Citrus County Florida, home of the West Indian manatee, lies on the western coast of central Florida. Known all over the world as "The Nature Coast", the county is the only place in the world where people are legally allowed to swim and play with the manatees that make their home off the Gulf coast thanks to the spring-fed rivers that empty there. Rivers, forests and beautiful coastline combine with the cultural appeal of the many cities and towns that dot the area to make Citrus County arguably the most beautiful place to visit and live in the entire state. Because it served as the hub of the citrus industry until the "big freeze" of 1896 and 1897, Citrus County is bursting with rich history and landmarks that tell the story of northern Florida's booming economy, and its decline. History is easily mixed with even more educational fun given the county's lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. The Florida manatee makes its home in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico along the Citrus County Florida coastline and has been a huge draw to the area since the county's inception. Classified as an endangered species, these friendly mammals are wisely protected against human interference, but limited, supervised interaction is allowed in some places in Citrus County. Crystal River, a small city of just under 4,000 people, is a favorite destination for tourists and Florida residents interested in the manatees. With nature guide companies offering limited diving interaction with the good-natured mammals, visitors are able to get a view of these creatures like no other place in the world. The town extends along beautiful coastline and is famed for its golf and tennis facilities. Slightly bigger then Crystal River is Inverness, a city lined with miles of biking and walking trails. A quaint small-town feel remains throughout the city, and this is combined gracefully with the cultural opportunities found in the city's fine dining and boutique shopping. Known as "Inverness Old Towne", the city's downtown core provides a fun and historic experience for visitors and residents alike. The small town of Beverly Hills, famed for its scalloping opportunities, has been consistently rated as one of the most livable small cities in the United States. With a high quality of life and a relatively low cost of living, tourists often become residents after only a few visits. The city's population remains under 10,000 people, allowing Beverly Hills to combine big-city amenities with small-town charm.
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