Good morning, Crystal River! It's Thursday, and while today's National Punctuation Day might tempt us to overdo the exclamation points, the weather deserves a calmer tone: mostly sunny and warm, with highs near 88 easing into the mid-80s through the weekend.

Citrus County's new $540.2 million budget is official, with the general fund tax rate ticking down and money set aside for road work and county raises. Commissioners also hit the brakes on a proposed Land Development Code change, sending it through the normal review process instead. And there's a new twist in the Joanna Coutu dispute, plus word that feral hog hunt permits go on sale October 6, right here at Citrus County's own Flying Eagle Preserve.

Down below, you'll find a belly dancing class, a Dungeons & Dragons meetup, a Harley dealership autism fundraiser, and Brooks Dockside Seafood rolling into Inglis for lunch. Go punctuate your day with something fun.

Autism Fundraiser at Crystal Harley-Davidson
Saturday, September 26 | 12 PM – 4 PM
1147 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Live music from the Rick Lynn Band, a 50/50 raffle, and an auction, all to raise money for autism.

Citrus County’s $540.2 million budget is officially in place, and property owners will see a lower…
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County commissioners approved a $540.2 million budget for the new fiscal year, and property owners will see the general fund tax rate drop from 6.9898 to 6.7382 mills. The plan adds $12.6 million for road work and a 3.5% cost-of-living raise for county employees.
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Citrus County commissioners hit the brakes on proposed Land Development Code changes Monday, voting…
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County commissioners voted 3-2 against fast-tracking a Land Development Code change, sending it through the standard Planning and Development Commission review instead. Some residents had worried the timing was tied to the upcoming Betz Farm development hearing.
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New details are emerging about the dispute behind Citrus County’s recommendation to fire longtime g…
Citrus County Chronicle
New details are emerging in the dispute over longtime growth management official Joanna Coutu's recommended firing, including a disagreement over how the county should apply a new state law on manufactured housing. A disciplinary hearing was held Friday, with a decision still pending.
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Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard presented employees in Fleet Management with a Shining Sta…
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County Administrator Steve Howard presented the Fleet Management team with a Shining Stars Award for an innovative optimization strategy that's cutting costs for the county's vehicle fleet.
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Feral Hog Hunts Set for 2026–2027 as District Opens Online Permit Sales Oct. 6
Nature Coaster
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is holding feral hog hunts this season at several of its preserves, including Citrus County's own Flying Eagle Preserve near Inverness. Online permit sales for the first round open October 6 at 9 a.m.
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We're giving you another reason to come to the Citrus County Chronicle Fall Home & Garden Show.
Citrus County Chronicle
The Citrus County Chronicle's Fall Home & Garden Show returns Saturday, September 26, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Citrus County Auditorium in Inverness, with free admission and local vendors.
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EDITORIAL: Too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, especially on our waterways.
Citrus County Chronicle
This week's Chronicle editorial argues that Crystal River's popularity is becoming its own problem, echoing the city's ongoing conversation about waterway crowding, kayak and tour boat traffic, and how to keep the springs enjoyable and safe for everyone.
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More than 240 people hit Whispering Pines Park for the 12th Annual Save a Heart 5K.
Citrus County Chronicle
More than 240 people turned out at Whispering Pines Park for the 12th Annual Save a Heart 5K, a strong showing for the community fundraiser.
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A Beverly Hills area family and their pets escaped safely Saturday after an attic fire sent heavy s…
Citrus County Chronicle
A Beverly Hills family and their pets made it out safely Saturday after heavy smoke poured from their home in an attic fire.
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Want to learn a skill that could save a life? Students are invited to participate in CPR training o…
Lecanto High School
Citrus County students can sign up for CPR training September 26-27, a hands-on chance to learn a skill that could one day save a life. Space is limited to 40 participants, so early sign-up is encouraged.
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A heavy rain storm cut short the swim meet Tuesday between Lecanto and Citrus at the Citrus Memoria…
Citrus County Chronicle
A heavy rainstorm cut Tuesday's swim meet short between Lecanto and Citrus at the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA, but the results still stand as a pair of Panther victories.
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From the parade and pep rally to the crowning of a king and queen, Citrus High celebrated Homecomin…
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus High celebrated Homecoming in style last week, from the parade and pep rally to the crowning of a king and queen.
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The Citrus girls' golf team had the top two finishers Tuesday afternoon, but county rival Lecanto c…
