A defective e-bike charger sparked a house fire in the Dunnellon area this week, the third lithium-ion battery blaze Citrus County firefighters have handled in about seven days. If you or your family charge an e-bike or scooter overnight, today's Public Safety News is worth a careful read.

It was also a big week at the podium. County commissioners approved a lower tax rate alongside a $540.2 million budget, even as some residents pushed for more road funding, and the School Board adopted its own $332.3 million spending plan after a lengthy debate over the district's financial cushion.

On a lighter note, cosplayers and comic fans descend on the Homosassa Public Library Saturday for the 6th Annual C4Con, and over at Citrus High, one teacher's 9/11 memorial project is still going strong 17 years in. Here's what else is happening around Crystal River today.

Lawmakers say Florida is targeting costs businesses can't escape
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
State Sen. Ralph Massullo and state Rep. J.J. Grow told the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce they've heard local business owners' concerns about costs Florida is imposing that businesses can't escape.
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County cuts taxes while some push for more road dollars
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Citrus County commissioners approved a lower tentative property tax rate and a $540.2 million budget Tuesday, though the spending plan includes less than some residents wanted for roads.
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Citrus Business & Builders Expo returns to Inverness Saturday
Citrus County Chronicle
The Citrus Business & Builders Expo brings local builders, contractors and businesses together Saturday in Inverness, with free admission.
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Inverness church hosts monthly community car show
Citrus County Chronicle
First Christian Church of Inverness hosts a free community car show open to everyone every third Friday, combining faith, fellowship and classic rides.
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Call for Artists for Nature Coast Exhibit No. 1 at Art Center of Citrus County
Nature Coaster
The Art Center of Citrus County has issued a call for artists for its Nature Coast Exhibit No. 1 in Hernando.
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Citrus remembers 25 years later
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Citrus County marked 25 years since 9/11 with a Day of Remembrance ceremony at Inverness's Depot Pavilion, featuring Mayor Bob Plaisted, Sheriff Dave Vincent, School Board member Doug Dodd, bagpipes and a 21-gun salute, followed by a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Exhibit at the Valerie Theatre.
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Defective e-bike charger blamed for Dunnellon-area house fire
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
A defective e-bike charger sparked a house fire in the Dunnellon area Thursday afternoon, the third lithium-ion battery-related fire Citrus County firefighters have responded to in about a week.
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WTC electrical students partner with Nature World Wildlife Rescue
Withlacoochee Technical College
Withlacoochee Technical College electrical students partnered with Nature World Wildlife Rescue to install new outdoor electrical receptacles, with senior student Brian Bonello working alongside instructors on the community project.
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Lecanto boys' golf tops rival Citrus 155-179
Citrus County Chronicle
Lecanto's boys' golf team beat county rival Citrus 155-179 at Inverness Golf and Country Club, continuing its strong early-season play.
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Board adopts budget amid financial concerns
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
The Citrus County School Board adopted a roughly $332.3 million budget Tuesday, though board members spent considerable time raising concerns about the district's financial breathing room.
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School Board recognizes Doug Dodd for years of service
Citrus County School District
School Board Vice Chair Doug Dodd was recognized by Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert and his fellow School Board members at Tuesday's meeting for his years of distinguished service to the district.
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A generation later: Teaching 9/11 to a generation with no memory of it
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
At Citrus High School, teacher Kathleen Oliver's Learning Strategies students are keeping a 17-year-running 9/11 memorial project alive, building hallway displays on the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and Flight 93 to teach classmates born after 2001 about that day.
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6th Annual C4Con: Citrus County Comics and Cosplay Convention
Saturday | September 12, 2026 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Homosassa Public Library
4100 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa, FL 34446
Get geeky at the library at our 6th annual C4Con! C4Con is a free, family-friendly, comic-con styled event. Join us for crafts, cosplay, vendors, face painting, gaming tournaments, LEGO building, and…
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9/11 Tribute Show
Saturday | September 12, 2026 | 9 AM – 12 PM
3749 East Parsons Point Rd., Hernando, FL 34442
ALL MAKES AND MODELS WELCOME! 9/11 tribute show to be held on Saturday 9/12. All makes and models welcome. Sponsored by the Nature Coast mustang club. Proceeds go to Citrus County Blessings and the…
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Fiber Craft Society Club
Saturday | September 12, 2026 | 1 PM – 3 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
🧶 Fiber Craft Society – Rainbow Lakes Estates 🧵 Join fellow craft lovers at the Fiber Craft Society at the RLE Creative Art Center! This welcoming group is perfect for anyone who enjoys working wit…
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Spice Corner (Indian)
Saturday | September 12, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Homosassa Distillery & Brewing Co
8759 W. Tradeways Ct, Homosassa, FL 34448
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Mark Connors Music at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Mark Connors Music
Saturday | September 12, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
Come enjoy some live music and great food!
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Crystal Vision at Peck's Old Port Cove
Crystal Vision
Sunday | September 13, 2026 | 1 PM
139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
The best seafood on the coast..grab a cold one and listen to some music by the water!
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Crump's Landing Homosassa
Sunday | September 13, 2026 | 2 PM – 6 PM
Crumps Landing
11210 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448
band
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