Citrus County voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose a new circuit court judge, and the county's judicial turnover doesn't stop there: officials confirm a search is already underway to fill a second seat on the bench. Closer to the community side of things, a local nonprofit leader is challenging how Citrus County thinks about crisis assistance, arguing that real success means helping families reach a point where they no longer need support rather than keeping them coming back. And on the health care front, Florida is directing $188 million toward rural health care initiatives statewide, an investment expected to touch the 1.2 million Floridians, Citrus County residents included, who live outside the state's urban centers.

Citrus County School District families can now check in on their students' state assessment results, including FAST, B.E.S.T., and EOC scores, through the FOCUS Parent Portal or app. The district says the scores give parents a clear read on where their student stands heading into the new school year, with step-by-step login help available for anyone who hasn't set up portal access yet.

If you're looking to get out today, the Rainbow Lakes Estates Pins & Needles Stitchers Club meets this morning and the Monday Night Scramble tees off at ZenSprings Golf Club this evening, with a full slate of Tuesday and Wednesday events already on the calendar too. And since today is also National Nonprofit Day, it feels fitting to tip our hats to the local nonprofits, like the one featured above, working every day to make Citrus County a little stronger.

Search Underway to Fill a Second Seat on the Citrus County Bench

Citrus County voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose one circuit court judge, but the county's judicial turnover doesn't stop there. Even before that race is decided, officials have confirmed a search is already underway to fill a second, separate seat on the Citrus County bench. The two vacancies mean the local court system is working through back-to-back leadership changes rather than a single race. No timeline has been announced yet for when the second seat will be filled or who is being considered. Read More -->

Local Nonprofit Leader: True Success Means Families No Longer Need Help

A Citrus County nonprofit leader is raising a question worth sitting with: does crisis assistance sometimes create dependency instead of solving the underlying problem? The leader argues that real success for local aid organizations isn't measured by how many people return for help, but by how many families eventually reach a point where they don't need it anymore. That shift in thinking, from ongoing support to building long-term independence, is shaping how some local nonprofits structure their programs. It's a perspective aimed at getting more Citrus County families to lasting stability rather than repeat crisis support. Read More -->

Florida Commits $188 Million to Rural Health Care, Including Communities Like Ours

Florida is directing $188 million toward rural health care initiatives statewide, aiming to improve access and quality of care for the 1.2 million Floridians who live in rural communities, Citrus County included. The funding is intended to strengthen local health providers and expand services in areas that have historically had fewer options than urban centers. State officials have not yet detailed a full breakdown of where every dollar will land, but rural clinics and hospitals are expected to be among the primary recipients. Residents in Crystal River and the surrounding area could see the effects show up in expanded services or new investment at local providers in the months ahead. Read More -->

State Assessment Scores Now Available Through the FOCUS Parent Portal

Citrus County School District families can now view their students' state assessment results, including FAST, B.E.S.T., and EOC scores, through the FOCUS Parent Portal or the FOCUS Parent App. The district says the scores give parents a clear picture of where their student stands academically heading into the new school year. Step-by-step instructions for logging in and navigating the portal are available through the district for families who need help finding the reports. Parents who haven't set up portal access yet are encouraged to do so directly through the district's website or app store listing. Read More -->

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Rainbow Lakes Estates Pins & Needles Stitchers Club
Monday | August 17, 2026 | 10 AM – 2:00 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Creative Arts Center
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
🧵✨ Pins & Needles Stitchers Club 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 welcomin…
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Monday Night Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Monday | August 17, 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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Rainbow Lakes Estates Poker Club
Tuesday | August 18, 2026 | 11 AM – 2:00 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Creative Arts Center
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
♠️ Rainbow Lakes Estates Poker Club ♣️ Looking for a fun way to spend your afternoon? Join us for the Rainbow Lakes Estates Poker Club, where cards, strategy, and great company come together! Whether…
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Plant Swap @ Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Tuesday | August 18, 2026 | 4 PM – 5 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Plant Swap 🌿 Swap plants. Meet neighbors. Grow together. Bring a plant, cutting, seed, pot, or gardening goodie to trade — and take home something new to grow. 🪴 This is a relaxed, welcoming even…
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Free Networking Event @ Two Guys from Italy Italian Restaurant
Tuesday | August 18, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Two Guys from Italy Italian Restaurant
5792 S Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa Springs, FL 34446
Just local professionals getting together, building relationships, sharing ideas, and enjoying a relaxed evening. 🌴☀️ ⏰ No official start time — show up whenever you’re able! Whether you can stay fo…
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Tuesday Twilight League at ZenSprings Golf Club
Tuesday | August 18, 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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Mosquito Control Facility Tour
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10 AM – 11:00 AM
Citrus County Mosquito Control District
968 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join us for a presentation and tour of our mosquito control facility. We will start with a presentation on mosquito control practices, how you can prevent mosquitoes at home, and then finish with a to…
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Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen - every Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Old Schoolhouse Community Center
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-Turn for Christ, Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen
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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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