LYNYRD SKYNYRD, LONESTAR, DARYL WORLEY, TANYA TUCKER, SAMMY KERSHAW,

PHIL VASSAR AMONG STARS BOOKED FOR SUWANNEE RIVER JAM

LYNYRD SKYNYRD, LONESTAR, DARYL WORLEY, TANYA TUCKER, SAMMY KERSHAW, PHIL VASSAR, RESTLESS HEART, KEITH BRYANT (RIDING WITH THE LEGEND), JOHN ANDERSON, and CHELY WRIGHT, have all been signed for the 2005 Suwannee River Jam, according to Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park President, James Cornett.  In addition, Cornett said, "We will be adding talent to each day of the event over the next few weeks.  The Jam is slated for April 21-24 at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. Tickets and campsites go on-sale this Saturday, Feb. 19 at noon at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak or by calling 1-800-224-5656.  Reserved VIP seats that include weekend food and beverage are available, but are limited.  "This is the first of several announcements that we will be making that Jam fans will be excited about," said Cornett. 

The tentative daily lineup includes:

Thursday, April 21st

National Headline Act TBA

Daisy Duke Beauty Contest

Karaoke Contest

Friday, April 22nd

Restless Heart

John Anderson

Lonestar

Saturday, April 23rd

Darryl Worley

Phil Vassar

Tanya Tucker

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Sunday, April 24th

Keith Bryant

Chely Wright

Sammy Kershaw

Country music fans have long embraced the legendary Southern rock group Lynyrd Skynyrd. Last week's Grammy awards gave a nod to this fact when they paired Skynyrd in a tribute segment with some of today's hottest country acts. The band represents everything rock and roll and everything American. Their signature sound is a harmonious blend of guitar driven rock with southern blues roots evident throughout not only the melodies but their blue-collar lyrical topics. As the core lineup of Gary Rossington (guitars), Billy Powell (piano) and Leon Wilkeson (bass) along with front man Johnny Van Zant who joined the band 12 years ago, has moved through the decades and through assorted other band members, Lynyrd Skynyrd's music has remained true to itself, never affected or changed to fit any one musical climate.

Nowhere is this more evident than on their latest album, Edge of Forever released on CMC International Records on August 10, 1999. Produced by Ron Nevison, Edge of Forever continues the band's legacy of timeless American rock and roll. Songs like 'Money

Back Guarantee', 'FLA', 'Gone Fishin'and 'Full Moon Night' are reminiscent of classic Skynyrd songs that date back throughout their extensive musical heritage.  

Lonestar, meanwhile is well known for writing and singing about everyday moments that might otherwise be taken for granted and turning them into Top 10 hits. Lonestar's most recent hit, "Mr. Mom", has topped Billboard as number one. Other favorites include Let's Be Us Again, My Front Porch Looking in, Walking in Memphis, and the wrenching I’m Already There (Message from Home). "For the 2005 Jam, we have assembled a production team of some of the top people in the business from across the country. This group is committed to making 2005 the best experience yet for Jam fans," Cornett said.

The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a camping and music resort located on over 700 acres situated on the historic Suwannee River. The Park offers an exciting variety of activities and amenities, including the SOS Café, Canoe Outpost, Craft Village, Stables, Country Store, swimming pool, hiking and trails, music events, the Historic Suwannee River and more. The Park is conveniently located between Interstates 75 and 10, and is 80 miles from both Jacksonville and Tallahassee. From I-10 take exit 283, from I-75, take exit 45.  For ticket, camping and additional information call (386) 364-1683, 1-800-224-5656 or go to www.musicliveshere.com.

Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (386) 364-1683
3076 95th Drive
Live Oak, Florida 32060
http://www.musicliveshere.com

Inverness 5-K Run Oct. 2nd Beat the Sheriff 5-K Run

Is sponsored by the Citrus Road Runners, will be held on Sat., Oct. 2nd, at 7:30 a.m. at the Courthouse Square in Inverness. Race day registration opens one hour before race starts. Awards will be given. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 day of race and children can run for $2. For more information, call (352) 726-4407 or 637-2475.

