Residents of Citrus county, and the surrounding areas should continue to be on the lookout for James Coursey, who escaped from the Citrus County Jail’s “trusty” program last week. A resident of a neighborhood near the jail had a close encounter with Coursey that led to a hammer in the head…yet one more reason to make sure your home isn’t built next to a jail or correctional facility.

Despite 100 offers, K-9 units, and bloodhounds searching for this guy, he hasn’t been seen since.

If you’re looking for a day trip close to Tampa that will take you back to nature, look no further than Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The park is located in Citrus County, approximately 1 hour north of Tampa, and is easily accessible from U.S. 19 or the Suncoast/Veteran’s Expressway. You’ll enter the park through the welcome center located off the highway, and after paying your admission fee, you can catch the tram or a boat to the main entrance. For first time visitors, I recommend the boat - it takes a few minutes longer, but a slow ride down Pepper Creek is just the right thing to get you in the mood for this old Florida adventure. You’ll be able to see alligators, birds, and even turtles on your ride, and before you know it, you’ll be stepping off and entering the park.

The park is designed to be one big circle, so no matter where you start, you’ll see it all. There is a boardwalk to follow that will take you past all of the animals and birds at the park, including bobcats, bears, deer, alligators, manatees, and even a hippo! You can attend educational programs (offered several times through out the day) to learn more about Florida wildlife, alligators, and the hippo.

One of the parks best features is the ability to see manatees in their natural habitat. On the day we visited, we were a few feet away from a manatee at the river’s edge. You can also go underwater by entering The Fish Bowl, to get a unique perspective on fish and manatees swimming in the crystal clear spring water. If creepy crawlies are more your thing, visit the reptile house to see native snakes. (It also provides a good chance to show your children what poisonous snakes look like in a safe setting!) The park also hosts special events including arts and craft shows and gardening workshops. It’s a unique place to take your kids unlike most other parks - there are no thrill rides, no stands hawking t-shirts, and no people dressed up in costumes posing for pictures. Another reason this park is family friend - the entire park is a no smoking zone! For more information, visit the website for Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park or call:

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, Florida 34446
Phone: 352-628-5343
Fax: 352-628-4243

This is one park, that while a bit off the beaten path, is definitely worth the trip!