The City of Crystal River is a coastal city in western Florida, in Citrus County, with a population of over 3,000. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed “Home of the Manatee.” Crystal River is located northwest of the center of Citrus County on the northeast side of Kings Bay and the Crystal River, an inlet of the Gulf of Mexico.
Attractions in Crystal River include Kings Bay, which is fed by springs and is home to the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, sheltering manatees year-round. It was named an Outstanding Florida Waterway and offers many water-oriented activities such as boating, canoeing / kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, swimming and wildlife watching. Boardwalks at Three Sisters Springs Wildlife Refuge offer views of the marine mammal and the natural springs, welcoming thousands of visitors each year from around the world. To the Northwest is Crystal River Archaeological State Park, with remains of an early Native American settlement, including ceremonial mounds. The Gulf of Mexico, off the Crystal River is also one of the few places to scallop along the coast of Florida.
Crystal River’s beautiful location and vast amount of waterways make it a magical destination for visitors and idyllic location for residents. However, it also makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and flooding. The city keeps its residents informed on flood risk and additionally benefits from participation in the Tampa Bay Regional Resiliency Coalition, which comes together to discuss complex regional issues; develop strategic regional responses for resolving them; and build consensus for setting and accomplishing regional goals.
