The history of the Homosassa Civic Club is really a history of (modern) Homosassa. Everything of importance that happened to this town has either touched or been touched by this organization. – Georgina Phelps, Homosassa documentarian and civic leader
In 1949, Homosassa was a quaint fishing village on the banks of the Homosassa River. Local industries had once included citrus and cattle, a cedar mill, and a railroad; but in their demise, people turned back to fishing. They were hard working, friendly people whose main entertainments were square dances, church gatherings, potluck suppers and front porch visits. There was one paved “Main Street”. People carried their water home from a community pump house near the bridge by the “Fishbowl” attraction (now the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park.) There were few telephones, no televisions, no playgrounds and one constable to keep the peace.
For decades, Homosassa’s only civic organization had been the PTA. Its leaders decided that a broader association was needed to bring important services to the growing town. So, on February 28, 1950, leaders from the Head, Locklar, Lyles, MacRae, Phelps, Tibbets, Trotter, Strickland, and other families gathered together for the first meeting of the Homosassa Civic Club. Held in the school auditorium, it began with a covered dish supper meeting, a tradition that continues today. They drafted a list of things most needed to improve the community: street lights, park benches, repair of the city dock, a water system to bring water directly into homes and a clubhouse.
In the first year, club members rebuilt the fishing dock. Next, they drilled the well that was the beginning of the community water program. Sixteen years later, it came online as the Homosassa Special Water District.
Knowing that building a clubhouse would be expensive, members rolled up their sleeves and vowed to raise money to buy property. For 6 years they hosted boxed suppers, BBQs, fish fries, talent shows, square dances and sometimes, private parties with visiting celebrities like actress Rhonda Fleming. In August of 1956, the foundation of the building was poured on the Mason Creek Road site. Club members then donated materials and labor to complete construction. The clubhouse officially opened in 1961.
Over the years, the clubhouse has hosted many happy events- rallies, weddings, parties and teen dances. During devastating times, it has been a beacon of hope. Members used the kitchen to make lunch for displaced students after the elementary school burned down in 1968. In 2024, it became the town’s Hurricane Relief Center.
In 1975, club president and artist Eppie Boatwright recommended that the club have an art show as an annual fundraiser to cover civic improvements, events and emergencies. That successful event grew into the Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival that is held annually on the second weekend of November. It is the primary fundraising activity for the Homosassa Civic Club.
Another annual festival moved from the Old Mill Restaurant to Civic Club sponsorship in 2022. The Homosassa Spring Festival & Mullet Toss has been a source of fun and frolic for residents and tourists.
Club members love life on the water and have actively supported projects that preserve Nature Coast areas. Bluebird Springs was an energetic plan to reopen a favorite swimming hole and build a pavilion. Today, they partner with groups like the Homosassa River Alliance and the Homosassa River Restoration Project. These groups provide education on and rehabilitation of the area’s fragile local waterways and ecosystem. The club annually supports “Books, Lines and Thinkers”, created by Captain Mike Baize, to teach children about the river ecosystem.
In 2020, the club acquired the Locklar property along the east side of the Homosassa River to establish a public park. Today, the Old Homosassa Heritage Park & Working Waterfront welcomes people to stroll, picnic, watch boats of a local shrimp company (Head) and enjoy the beauty of the river life. Kids love the playground with the Lighthouse Slide. The on-site cracker house is planned as a museum to showcase Homosassa history and heritage.
The Trotter Tract on the west side of the river was donated by Byron and Cindy (Trotter/Rogers) Williams in 2023 with a goal of preserving natural wildlife and the ecosystem. Plans for a public park with nature trails began under Civic Club leadership.
The Homosassa Civic Club became the primary Hurricane Relief Center for the community after two devastating storms in the fall of 2024. Many residents on both sides of the river lost everything. Residents came to the club grounds to get food, clothing, cleaning supplies and hot meals. National, state and county leaders set up shop to provide guidance on home restoration programs. Groups like the American Red Cross, United Way and Mercy Chefs also coordinated efforts through club leaders.
2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the Annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts & Seafood Festival. The club that has led the way in accomplishing community improvements, activities and support is dedicated to continuing that beloved tradition for future generations.