Country-Western Hillbilly Music Show at Cowboy Junction, Oct. 2^nd

A Country-Western, Hillbilly Music Show will be held at Cowboy Junction Opry on Sat., Oct. 2nd at 2 p.m. Admission is free. Cowboy Junction is located at the junction of Hwy. 44 and Hwy. 490 in Lecanto.

 A tribute will be paid to Bing Crosby, radio star and Hollywood motion picture star, who was the most successful recording artist in 1960 and 1970 by Buddy Max, who will sing several of Bing's songs. Bing Crosby sang County-Western songs, in addition to Big Band music. The first platinum disc was awarded to Bing Crosby to commemorate the sale of 200,000,000 of his records in 1960. He received a second platinum disc after 300,650,000 of his records were sold in 1970.

 Other performers at the show will be Leo Vargason, Chuck and Martha Puckett, Elwood "Woody" Faltinowski, Tom Jones of Citrus County, Gregg and Sharen, Tom Wayble and a host of other fine entertainers. There will be vinyl records, CD's, casette tapes, books, magazines, caps and other memorabilia available.

 Cowboy Junction is America's number one Country-Western Music Show and Hall of Fame Legend. Cowboy Junction will host a music show every Saturday at 2 p.m. For more information, call (352) 746-4754

Rails to Trails of the Withlacoochee 10th Annual Bike Ride

The 10th annual Rails to Trails Bike Ride will be held, Sunday, October 3, on the Withlacoochee State Trail, starting at the North Apopka Avenue Trail Crossing, in Inverness, Florida. Start times are 7-9 a.m., rain or shine, with no mass start. A Continental breakfast will be available, and a light lunch will be served from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Five SAG stops along the way will provide water, sports drinks and food, and restrooms. SAG stops support ends at 3 p.m.

 The entry fee is $15 per rider, pre-registered through Sept. 20th. If an entry is post-marked or submitted Sept. 21st through Oct. 3rd, or ride day, the entry fee is $20 per rider. Riders who pre-register before Sept. 20 will receive a t-shirt with the 10th annual ride theme on the front. Riders who register Sept. 21 through the day of the ride MAY receive a t-shirt, but there will be no guarantee of size. If you fail to indicate your t-shirt size on your entry form, you will receive a large. Pre-registered riders are eligible for door prizes, which may be picked up after 9 a.m., Oct. 3rd. For more information, or to request an entry form, call (352) 527-3263.

The Withlacoochee State Trail is a 46-mile long paved trail, formerly a railroad track, now converted to a bike/horse trail. You can determine your own ride distance: a ride to Floral City and back is 14 miles; a ride to the North End and back is 32 miles; a ride to the North End and back, combined with a ride to Istachatta (on Hwy. 476) and back, is 60 miles; a ride to the end of the trail in both directions is 91 miles; an optional "Century" is offered, with 8 miles on road loop (a map is provided).

Fall Gardening Workshop at Homosassa Park, Oct. 6

A Fall Gardening Workshop will be held at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Oct. 6 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Learn how you can use low-maintenance, native plants and xeriscaping to conserve water resources & enjoy carefree Florida gardening. Call for advance reservations and rates at (352) 628-5343.

Founders Week Celebration in Brooksville, Oct. 9-16.

Brooksville's Founders Week Celebration, to be held on October 9-16, will include many fun activities. A barbeque cookoff for cash prizes, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, and the 27th annual Hernando County Rodeo, sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association will be held Friday through Sunday, Oct. 8-10, starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday; tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children.

