
Inside Crystal River, Issue #20
August 21, 2026
Happy Friday, Crystal River! A Citrus County Sheriff's deputy was fired Thursday after CCSO says he grabbed a Target employee's necklace and made inappropriate comments during an on-duty stop in Lecanto. Sheriff David Vincent didn't mince words about the department's zero-tolerance stance. Meanwhile, City Hall is weighing options to keep boat access flowing, with a possible ramp relocation to Kings Bay Park now on the table, and the long-running Betz Farm saga picked up another twist as its developer asks the county for a 60-day continuance.
Zooming out on Tuesday's primary, Citrus County's two newest commissioners-elect are already laying out what they hope to change, from water protection to reining in overdevelopment to infrastructure that keeps pace with growth. And in a story that'll stick with you, local resident Jeremy Schreifels is preparing for a September trip to London to trial a new wearable device for his Tourette syndrome, after years of hoping for relief.
It's also National Senior Citizens Day, a nice moment to check in on the elders in your life (and National Spumoni Day, if you're looking for a sweet excuse to celebrate). Down below you'll find a car show at Brooks Dockside Seafood, a full weekend of live music, and everything else happening around town. Have a great Friday!
Crystal River, FL Area Weather

Local News and Information
Local Government & Community News
"We hear the wishes and the concerns of closing a ramp," Mayor Joe Meek said, adding that the city is committed to looking at every option to keep boaters on the water. City Council plans a preliminary discussion at Monday's meeting about relocating a motorized boat ramp to Kings Bay Park, though the city says it's very early in the process. Any changes would need to balance a new ramp with the park's other recreational uses that residents already enjoy. Stay tuned for updates as the conversation develops. Read More -->
Two new commissioners are headed to the Citrus County Board after Tuesday's primary. Stacey Worthington narrowly edged incumbent Diana Finegan in District 2 by just 389 votes, while Holli Herndon decisively unseated incumbent Rebecca Bays in District 4; both will be sworn in Nov. 17. Worthington said the results reflect residents' desire to protect their quality of life, pointing to water protection, controlling overdevelopment, and keeping infrastructure paced with growth as the top concerns driving voters to the polls. Herndon, an educator, said she plans to spend her early days learning county operations and making sure residents have a real voice in decisions ahead. Read More -->
The long-running Betz Farm saga has another twist. The developer behind the 350-acre project near Crystal River is asking Citrus County for a 60-day continuance in the approval process, citing a recent court ruling that calls into question the procedure the county has used to review the project. That means neighbors watching the controversial development will have to wait even longer for a resolution. The delay could also carry implications for how future major development proposals are reviewed countywide. Read More -->
Jeremy Schreifels, a 24-year-old Citrus County resident who has lived with Tourette syndrome since age 3, is preparing to travel to London this September to trial the Neupulse, a wearable wristband device approved in the United Kingdom that offers a non-invasive alternative to Deep Brain Stimulation surgery. His tics, including jumping, arm jerking, and vocal sounds, have intensified over the past seven months after a period of improvement. Back in 2021, the community raised more than $245,000 toward a possible DBS surgery, but that procedure was delayed over concerns about his anxiety levels, and the funds remain in a medical trust account. Jeremy is staying cautious about the new treatment, saying, "I don't want to hope. I've been disappointed before," even as his parents, Jennifer and Ronnie, hold out hope. Read More -->
Public Safety News
A Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputy has been fired following his arrest on a misdemeanor battery charge. According to CCSO, Deputy Troy Taylor grabbed a Target employee's necklace and made inappropriate comments toward her during an on-duty visit to the Lecanto store, and surveillance video corroborated the woman's account. An internal affairs investigation was opened immediately, and Taylor was placed on leave before being arrested and terminated Thursday. Sheriff David Vincent said the deputy's actions "violate public trust in law enforcement" and that the office has "zero tolerance" for conduct that tarnishes its reputation. Read More -->
Local Event & Happenings
Cruise In Car Show @ Brooks Dockside Seafood
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
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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FREE PHH Level 1: Active Threat Awareness for Churches | Dunnellon, FL
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Sign up here: https://phhtraining.com/event/free-phh-level-1-active-threat-awareness-seminar-dunnellon-florida/ Be Prepared - Stay Safe - Take Action Join us for a Dynamic and eye-opening 3-hour se…
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Fiber Craft Society Club
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 1 PM – 3 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Creative Arts Center
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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Local Food Trucks
Authentic So. Cal Flavors (Mexican)
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 1 PM – 9 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
View Food Truck Info -->
Local Live Entertainment
Jeff Brown at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Jeff Brown
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Never 2 Late Duo at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Never 2 Late Duo
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Next Stop Comedy at Blackwater Bar and Grill
Next Stop Comedy
Friday | August 21, 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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Guitar Mike & Friends at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Guitar Mike & Friends
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Matthew McCartney at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Matthew McCartney
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Barker Boyz @ Norton's Riverside
Barker Boyz
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Norton's Riverside Sports Bar and Grill
16 NE 5th St, Crystal River, FL 34429
The Barker Boyz debut at Nortons Riverside!
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Echo/Sixx Band at St. Johns Tavern
Echo/Sixx Band
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 8 PM – 12:00 AM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Pack the house out for an incredible night
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Captain Johnston Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Captain Johnston Band
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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The Younger Gang at Brooks Dockside Seafood
The Younger Gang
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Event Details -->
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