The people of Homosassa and Crystal River will soon see their home up on the big screen as award-winning film director Flavio Alves has chosen the area for the set of his new film.

It started as an accidental discovery of the Homosassa area while fishing with friends that soon turned into admiration for its charm and hospitality.

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“I lived in New York City for a big part of my life since I moved from Brazil in 1995,” said Alves. “But it was during my many visits to the Homosassa/Crystal River areas, for pleasure, that I met several local residents and their life stories sparked my interest.”

After discussing the idea of filming a movie here with his screenwriter, John Rotondo, and producer, Roy Wol, it was decided that their next film would be based here, focusing on realistic characters that resemble what it is truly like to live here.

“Most people living in Homosassa came from somewhere other than Florida, and brought with them their own values and unique set of challenges and those experiences we think will be interesting to capture,” said Alves.

Alves’s films typically center on the theme “aging issues” with the goal of telling those real-life stories as authentically as possible.

“My films are always about forgotten and overlooked communities,” said Alves. “Interestingly enough, it’s the first time in our history that the largest single portion of the U.S. population is composed of those ages 60 and over, yet we know very little about them, about their specific needs and struggles. Reduced income, illness, loss of friends and family, and increased isolation from society are some of the real-life problems encountered by seniors and we hope our films can help to bring those issues to the forefront.”

As of now, the film is still in pre-production as the script is being brainstormed and written. In preparation for developing the storyline of the movie, Alves has already relocated to a 55+ community in Homosassa and plans to remain for the next two to three years as he works to build a relationship with the community and “be a part of its fabric.”

“As a filmmaker, I am inspired by stories that trouble me, stories that force me to understand my characters more, and there is no better place than Florida due its rich diversity,” said Alves. “Part of what I think our job is, I believe, is to capture the complexity of our characters as they navigate their day-to-day lives. Yes, they will be fictional characters, but when you see them on the big screen, we hope you won’t see it that way.”

The current schedule is for the movie to enter production in 2023. As for actors slated to appear in it, Alves and his team believe they can attach at least one Oscar- winning actor to the production, but it is still too early to name anyone in particular. In the past, Alves has worked with several known actors, such as Ed Asner, Michael Madsen and Sally Kirkland.

In the coming weeks, Alves and his producers are planning to meet with local officials and business owner associations to start building partnerships.

“Not only do we want the story to be based on this town and people living in it, we want to be sure to keep the production here. Making a film takes a village and we will need tangible resources to get it done,” said Alves.

He has already gained financial support, however, from organizations such as Pen America and the Mayer Foundation.

“I look forward to working in this vibrant community and welcome both the joys and challenges that await us,” said Alves.

A Homosassa man on the brink of standing trial decided to no longer fight accusations he robbed a Homosassa gas station at knifepoint with the help of three others.

Instead of picking his jury the morning of Monday, Nov. 7, 28-year-old Thomas Steven Burke pleaded no contest to amended armed-robbery and aggravated-assault charges, in exchange for a prison sentence of between 30 years and up to life.

Citrus County Circuit Court Judge Joel Fritton, who ratified Burke’s new plea on Monday, will sentence Burke on Jan. 6.

Fritton also designated Burke as both a prison-releasee reoffender (PRR) and a habitual-felony offender (HFO) on Monday, after prosecutors with the State Attorney’s Office proved Burke’s eligibility with the timings of his prior convictions and prison releases.

Burke’s PRR and HFO labels enhance his sentencing parameters by requiring him to serve at least 30 years in prison, day for day, and face a possible lifetime behind bars.

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Burke Jan. 24, 2020, along with 23-year-old Alexandre Donovan Macys, 23-year-old Michael Ryan Gegan, and 26-year-old Brandon Joseph Boggs.

Authorities suspected the group robbed the Chevron gas station on the corner of U.S. 19 and South Suffolk Terrace earlier that morning.

Surveillance cameras and witnesses captured and saw a masked man, later identified as Burke, enter the station’s convenience store with a large knife, jump on the counter and demand money, which Burke then stole before he and another masked man fled.

Burke used the knife to slash at one of the store clerks before he left. No injuries were reported.

Evidence and witnesses at the scene led investigators to question Burke, Macys, Gegan and Boggs, who at first denied their involvements until a couple of them confessed to the robbery.

Authorities with a warrant also searched the group’s shared home in Homosassa to find a KA-BAR knife, a ski mask and clothing that matched the items worn and brandished by the robber.

Court records show Gegan will be sentenced Dec. 2, Boggs will stand trial the week of Dec. 5, and Macys has a pretrial hearing Dec. 15.

Contact Chronicle reporter Buster Thompson at 352-564-2916,

bthompson@chronicleonline.com or visit tinyurl.com/yxn2ahso to see more of his stories.

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Most people know that winter is the best time to see manatees. But where can you see manatees in Florida, any time of year? The answer is Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. Our complete guide to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park covers everything you need for a perfect day trip.