The Hernando Beach Seafood Festival, with free admission, food, games, bands and vendors, will take place on Hernando Beach, Sat. and Sun., Oct. 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Floral City Hoedown & Craft Festival, Oct. 9

 Vendors needed Floral City Elementary will hold its 2nd annual Hoedown and Craft Festival on Saturday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Floral City Elementary School, located on the corner of Marvin St. and Old Floral City Rd., off Hwy. 48 in Floral City. Join them for a good ole country time completc with craft vendors, a barbeque; live, foot stompin' music; rides, games, dunk tank, horse rides, hay rides, clowns, face painting and critters from the Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park Outreach Program. Proceeds will be used in the school's classroom book program. CRAFT VENDORS ARE STILL NEEDED - to reserve a space for only $15, please call Barbara Davis at (352) 341-0842. For more information about the event, call Barnard Davis at (352) 341-0842 or Kathy Thrumston at (352) 341-2569

The Hernando Beach Seafood Festival Oct. 9 and 10, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m

 with free admission, food, games, bands and vendors, will take place on Hernando Beach, Sat. and Sun., Oct. 9 and 10, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Bus tours and horse and buggy rides of historic Brooksville can be enjoyed on Oct. 11, and a period costume contest will be held on Oct. 15. For more information on the Seafood Festival call (352) 688-0238, or for any of the week's events call the Brooksville Chamber of Commerce at (352)796-0697.

Fall Gardening Workshop at Homosassa Park, Oct. 13

A Fall Gardening Workshop will be held at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park on Oct. 13 from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Learn how you can use low-maintenance, native plants and xeriscaping to conserve water resources & enjoy carefree Florida gardening. Call for advance reservations and rates at (352) 628-5343.

Native American Indian Indian Heritage Week in Homosassa, Oct. 15-17 The Red Eagle Lodge of W. Central Florida will hold their 5th annual Native American Indian Heritage Week celebration, in old Homosassa, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 15-17. Activities will include Native American dancing, singing, story telling, foods, crafts, craft demonstrations, wildlife exhibits, traditional drum and flute music, arts, childrens' games, and drawings.

  School Education Day is Friday; hours Saturday are 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. with grand entry times of noon and 5 p.m.; hours Sunday are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. with grand entry timesof noon and 4 p.m. Tickets are $2 for adults, reduced prices for ages 6-12 and free for children under 6. Call (352) 563-5423 for more information

Citrus County's Heritage Week Celebration, Oct. 15-23

The Citrus County Historical Society invites the public to the 2004 "Heritage Week Celebration" that will begin on Fri., Oct. 15, and end with a Grand Finale Heritage Ball 1950'S Prom, on Sat. Oct. 23. This year's theme will be 'Follow that Dream' to Citrus County! All proceeds will benefit programs of the Citrus County Historical Society.

 During the Heritage Week Celebration, visit The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum located at One Courthouse Square in Inverness, and view the John Murray Davis Rotating Gallery exhibit, "Seminole Wars: The Fight for Florida." Then drive to Ft. Cooper and relive the days of the Second Seminole War, while enjoying nearly 5 miles of walking nature tours and water trails. Many other special events will be held in Citrus County during this celebration.

 The mission of the Citrus County Historical Society is to be the leading advocate for the preservation of the heritage, history, and pre-history of Citrus County and adjacent areas, and to further public knowledge of this rich history. By celebrating a week of Citrus County Heritage, residents will have a fun and entertaining time, while gaining knowledge of important events that occurred in Citrus County and learning about the people who settled here.

 Take a chance and benefit the Citrus County Historical Society, by purchasing tickets for a HAWAIIAN VACATION during March 25-30, 2005. "Follow that Dream to a Hawaiian Paradise Vacation" includes 5 nights at the Hilton Hawaiian Village (where Elvis stayed during his filming of Blue Hawaii) in a deluxe ocean view room, with round trip airfare and transfers (departing from Tampa), and a dinner cruise around Waikiki. Tickets are $30 each, or 4 for $100.

 There is also a LAS VEGAS PRIZE! The "Follow that Dream Viva Las Vegas Trip" is Feb. 12-15, for 3 nights at the Mirage Hotel & Casino located on The Strip in Las Vegas, and includes round trip airfare and transfers (departing from Tampa) and a helicopter tour, plus a special treat the NCTD Travel Center has arranged, a special Anniversary/Wedding Package. You can either get married, or renew your vows, on Valentine's Day during your visit. The "Love Me Tender Elvis Wedding Package" includes the chapel ceremony, music, rose presentation, boutonniere and limo service. "Elvis" will walk the bride down the aisle and sing 3 wedding songs. Tickets for this package are $30 each, or 4 for $100.

