Good morning, Crystal River, and happy Sunday! We hope you had a great weekend, because there's plenty to catch up on this morning. Lecanto's football team kept its remarkable streak alive Friday night, and a longtime trouble spot on U.S. 19 is finally showing real signs of life.

In today's issue, we're remembering longtime county commissioner Jim Fowler, whose simple motto, "do the right thing," shaped decades of local leadership. We're also digging into a new congressional map debate, catching up on what callers had to say in Sound Off, and meeting three Girl Scouts building a mini-library with heart. Plus, Crystal River just got $200,000 closer to legal golf cart crossings on U.S. 19.

Before you head out today, a quick safety reminder: Tropical Storm Dolly may be gone, but afternoon downpours are still capable of flash flooding around town, so please avoid driving through standing water. Stay safe, grab your coffee, and let's get into it.

Columnist Asks: Should Voters or Politicians Choose Our Representatives?

In her latest column, Cortney Stewart takes on Florida's new congressional map, asking whether voters are really the ones choosing their representatives anymore. She argues the current map gives elected officials outsized influence over district lines, which she says weakens accountability and makes local races less competitive. It's an opinion piece, but one that raises real questions about how redistricting affects your vote here in Citrus County. Read More -->

Sound Off: Flock Cameras, 670 New Homes, and Pleasant Grove Road Potholes

Your neighbors had plenty to say in the latest round of Sound Off calls. Topics ranged from the county's new Flock cameras and a proposed 670-home development to the incoming Aldi, election signs around town, and the ever-present potholes on Pleasant Grove Road. It's a good snapshot of what's actually on people's minds around Crystal River this week. Read More -->

Local Girl Scouts Build a Mini-Library With a Little Faith Built In

Three Citrus Oaks Girl Scouts are putting in the work on a meaningful service project: a "take a book, leave a book" children's mini-library that includes its own prayer box. The hands-on build combines literacy and faith, and it will soon find a permanent home at Seven Rivers Church in Lecanto. It's a nice reminder of what local kids can accomplish when they set their minds to helping others. Read More -->

Crystal Square Plaza Redevelopment Lands a Grocery Chain

The long-stalled Crystal Square Plaza property at 579 S. U.S. 19 may finally be turning a corner. City officials have reset deadlines for the site as demolition and redevelopment move forward, and the real headline is a signed lease agreement with a major grocery chain. The tenant's name hasn't been released yet, but it's the clearest sign in years that this troubled property is heading somewhere good. Read More -->

Remembering Jim Fowler: "Do the Right Thing"

Citrus County is remembering Jim Fowler, a businessman, former county commissioner, family man, and man of faith whose simple motto, "do the right thing," guided decades of local leadership and earned him the nickname "The Boss." In a moving tribute, columnist Nancy Kennedy shares memories from friends and family about the impact Fowler had on Crystal River and the broader community. Our thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved him. Read More -->

Crystal River Gets $200,000 Closer to Legal Golf Carts on U.S. 19

Crystal River just picked up a $200,000 boost toward a long-awaited goal: getting golf carts legally across U.S. 19 to connect downtown and the waterfront. It's a significant step forward, though one major hurdle still stands in the way before it becomes reality. We'll keep you posted as this project moves closer to the finish line. Read More -->

Dolly Is Gone, But the Flooding Risk Isn't

Tropical Storm Dolly has weakened and no longer threatens Florida, but Citrus County emergency officials say the flooding danger hasn't gone anywhere. Everyday afternoon thunderstorms are still capable of producing dangerous, localized flooding around our area, and with rain chances climbing today and tomorrow, officials are urging everyone to remember one simple rule: never drive through standing water. Stay alert and stay safe out there. Read More -->

Lecanto Stays Unbeaten Against County Rivals, Tops Citrus 27-7

Lecanto High School's football team kept its remarkable streak alive Friday night, beating rival Citrus 27-7 at home. The win means Lecanto remains undefeated against every county opponent since 2019, a five-year run that's tough to top. It's a strong start to the season for the Panthers, and a rivalry result that will have Citrus looking to regroup. Read More -->

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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 Highway, Lecanto, FL)
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
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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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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Mark Connors Music at Peck's Old Port Cove
Mark Connors Music
Sunday | August 30, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 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
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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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team