The history of the Homosassa Civic Club is really a history of Homosassa. Everything of importance that happened to this town has been touched by this organization.
In 1949, Old Homosassa was a quaint fishing village on the banks of the Homosassa River. Local industries included a cedar mill, lumber company and a railroad; but in their demise, people turned back to fishing. They were hard working, friendly people whose only form of entertainment were square dances, potluck suppers and front porch visits. There was one paved “Main Street”. People carried their water from a community pump about a mile from town, near the bridge by the “Fishbowl” attraction ( now the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. ) There were few telephones, no televisions, no playgrounds and one constable to keep the peace.
The PTA was Homosassa’s only local organization. Its leaders decided that a civic association was the appropriate type of group to bring needed services to the village. They gathered residents together and held the first club meeting in the school auditorium on February 28, 1950. It began with a covered dish supper meeting, a tradition that continues today. This group made a list of things most needed to improve the community: street lights, park benches, repair of the city dock and most important, a water system and a clubhouse.
They rebuilt the fishing dock in the club’s first year. The water system started with a well that was drilled by the Civic Club. Sixteen years later, a municipal system was established when the Homosassa Special Water District went on line.
Knowing that the clubhouse would be an expensive project, 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 even private parties with celebrities like Rhonda Fleming when she was in town making a movie. In August of 1956, the foundation of the building was poured on Mason Creek Road property. Club members donated materials and labor to complete the building. The clubhouse officially opened in 1961.
Over the years, the clubhouse has been used for many events- rallies, weddings, parties, teen dances and even as a lunchroom for school children while Homosassa Elementary School was being rebuilt after a fire.
In 1975, club president and artist Eppie Boatwright recommended that the club have an art show as an annual fundraiser. That successful event grew into the annual Homosassa Arts, Crafts and Seafood Festival that is held on the second weekend of November. 2025 will be the festival’s golden anniversary.
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 Captain Mike Baize as he gathers local boat captains to take students out for a day of fishing and river education through his “Books, Lines and Thinkers” program.
1n 2024, as Homosassa faces devastating damages from Hurricane Helene, the club has been the main Hurricane Relief Center for the entire town.
In 2020, the club purchased property along the Homosassa River to establish a public park. Today, the Old Homosassa Heritage Park & Working Waterfront is a reality. People can stroll, picnic, watch boats of a local shrimp company and enjoy the beauty of the river life. Kids love the Shrimpboat Playground with its Lighthouse Slide. Eventually, a museum to showcase Homosassa and local maritime history will be created.