 To salute the Veterans of Citrus County, NCTD Travel Center has also arranged a VETERANS STARS & STRIPES TOUR PACKAGE. Visit the Punch Bowl where Elvis did some filming of Blue Hawaii, see Fort Island, Pearl Harbor and Veterans Memorial and learn how World War II started and ended.

 Please support the Citrus County Historical Society, by purchasing prize tickets at the following locations: THE OLD COURTHOUSE IN INVERNESS, located at 1 Courthouse Square, Inverness, FL 34450 - call (352) 341-6427

 ** INVERNESS CHAMBER OF COMERCE, located at 214 W. Tompkins, Inverness, FL 34450 - call (352) 726-2801

** CRYSTAL RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, located at 28 N.W. U.S. Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34428 - call (352) 795-3149

 ** HOMMOSASSA SPRINGS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, located at 3495 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, mailing address P.O. Box 709, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447 - call (352) 628-2666 ** or

 NCTD TRAVEL CENTER, located at 537 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal River, FL 34428 - call (352) 564-9197.

Your support, by joining the Citrus County Historical Society and/or volunteering for one of the many events, will be greatly appreciated. For further information on joining the Historical society, the Heritage Week Celebration, historical tours, or prize packages, please call (352) 341-6427.

Greek Festival in Lecanto, Oct. 29-31

A Greek Festival will be held ar St. Michael the Archangel Greek Orthodox Church located at 4705 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy. in Lecanto, Friday through Sunday, October 29-31. Traditional Greek foods will be enjoyed in dinners, gyros and pastries. You will also enjoy live Greek folk music with costumed performers dancing, along with specialty merchandise vendors. The entry fee is $1, with free parking. Hours are 11 a.m. until 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday. For more information, call (352) 746-1177.

The Citrus County Historical Society invites visitors to "Follow that Dream" to Citrus County during Heritage Week. The event was named "'Follow that Dream' to Citrus County" because Elvis Presley filmed the 1960 movie "Follow that Dream" in various locations in Citrus and Levy Counties.

 When the restoration of the 1912 Inverness courthouse was begun several years ago, there were no good pictures of its original condition, but because of scenes in "Follow that Dream," the restoration of the courthouse was true to its original condition. With this in mind, the celebration will include chances on a trip to Hamaii in a tribute to the Elvis movie "Blue Hawaii" and chances on a trip to Las Vegas in a tribute to the Elvis movie "Viva Las Vegas."

  Other celebrations of the county's heritage during the week will include visiting Seminole history at Ft. Cooper, south of Inverness; Indian history on Yulee Drive in Old Homosassa, Oct. 15-17; and the Gay '90's and Fabulous '50's in historic downtown Inverness. During the week, there will be a sock hop, local celebrity events, and much rock 'n roll music!

 The Old Mill House Gallery & Printing Museum on Yulee Dr. in Homosassa will offer tours on Oct. 21 & 21 to show how books and newspapers were printed in the 1950's and earlier. Call 726-3913, 341-6427 or 726-2801 for more details of these events.

 Inverness Cooter Festival, Oct. 30th

The first annual Cooter Festival will be held in Inverness on Saturday, Oct. 30. Activities will include an animated turtle, barbeque cook-off, bike rides, morotcycle poker run, cruiser car rally, band festival, carnival rides, cooter (turtle) races, tours of historic landmarks, and other activities. Activities will take place in downtown Inverness and around Cooter Pond that has been part of the recent beautification efforts in Inverness and the home to many turtles. Cooter is a southern term that refers to freshwater, edible turtles. For more information, call (352) 726-3913.

