Wow - thanks everybody!

EARS in Citra, best by far. Endangered Animals Rescue about a hour north just off 301. Great tour and you get very close to these beautiful animals. They have tours about twce a week. Just Google them they have a great website.

Local books available
 

There are several books available at the little bookstore in Colony Plaza "All Booked Up" by a local author, Gillian Birch. 3 or 4 books, I believe, all filled with day trips in this area. She lists specific driving directions, attractions and even dining ideas nearby.

Salvador Dali Museum, St. Pete

I second this, and across the street from it, in the little airport, there's a very nice restaurant for lunch.

Indie Flea in Tampa Heights--does anyone know if it's still going? Supposedly the third Sunday of the month, 1:00 - 4:00. Collection of artist's stalls. Indie flea market set for Tampa Heights | Tampa Bay Times

Clearwater Beach. The best beach in Florida.

Is there someplace to see Manatees without having to sign up and pay for one of the companies that takes you on a tour? I heard that there was someplace with boardwalks and crystal clear water where you can just walk out and see them.

The Ringling Brother's Museum in Sarasota.

What are the 3 Best Day Trips from The Villlages
 

Weeki Wachee State Park if you are looking for a place to take grand kids that doesn't require a second mortgage on your home. $13 per person to see an old Florida production: reptile show, mermaid show, river cruise, and walks through a very old cypress forest. It also includes a water park in the price.

Hardrock casino, Tampa.

Homasassa springs

A wonderful place to park and see manatees for free is the viewing center at Tampa Electric. On my first visit I walked onto the boardwalk and was surprised to see all the big boulders in the water. Then I realized they were the manatees. There is no underwater viewing window (or at least there wasn't when I was last there) but there are LOTS of manatees to see just looking down into the water.

Here's their website:

Manatee Viewing Center - Tampa Electric

Excellent suggestion.

I would also recommend St Pete Beach.

That sounds like Blue Spring State Park in Orange City.

https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Blue-Spring

.