.

It is also a great destination if you are looking to try something outside of the traditional taco, like a Chile Relleno or those awesome little taquito appetizers.

Los Magueyes of Inverness, Inverness

Los Magueyes of Inverness is one of the newest restaurants on our list, but they have made quite the name for themselves in just a short time with the taco lovers of Citrus County.

The menu features a wide range of combinations that allow you to try tacos along with other classic Mexican foods like burritos, enchiladas, and tamales. And you definitely want to try their chorizo dip as an appetizer.

Habaneros Mexican Grill, Inverness

If steak tacos paired with a frozen margarita is what you are looking for, Habaneros Mexican Grill in Inverness is another strong option that is located just up the road from the Villages of Citrus Hills.

Those top-notch margaritas make Habaneros a perfect spot to watch a game or kick back on the patio enjoying our great Florida weather!

Sayulita Taqueria, Ocala

Located just a bit up the road in Ocala, Sayulita Taqueria serves up a modern foodie twist on tacos with a surf town attitude that comes straight from the heart of Mexico.

You can start off with a standard taco or something classic like the Al Pastor, but this joint also serves up other interesting options like Buffalo Chicken Tacos, Brisket Tacos, and Malibu Veggie Tacos.

La Hacienda, Ocala

Another popular spot in Ocala for dynamite tacos is La Hacienda, which serves the community as both a restaurant and a first-class Latin Supermarket. A combination of freshness and quality are key components to both sides of this locally owned business.

The restaurant side boasts a menu that is filled with authentic Mexican tacos, and the Supermarket sells all of the key ingredients you need to recreate those dishes at home.

Between these six restaurants, there are more than enough options to keep even the most dedicated connoisseur of tacos busy almost indefinitely. So no matter what type of taco you are most passionate about, you can find perfect options all over Citrus County.

Now let’s go eat some tacos!

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Summer Activities Near Citrus Hills - Fort Island Gulf Beach

Beautiful, Close, and SECLUDED!

One of the best remedies for the kickoff of the summer is to visit a local attraction that just so happens to be stunningly beautiful, close to home, and completely free of charge. That place is known as Fort Island Gulf Beach!

Located at the end of the nine-mile-long West Fort Island Trail off Route 19, this little gem is not a tourist attraction.

This type of beach is enjoyed by locals throughout Citrus County. It is about twenty minutes from the Villages of Citrus Hills, making it perfect for a quick trip to the beach, even if you only have a few hours to enjoy your time there!

The Beach

The beach is an excellent locale for families, especially those with younger children. And, because it is located at the end of a long, windy road, this area is usually not very crowded, even on holiday weekends!

When you arrive at the beach, you will notice well-maintained restroom facilities with showers.

You will also see several covered picnic pavilions located right on the beach. Even if you have no plans to swim or even hang out at the beach, these beachfront pavilions are excellent for an afternoon picnic.

If you plan to hit the beach, you will notice that it has the type of white powdery sand that you think of when you hear about the Gulf Coast. This little beach tends to have fewer rocks and shells than other local beaches.

the Fishing

Fort Island Gulf Beach is also a great location if you are looking for a salt-water fishing spot close to home. Many kinds of fishing techniques are observed in this area.

You will see people venturing out onto the breakwater rocks that jut out into the Gulf to find the perfect spot to cast their lines.

There is also a pier that provides an even better fishing location. This is great if you want to get your line out into a bit deeper water!

the Boating

If boating is your thing, the park also has a boat ramp where you can launch your boat, wave runner, canoe, or kayak. Once again, this is one of the best locations for the Villages of Citrus Hills residents because it is so close to home. Launching your boat from here will allow you to explore the mouth of the Crystal River, the Crystal Bay itself, and, of course, the Gulf of Mexico!

The SUNSET

Like many beaches along the Gulf Coast, Fort Island Gulf Beach is a great location to watch a dramatic Gulf Coast sunset. With nothing but open water to the west of the beach, you will be amazed by how the sun sinks right into the water in the evening. There is also an excellent chance to see dolphins off the coast!

Whatever beach activities you are looking for, Fort Island Gulf Beach is an excellent option because it is close to home and somewhat secluded. If you are looking for an easy trip to the beach that won’t take an entire day, this is a great place to visit!

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Whispering Pines Park - A Great Day Trip!

The Citrus Hills community offers spectacular on-site amenities to compliment your active adult lifestyle. But sometimes it’s nice to get out of the community and play around the area for a day.

Just 10-minutes from the gates of Citrus Hills, you will find our sister city, Inverness, which is known for its incredible dining, shopping, entertainment, trails, and even parks!

There are many spectacular parks to choose from in Inverness, as well as the 46-mile Withlacoochee State Trail, but today we will be highlighting one of the most popular parks in our area, Whispering Pines Park.

Whispering Pines Park

Whispering Pines is more than 290-acres of natural beauty, just minutes from the heart of downtown Inverness.

This park is dog-friendly and features 14 tennis courts, pickleball courts, racquetball courts, basketball courts, 6 fields for baseball or softball, several picnic areas, two 18-basket disc golf courses, five walking trails, cycling trails, and a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool!

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to spend a warm sunny day in Whispering Pines Park.

Tennis Facility

The tennis facility in Whispering Pines is top-notch. You’ll find 14 courts for every playing level, from beginner to professional. There are shaded grandstands and lighting on all of the courts.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has recognized this facility with the “Outstanding Facility” award! As you know, this award does not come lightly, and we are delighted to have it so close to us!

Walking/Cycling Trails

There are different trails within Whispering Pines, ranging from under a mile to almost 3 miles! So, whether you’re just looking for a quick jog, or are looking to exceed your steps for the week, you will find it here.

Trails:

-          Yellow: 2.3 miles

-          Blue: 1 mile

-          Red: 0.7 mile

-          Green: 0.7 mile

-          Perimeter: 2.9 miles

If you’re looking to venture outside of Citrus Hills for some tennis, pickleball, or a nice walk around a beautiful shaded trail, keep Whispering Pines Park in mind!

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