Seven attorneys and judges are seeking appointment to the Citrus County circuit court bench, with interviews set for this Friday, Aug. 28, before the 5th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission sends its recommendations to Gov. Ron DeSantis. Meanwhile, Chronicle columnist Cortney Stewart makes the case that whoever becomes Florida's next governor will inherit a long list of practical, close-to-home challenges: housing costs, property insurance, infrastructure, education, health care, and water quality.

On the gridiron, Crystal River's football team had a season opener to forget, falling 35-0 at home to Suwannee. On a brighter note, Citrus County Schools' "Beyond the Bell" video series is back for the new school year, kicking off with host Dr. Scott Hebert and CCSO Captain Rachel Montgomery talking through school safety. And Lecanto's girls soccer program has a parent/player meeting set for Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Lecanto Cafe.

It's also National Waffle Day and National Selfirst Day, so maybe treat yourself to breakfast and a little self-care to kick off the week right. Florida's strawberry season is also on its way this fall, so start planning your U-pick trips now. Around town this week, catch the Monday Night Scramble at ZenSprings, trivia at Bree's on Tuesday, and the open music jam at Bree's on Wednesday. Have a great week, Crystal River!

Seven Candidates Vying for Citrus County Circuit Court Seat

Seven attorneys and judges are seeking appointment to the Citrus County circuit court bench as another round of changes unfolds in the local judiciary. The 5th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission will interview all seven candidates this Friday, Aug. 28, before recommending finalists to Gov. Ron DeSantis, who makes the final appointment. The process comes amid ongoing turnover on the local bench. Read More -->

Column: Florida's Next Governor Will Inherit More Than a Political Agenda

In a recent Chronicle column, writer Cortney Stewart argues that whoever becomes Florida's next governor will face a stack of practical challenges that hit close to home here in Citrus County: rising housing costs, high property insurance premiums, strained infrastructure, education, health care access, and water quality. Stewart's take is that the debate should focus less on politics and more on how the next governor plans to tackle these day-to-day issues affecting residents' wallets and quality of life. Read More -->

Get Ready: Florida Strawberry Season Is on Its Way

Florida's strawberry season typically kicks off in the fall and runs into early spring, and local growers are already gearing up for the harvest. It's a good time to start planning ahead for U-pick trips, farm stands, and stocking up on recipes for the season's fresh berries once they hit stands. Read More -->

Crystal River Football Drops Season Opener 35-0 to Suwannee

Crystal River High's football team had a rough start to the season, falling 35-0 to the visiting Suwannee Bulldogs in Friday night's season opener. Suwannee took the lead just 90 seconds into the game and never trailed, holding the Pirates scoreless at home. The team will look to regroup as it continues its 2026 schedule. Read More -->

'Beyond the Bell' Returns, Kicking Off With a School Safety Conversation

Citrus County Schools' "Beyond the Bell" video series is back for the 2026-27 school year, hosted by Dr. Scott Hebert. The season opener features a sit-down with CCSO Captain Rachel Montgomery to discuss school safety and the measures in place to keep students and staff secure across Citrus County Schools. Read More -->

Lecanto Girls Soccer Parent/Player Meeting Set for Sept. 1

Lecanto High School is holding a parent/player meeting for its girls soccer program on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Lecanto Cafe. The meeting will cover team expectations and key dates for the upcoming season. Read More -->

Monday Night Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Monday | August 24, 2026 | 5:30 PM
ZenSprings Golf Club
20650 SW 80th Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34431
⛳ MONDAY NIGHT SCRAMBLE AT ZENSPRINGS GOLF CLUB ⛳ Looking for a fun way to kick off your week? Grab your friends and join us every Monday evening for our Monday Night Scramble! Whether you're a seas…
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Trivia at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Tuesday | August 25, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Tuesday Twilight League at ZenSprings Golf Club
Tuesday | August 25, 2026 | 5:30 PM
ZenSprings Golf Club
20650 SW 80th Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34431
Looking for a fun, competitive way to spend your Tuesday evenings? Join us each week for the Tuesday Twilight League at ZenSprings Golf Club. Whether you're chasing points, competing in the optional…
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Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Wednesday | August 26, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 26, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

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