Local Information : Spring Hill, Hernando County

The villa is located in Spring Hill, Hernando County, which is the fastest growing county in Florida and is situated in the middle of the gulf coast, where water enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating or just sunning in the wonderful Florida sunshine. Hernando County has two crystal clear rivers, miles of warm gulf waters and numerous lakes.

A holiday in Spring Hill provides entertainment at local facilities and also the possibility to travel to the many Florida State attractions. Weeki Wachee Springs o n the West side of Hernando County has an underwater performance of mermaids on spring fed waters. There are river cruises, bird shows and beautiful gardens. On the same site is Buccaneer Bay, a water theme park featuring water towers.

CLIMATE. Spring Hill is fortunate in having an ideal temperature, averaging 60\70 in January and 80\90 in July. The average annual rainfall is 50 inches, just the amount needed to allow gardens and vegetation to flourish. The rainy season is during the summer months but even through this time it usually comes in the form of a short afternoon shower, leaving plenty of time throughout the day for fun in the Florida sun, which shines on average of more than 360 days a year. The days usually end with warm breezes from the gulf and a short drive out to Pine Island will provide some of the most beautiful sunsets you have ever seen.

HUDSON BEACH. (Approximately 15 miles from the villa. Take Highway 19S. Signposted Hudson). This is a popular beach for local residents and has a beach bar called "Sam's" which offers good food. This beach has palm trees, shelters and BBQ areas but the swimming is restricted to certain areas due to rocks.

PINE ISLAND. (Approximately 10 miles from the villa. Take Highway 50W - Passed Weeki Wachee - follow the signs) Arrive early to avoid the crowds at this popular local beach. It has lots of palm trees to offer shade; seating areas under shelters and BBQ faci lities. There is a play area with climbing equipment; volley-ball nets and a grass area if you prefer not to sit on the sand. The sea is safe, warm, clean, and is patrolled by lifeguards (as well as dolphins). Light refreshments are available.

BOWLING. If you want to be sure of a lane book in advance. Saturday night is "family night" and it makes no difference if you are a good or bad player - it is lots of fun. The scoring is computerised and easy to programme. If in doubt, ask the staff they ar e very friendly and helpful.

FISHING. Bayport, located on the gulf, has a fishing pier, boat ramp and picnic area. Pine Island offers a gulf beach with two freshwater b eaches at Silver Lake and Rogers Park. Fishermen will enjoy the abundance of both saltwater and freshwater fish.

In Florida, you do not need a licence for saltwater fishing but you do need one for freshwater fishing. It is important to note that there are some legal minimum lengths, quantity limits and a closed season on some shell fish, in order to protect natur al resources. All motorboats, whether use in salt or freshwater are registered at the County Tax Collector's office.

GOLF COURSES. There is a booklet at the house showing all the Golf Courses in the sun coast area with address's, phone numbers etc. Average cost, including buggy, is $16 per person. The three local courses are all within ten minutes drive of the house and they are:

Seven Hills Golf Club, Mariner Blvd. Turn right on Mariner and drive until you see the Golf Course on the right hand side. Very plush, fast greens, lots of trees and rough but the best in the area.

Oak Hills Golf Club, Norcliffe Blvd. Turn right on Mariner and right on Northcliffe. The Golf Course is on the right hand side. It is about 4 miles from the house. Tight, fast greens, lots of trees and very pretty. The course belongs to Ray Floyd.

Spring Hill Golf Course, Spring Hill Drive: Turn right on Mariner and go past Northcliffe until you reach Spring Hill Drive. Turn left on to Spring Hill Drive and the Golf Course is on the left. Not as good as the two above, but still worth playing.

RESTAURANTS.

Nellies - Five to ten minutes from the villa - situated at the Junction of Highways 19 & 50. A family restaurant with good food, atmosphere and prices. Has a "specials" menu and Friday night is "all you can eat - fried fish".

There are a number of excellent restaurants along Highway 19S. Spring Hill as a growing county has attracted a Red Lobster, Ramshackle Cafe, Chilli's plus many more to suit all tastes. There is a notice board in the villa and we ask renters to add restaurant cards and comments if they discover a good eating place.

SHOPPING.

There is a local Shopping Mall, Coastal Way Mall, at the junction of Mariner and Highway 50. Other shopping Malls can be found on Highway 19 and at Crystal River.

VIDEO RENTAL

As mentioned earlier the villa has a VCR with the twelve of the most popular channels pre-set for recording programmes whilst you are out. (Instructions for recording are provided). If you wish to rent videos there are Video Rental Shops in most shopping plazas. Memberships usually involves the photocopying of either your driver's licence or an acceptable credit card. Films usually rent from about $1.00 depending upon popularity.