About the Inverness Olde Towne Association
Officers
Our History
Our Mission Statement:

"Inverness Olde Towne...experience a gem in the Nature Coast of Florida."
Inverness is a true gem within the Nature Coast of Florida. Over the years, our city has retained its historic old town charm while developing and enhancing its parks and natural resources. Our unique completely renovated "Olde Towne" landscape offers diverse activities that rival many larger cities . We boast unique boutiques, local festivals, outdoor musicals, varied fine restaurants, a museum (located in our 1912 historic courthouse), parks, lakes, a 46-mile biking/hiking/nature trail (with bike rental available). You don't have to travel far to browse antique shops, flea markets, take in an Airboat ride, enjoy a fabulous fishing experience or paddle your way through our beautiful lake system. Check out our on-line calendar to view our active and growing schedule of community events & festivals.

Located in Citrus County (founded 1887), our history dates back to 1889, when the original settlement called "Tompkinsville" was renamed Inverness, meaning "at the mouth of the river", given that name due to its relation to the Tsala Apopka chain of seven lakes. Inverness, Scotland may very well have been the inspiration for this name change and over 100 years later, it has become our sister city. While we cannot claim any Loch Ness sea monster sightings, you should have no problem locating many a cooter (our local mascot turtle), beautiful water fowl and alligator in our lakes.
When you visit Inverness, you will be struck by the beauty and quaintness of our historic "Courthouse Square" shopping district, the centerpiece of which is our stately Historic Courthouse. Originally completed in 1912, it is one of only 15 remaining historic courthouses left in Florida and one of three that are virtually unaltered, having gone through a complete restoration in 2003. It was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places on April 2, 1992 and serves as the home of the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum (Citrus County Historical Society). The museum focuses on the presentation of the county's history and heritage. Be sure to check out its permanent and special exhibits.
For a relatively small city we can boast a number of significant brushes with fame, including the 1961 filming of a scene from the Elvis Presley movie, "Follow that Dream", in our historic courthouse. In more recent years Inverness has received coverage on the satirical Comedy Central News Program "The Daily Show",when our city introduced its First Annual Cooter Festival in October 2003. Don't miss checking out our link to the episode (link...).
Our city is experiencing a significant renaissance thanks to the collective efforts of the local government, Chamber of Commerce, Community Redevelopment Agency, Historical Society, Rotary Club of Inverness, Sheriff's Department and the Inverness Olde Towne Association. We hope you enjoy your time here in Inverness as much as we do!

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About the Inverness Olde Towne Association

The Inverness Olde Towne Association meets the second Wednesday of each month 5:30 - 6:30pm (unless otherwise announced). The location is at the Olde Courthouse Heritage Museum, 1 Courthouse Square, 2nd Flr. The purpose of the meetings is to discuss current promotions, events and issues pertaining to Inverness Olde Towne. The board meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. 

Our general meetings are open to the public and we welcome membership & participation by all who share our passion for the goals set forth by our mission statements as follows:

TO CREATE AN ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONALS AND RESIDENTS THAT COOPERATIVELY ADVERTISE, PROMOTE, ENHANCE AND MARKET OUR UNIQUE COMMUNITY AS A DESTINATION AREA TO LIVE, SHOP, DINE AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CITRUS COUNTY SEAT. THE GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION SHOULD IN NO WAY BE CONSTRUED AS BEING POLITICAL IN NATURE OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY ONE MEMBER OR GROUP WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.

We are always looking for help on our committees and volunteers! Please do not hesitate to contact us as follows:
office#: 352-400-4639 or email us at: info@InvernessOldeTowne.org.

Officers
_____________________________________________________________________________________
President Douglas J. Lobel
(352) 400-0540
dlobel@tampabayrr.com

Vice-President Dawn Regan
Great American Realty
109 N. Apopka Ave
Phone: 637-3800
DRegan@ChooseGAR.com

Treasurer

Secretary Terri Norton
Citrus County Chronicle
1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd.
Phone: 564-2931
tnorton@chronicleonline.com

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Our History

The Inverness Olde Towne Association was founded in the early 1990s by a group of concerned business owners. Times had changed from the days when the Courthouse was the social center of the city. With much of the population growth happening in the burgeoning suburban developments, there was a need to create events to draw the community back to the "town square". Since that time the Association has been an integral catalyst in helping conceive of events like the Patriotic Evening (July 4th), 50's style Street Dance/car rally, Thunder in the Hills boat races, Uncle Sam Jam, Festival of the Arts, Music on the Square and the Cooter Festival just to name a few.

Our Association currently boasts a membership of 71 (number correct?), comprised of residents, local business people and professionals. All of us share the same appreciation for our unique community and are committed to its vitality. Over and above the wonderfully creative ideas that have been generated by this amazing group of involved, supportive members, is the fact that this is a true "member supported" organization.

Yearly dues help to facilitate the various programs and promotions, but it is the people who care enough to keep this organization going that deserve the credit. Each president has had a chance to add another spark to the success of Inverness Olde Towne and to make their mark in our history. Our committee volunteers make everything happen. As our motto says: "It's About Community!"

The Inverness Olde Towne Association is helping to pave the way for Inverness and its future. We have different challenges to face, fresh faces adding to the talent pool and hopefully a greater number of members becoming involved. The talent, brainpower and resources for success are all here.

Our Mission Statement:

TO CREATE AN ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL BUSINESSES, PROFESSIONALS AND RESIDENTS THAT COOPERATIVELY ADVERTISE, PROMOTE, ENHANCE AND MARKET OUR UNIQUE COMMUNITY AS A DESTINATION AREA TO LIVE, SHOP, DINE AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY AND CULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CITRUS COUNTY SEAT. THE GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION SHOULD IN NO WAY BE CONSTRUED AS BEING POLITICAL IN NATURE OR FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY ONE MEMBER OR GROUP WITHIN THE ORGANIZATION.