Citrus County Parks and Recreation’s holds its first Drive-in Movie!

On Friday, June 19, Citrus County Parks and Recreation hosted its first Drive-in Movie. The popular Movie in the Park program was introduced 10 years ago, and has traditionally provided space for moviegoers to set up chairs on the park lawn. This year’s series has been modified to meet social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19.

“Parks and Recreation staff enjoy putting on the movie series for families and are excited to switch out the format to a Drive-in movie experience," said Manny Coimbre, Sports and Event Coordinator for Citrus County Parks and Recreation. "This idea is trending with other parks and recreation divisions nationwide, and not only is it a great nostalgic American pastime, the format also allows for social distancing,”

Community Center Coordinator Jim Smith, concerned over how to best transmit the soundtrack for the movies had the brilliant idea to use a radio transmitter. "We discussed the possibility of just using our usual outdoor speakers," said Smith, "But we knew that many folks might enjoy better sound from inside their cars over a radio transmitter, and it worked great!"

More than twenty vehicles turned up at the event, which was held in the parking lot of the soccer complex at Homosassa Area Recreation Park, off Grandmarch Avenue.

According to coordinator Coimbre, "We’re definitely going to do this again. It was a great success, and we’re happy to continue providing this fun program for the community."

The movies shown by Citrus County Parks and Recreation are all rated G or PG, to appeal to family members of all ages. The division also hosts sports programs for kids and adults, a monthly open mic night, virtual summer camps online, tribute concerts, family fun nights at the Bicentennial Park Pool and more.