Spark some romance and hit the road. A day trip is a great way to connect with your honey. Put together a playlist, grab a few of your favorite road trip snacks, and make the hour and 45-minute drive to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. There are multiple roadside stops along the way if you want to make it a real road trip, plus other springs and parks nearby if you'd like to make it a weekend getaway.

Updated October 2022

Homosassa Springs Things To Do

There is so much to love about Florida's State Parks, and Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park is a shining example of what makes our state parks so special. You get a little bit of everything here — natural springs and a river view, wildlife, boardwalks, and walkways. It's pretty easy to explore the 200 acres of this park.

We parked in the parking lot on US Highway 98. This parking lot has a Welcome Center with restrooms, a small shop, and a few exhibits showcasing the park's history of nearly 100 years. From here we boarded a tram that drove us down to the park's visitor center and entrance. Expect crowds on the weekend. After purchasing our tickets ($13 per person over 5 years of age), we passed through the doors and into Florida's beauty.

The Underwater Observatory in the “Bowl” of the springs is one of the very first attractions added to this park during its early years. In 1968 the underwater “fish bowl” was installed, back when this park was a roadside attraction, rather than a state park. This bowl is a great place to start your day.

By visiting the Underwater Observatory first, we caught some views of manatees in the wild before they moved on in the afternoon. We also enjoyed the boardwalk leading up to the Underwater Observatory. There are multiple photo opportunities here.

This simple spot, billed as a floating observatory, was once a main attraction for this part of the state of Florida.

After viewing the manatees and plethora of fish, we continued walking past the observatory, towards the river. Soon we came to a lovely wooden pavilion that enabled us to look out over the Homosassa River. Plenty of boaters enjoyed the weekend and safely moved slowly along the river to be mindful of manatees and other wildlife. It's important to enjoy the spring water safely.

We backtracked and followed the walkway along the riverbank. We saw turtles sunning themselves on logs and a few more manatees in the wild. Hiking along the park's walkways is fairly easy.

We noticed a few people crowding along a bridge-like structure and soon found that this is where some of the rescued manatees dwell.

Animals at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

There are lots of animals to see at the Wildlife Walk. This winding walkway makes a complete circle, so there's no way to lose your way. All the animals along this lovely Wildlife Walk are rescued from various places around the state. As much as possible, such wildlife is rehabilitated and sent back into the wild.

However, if it is not safe for an animal to return to the wild for whatever reason, it finds a home here. Along our walk, we spotted Florida alligators, river otters, pelicans, flamingos, owls, deer, black bears, a Florida panther, and more. What a cool mix of native Florida wildlife and other fascinating creatures.

Some might compare this part of the park with visiting a zoo, and the experience is similar, but to see a sample of Florida's diverse wildlife in one spot like this is truly special. Speaking of special, you won't be able to overlook Lu the Hippo. A former animal actor, Lu is over 60 years old. He is a reminder of when this land was used to show off animals that were trained to perform in movies and television. Hippos certainly are not a Florida animal, but Lu the hippopotamus is considered an honorary Florida resident.

What a way to enjoy a blend of old school tourist attraction and beautiful natural habitat in Florida.

Special note – Homossas Springs Wildlife Park is adorned with Christmas lights in a few spots during the holiday season.

Where to See Manatees in Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park

One of the must-do experiences in Florida is seeing manatees in the wild. These native animals are so special. When entering Homossa Springs park, head to the left to the Underwater Observatory. Both inside the observatory and along the boardwalk leading to and from the observatory you may spot some manatees.

First thing in the morning and cool weather days are your best bet for catching views of manatees in the wild at Homosassa Springs. However, you can also view a few rescued manatees that remain at the park year-round. Their habitat is near the center of the park.

The manatee programs at this state park are crucially important.

Due to multiple environmental reasons, including over-development throughout Florida, wildlife experts are concerned about the increased mortality rate of manatees. One way to bond together is to do some good together, so I would encourage you and your honey to learn more about manatees and how we can help them.

Practicalities: Parking, Food and Beverage, and Restrooms

Don't expect anything fancy at this state park. However, there are plenty of creature comforts. There are restrooms near the center of the park, as well as the Welcome Center at the Highway 98 parking lot, and the Visitors Center that you must pass through before entering the park itself.

There are two parking lots – one off County Road 490 and the other on Highway 98. Since we came from Orlando it was easiest for us to park at the parking lot on Highway 98. This is where the Welcome Center is, and where you will board a tram to head to the park entrance itself. The trams come and go about every 15 minutes. There is also usually boat transportation, but this is temporarily unavailable.

The parking lot off County Road 490 is smaller, but it does put you next to the park's actual entrance and the Visitor Center, with the ticket counters. At this visitor center, there is a casual cafe with sandwiches and snacks, as well as a gift shop. Some of the t-shirt designs in this shop are fun and attractive.

Dogs are not allowed in the park, but there is a kennel at the Welcome Center where your pup can hang out while you explore.

There is also a small snack stand near the center of the park. This is a good spot for a midday snack with cold drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, and other quick snacks.

Pack some water to keep yourselves hydrated. You don't want to feel rushed as you explore this lovely park.

