Good morning, Crystal River! Citrus County commissioners are already bracing for the financial fallout if Amendment 3 passes in November, and they're not the only ones planning ahead: Spectrum's broadband expansion has now connected more than 8,000 homes and small businesses, the School Board is weighing new oversight rules for outside attorneys following the Teresa Royal case, and FWC wants your input on the future of the Big Bend oyster fishery. Columnist Jim Gouvellis also raises a timely question about police surveillance cameras, and Citrus County's restaurant scene keeps adding new spots to try.

In Public Safety, the Sheriff's Office is asking for the community's help finding a missing Homosassa woman, so if you can help, please take a look below.

On the field and the course, it was a big week for local sports: Citrus travels to Lecanto for a football rivalry showdown tonight while Crystal River and Seven Rivers Christian chase their first wins, Crystal River and Lecanto's boys' golf teams battled at Black Diamond Ranch, and Lecanto's volleyball team is still unbeaten in sets after sweeping Citrus. Scroll down for today's Events, Food Trucks, and Live Entertainment, and Happy National Lemon Juice Day!

More Than 8,000 Homes Now Connected as Spectrum Nears Broadband Expansion Finish

Spectrum's major broadband expansion across Citrus County is nearing completion, bringing high-speed internet access to more than 8,000 homes and small businesses that didn't have it before. The project isn't only about faster downloads: it also includes a $15,000 investment, made through United Way of Citrus County, to launch a new Digital Learning Lab. The lab is expected to support local education and job-training opportunities for residents across the county. Read More -->

Citrus County's Restaurant Scene Keeps Growing

Citrus County diners have several new options to try as the local restaurant scene expands. Metro Diner has opened its doors in Lecanto, and Hometown Deli is reopening after months of repairs. Artman's Smokehouse is also on its way to downtown Inverness, adding another new spot to the growing list. Read More -->

Columnist Jim Gouvellis: Who's Watching "Bob"? A Look at Police Surveillance Cameras

In his latest column for the Citrus County Chronicle, Jim Gouvellis examines local law enforcement's use of Flock camera technology, which can track vehicles and build a record of where they travel. Using a hypothetical character named "Bob" to illustrate the point, Gouvellis argues that as surveillance tools grow more advanced, they raise real questions about privacy for everyday residents. This is a columnist's opinion piece and reflects the author's own views, not a Chronicle news report. Read More -->

Commissioners Brace for Budget Cuts if Amendment 3 Passes in November

Citrus County commissioners are already looking for places to trim spending as they prepare for the possible financial impact of Amendment 3, a measure on November's statewide ballot. If voters approve it, the county could lose millions of dollars in property-tax revenue that currently funds essential services. Commissioners say they're identifying which programs could be affected well ahead of any vote, so the county isn't caught off guard. Read More -->

FWC Wants Your Input on the Future of the Big Bend Oyster Fishery

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is asking for public input as it develops a new Oyster Management Plan covering the Big Bend region, including the waters off Citrus County that stretch from Taylor County down to Anclote Key. Residents can weigh in through an online survey open through September 27, 2026, with virtual workshops also planned in the coming weeks. The plan is meant to help guide how the oyster fishery is managed for years to come. Read More -->

School Board Weighs New Oversight Rules for Outside Attorneys

The Citrus County School Board is considering more oversight for outside attorneys brought in to investigate school employees, a push that follows the district's handling of the Teresa Royal case. Any new policy, though, will need to balance the board's authority with the powers held by the elected superintendent. The proposal is now headed for further review before anything is finalized. Read More -->

Citrus County Sheriff's Office Seeks Help Locating Missing Homosassa Woman

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding Destiny Lefke, a 29-year-old Homosassa woman reported missing on Friday. Lefke is described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 114 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes, and was last seen approximately three weeks ago. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit at 352-249-2790. Read More -->

Citrus Travels to Lecanto Friday as Crystal River, Seven Rivers Christian Chase First Wins

Local football takes center stage again this week, with Citrus High traveling to Lecanto for a county rivalry showdown Friday night. Meanwhile, Crystal River High and Seven Rivers Christian are both playing at home as they look to notch their first wins of the season. Read More -->

Crystal River, Lecanto Boys' Golf Teams Battle at Black Diamond Ranch

Crystal River High's boys' golf team squared off against District 2A-8 rival Lecanto this past Thursday at the prestigious Black Diamond Ranch course. The two county programs share a long-standing rivalry, and local bragging rights were on the line in the match. Read More -->

Lecanto Volleyball Remains Unbeaten in Sets After Sweeping Citrus

The Lecanto High volleyball team hasn't dropped a single set through the first two weeks of the season, and that streak continued Thursday night with a sweep of county rival Citrus High at home, 25-19, 25-22, 25-16. The Panthers' strong start has them positioned as one of the teams to watch this season. Read More -->

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15-Year Reunion
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 10:30 PM – 6 PM
Lecanto High School
3810 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461
Friday, Aug 28: - Football Game versus Citrus High, special seating on track for class - Social Outing at Copps Brewery Saturday, Aug 29: - School Tour - Reunion in Cafeteria with food trucks Alumni…
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Fall Sip N Shop 🍁 at Citrus Nutrition
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Citrus Nutrition
4499 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
🍂 Join us for our Hello Fall Sip N Shop at Citrus Nutrition! 🍂 Celebrate the start of fall with a fun-filled day of shopping, community, and seasonal favorites! ✨ What to expect: 🛍 Local vendors �…
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White Light Metaphysical Expo
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Inverness-Lecanto
903 E Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
✨ WHITE LIGHT METAPHYSICAL EXPO ✨ We are so excited to invite you to our 4th Mini Metaphysical Expo! 🌿💜 Join us for a beautiful day of connection, healing, spiritual exploration, and community at…
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Full Sacral Chakra Sound Bath (NEW VENUE)
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 5 PM – 6:15 PM
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Inverness-Lecanto
903 E Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
A Sound Bath is a deeply-immersive, full-body listening experience that intentionally uses sound to nurture your mind and body. The experience begins with each person lying down or seated in a comfort…
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Homeschool Tumble at Kingdom Athletics
Monday | August 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
Kingdom Athletics
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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Monday Night Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Monday | August 31, 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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Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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Death By Hummuscide (Hummus | Greek)
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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Wooten & Wise at Silver Moon Tavern
Wooten & Wise
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 2 PM – 6 PM
Silver Moon Tavern
3025 S US 41, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Live Music Duo
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Echo/Sixx Band at The Shed (Old Homosassa)
Echo/Sixx Band
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:00 PM
The Shed (Old Homosassa)
5300 S Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL
Can't beat a great band ...great food and amazing atmosphere for a Saturday night
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Rachel Duffen at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Rachel Duffen
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Jim Green at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Jim Green
Saturday | August 29, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Mark Connors Music at Peck's Old Port Cove
Mark Connors Music
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 1 PM – 5:00 PM
Peck's Old Port Cove
139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come enjoy some great food and live music !
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Mudds Jazz & Blues Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Mudds Jazz & Blues Band
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Crystal River Nights Concert Series - SPECIAL EVENT celebrating JIMMY BUFFETT DAY August 30, 2026
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Join us for this FREE special event commemorating JIMMY BUFFETT DAY in Crystal River Town Square. We will have live music by the Landsharks (a former house band at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville in K…
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Dusty Starr Williams at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Dusty Starr Williams
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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