Citrus County Chronicle
The Citrus girls' golf team grabbed the top two finishes Tuesday, but county rival Lecanto claimed the next four spots to edge the Hurricanes in an all-Citrus County tri-meet at Inverness Golf.
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From Lecanto High School to the Emmy stage.
Citrus County Chronicle
Lecanto High School graduate Dani Iglesias, now creative director for The Muppets Studio, took home her first Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special for her work on "The Muppet Show."
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Our students have a new byline in the Citrus County Chronicle! 📰
Citrus County School District
Citrus County students now have their own byline in the Citrus County Chronicle, a new partnership giving local student writers a public platform.
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 7 AM – 9 AM
American Legion Post 155 Crystal River Florida
6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come visit the best small business networking group in Citrus County! Visitors are always welcome. You can register to visit (let us know you're coming so we can introduce you and give you some time…
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Tater Tot Thursdays
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Fun, Enrichment, And Stimulation for toddlers at RLE Community Center
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Business Builders Citrus at Luigi's Family Restaurant
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 12:01 PM – 1:01 PM
Luigi's Family Restaurant
4538 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
Come out have some lunch and tell the group about your business. The group and meet ups are free, we just ask that you share the event and invite some people. We will be having a 15 minute discussion…
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BELLY DANCING CLASS at Homosassa Civic Club
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club
5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Weekly belly dancing class, $5 per class, mention this ad and your first class is free. Thursdays, 5:30 beginners & 6:30 advanced, at the Old Homosassa Civic Club.
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Feast of Champions
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 6 PM
REALTORS® Association of Citrus County
3887 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
The inaugural Citrus County Hunger Games is recruiting Districts and Sponsors for a countywide competition raising money to feed local children.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dungeons & Dragons Club
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Dungeons & Dragons Club at the RLE Creative Arts Center. Calling all adventurers to embark on epic quests and battle fierce monsters.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday evening? Join the Dominoes Club at the RLE Clubhouse, whether you're a seasoned player or just learning.
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Break-A-Way and Barrels
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 9 AM
Red Level Horseman's Arena
3600 S Florida Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
Kickoff of the Women's Break-A-Way and Barrel series for 2026-2027, running through the fall and winter season.
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Virtual QPR Suicide Prevention Class with NAMI Citrus
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM
8471 W Periwinkle Ln, Homosassa, FL 34446
A free class from the QPR Institute teaching practical, proven suicide prevention skills, since the signs of crisis are all around us.
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Autism Event
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 12 PM
1147 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
A fundraiser at the Harley dealership with food, live music from the Rick Lynn Band, a 50/50 raffle, and an auction, all to raise money for autism.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Fiber Craft Society Club
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 1 PM – 3 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Fiber Craft Society at the RLE Creative Art Center, a welcoming group for anyone who enjoys fiber crafting.
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Wild Caught Seafood)
Thursday | September 24, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Jorge Valentine at Crump's Landing
Jorge Valentine
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Crumps Landing
11210 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Come sing and dance along to your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs, with hits from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Nickelback, Linkin Park and more.
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Whiskey Outlaws at Copp Brewery & Winery
Whiskey Outlaws
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Live Band
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Whiskey Outlaws at Copp Brewery & Winery
Whiskey Outlaws
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 7 PM
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Whiskey Outlaws is a country band who recently won the Country Clash battle of the bands and was voted best country band.
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Damon Fowler - The Big Squeeze 2026, Inglis, FL
Damon Fowler
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 6:30 PM
The Crossroads Lodge At Historic Lebanon Station
11350 State Road 121, Inglis, FL 34449
Tampa's Damon Fowler, a masterful singer and guitarist, headlines The Big Squeeze 2026 at the Crossroads Lodge.
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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team