What's Near Homosassa Springs State Park

Driving to Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park from Orlando takes about an hour and 45 minutes. It's not a very quick trip, but it is worth the drive. And if you want to make it a full day or a full weekend getaway there is plenty nearby.

Along the drive, my husband and I took note of some places that would be fun to stop in next time. On our recent visit to Homosassa Springs we hadn't built enough time to stop along the way. But, there is plenty to see.

Within 10 – 20 minutes drive of Homosassa Springs State Park, you'll find plenty of other parks, activities, and restaurants.

This state park is also an easy trip from Cedar Key, Florida if you're looking for a relaxing weekend getaway.

Dress comfortably and enjoy being in Florida's natural beauty, together.

Citrus County residents awoke knowing they’d been spared yet again from the worst end of tropical weather.

Days after forecasts called for a near direct hit from Hurricane Ian, the tropical storm that glided by to the east left only remnants: 35 mph wind gusts, scattered power outages, tree debris in the roadways.

“We were blessed. Very lucky,” Sheriff’s Capt. Troy Hess, acting director of the Citrus County Emergency Management, said.

The storm surge warning, which just two days ago predicted a surge of 15 feet overwhelming coastal communities of Crystal River, Homosassa and Ozello, dissipated. Instead, the opposite: photos posted online of residents standing in a nearly drained King’s Bay, its water sucked into the Gulf of Mexico by Ian’s powerful winds.

Same for the mandatory evacuation, ordered Wednesday morning for residents west of U.S. 19. Officials lifted the evacuation order around 10 a.m. when Ian was downgraded to a tropical storm, allowing about 100 people in shelters to go home.

Even the rain amounts forecast for the county’s east side never came to be. Hess said because Ian’s path stayed to the south and east of Citrus, it avoided not only the predicted 10 to 15 inches of rain but also the widespread flooding that comes with it.

Lack of heavy rainfall also alleviates concerns of flooding in the Arrowhead community in northeast Citrus County along the Withlacoochee River, he said.

The higher wind gusts of 35 mph were dropping by Thursday afternoon. Businesses and local governments that closed Thursday anticipating Ian’s rain and wind were planning to open Friday, though Citrus County Schools remain closed until Monday.

The Sheriff’s Office announced it was closing citizen information lines.

Hess said watching Ian’s destruction in Southwest Florida should serve as a reminder, not a deterrent, to prepare for unpredictable hurricanes.

“You play the cards you’re dealt and make the best decisions you can make,” he said.

“All the impacts Fort Myers is getting,” she said, “we avoided.”

Hernando Countians are already familiar with the Florida Cracker Kitchen, a staple for the past 10 years and one of the most popular breakfast-lunch eateries in Brooksville.

Brothers Blair and Ethan Hensley – owners of that place – hope lightning strikes twice in Citrus County.

They recently opened their second Florida Cracker Kitchen on the grounds of – where else – the all-new Florida Cracker Riverside Resort in Old Homosassa. The building that now houses the restaurant was formerly used for resort guest services and banquets.

“Coming into Old Homosassa the community has welcomed us with open arms and it’s refreshing to see everyone work together and come together and help us out and support what we are doing at Riverside,” Hensley said.

This is part of the complete overhaul of the venue formerly known as the Homosassa Riverside Resort. It’s now called Florida Cracker Riverside Resort and the Hensleys have added a new bar and new gift shop to go along with the new restaurant.

Patrons will find pretty much the same menu as its Brooksville counterpart: “cracker-inspired meals harking back to Old Florida, where everyone is treated like family, with true Southern hospitality.”

“We want our guests to feel like they are walking into their grandma’s kitchen,” Hensley said.

Open from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., you’ll find such authentic breakfast fare as MeMa’s giant cinnamon roll and shrimp with grits to lunches featuring Papa Gator’s brisket and a Cracker House salad.

Blair Hensley said the eatery is a “true scratch kitchen” where everything is cooked fresh.

“There are no cans,” he said.

The Lowman (law firm) family bought the property and the Hensleys manage it. The resort is located on the picturesque Homosassa River at 5297 S. Cherokee Way – in sight of famed Monkey Island

“This past year the Lowman family put an emphasis on getting Monkey Island renovated for our primates and they created a nonprofit historic monkey island for the monkeys so they will be in good hands,” Hensely said. “This year, the whole island will be renovated and give the jewels of the river their own resort.”

Hensley praised the county for making it easy to open.

“Citrus County was great to work with through the process, especially with the history of that property in the past,’ Hensley said.

Hensley said the pandemic and supply shortage set them back and delayed the opening. But now, business is brisk, he said. He believes the Brooksville restaurant’s name has gotten around.

By the way, Hensley said he and his brother are proud of the “Cracker” name. Some think it’s derogatory but far from it, he said.

In fact, the legend derives from early Florida pioneers, mainly small farmers and cattle ranchers, who used to crack a whip when rounding up cows.

For more information about Florida Cracker Kitchen and the resort, visit https://www.floridacracker kitchen.com/locations/ homosassa/.