Good morning, Crystal River! It's Thursday, October 22, and the forecast calls for sunshine with a high of 77. It's also National Make a Dog's Day, so we have to ask: who is the pup in your life that deserves a little extra spoiling today? Hit reply and tell us about them.

In the news, the City of Crystal River has appointed Troy Slattery as interim city manager, and Citrus County has confirmed two more locally acquired dengue cases, bringing the total to three. Got old tires? The landfill is hosting a free tire collection through Saturday. The Scarecrow Festival is set for October 31, the Sheriff's Office is planning its first Trunk or Treat on October 28, and the Crystal River High School Academic Team took first place with a win over Citrus.

Looking for weekend plans? Squish or Squeeze is Friday evening at Citrus Inflatables Splash & Play, YogaThon fills Saturday at Town Square, and the 7 Nights of Frights trail opens Saturday night. Next Stop Comedy comes to Blackwater on Friday, and today's food trucks include Spice Corner, Brynn's Bytes and Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe. Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast all weekend, so grab a friend and get out there!

Crystal River Appoints Troy Slattery as Interim City Manager
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River has announced the appointment of Troy Slattery as interim city manager. The city's Facebook post has the details.
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Free Tire Collection Runs Thursday Through Saturday at the Citrus County Landfill
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
The Citrus County Central Landfill is hosting a free tire collection Thursday and Friday, October 22 and 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, October 24, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., according to Citrus County Government. The post spells out how many tires residents may drop off.
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Scarecrow Festival and Saturday Night in Town Square Set for October 31
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River is reminding residents that the Scarecrow Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, followed by Saturday Night in Town Square from 5 to 9 p.m., according to the city's Facebook post.
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FWC Seeks Public Input on Proposed Oyster Harvest Rules for Citrus, Levy and Dixie Counties
Nature Coaster
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is inviting public input on proposed oyster harvest rules for Citrus, Levy and Dixie counties, according to Nature Coaster. If you harvest or care about local oysters, the full story has the details.
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Join a Native Plant Field Trip at the Hollins Tract of Crystal River Preserve State Park
Friends of the Crystal River State Parks
Park Biologist Andy Kilmer and the Citrus Chapter of the Native Plant Society are inviting the public to a field trip on Saturday, October 24 at 9 a.m. at the Hollins Tract of Crystal River Preserve State Park, according to the park's Facebook post.
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Couple Renews Vows 53 Years After Marrying at Camp E-Nini-Hassee
Citrus County Chronicle
Fifty-three years after saying "I do" at Camp E-Nini-Hassee, Steven Helm surprised his wife, JoAnn, with a vow renewal where their love story began, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. The emotional celebration included music and memories. The full story has the details.
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Citrus County Confirms Two More Locally Acquired Dengue Cases, Total Now Three
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County has confirmed two more locally acquired dengue fever cases, bringing the total to three, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. Health officials say there is no declared outbreak, but residents should take precautions. The full story has the details.
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Turkey Oak Drive Remains Closed to Through Traffic
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River said as of 4:30 PM Wednesday that the roadway on Turkey Oak is still closed, with no through traffic. Campers and RVs can access Sweet Citrus Acres from U.S. Highway 19 North. Check for updates before you head out.
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Sheriff's Office Hosts First Trunk or Treat on October 28
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is hosting its very first CCSO Trunk or Treat at its Main Operations in Inverness on Wednesday, October 28, from 6 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to join deputies for the evening, according to the Sheriff's Office Facebook post.
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Lecanto Diver Hagan Henson Wins District Title to Open the Postseason
Citrus County Chronicle
Lecanto senior Hagan Henson claimed a district title Tuesday to begin the postseason, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. He and the rest of the county's divers have had what the paper calls a "weird" season. The full story has the details.
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Pirate Academic Team Takes First Place With 173-133 Win Over Citrus
Crystal River High School
The Crystal River High School Academic Team had a big day. The varsity squad took first place with a 173-133 victory over Citrus, and the JV team earned second place, according to the school's Facebook post.
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Crystal River Middle Student Earns Perfect Score on FAST Math Assessment
Citrus County School District
Crystal River Middle School student Gage Turbeville is being congratulated for acing the FAST Math Assessment with a perfect score during the 2025-26 school year, according to the Citrus County School District.
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Lecanto High Shares Flu Season Reminder on When to Keep Students Home
Lecanto High School
As flu season approaches, Lecanto High School is reminding families when to keep students home and when it is safe for them to return to school, according to the school's Facebook post. The post has the details.
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Cities are already running short on road salt, and winter hasn't even started. Some supply bids are going unanswered, prices have nearly doubled in parts of the market, and the backup plan is two weeks away by boat. Here's why Atlas Salt (TSXV: SALT | OTCQX: SALQF) can get salt to the people who need it most, faster and cheaper than anyone shipping from overseas: 

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• Early supply deal with top U.S. salt distributor

Download Investment Opportunity

Squish or Squeeze at Citrus Inflatables Splash & Play
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Citrus Inflatables Splash & Play
2581 US 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Think Easter egg hunt with a Halloween squishy twist. Kids hunt for hidden mini pumpkins in their age group area, then trade their pumpkins at the Prize Station for a squishy prize. Check-in is at 5:15 PM and the hunt starts at 5:30 PM sharp. Afterward, stick around to play with a coloring station, bracelet making, inflatables and more. $10 per child, under 2 free, spectators free.
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Activism Day #3 at Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 7 AM
Friends of Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park
4150 South Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
Visit the lagoon at 4150 S. Suncoast Blvd. in Homosassa during the day. Admission is $5 for children and $13 for adults. You're invited to a day of purpose and connection.
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YogaThon 2026
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 7 AM – 7 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
A full day of movement, energy, community and fun! YogaThon 2026 is a one-day event designed to move your body.
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Central Ridge Community Park Farmers Market
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Central Ridge Community Park
592 W Lake Beverly Dr, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
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Enchanted Broom Workshop at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 11 AM – 1:30 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
Seasonal craft workshop at Bree's Riverside Restaurant, Nobleton.
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3rd Annual 7 Nights of Frights for 7 Gifts of Kindness
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Manatee Meat Co.
9369 N Cacalia Dr, Crystal River, FL 34428
Approximately 1 acre trail open for visitors. Start the evening at the boneyard and stroll past the cemetery.
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Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe (Shaved Ice | Smoothies | Desserts)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Village Toyota Homosassa
2431 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34448
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Seafood, Southern, Cajun)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM
Tampa General Hospital Crystal River
6201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34428
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Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US Hwy 19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
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Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Tampa General Hospital Crystal River
6201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34428
View Appearance Details →

Which local restaurant do you love and recommend to everyone? Reply to this newsletter and tell us, and we may feature it in a future issue.

Karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Karaoke
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Mark Connors Music at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Mark Connors Music
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
Come enjoy some live music and great food!
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Never 2 Late Duo at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Never 2 Late Duo
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Next Stop Comedy at Blackwater Bar and Grill
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 7 PM
Blackwater Restaurant
6301 Riverside Dr., Yankeetown, FL 34498
Next Stop! A comedy show near you! Join us at Blackwater Bar and Grill for a brand new line-up of comedians every time. Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues.
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Jorge Valentine at St. Johns Tavern
Jorge Valentine
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 8 PM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs.
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Guitar Mike & Friends at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Guitar Mike & Friends
Saturday | October 24, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details →

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team