Luminary Nights Art Walk in Old Homosassa Nov. 5th & 6th

The Luminary Nights Art Walk will be held in Old Homosassa on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5 and 6, from dusk until 9 p.m. Stroll through Old Homosassa on Yulee Drive and browse the eclectic galleries and gift shops containing work by local artists and craftsmen, including pottery, fiberglass animals, wood carved fish, manatees, birds, copper sculptures and pictures of Homosassa. Shops are all within a short walking distance apart and pathways will be lighted between the shops that are owned and operated by local artists and craftsmen. See the glass garden, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

Festival of the Arts in Inverness, Nov. 6 & 7

The annual Festival of the Arts will be held at the Town Square in Inverness on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 6th & 7th. Admission and parking is free. Hours are 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday. Artists and craftsmen will show and sell their works amongst performances of music, dance and art groups, along with a variety of food and beverage vendors. for more information, call (352) 746-7606.

Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival
November 12-13, 2005
Old Homosassa on Mason Creek Road
Homosassa, Florida
Citrus County
Telephone: (352) 628-2666
Focus: juried art show, upscale crafts, large seafood
court and more
Seafood featured: local restaurants feature different
seafood dishes
Co-sponsor: St. Petersburg Times, Coca-Cola, Budweiser
Admission: $2 donation, children free
Handicapped provisions

Inglis & Yankeetown Seafood Festival
A variety of seafood, music, and arts & crafts.
November 19th and 20th Riverside Drive Yankeetown
(352) 447-3383

 ANYTIME - PROGRAM

Citrus County Health Dept. Announces "Go Red for Women" Campaign, Informing Women of Heart Disease The Citrus County Health Department supports the American Heart Association's "Go Red for Women" campaign. "Go Red for Women" is a call for women to take charge of their health. The goal of the campaign is for women to recognize and reduce their risk of heart disease, much of which can be prevented! Heart disease and stroke are the number 1 and number 3 killers of women. They are 2 of the many cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 500,000 women each year. That's more than the next 7 causes of death combined, including all forms of cancer. Fortunately, there is much that women can do to prevent these killers. "Go Red For Women" helps women to discover unique, lifesaving power, by learning about heart disease and stroke, and taking positive action to reduce their risk of both.

 THE FACTS: In 2000, women represented 53.5 percent of total U.S. deaths from cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. * Every year since 1984, more women than men have died of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. The difference is more than 65,000, and the gap for women is increasing. * Heart disease rates in women, after menopause, are 2 or 3 times those of women the same age before menopause. * Women at older ages, who have heart attacks, are more likely to die from them than men. * Women and men share 6 identified risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, and diabetes. For more information on the "Go Red for Women" Campaign call 1-888-MY Heart, or call the Citrus County Health Department at 527-0068, ext. 287.

 ANYTIME  Keep Citrus County Beautiful Offers Speakers for Your Organization's Meeting Carol Lee Wallis, Co-Executive Director of Keep Citrus County Beautiful (KCCB), would like to be a guest speaker at your club or organization's meeting. Keep Citrus County Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep Florida Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.

 KCCB welcomes the opportunity to share their programs with your club or organization. Two of these programs are the "Community Cleanup Program" and the "Keeper of the Land Program." Keep Citrus County Beautiful programs are geared to empower Citrus County citizens to take action to clean up their community and become good "Stewards of the Land." Frank Silverhawk, an Eastern Woodland Indian of Cherokee descent, is available to talk to groups about the "Keeper of the Land" program.

 Frank is an excellent speaker, storyteller and keeper of Native American traditions. He has already visited several Citrus County elementary schools, encouraging children to become "Keepers of the Land." The children are very excited about the program and enjoyed Frank's story. Contact Carol Lee Wallis at 352-563-5423 for more information.

Homosassa Wildlife Park Needs Volunteers

 Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is looking for 6-10 volunteers to assist park rangers with transportation of visitors on scenic Pepper Creek. Interested volunteers shou1d have experience operating boats, be comfortable with public speaking and possess a valid driver's license (Class D license preferred). Currently the park is in need of volunteer support for a minimum of 4 hours on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays (mid morning to mid afternoon). Park rangers will provide on-site training for all new transportation volunteers to ensure they are comfortable operating a 40-foot pontoon boat and are able to develop and present interpretive programs to park visitors from around the globe. This position is for outdoor enthusiasts and customer sservice oriented personalities. So, if it's time for you to get out of the house or get off the golf course, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park might have the right volunteer position for you! For more infom1ation on volunteer opportunities at thc Homosassa Springs Wild1ife State Park, call Marla Ivory at (352) 628-5445, ext. 103 or send an email to MarlaIvory@dep.state.fl.us

