Crystal River residents have long pushed for free or reduced-cost access to Three Sisters Springs, but city officials revealed Sept. 28, 2026, that a discounted annual pass program for residents has been in place since 2020. City Manager Audra Curts brought the information back to the Crystal River City Council after being asked at the Sept. 14 meeting to research low-cost resident access options for the popular natural springs.
The issue resurfaced Sept. 14 when resident and planning board member Charlie Kish addressed the City Council, arguing it seemed unfair for locals who helped fund the property’s purchase to pay full admission. “I know a lot of us in this room had donated to go ahead and purchase that property, and now that the government’s running it, we have to pay ourselves to get in there,” Kish said. “It would be nice to have access to that so we could enjoy it instead of just having to drive by it.”
Mayor Joe Meek echoed the sentiment, saying Crystal River residents deserve easier and more affordable access to the springs. “Three Sisters has been a thing. We say this every year, but for city residents to be able to have access to it, and an easier ability, and obviously not to pay for it, since we’ve already paid for it,” Meek said. “That would be such a huge amenity.” Despite the desire for free entry, Curts confirmed at the Sept. 28 meeting that a resident discount pass program has existed for years, though many locals appear unaware of it.
Three Sisters Springs is a federally protected natural area managed in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and is one of Crystal River’s most visited destinations, drawing tourists and nature lovers from across Florida and beyond. The springs are known for their crystal-clear waters and are a popular spot for swimming and paddling, particularly during manatee season. Residents and city leaders alike have expressed a desire to make the site more accessible to the community that surrounds it. More information about the springs and access options can be found through the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge and the Citrus County Chronicle.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
