In addition, Hollinswood is committed to protecting water quality. Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s “Clean Marina” program will be adopted by and promoted to all interests within the Port District.

The Port District will also be an excellent shopping area with upscale retail stores, a vibrant business community, and ample space for people to walk, talk, and enjoy the water.  Education will also be a key part of this project. Educational displays will inform visitors and residents about wetlands, manatee protection, safe boating practices, and an array of other environmental topics.

Citrus County is blessed with ample opportunities for outdoor and fishing enthusiasts – but as most folks will tell you, the area is lacking in public Gulf of Mexico access and boat storage.

The Hollins family vision for a Port District isn’t just about providing better access to the Gulf, it’s also about promoting Citrus County’s booming tourism industry, from the local hotels and motels, to the local restaurants and stores. Dixie believes that if fisherman and boaters had a place to safely and adequately launch their boats and fish, they’d come to Citrus County more often, and they’d keep coming back.

 

The Cross Florida Barge Canal is an ideal place for a public marina and boat ramp because it provides quick access to the Gulf of Mexico, and takes pressure off of neighboring rivers. This area has been designated as a good place for a marina in the County’s Manatee Protection Plan, Future Land Use Element, and pending county Evaluation and Appraisal Report. There is a 25-mile per hour speed limit year round, and it’s only a four-mile trip to some of the best flats fishing in the area. This is good for both recreational and commercial fishing interests.

The Port District will balance manatee protection, habitat preservation, and boating safety with great access in a fabulous location.

The Port District will also include high and dry storage facilities, wet slips, and even a restaurant and resort hotel. Other possibilities include boat repair and sales, processing facilities for commercial and fishing industries, dinner cruises and many other exciting opportunities.

Just east of the Port District the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Citrus County are planning a public boat ramp facility with ample parking. It will provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Cross Florida Barge Canal, and, along with the Hollins Port District, will take much of the boating pressure off of other local waterways, like the Crystal and Withlacoochee Rivers. ...more