Good morning, Crystal River!

It's Saturday, and there's good news to lead with: Payton Strawn, the Citrus County teen reported missing earlier this week, has been located safe. Around town, the YMCA Wellness Center is officially open, City Council is weighing the future of the Riverwalk and City Hall, and Central Ridge Elementary kicked off the year with a Chalk Walk that even the Sheriff's Office joined in on.

Bonus: today is also Sneak Some Zucchini Into Your Neighbor's Porch Day, so if your garden's gotten out of hand, now's your excuse to share the bounty. Add in the Saturday Farm Swap, a Back-to-School Bunco Bash, and live music all over town tonight, and it's shaping up to be a full one.

Here's everything you need to know.

Crystal River City Council Weighs Riverwalk, City Hall Future

Crystal River City Council is weighing what comes next for the Riverwalk and City Hall, two of downtown's most visible public spaces. Specifics are still taking shape, but it's a conversation worth watching for anyone invested in how downtown continues to grow.

Clearview Estates Commercial Plan Moves Ahead

The plan to expand commercial space in Clearview is moving forward, building on last week's proposal to nearly double the area's commercial footprint near the Crystal River Airport. Developer Riverfront Developments Inc. continues to advance the project, with more details expected as it progresses.

YMCA Wellness Center Now Operational

The YMCA Wellness Center is officially open for business, giving Citrus County another option for fitness and wellness close to home.

Meet Your Neighbor, the Alligator

Sharing the neighborhood with an alligator is just part of life in Citrus County. The Chronicle's latest feature is a friendly reminder to respect our scaly neighbors and give them their space.

CCSO Releases Weekly Transparency Wrap-Up

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office released its latest weekly transparency wrap-up, reporting 5,156 calls for service in just the past week, a reminder of how busy our deputies stay keeping the community safe.

Missing Citrus County Teen Located Safe

Good news to report: Payton Strawn, the Citrus County teen reported as a missing runaway earlier this week, has been located safe. Thank you to everyone who shared the alert, it made a difference.

Central Ridge Elementary's Chalk Walk Brings Out the Whole Community

Central Ridge Elementary kicked off the new school year with a Chalk Walk this week, and Citrus County Sheriff's deputies got in on the fun too, grabbing chalk alongside students to send a colorful welcome-back message. It's the kind of hands-on community support that makes a big difference for kids heading back to class.

Community Steps Up for Students Ahead of the First Day

With the first day of school just around the corner, Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert stopped by Upper Cutz hair studio this week to help spread the word about the community's back-to-school giveback efforts, one more example of Citrus County pulling together to make sure every student starts the year feeling ready.

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SATURDAY FARM SWAP
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 6:30 AM – 3 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…
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Lecanto Toddler Soccer
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 9 AM
Lecanto Community Park
3798 W. Educational Path, Lecanto, FL
Come Join us in the Fall for toddler soccer!! Our programs will run for 8 weeks beginning Saturday August8 and ending Saturday September 26, 2026 Click on the link below to reserve a spot! The cost a…
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Back-to-School Bunco Bash
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 11 AM – 3:00 PM
American Legion Post #155
6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. We will have cash prizes, 50-50 and raffle baskets. There will be appetizers and nonalcoholic beverages. Doors will open at 11 AM. Dice will roll at noon…
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INDOOR SOCCER
Monday | August 10, 2026 | 5 PM
Gulf to Lake Church
1454 North Gulf Ave, Crystal River, FL 34429
Join our Indoor Soccer program for coed players ages 5-18 and all girls teams ages 12 and up. Practice and games are held once a week for 1.5 hours, Monday through Friday, from August 10 to October 3…
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Groove 41 at The Shed (Old Homosassa)
Groove 41
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:00 PM
The Shed (Old Homosassa)
5300 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL
The ultimate in waterfront dining, right on the Homosassa River.
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Guitar Mike & Friends at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Guitar Mike & Friends
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Echo/Sixx Band at St. Johns Tavern
Echo/Sixx Band
Saturday | August 8, 2026 | 8 PM – 12:00 AM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
The Vault will be rocking
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Yearbook Radio Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Yearbook Radio
Sunday | August 9, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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