A developer has pitched a new commercial project near U.S. 19 and West Homosassa Trail, and both Chipotle and Starbucks have reportedly shown interest in leasing space there, though county planners still have questions about traffic, parking, and flooding before anything moves forward. Meanwhile, the Citrus County School Board has reversed course and reinstated longtime employee Teresa Royal with full back pay and benefits, after an administrative law judge ruled the district failed to prove its case against her.

YaYAS of Citrus County doesn't have a shelter yet, but the nonprofit is still finding ways to get homeless teens and young adults into stable housing, paying security deposits and connecting them with job opportunities along the way. And over at Crystal River Archaeological State Park, docents are reminding visitors what life looked like 1,000 years ago for the Ancient River Dwellers, while today's rangers and biologists keep the park running rain or shine, fitting company on World Lizard Day.

It's a full weekend on the calendar: Howard's Flea Market hosts its Saturday Farm Swap starting at 7 AM, the Citrus County Gator Club kicks off its season with a party at Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center, and Death By Hummuscide rolls into Aggregation Distilling Company tonight. Grumpy Gators is serving up its Prime Rib Dinner special Saturday, and live music fills the county all weekend, Jorge Valentine Band at St. Johns Tavern tonight, then Austin Stanley, Echo/Sixx Band, and the Vintage Band at Bree's Riverside and COPP Brewery through Sunday.

Chipotle and Starbucks Could Be Coming to Homosassa

A developer has pitched a new commercial project near U.S. 19 and West Homosassa Trail, and both Chipotle and Starbucks have reportedly shown interest in leasing space at the long-vacant site. County planners still have questions to work through before anything is approved, including how the project would handle traffic flow, parking, and drainage concerns tied to flooding in the area. A large existing tree on the property has also become part of the review. Nothing is finalized yet, but if the plans move forward, Homosassa could soon have two major chains it currently doesn't. Read More -->

YaYAS Helps Homeless Teens and Young Adults, Even Without a Shelter of Its Own

YaYAS of Citrus County doesn't have a physical shelter yet, but the nonprofit is still finding ways to get homeless teens and young adults off the streets. The group secures temporary housing placements and pays security deposits so young people can get into stable living situations quickly. YaYAS also connects the teens and young adults it serves with job opportunities, aiming for longer-term stability rather than just short-term relief. The organization continues to grow its reach across Citrus County while it works toward opening a shelter of its own. Read More -->

What Life Was Like 1,000 Years Ago at Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Docents at Crystal River Archaeological State Park like to remind visitors that life here looked very different 1,000 years ago, when the Ancient River Dwellers called the area home, think heat, bugs, and gators, without any modern comforts. Today, the park is kept up by a team of rangers, biologists, and law enforcement officers with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, who mow, clean, and patrol the grounds rain or shine. Their day-to-day work keeps the park's history and natural resources protected for the thousands of visitors who walk through each year. Read More -->

Art, Halloween, and "Chainsaw Mayhem" on Tap for Friends and Families Reaching for Abilities

Friends and Families Reaching for Abilities has a busy fall calendar lined up, mixing local art programming with Halloween season fun for the families it serves. Among the highlights is a playful, make-believe "chainsaw mayhem" event, alongside other seasonal activities planned for the group's members throughout the fall. The local nonprofit continues to build out its calendar of inclusive events for the community. Read More -->

School Board Reinstates Longtime Employee Teresa Royal With Back Pay After Judge's Ruling

The Citrus County School Board has reversed course and reinstated longtime employee Teresa Royal, restoring her full back pay and benefits. The decision follows a ruling from an administrative law judge, who found the district failed to prove the allegations that had been brought against her. Board members say the case exposed gaps in how they're kept informed about ongoing investigations, and some are now pushing for changes to how the board handles similar matters going forward. The reinstatement closes one chapter of the case, but the policy questions it raised are expected to keep coming up at future board meetings. Read More -->

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SATURDAY FARM SWAP
Saturday | August 15, 2026 | 7 AM – 2:00 PM
Howard's Flea Market
6373 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
🐐🌾 Howard’s Flea Market Farm Swap 🐓🐷🥚 Calling all farmers, homesteaders, backyard chicken lovers, gardeners, and animal enthusiasts! Join us EVERY Saturday from 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM at Howard’s Fl…
View Event Details -->

Citrus County Gator Club's Annual Kick Off Party
Saturday | August 15, 2026 | 5 PM – 9:00 PM
Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center
5495 W. Safari Lane, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join us for our Annual Citrus County Gator Club Kick Off Party!!! We will have food, drinks, raffles, a guest speaker and fun! Tickets are only $25! Show us your Gator Colors!! We will have our boozy…
View Event Details -->

Death By Hummuscide (Hummus | Greek)
Friday | August 14, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US-19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Food Truck Info -->

Prime Rib Dinner
Saturday | August 15, 2026 | 4 PM – 9:00 PM
Grumpy Gators Bar & Grill
4828 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Our Famous Slow Roasted Prime Rib Dinner with House Salad and Baked Potato. Please call for Reservations 352-503-2064
View Event Details -->

Jorge Valentine Band @ St. Johns Tavern
Jorge Valentine
Friday | August 14, 2026 | 8 PM – 10 PM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs! We perform hits from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Nickelback, Linkin Park…
View Event Details -->

Austin Stanley at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Austin Stanley
Saturday | August 15, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Echo/Sixx Band @ COPP Brewery
Echo/Sixx Band
Saturday | August 15, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Copp Brewery & Winery
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Dancing in the beer garden is on the menu
View Event Details -->

The Vintage Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
The Vintage Band
Sunday | August 16, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

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