Arrival & Departure›
When you arrive
- Check-in is 4:00 PM. For an earlier arrival, just ask in the Airbnb app and we'll do our best.
- Your door code is the last 4 digits of the phone number on your reservation — for example, a number ending in 1234 means a code of 1234.
- The same code opens both doors: the ground-floor Florida room and the 2nd-floor main entrance.
- Trouble getting in? Message us in the Airbnb app, or text (preferred) or call Chris at 813-335-6464.
Wi-Fi
- Network 5233 Tuscawilla · Password 5233chill
Before you leave — check-out 10:00 AM
- Return kayaks, paddles, seats, and life jackets to their spots (see On the River).
- Take out the trash if needed, lock all doors, and do a final check for personal items.
- Full check-out steps are in the Airbnb House Manual.
- We'd love to hear how your stay was — and feel free to send your favorite river photo through the Airbnb app.
- If anything would make this guide more helpful, please message us your suggestions.
The House›
Kitchen
- 8+ sets of plates, dishes, silverware, and cups, plus assorted kitchen tools.
- 10 dishwasher pods and 10 trash bags under the sink, plus 2 rolls of paper towels.
- A Keurig and a pour-over are both here. We leave 10 K-cups, sugar, and creamer to start — bring your favorite ground coffee for the pour-over.
Laundry
- 10 laundry pods above the laundry machine.
- Washer and dryer are ready to use — please don't overload, and clean the lint trap between loads.
Bathrooms
- 3 rolls of toilet paper under each bathroom sink to start.
Comfort & screens
- Thermostat: please keep it around 72–75°F. In Florida humidity, setting it much lower can freeze the AC and stop the cooling.
- TVs are smart TVs — sign into your own streaming accounts when you arrive, and sign out before you go.
- Patio string lights: the switch is under an outlet cover on the wooden post facing the river.
Grill & fire table
- Propane powers the outdoor grill and the fire table — both are yours to enjoy.
- If a tank runs low, a full spare is in the box with the life jackets at the base of the stairs.
Where to find things
- Towels, linens & coasters: near the bed they belong to — check the closet or storage by your room.
- Cleaning supplies: under the sink and above the washing machine.
- First-aid kit: above the laundry machine.
- Fire extinguishers: two — one under the kitchen sink, one in the ground-floor Florida room.
- Tool kit & flashlights: above the kitchen fridge, in the cabinet.
- Handheld vacuum: in the laundry room.
A Florida note: like most waterfront homes here, mosquitoes and no-see-ums can appear around dusk. Bug spray is a good idea if you'll be outside in the evening.
On the River›
The dock & our boundaries
- Please launch and load from the fixed dock along our seawall.
- The floating dock, boat ramp, and grass lots in the photo below belong to our neighbors and are not part of the rental — please don't use them.
Kayaks & paddleboards
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and gear are provided — please use them safely, at your own risk, and only if you're comfortable on the water.
- Life jackets are in the deck box under the "Jump in the River" sign. Please have one for each person on the kayaks and paddleboards. Children must wear them at all times.
- Law enforcement may ticket paddlers without the required safety equipment on board.
- No alcohol on the river. Get off the water if you hear thunder or see lightning.
- When done, return life jackets to the bin and paddles under the stairs.
- Before check-out, rack them: yellow on the bottom, blue on the second row, green on the third, paddleboard on top. Extra seats for the blue kayaks are in the bin (optional).
- Early morning is usually the calmest and prettiest time to be out.
Staying safe in & around the water
- High tides: on full- and new-moon tides the water can rise into the yard — don't leave anything that floats near the water's edge or on the lawn.
- This is a natural river. Alligators and snakes are usually shy — keep your distance, never feed them, and watch children and pets near the edge.
- Swim only if you're confident, and mind the current near the spring run and on outgoing tides. Watch your footing on the seawall, dock, and stairs when wet.
Wildlife & courtesy
- You may see manatees, turtles, fish, and birds — enjoy them from a respectful distance. Manatees are protected; please don't touch, feed, chase, or crowd them.
- Help us keep the river beautiful: don't litter, disturb wildlife, trespass on neighboring docks or lots, or block the channel.
