[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 114 (Friday, June 30, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING CRYSTAL RIVER, FLORIDA'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 30, 2023

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the city of 
Crystal River, Florida's 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated on 
July 3, 2023. This city is home to more than 3,500 residents and to 
some of the most beautiful natural resources on the planet. More than 
half a million people from around the world travel to Crystal River 
each year to kayak, fish, dive, swim with the manatees and enjoy the 
pristine waterways within this gem of Florida's Nature Coast. Trip 
Advisor lists Crystal River's own Three Sisters Springs as one of the 
Top 10 Places in the World to Visit Before You Die. Crystal River is 
also home to a National Wildlife Refuge located in Kings Bay, which 
consists of 20 islands and small parcels of that that was established 
in 1983 to protect the West Indian manatee. In addition to its 
tremendous natural resources, the people of Crystal River are its best 
asset. The residents work together to create a sense of community and 
ensure that their city remains a wonderful place to live, work and 
play. Over the last 100 years, Crystal River has achieved many 
important accomplishments:
  In 1924, its first school was built.
  In 1933, airport construction began.
  In 1939, the first ever City Hall building was built.
  In 1948, Crystal River High School became state football champions.
  In 1951, Paradise Point, a deluxe resort for sportsman was built.
  In 1961, Elvis Presley visited to film ``Follow that Dream''.
  In 1969, Crystal River schools were fully integrated.
  In 1975, The federal government designated the Crystal River and 
Kings Bay as critical habitats for the manatees.
  In 1976, the Crystal River nuclear power plant opened.
  In 1978, Seven Rivers Community Hospital opened.
  In 2013, Three Sisters Springs was featured in National Geographic 
Magazine.
  In 2015, Crystal River became a Main Street community.
  I look forward to working with the residents and compassionate 
leaders of Crystal River as we celebrate many more important milestones 
in this wonderful city within the years to come.

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