Citrus County voters have a big decision ahead: two County Commission races and a School Board seat will be decided outright in Tuesday's primary, with no runoff to fall back on. The Chronicle's Editorial Board has weighed in with its own recommendations across four key races on the ballot, based on candidate interviews and a review of public records. Closer to home, Sheriff's Office deputies have ramped up traffic enforcement countywide, with weekly stops climbing from around 500 to roughly 2,000, and a stretch of southbound US 19 near SE Mayo Drive remains closed after crews found a significant depression in the roadway.

Citrus County also took a moment to recognize its 2026 Healthcare Heroes, honoring the doctors, nurses, first responders, and volunteers who cared for the community over the past year. Crystal River golf cart owners have more ground to cover after the city expanded its network of legal cart routes, and the long-running debate over a boat ramp versus continued Riverwalk development is back in the spotlight as the city weighs how to grow without losing its character. On the public safety side, CCSO's Detective Michael Kelly and Sergeant Anthony Ricci both graduated from FDLE's Florida Leadership Academy last week.

If you're looking to get out today, Gnarly Carly is hosting a painting class at Los Magueyes in Beverly Hills this afternoon, and there's live music all evening with The Vintage Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant and Key West Keven at Brooks Dockside Seafood. And since it's also National Tell a Joke Day, consider this your excuse to text your worst dad joke to a neighbor before the week gets busy again.

Two County Commission Races and a School Board Seat Get Decided Tuesday

Citrus County voters head to the polls Tuesday, August 18 to settle two County Commission races and one School Board seat, all decided outright in the primary rather than carrying into November. With no runoff for these particular contests, Tuesday's results will be final. The Chronicle has compiled a full rundown of the candidates and what's at stake in each race to help residents vote with confidence. Polls are open all day for anyone who hasn't already cast an early or mail ballot. Read More -->

Chronicle Editorial Board Releases Its Primary Endorsements

Ahead of Tuesday's primary, the Citrus County Chronicle's Editorial Board has published its recommendations across four key races on the ballot. The endorsements followed candidate interviews, a review of public records, and direct questions to each contender about their positions. The board says its picks reflect who it believes is best equipped to serve the county's interests over the next term. Voters weighing their choices can read the full breakdown of who the board backed and why before heading to the polls. Read More -->

Crystal River Expands Where Golf Carts Can Legally Ride

Crystal River has widened the network of streets where residents can legally take their golf carts, opening up new routes across the city. The expansion gives cart owners more direct access to local shops, restaurants, and neighborhoods without having to detour onto busier roads. City officials say this round of route additions builds on earlier golf-cart-friendly efforts and hint that further expansion could still be on the table. Residents who rely on carts for short trips around town now have more ground to cover legally. Read More -->

Citrus County Honors Its 2026 Healthcare Heroes

Citrus County recognized this year's Healthcare Heroes, honoring the local doctors, nurses, first responders, volunteers, and organizations who stepped up for the community over the past year. The recognition highlights the people working behind the scenes in hospitals, clinics, and emergency services who often go unseen despite the critical role they play. Honorees were nominated by community members grateful for care received during difficult moments. The full list of this year's honorees and their stories is available for anyone wanting to know who's being celebrated. Read More -->

Boat Ramp or Riverwalk? Crystal River Weighs Its Waterfront Future

A long-running debate over Crystal River's waterfront has resurfaced, centering on whether the city should prioritize a boat ramp or continue developing its Riverwalk along the same stretch. Supporters of the ramp point to boater access and tourism dollars, while Riverwalk advocates argue the walkable green space better fits the character residents want to preserve. City leaders have described the decision as bigger than a single project, framing it as a question of how Crystal River grows without losing what makes it distinct. No final decision has been made, and the discussion is expected to continue at upcoming city meetings. Read More -->

Citrus County Traffic Stops Have Nearly Quadrupled

Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies have dramatically ramped up traffic enforcement, with weekly stops climbing from around 500 a year ago to roughly 2,000 now. The Sheriff's Office says the increase reflects a deliberate shift toward more proactive patrols rather than a spike in violations. Drivers around Crystal River and the rest of the county are likely to notice more patrol cars and more stops during a typical commute. Officials frame the change as a safety-focused strategy aimed at catching problems before they lead to serious crashes. Read More -->

Lane Closure on US 19 at SE Mayo Drive in Crystal River

Two southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 19 near SE Mayo Drive in Crystal River are closed after deputies discovered a significant depression in the roadway. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office shut down the lanes as a precaution while road maintenance crews respond to assess and repair the damage. Drivers heading south on US 19 through that stretch should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek an alternate route. No timeline for full reopening had been announced as of publication. Read More -->

CCSO Sends Two Detectives Through FDLE's Florida Leadership Academy

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says two of its own recently completed FDLE's Florida Leadership Academy, a four-week program that prepares law enforcement supervisors for modern leadership challenges. Threat Assessment Coordinator Detective Michael Kelly and Criminal Investigations Sergeant Anthony Ricci both graduated from the intensive course, which covers ethics, communication, and organizational leadership. Sheriff David Vincent called developing strong leadership within the department essential to the agency's mission going forward. The graduation adds two more trained leaders to CCSO's ranks as the agency continues to invest in staff development. Read More -->

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Gnarly Carly Painting - Pooticorn @ Los Magueyes
Sunday | August 16, 2026 | 2 PM
Los Magueyes - Beverly Hills
3887 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL 34465
Carly Taft 🦄💨 Sunday Funday just got a little more magical! ✨ Join me on Sunday, August 16 for Happy Hour as we paint the most majestic little hot mess you’ve ever seen—a chunky unicorn blowing bub…
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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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The Vintage Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
The Vintage Band
Sunday | August 16, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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LIVE Music! with Key West Keven
Key West Keven
Sunday | August 16, 2026 | 5 PM – 8:00 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
LIVE Music with Key West Keven! Our Food Truck will be OPEN serving all of your fresh seafood favorites. Beer & Wine available at the Best Catch Club. Fans & Evaporative Coolers Dockside. Come join u…
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