Good morning, Crystal River! It's Saturday, September 26, and National Pancake Day, which pairs nicely with a stretch of sunny, 83-degree weather to kick off the weekend. Sunshine holds through Monday before a few afternoon storms roll in Tuesday and Wednesday.

On the news side, the City of Crystal River is officially out to bid on repairing Copeland Park's storm-damaged pavilion, the county landfill is keeping extra weekend hours for pass renewals, and volunteers are turning out across the county for National Public Lands Day. We're also remembering longtime volunteer Donna Schmid, who spent more than 40 years helping rescue cats in Citrus County.

Today's lineup includes the Autism Fundraiser at Crystal Harley-Davidson, Brooks Dockside Seafood rolling into Inglis, and Damon Fowler bringing the blues to The Crossroads Lodge tonight. Grab a stack of pancakes and get out there!

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.

City Going Out to Bid for Copeland Park Pavilion Restoration Project
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River is officially accepting bids for the Copeland Park Pavilion Restoration Project, months after a discarded firework damaged the pavilion's roof, support columns and electrical wiring. A contractor selection is expected within about 30 days.
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National Public Lands Day Returns to Crystal River Preserve State Park Today
Friends of the Crystal River State Parks
National Public Lands Day, the country's largest single-day volunteer effort for public lands, runs today with special volunteer events at Crystal River Preserve State Park and other local Florida State Parks.
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Landfill Administration Office Adds Weekend Hours for Pass Renewals
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
The Citrus County Landfill Administration Office is open extra weekend hours for residential pass renewals today, and again October 3 and October 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., accepting cash, check or card.
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Citrus County is stepping up for survivors of domestic violence.
Citrus County Chronicle
CASA's annual community walk supporting survivors of domestic violence returns to Lecanto on October 17, and organizers are inviting Citrus County residents to walk, volunteer or donate.
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Donna Schmid loved cats nearly her entire life and spent more than 40 years helping rescue them.
Citrus County Chronicle
Longtime Citrus County volunteer Donna Schmid, who spent more than 40 years helping rescue cats in the community, died September 23 at age 85.
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Linda Wilinski has been “saving” nature since she was 5 years old.
Citrus County Chronicle
Conservation photographer Linda Wilinski has spent a lifetime documenting Citrus County's springs and wildlife, work she says is critical to protecting the area's natural resources for the future.
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Fishing on Sundays led two Citrus County friends to an idea: Why not bring faith to the water?
Citrus County Chronicle
Two Citrus County friends are launching the Casting Poles Ministry, a new fishing-and-faith gathering under the motto "Casting Poles and Saving Souls," starting Sunday at Fort Island Trail Park.
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Pilot Club of Crystal River Talks Scholarships With WTC Students
Withlacoochee Technical College
The Pilot Club of Crystal River spoke with WTC students about an upcoming scholarship opportunity and picked up donated bags that will become mats for Citrus County's homeless.
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Nothing to report from Public Safety today. We'll flag anything urgent the moment it comes in.

🌟 FROM LECANTO TO THE MUPPETS, AND AN EMMY! 🏆
Citrus County School District
Lecanto High School alum Dani Iglesias, now Creative Director for The Muppets Studio, has won her first Emmy Award.
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Crystal River Boys' Golf Team Edges Lecanto 158-159
Citrus County Chronicle
Crystal River's boys' golf team edged county rival Lecanto 158-159 at Plantation on Crystal River on Thursday, led by Nolan DeForest and Justin Dinoy; the girls' team also competed, led by Cimaya Wells and Madilynn Speegle.
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Lecanto Eighth Grader Aubrey Sunseri Sets Cross Country Record
Citrus County Chronicle
Lecanto eighth grader Aubrey Sunseri set a new personal and program record in cross country, shaving more than four minutes off her time since she started competing.
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Four County Football Teams Look to Bounce Back After Tough Losses
Citrus County Chronicle
All four of Citrus County's football teams are looking to bounce back from tough losses last Friday, with Citrus High the only county team playing at home this week.
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Lecanto High School's Homecoming Week Set for October 4-9
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High School's Homecoming Week runs October 4-9 with themed dress-up days for students, who are reminded that all outfits must follow the CCSB dress code.
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Congrats to our Homecoming court.
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High School has announced its Homecoming Court; a mandatory meeting for all court members is set for Monday, September 28, in Room 212 after school.
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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
Join us as we start our fall season, Break-A-Way and Barrels September 28th 2026. The Women's Break-A-Way and Barrel series for 2026 - 2027.
Sept. 26th, Oct. 17th, Nov. 28th, Jan. 23rd, Feb. 27th, Mar. 27th
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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
The QPR Institute's mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. The QPR Institute believes that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.
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Autism event
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 12 PM
1147 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Come join us at the Harley dealership for great food music by Rick Lynn Band, 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
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 with yarn, fabric, and fiber arts. Whether you knit, crochet, sew, embroider, or enjoy learning new crafting skills, this is a great place to share ideas, create projects, and connect with others in the community.
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Official Ministry Launch at Fort Island Trail Park
Sunday | September 27, 2026 | 8 AM
Fort Island Trail Park
12073 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come on out and throw a line and listen to the gospel!
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NBHA FL06- FlyN Feather Farm
Sunday | September 27, 2026 | 11:30 AM
FlyN Feather Farm
7855 W. Adirondack St., Dunnellon, FL 34433
9AM-11AM Exhibition
11:15 Future Champions
11:30 Open 5D
Seniors to follow Open
Youth to follow Seniors
Entries on Saddlebook
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Pins & Needles Stitchers Club
Monday | September 28, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Love sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, or any type of stitching craft? Come join the Pins & Needles Stitchers Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates! This is a welcoming group where crafters of all skill levels can gather, work on projects, share ideas, and enjoy good company.
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Wild Caught Seafood)
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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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.

Not seeing your favorite restaurant listed? Reply to this newsletter and let us know your go-to place for date night.

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
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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team