Barrier Free America Removes Barriers, Looking for Volunteers Barrier Free America (BFA) understands the needs of the community and efforts being put forth to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Their volunteer staff helps in finding reasonable solutions to removing barriers. If you are a person with a disability who is having difficulty in gaining access or accomodation to facilities, shopping, health care, activities, employment, or services, they can assist by clarifying the requirements under the ADA. As an advocate, BFA will work with you and the entity involved and/or assist you with the filing of non-compliance documentation. Barrier Free America offers workshops, training and technical assistance on the ADA to businesses, consumers, and state and local agencies. Barrier Free America is looking for volunteers for a new program as ADA Advocates. Volunteers will be trained to spot check local businesses to see if they provide reasonable accomodation to persons with disabilities and to document their findings. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, call Alma Warren at (352) 628-5401. For more information, call Alma Warren at (352) 628-5401

GENERIC---SAVE---2nd & 4th Saturdays FLEA MARKET IS BACK! at Golden Eagle Plaza, Hwy. 19, Homosassa Barrier Free America (BFA) will hold a FLEA MARKET on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Golden Eagle Plaza at 3269 Suncoast Blvd. (U.S. 19) in Homosassa. The BFA Market is held on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month. Stop by, take a look, and see what bargains you can find! Vendors can reserve spaces for only $10; call Alma Warren for more information at (352) 628-5401

GENERIC---SAVE East Citrus Republican Club Monthly Meeting The East Citrus Republican Club holds its monthly meeting the fourth Saturday of each month at the Crown Hotel on Seminole St. in Inverness. At 8 a.m., a breakfast buffet is available for $4.50 and the meeting takes place at 9. For more information, call John Thrumston at 560-0330

GENERIC--SAVE The Sugarmill Manor Alzheimer's Support Group meets on the first Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m., with the exception of holidays. The group is affiliated with Alzheimer's Family Organization and is open to all caregivers. For more information, call the (352)382-2531 (Sugarmill Manor

GENERIC--Weekly Meetings Overeaters Anonymous Meetings Are you ready to stop eating compulsively? Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. OA a 12-step program for anyone with an eating disorder. Everyone is welcome and there are no dues or fees.

 OA has five weekly meetings in Citrus County: 4 p.m, Mondays, Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road (off C.R. 581/Pleasant Grove Rd.), Inverness * 7 p.m., Tuesdays, First Baptist Church, 123 S. Seminole St., Inverness * 1 p.m., Thursdays, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd, Beverly Hills * 6:30 p.m., Fridays, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills * Spanish-speaking meeting at 10 a.m., Saturdays, Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 6 Roosevelt Blvd., Beverly Hills. For further information call 726-9112, 746-7749 or 341-0777

GENERIC - PLEASE SAVE IN FOLDER - CAN CHANGE DATES Early Morning Nature Cruise at Homosassa Wildlife Park.

The "Friends" of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park are preparing for their next 'First Light Delight Nature Cruise,' planned for Sat. morning at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Homosassa on U.S. Hwy. 19.

Participants will be taken on an early morning cruise down Pepper Creek with a knowledgeable interpreter. This early morning guided tour offers the opportunity to experience the park before it opens to the general public and, so early in the morning, hundreds of birds can be seen roosting in the treetops. A breakfast buffet will be served in the Wildside Cafe. The Cruise is $20 per person. Tickets may be purchased in the Visitor Center Office, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Seating is limited, so early ticket purchase is recommended. Ticket holders should meet at the park's Visitor Center in Homosassa at 6:30 a.m., and boats will leave at 7 a.m., sharp. "Friends" is the citizen support organization for the Wildlife Park. Through events like the 'First Light Delight Nature Cruise,' the Friends raise funds to help make improvements to the park's wildlife habitat