Happy Monday, Crystal River! We're kicking off the week with a look at how local leaders are keeping things accountable and engaged, from a swift response inside the Sheriff's Office to Superintendent Scott Hebert's push to hear from more of the community. Citrus County's high school football teams are also gearing up for another season, and if you're craving something sweet, Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe is parked at Tampa General Hospital Crystal River today. It's also National Eat Outside Day, so if the forecast cooperates, consider taking lunch onto the porch. Here's what's happening today in Crystal River.

Political Groups Can Still Meet at Citrus County Libraries
Despite claims spreading on social media that political groups had lost access to library meeting rooms, Citrus County officials confirmed this week that the library system's policy has not changed. Meeting rooms remain available to political organizations under the same rules that have applied all along. The clarification comes as county officials work to head off confusion sparked by the online rumors.
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Superintendent Hebert Expands How the District Gathers Community Input
Citrus County Schools Superintendent Scott Hebert is broadening how the district collects feedback, saying listening to the community "shouldn't be a one-time exercise." The effort goes beyond the usual school board meeting format to include structured input from students, parents, teachers, support staff, local businesses and community leaders. The district says the goal is a fuller picture of what residents want from local schools going forward.
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Where to Find Food Assistance in Citrus County
Citrus County residents looking for help putting food on the table have more options than many may realize. A new roundup compiles the county's active food pantries, free meal programs and other community food resources, along with when each is available throughout the week. It's meant to help residents connect with support quickly, whether the need is immediate or ongoing.
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Could Tiny-House Villages Help Address Homelessness Here?
Communities across the country are increasingly turning to tiny-house villages as a way to move people out of homelessness and into stable housing. A new feature looks at how the model has worked elsewhere and explores whether a similar approach could take root in Citrus County.
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Sheriff's Office Fires, Arrests Deputy Accused of Misconduct
When one of its own was accused of crossing the line, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office didn't look away. Sheriff David Vincent's office investigated a deputy accused of misconduct, then arrested and fired him and released video of the incident rather than keeping it internal. A Chronicle editorial praised the department's handling of the case as a model of accountability, citing the swift and public response.
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Meet This Year's Citrus County High School Football Teams
Citrus County high school football is already underway, and a new season preview introduces this year's teams, players and coaches countywide, from returning standouts to new faces expected to make an impact. The roundup arrives just after Lecanto opened its season with a 27-7 win over rival Citrus, with the rest of the county's teams continuing their own seasons in the weeks ahead.
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Homeschool Tumble at Kingdom Athletics
Monday | August 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
3464 E Norvell Bryant Hwy, Hernando, FL 34442
📚🤸 Calling All Homeschool Families! 🤸📚 We’re excited to introduce our NEW Homeschool Tumble Class at Kingdom Athletics! ✨ Mondays 🤸 Homeschool Tumble: 10:00–11:00 AM 💙 Tumble Class: $79/month…
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Pins & Needles Stitchers Club
Monday | August 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
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 31, 2026 | 5:30 PM
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 | September 1, 2026 | 11 AM – 2 PM
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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Goodell Electric, LLC Chamber Ribbon Cutting at Citrus County Chamber of Commerce
Tuesday | September 1, 2026 | 4:30 PM
915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
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Uturn Mobile Soup Kitchen - serving lunch 10:30 am-1pm every Wednesday
Wednesday | September 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Club Recovery
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-turn for Christ Florida. Serving those in need with Grace & Grub Ministries - every Wednesday 10:30-1pm at Old Schoolhouse in Hernando.
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Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe (Desserts)
Monday | August 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Tampa General Hospital Crystal River
6201 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River, FL
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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team