Dunnellon man Immanuel Smith was sentenced this past Friday to five years in prison, followed by two years of probation, for firing shots at utility linemen who were simply trying to restore power in the area, a stark reminder of the risks crews take on the job. Elsewhere around the county, Citrus County Mosquito Control is inviting residents to a free "Bite Back" presentation on mosquito control at the Central Ridge Library on Aug. 31, and over in Hernando Beach, the monthly Front Porch Art Walk returns to Shoal Line Boulevard on Sept. 5 with glass mosaics, quilts, and coastal art from local creators.

In a story that's giving us some serious hometown pride, 2022 Citrus High School grad Emily Shelton, now a certified flight instructor, is being recognized for calmly landing a small plane on Interstate 10 near Pensacola after an engine failure, keeping her student safe through the whole ordeal. Back on the gridiron, Citrus High's Hurricanes opened their season with a nail-biter, edging Cypress Creek 13-10 on a 45-yard, as-time-expired field goal from senior QB Dominic Hensley, while Seven Rivers Christian's Warriors are gearing up for a season built around size and strength up front.

It's also Find Your Inner Nerd Day, so consider this your official invitation to embrace whatever makes you wonderfully you. There's plenty happening around town today too, golf leagues at ZenSprings, live music from Captain Johnston Band and The Younger Gang, and Authentic So. Cal Flavors serving up Mexican eats at Low Key Hideaway. Have a great Sunday, Crystal River!

Citrus High Grad, Now a Flight Instructor, Honored for Emergency Landing on I-10

Emily Shelton, a 2022 Citrus High School graduate who became a certified flight instructor before turning 22, is being recognized for calmly handling an in-flight emergency that forced her to land a small aircraft on Interstate 10 near Pensacola. When the plane's engine failed mid-flight, Shelton kept her student safe and brought the aircraft down without injury to either of them, drawing recognition from the Escambia County Sheriff's Office for her composure under pressure. The emergency itself happened in Escambia County, not here in Citrus County, but Shelton's ties to our community run deep as a hometown product of Citrus High. Her calm handling of a genuine engine-out emergency has made her a source of local pride back home. Read More -->

Hernando Beach's Monthly Art Walk Draws a Crowd of Local Artists

The Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk, a monthly celebration of Nature Coast artists founded in January 2023, returns for its next First Saturday event on Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Artists set up at two venues along Shoal Line Boulevard, Silver Dolphin Restaurant & Country Store and Coldwell Banker Weaver Group Realty, showing off work ranging from glass mosaics and heirloom quilts to coastal resin art and oil paintings. The free, family-friendly event is also a chance to explore Hernando Beach's restaurants, fishing charters, and kayak rentals while supporting the area's growing arts community. Read More -->

Free 'Bite Back' Presentation Aims to Help Residents Battle Mosquitoes

Citrus County Mosquito Control is hosting a free public presentation, "Bite Back: Winning the War on Mosquitoes," on Monday, Aug. 31, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Central Ridge Library, 425 W. Roosevelt Blvd. in Beverly Hills. The program will cover how the county's mosquito-control efforts work, from mosquito fish to bacteria-based treatments and community education, plus practical tips residents can use to keep their own yards bite-free. The event is free and open to the public. Read More -->

Dunnellon Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Shooting at Utility Workers

Immanuel Smith, 30, was sentenced this past Friday to five years in the Florida Department of Corrections, followed by two years of felony probation, for firing shots at utility linemen who were working to restore power in Dunnellon. Smith pleaded to two counts of aggravated assault stemming from the 2025 incident, which forced the crew to take cover while trying to do their jobs. The State Attorney's Office said the sentence reflects the danger Smith posed to workers simply trying to keep the community's power on. Read More -->

Citrus Holds Off Cypress Creek 13-10 on a Walk-Off Field Goal

Citrus High's football team opened its season with a nail-biter Friday night, beating Cypress Creek 13-10 on a game-winning 45-yard field goal from senior quarterback Dominic Hensley as time expired. Hensley led a 12-play, 51-yard drive covering less than four minutes to set up the kick, capping a dramatic finish to the Hurricanes' season opener. Read More -->

Seven Rivers Christian Warriors Leaning on Size Up Front This Season

Seven Rivers Christian's football team is entering the season looking to its offensive and defensive lines to carry the load, with size and physicality up front expected to be the Warriors' calling card this fall. The coaching staff is banking on that strength in the trenches to set the tone as Seven Rivers opens its 2026 schedule. Read More -->

Monday Night Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Monday | August 24, 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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Trivia at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Tuesday | August 25, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Tuesday Twilight League at ZenSprings Golf Club
Tuesday | August 25, 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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Authentic So. Cal Flavors (Mexican)
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 1 PM – 9 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
View Food Truck Info -->

Echo/Sixx Band at St. Johns Tavern
Echo/Sixx Band
Saturday | August 22, 2026 | 8 PM – 12:00 AM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Pack the house out for an incredible night
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Captain Johnston Band at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Captain Johnston Band
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 3 PM – 7 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

The Younger Gang at Brooks Dockside Seafood
The Younger Gang
Sunday | August 23, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Event Details -->

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