July 2023
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MICHELE MILLER
What’s What New Port Richey
One of the benefits of living in New Port Richey is the proximity to some pretty cool places to visit that are a short car ride away.
One of the benefits of having a Florida State Park pass is being able to visit these awesome places of respite and adventure more than once. To come back again and again. Maybe take time to treat a visiting friend to a closer and safer look at some of the wildlife Florida has to offer – and some that is no so typical.
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, located in Citrus County, is a rehabilitation center for West Indian manatees and is also home to other injured wildlife that can not be released back into the wild.
Among the creatures that can be observed along the park’s wildlife walk – flamingos, pelicans, snakes, turtles, owls, a red wolf, a Florida panther, and its most famous attraction, Lu the Hippo, a long-time resident that came here from the San Diego Zoo in the 1960s and celebrated a 63rd birthday in January of 2023.
Celebrate Lu the Hippo’s 63rd birthday, Citrus Chronical, Jan.15. 2023
Lucifer, America’s oldest hippo, confronts his age in Homosassa Springs, Tampa Bay Times, Feb. 019
This park traditionally makes the annual to-do list when we’re looking for a day out. It makes for a good day trip – especially if you get an early start and can enjoy a picnic at the park, or maybe a lunch date at one of the restaurants, say in Hernando Beach – on the way home
It’s also a must-see when it comes to getting the most out of our Florida Park Family Pass ($120). The park ranks as one of Florida’s Specialty parks so the $13 admission for adults, is free for up to two, including the pass holder.
For casual hikers, the park boardwalks that weave through the park under a tree canopy offer easy access to wildlife exhibits. The manatee observation area/fish bowl takes a few stairs to get down to and offers a cloudy view of the gentle giants that gather ’round the berms. Manatees can be observed from the surface as well along with plenty of fish that roam the Florida springs.
Wildlife Encounters, Manatee programs, and boat tours are offered daily. Other amenities include a children’s education center, picnicking, a gift shop, a cafe, and restrooms.
If You Go
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs State Park, 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. Homosassa FL
Hours: 9-5:30 p.m.
Admission: Adults (age 13+), $13; children ages 6-12, $5; children 5 and under admitted free.
Florida State Park Pass | Free admission for 2.
Contact Info: 352-423-5564
Florida State Parks Fees, www.floridastateparks.org/fees
Florida State Park Annual Passes, www.floridastateparks.org/learn/florida-state-parks-annual-pass
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