Citrus County has confirmed its first locally acquired case of dengue fever this season, prompting stepped-up mosquito control efforts including truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and ground inspections across the area. Separately, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating 16-year-old Jayden Schaefer, reported as a runaway this past Saturday.

On a brighter note, the splash pad at Crystal River's Town Square is back open just in time for the last stretch of summer. Also this week: an update on what's next for the long-vacant Crystal River Mall site, the Citrus County Hospital Board's move to dissolve while its charitable foundation continues under new oversight, and a new city map of downtown parking options. In school news, Seven Rivers Christian's football opener was cut short by lightning in a 24-6 loss, cross country standout Mary Summers opened her season with a win, cursive writing is back in Florida classrooms this year, and the Citrus County Careers and Colleges Expo returns Thursday.

It's also National Banana Split Day and National Park Service Founders Day, so treat yourself to a classic sundae and maybe plan a trip to one of our local wildlife refuges. Around town, catch trivia at Bree's tonight, a Nature Coast Chamber ribbon cutting Thursday, and food trucks from Brynn's Bytes and Spice Corner later this week. Have a great Tuesday, Crystal River!

Town Square Splash Pad Is Back Open

The splash pad at Crystal River's Town Square is back open, the city announced this week, following a stretch of downtime that had families asking when it would return. Parents can once again bring the kids downtown to cool off during the last stretch of Florida summer. Read More -->

What's Next for the Former Crystal River Mall Site

The long-vacant Crystal River Mall property, cleared since a 2023 demolition, remains a hot topic of "what's next" conversation around town. Owner CRI9 Holdings LLC has an approved Planned Unit Development for up to 440 residential units, including 360 apartments and 80 townhomes, plus limited commercial space; per the Citrus County Chronicle, the developer has up to 10 years to complete the project in phases, and no building permits for vertical construction have been filed yet. Read More -->

Citrus County Hospital Board Is Winding Down, But Its Charitable Foundation Isn't

The Citrus County Hospital Board is preparing to dissolve, but the charitable foundation it created will keep going under a new structure and new oversight, according to the Chronicle. The change marks a shift in how local healthcare philanthropy will be organized and governed going forward. Read More -->

City Publishes a Map of Downtown Public Parking

Tired of circling the block during downtown events? The City of Crystal River has published a map of all public parking options at crystalriverfl.org, after fielding a steady stream of questions from residents about where to park. Read More -->

Notice to Residents: Dengue Case Confirmed in Citrus County

Citrus County has a confirmed, locally acquired case of dengue fever, city and health officials announced. In response, Citrus County Mosquito Control has ramped up truck fogging, aerial larviciding, and ground inspections across the area, alongside the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County. Dengue causes flu-like symptoms, sometimes with severe muscle pain, and spreads through the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito, not person-to-person; residents are urged to use repellent and eliminate standing water around their homes. Read More -->

CCSO Asks for Help Finding Missing Teen Jayden Schaefer

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating Jayden Schaefer, a 16-year-old reported as a runaway juvenile this past Saturday, Aug. 23. He's described as a white male, about 5-foot-10 and 160 pounds, with blonde hair and hazel eyes, last seen around 10 p.m. in Beverly Hills wearing a brown hoodie and gray sweatpants. Anyone with information is asked to call CCSO's Major Crimes Unit at 352-249-2790. Read More -->

Seven Rivers Christian's Football Opener Cut Short by Lightning, Falls 24-6

Seven Rivers Christian's football team dropped its home opener Saturday night, falling 24-6 to Sunshine State Athletic Association rival Geneva. The finish came earlier than planned: lightning forced officials to suspend and eventually call the game with 4:18 left in the third quarter. Read More -->

Seven Rivers Christian's Mary Summers Opens Cross Country Season With a Win

Seven Rivers Christian sophomore Mary Summers opened her cross country season the way she knows best: with a win, giving the Warriors a strong start to the year on the trails. Read More -->

Cursive Returns to Florida Classrooms, Among Other Changes This School Year

Cursive handwriting is officially back in the spotlight in Florida classrooms this school year, one of several curriculum and policy changes Citrus County students, teachers, and parents will see in 2026-27, according to the Chronicle. Read More -->

Citrus County Careers and Colleges Expo Set for Thursday

The annual Citrus County Careers and Colleges Expo returns this Thursday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida's Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus. The free event connects students and families with colleges, universities, and local employers to explore scholarships, tuition assistance, and job pathways beyond high school. Read More -->

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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…
View Event Details -->

Brightway Insurance, The Wilson Agency - Nature Coast Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Brightway Insurance, The Wilson Agency
5335 S Suncoast Parkway, Homosassa, FL 34446
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
View Event Details -->

Thursday Evening Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 6 PM
ZenSprings Golf Club
20650 SW 80th Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34431
⛳️ THURSDAY EVENING BLUE TEES SCRAMBLE ⛳️ Looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend a little early? Grab your golf partner and join us every Thursday evening at ZenSprings Golf Club for our Blue…
View Event Details -->

Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Wednesday | August 26, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
View Food Truck Info -->

Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US-19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Food Truck Info -->

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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 26, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

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