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| Water is at the center of life for the residents of Hernando Beach, Florida. This little community perched on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico along the West Coast of Florida focuses its life and its daily work on the water. Being surrounded by the waters of the Gulf as well as area rivers, canals and ponds,residents enjoy fishing, power boating, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming and creating water-inspired works of art. Viewing the spectacular daily sunsets on the Gulf and going out for moonlight sails are routine activities here. Hernando Beach is located about 90 miles west of Orlando (and Disney World) and just 45 miles north of Tampa Bay. But the distances seem to be shrinking as the roads are improved and the commuting time cut down. The new Sunshine Parkway links Hernando County directly to Tampa and reduces the drive time to "the city" significantly. This new roadway is contributing to the fact that Hernando County is one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. Being part of the "Nature Coast", this area is also known for its outstanding attitude towards preserving Florida wetlands and forests in their natural state. The Weeki Wachee Preserve, a 6,000-acre protected wildlife area, separates Hernando Beach from the inland areas of Spring Hill. Lying just West migratory birds and other wildlife. County plans to develop the spring fed lakes within the preserve include a future swimming beach and fishing areas. This huge, heavily forested preserve provides a natural green belt along Hernando Beach that gives residents the Gulf on one side and protected forests on the other. Recreation in the area includes charter and private boat fishing both on inland fresh waterways and out in the Gulf. Tarpon and Grouper fishing are specialties of local charter companies. Shrimpers work the waters at night supporting one of the most lucrative bait supply businesses in the state. Recreational fishermen can find great fishing off the pier at Jenkins Creek County Park and Hernando Beach County Park, both on the banks of the spring-fed creek. Sharing the coast line with Hernando Beach are the waterfront communities of Bayport, Aripeka and Weeki Wachee. Each have a unique place in the history of Florida and the latter two derive their names from Native American tribes. Chief Aripeka once lived and thrived along the shores of the little fishing community now bearing his name. The Weeki Wachee River and community around it take their name from the Muskegan Indian word for "Little Spring" and "Winding River". The Weeki Wachee Spring pumps 100,000 gallons of fresh water a minute into the crystal clear river which flows out into the Gulf. Canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and fish watching are favorite pastimes on this river. Rogers Park is a county park on this river that provides a swimming area, playground, boat launch and rest rooms. Bayport was once a thriving port and city where supplies were brought in from ships out in the Gulf to new settlers and soldiers based in Western Florida. Now it is a quiet fishing area where the fresh water of the Mud and Weeki Wachee rivers flow into the Gulf waters. A county park provides a protected fishing pier for anglers. Just a few miles north of Hernando Beach lies a little spit of land protruding out into the Gulf called Pine Island. Along with a cluster of homes there is a county park, one of five in the coastal area. Swimming in the salt water and sunning on the white sandy beach attract many winter visitors. One of the area's most treasured winter visitors is the Florida Manatee. This large but gentle sea cow migrates into the warm waters of area rivers as the Gulf waters cool in the winter. From October through February these underwater mammals move into the relatively warm (a constant 72 degrees) waters of Florida's rivers. Hernando Beach features approximately 2500 home sites with access to the Gulf via canals. The south side of the residential area features homes on fresh water canals. This system of canals leads to a boat lift that allows residents to move their boats into the salt water canal system and out to the Gulf waters. The Northern part of the Beach features home sites on salt water canals, and a few select homes and lots right on the Gulf of Mexico. Ground level and stilt homes are available for resale, plus there are builders on the beach specializing in various styles of waterfront homes. Memberships are available in such groups as the Hernando Beach Yacht Club, Hernando Beach Club, VFW, Homeowners Associations, Coastal Hernando Business Association, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Hernando Beach has a volunteer fire department, police substation and full time marine patrols. The Gulf and river front communities of Hernando Beach, Aripeka, Bayport, Pine Island and Weeki Wachee offer a slower pace of life for those who are seeking a casual coastal lifestyle with the luxury of a quick commute to Tampa and area communities. |
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Hernando Listings - Citrus Listings - Pasco Listings - Commercial Listings - Relocating ©2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 ERA Pearson Realty, Inc. - All Rights Reserved The data relating to real estate for sale on this web site comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity Program Last Updated October 6, 2008 |