
Inside Crystal River, Issue #33
September 3, 2026
Hurricane season has been unusually quiet in Citrus County this year, but with 91 days still left and the historical peak stretch just getting underway, county Emergency Management Director Hillary Whirle isn't ready to call it. Closer to home, U.S. 19 was closed at Venable Street after a crash this week, so give yourself extra time if you're headed that way.
Pine Ridge residents are celebrating after county commissioners voted 5-0 not to appeal a court ruling that blocked an 80-home redevelopment at the old golf course. Citrus County is also following its neighbors in pulling license plate readers off state roads after Florida DOT revoked the permits, and over in Lecanto, a collapsed retaining wall and flooding are raising questions about whether the fast-growing corridor can handle much more traffic.
On a brighter note, the Citrus County Charitable Community Foundation just found a way to save $70,000 a year, Citrus County Libraries is kicking off a four-part birding series at the Homosassa branch, and Crystal River celebrated a brand-new mural with a weekend of live music. Add in an undefeated Lecanto volleyball team and a packed slate of First Fridays, food trucks, and live entertainment around town, and there's plenty to keep you busy this week. Keep scrolling for all the details.
Crystal River, FL Area Weather

Local News and Information
Local Government & Community News
Citrus neighbors begin pulling license plate readers
The Florida Department of Transportation revoked permits for automated license plate readers on state highway rights of way in late August, ordering local agencies to remove them within 30 days. Citrus County's neighbors are responding differently: Levy County plans to remove all of its readers, Marion County will pull only the ones on state roads, and Hernando County has already begun taking its cameras down.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Pine Ridge cheers county decision
Citrus County commissioners voted 5-0 not to appeal a court ruling that invalidated the county's approval of an up-to-80-home redevelopment at the former Pine Ridge golf course, after a judge found the county failed to follow its own Land Development Code procedures. Pine Ridge residents, whose property owners association fought the approval in court, celebrated the outcome, and Commissioner Jeff Kinnard said he disagreed with the ruling but wouldn't spend taxpayer money on an appeal.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Growing pains raise questions along the Lecanto corridor
A collapsed retaining wall, flooding, potholes, construction debris and pedestrian safety issues along the rapidly developing Lecanto corridor are raising questions about whether the area is ready to handle even more traffic.
Citrus County Chronicle
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Foundation sticks with adviser, saves $70,000 a year
The Citrus County Charitable Community Foundation is sticking with its longtime investment adviser, a decision expected to save the foundation about $70,000 a year.
Citrus County Chronicle
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Birding takes flight: Four-part library series explores Florida's feathered friends
Citrus County Libraries is hosting a four-part "Birds of a Feather" series running September through December at the Homosassa Public Library, 10 to 11 a.m., covering topics like bird-friendly yards, Florida owls and migratory warblers. The series is supported by the Citrus County Audubon Society, and library cardholders can also check out a Birding Backpack with binoculars and a field guide.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Turn it up: Music, new mural celebrated
Crystal River celebrated the debut of a new mural this week with a live music celebration marking the occasion.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Public Safety News
Quiet hurricane season? Don't get too comfortable, Citrus
The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season has been unusually quiet so far, with only four named storms, but Citrus County is now entering its peak stretch, mid-August through mid-October. County Emergency Management Director Hillary Whirle says there are still 91 days of hurricane season left and is urging residents to keep supplies ready and an evacuation plan in place rather than assume the calm will hold.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Local School News
Lecanto volleyball sweeps county rival Citrus
The Lecanto volleyball team swept county rival Citrus on August 27 at home to remain undefeated on the season.
Citrus County Chronicle
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I'm Retiring With $1.5M. Can I Spend $10K A Month?
You've saved $1.5 million. Now comes the real test. Can it produce $10,000/month, or will that pace drain your portfolio? Most retirees don't find out until withdrawals have started.
Running out of money isn't usually about spending too much. It's about spending in the wrong order. A market drop in year one hits a $1.5M portfolio differently than the same drop in year fifteen, even if the withdrawal rate never changes.
That's the part a savings number can't tell you. Only the order can…
Sequence of returns, withdrawal taxes, healthcare costs, and the 4% rule all play a role.
An expert advisor can break down what actually drives $10,000/month in sustainable income, and why the same $1.5M can produce very different outcomes.
If you have $1M+ invested, don't guess. See how long your money will last.
Local Event & Happenings
BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County at American Legion Post #155
Thursday | September 3, 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 3, 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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BELLY DANCING CLASS at Homosassa Civic Club
Thursday | September 3, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club
5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Posting on behalf of a friend: BELLY DANCING CLASS $5 ❤ ❤ MENTION THIS AD AND YOUR FIRST CLASS IS FREE ❤ ❤ Thursdays, 5:30 beginners & 6:30 Advanced at: $5 Old Homosassa Civic Club 5530 S Mason Cre…
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First Friday
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
123 NW US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Join us at Town Square every first Friday of the month for live music, shopping vendors, lawn games, food trucks, and visiting our downtown bars and restaurants.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominoes Club 🎲 Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday evening? Join us for Dominoes Club at the RLE Clubhouse! Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning, everyone…
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1st Saturdays Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
3267 Flamingo Blvd., Hernando Beach, FL 34607
Experience the charm and unique coastal character of Hernando Beach at the Front Porch Art Walk on Saturday, September 5! Stroll among beautiful waterfront venues and discover original art, fine craft…
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Lego Build & Chill Club
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
LEGO Build & Chill Club – Rainbow Lakes Estates ✨🧱 Looking for a fun, creative way to connect with the community? Come join us for our LEGO Build & Chill Club! Whether you're a master builder or jus…
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Local Food Trucks
Know a food truck that should roll into the spotlight? Reply to this newsletter and let us know where it's serving next so we can share it in a future issue.
Local Business Spotlight
Know a local business that deserves a little love? Reply to this newsletter and let us know who we should spotlight in a future issue.
Local Restaurant Specials
Not seeing your favorite restaurant listed? Reply to this newsletter and let us know your go-to place for date night.
Local Live Entertainment
Hippy Gypsy Friday's at Papa Willies
Hippy Gypsy
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
4105 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL
Write it down. Just to make it a little easier. Every first Friday for the rest of our lives - 7pm to 10pm. Papa Willies- Home of Hippy Gypsy. Starting in 2026
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Steel Rodeo at The Crossroads Lodge
Steel Rodeo
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 PM
The Crossroads Lodge At Historic Lebanon Station
11350 State Road 121, Inglis, FL 34449
Public event
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Saturday Night in Town Square
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Saturday Night in Town Square is NEW this summer, but it really is First Friday moved to the first Saturday night by popular demand...same great event - vendors, shopping, games, food trucks & live mu…
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Cold Shot Band at The Buoy Bar
Cold Shot Band
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Buoy Bar Inglis
10930 SE 201st Street, Inglis, FL 34449
Come join us for an evening of your favorite rock music performed live by Cold Shot Band!
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Shannon Lovve LIVE at Papa Willie's Bar & Grill Beverly Hills
Shannon Lovve
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
4105 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL
Shannon Lovve Duo LIVE at Papa Willie's 7-10PM Saturday
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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team

