Crystal River is a city in Citrus County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,485 in the 2000 census. (4,044 in 1990). According to the U.S Census estimates of 2005, the city had a population of 3,539. The city was incorporated in 1903 and is the self professed "Home of the Manatee". Crystal River Preserve State Park is located nearby, and Crystal River Archaeological State Park is located in the city's northwest side. Crystal River is at the heart of the Nature Coast of Florida. The City is situated around the magnificent Kings Bay, which is spring-fed and so keeps a constant 72-degrees Fahrenheit temperature year round. A cluster of 50 springs designated as a first-magnitude system feeds Kings Bay. A first-magnitude system discharges 100 cubic feet or more of water per second, w