Hollinswood Ranch has been a part of the Hollins family for decades. The 18,000-acre ranch was purchased in 1942. At first, the Hollins’ had an open range cattle operation, which then progressed to clearing pastures for hay fields, and eventually timber planting and harvesting.

In the 1960s, the Hollins family provided Florida Power 4,500 acres, which is now home to the existing power generating complex. The family also provided Florida Power with several transmission corridors and easements to assist in getting electricity to the community....more

In 1972, the mining business began. It continues today and, even without any changes or without this area plan, it will continue for another 20-30 years.

In 1991, Dixie’s father, Maurice, passed away, and the family was forced to sell much of the Hollinswood Ranch to pay inheritance taxes. In all, the family sold about 5,500 acres to the State of Florida, about 7,500 acres to Holcim (a mining operation south of the Cross Florida Barge Canal), and another 500 acres to Florida Power.

What’s left is 1500 acres in the most northern and western area of Citrus County. It is owned and operated by Dixie M. Hollins, a third generation landowner.