Good to pack for river days
- Sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes, a hat, polarized sunglasses, and a dry bag.
- Fishing off the dock — and paddling toward the preserve and Gulf — can be excellent. Bring a favorite rod and tackle; Dixie Lee Bait on Cortez Blvd has live and frozen bait.
House Rules & Neighbors›
- No smoking indoors. Outside, please keep it away from the doors and dispose of butts properly.
- No parties or events — this is a quiet residential neighborhood.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM. Sound carries easily across the water.
- Occupancy: please keep to the number on your reservation, and ask in advance about day visitors.
- Pets are welcome when on your reservation and the pet fee is paid. Waste bags are in the kitchen drawer — please pick up, and don't leave pets unattended.
- Parking: use the driveway or designated areas only; don't block neighbors, the road, or nearby access.
- Accidents happen — if anything breaks or goes missing, just let us know in the Airbnb app so we can fix it for the next guest.
Trash, Deliveries & Storms›
Trash & lawn
- Trash pickup: Mondays and Thursdays — please set it out the night before.
- Lawn crew: usually Fridays. If you're here Thursday into Friday, please rack the kayaks and clear the yard of towels, toys, and gear so they can work safely.
Deliveries
- Instacart and similar services reach the house quickly — grocery delivery is the easiest fix for anything forgotten. Food delivery availability varies by time of day.
Storms & power
- Hurricane season runs June 1–November 30. Summer afternoon storms are common and usually pass quickly — head indoors at thunder or lightning.
- If a named storm is forecast during your stay, we'll reach out in the Airbnb app; please follow any official evacuation orders.
- If the power goes out it's usually restored quickly — keep the fridge closed, and text or call Chris at 813-335-6464 if it lingers. Flashlights and the first-aid kit are in the spots noted under The House.
Getting Here & Essentials›
Getting here
- Address: 5233 Tuscawilla Dr, Weeki Wachee, FL.
- Nearest airport: Tampa International (TPA), about 1–1¼ hours. St. Pete–Clearwater (PIE) and Orlando (MCO) are roughly 1½–2 hours.
- A car is easiest out here — rideshare can be limited on the Nature Coast.
Groceries & essentials
- Publix at Glen Lakes Center — about 10 minutes.
- Winn-Dixie & Walgreens on Commercial Way (U.S. 19), where you'll also find gas and last-minute supplies (~10 min).
- Instacart delivers right to the house.
Things to Do›
On the water
- Weeki Wachee Springs State Park: paddle the spring-fed river (72°F year-round), spot manatees, and catch the legendary mermaid show — performing since the 1940s. Buccaneer Bay water park is here too.
- Kayak to Hospital Hole: a deep blue sinkhole along the river where manatees gather in winter.
- Rogers Park: small riverfront beach with a playground, swimming, and kayak rentals.
- Pine Island Beach Park: a lovely spot for sunsets, picnics, and birdwatching.
Boat rentals
- Mark, our neighbor across the river, rents boats and can deliver to the dock — 727-687-6167.
- Small round boats are available at myroundboat.com.
Seasonal
- Scalloping (July 1–Sept 24): a Florida saltwater fishing license is required to harvest your own. Seasons can change — check myfwc.com. Guides: Scallop Charters & More (352-361-0731), Scallop Adventures (813-731-8818), Homosassa Scalloping Charters (1-833-468-8687).
- Fall fishing: redfish and snook are active — ask around Hernando Beach Marina for charters.
- Winter manatees: paddle near Bayport or Rogers Park, where they gather in the warmer spring water.
A little farther
- Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park: a scenic drive up U.S. 19, home to rescued manatees.
- Nature hikes: the Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge or the Weeki Wachee Preserve.
Weeki Wachee is laid-back and casual — river shoes, swimsuits, and sunscreen will serve you better than dress clothes.
Where to Eat›
- The Upper Deck — overlooks the river at Rogers Park; you can even arrive by boat. Not pet-friendly.
- Marker 48 Brewery — locally brewed beer, food trucks most weekends, pet-friendly.
- Brian's Place — coastal food with creative Mediterranean flavors in Spring Hill.
- Silver Dolphin — seafood and peaceful water views; pet-friendly, and our favorite breakfast spot.