Inside Crystal River, Issue #31, September 1, 2026 - hero graphic

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Inside Crystal River, Issue #31
September 1, 2026

Good morning, Crystal River! It's a mixed bag of news to start the week: the Sheriff's Office and Medical Examiner's Office are still working to identify human remains discovered in a wooded stretch of Homosassa over the weekend, an active investigation that has the community talking. On a brighter note, the Citrus County Fairgrounds just landed a $1 million glow-up from the state, funding long-overdue upgrades to the livestock barn, electrical and plumbing systems, new security cameras, and a new fair office.

On the school front, Seven Rivers Christian's football team kicked off its win column Friday night at Warrior Park, while the Lecanto and Citrus High girls cross country teams are quietly emerging as district contenders of their own. The boys' squads are still finding their footing early in the season, and Seven Rivers Christian's Mary Summers finally found tough competition close to home after three seasons of traveling the state to find it. Also worth a look: property owners are getting corrected TRIM notices after a school tax rate error, and a national conversation about data centers moving into small towns has us wondering whether Citrus County could be next.

Out and about today, there's a Poker Club meetup at Rainbow Lakes Estates, a Chamber ribbon cutting for Goodell Electric, and a sunrise WAVE Walk kicking off Wednesday morning if you're looking to get moving. And if none of that gets you out the door, today is National Burnt Ends Day, so consider that your sign to fire up the smoker tonight. Here's what's happening today in Crystal River.

Crystal River, FL Area Weather

Local News and Information

Local Government & Community News

Corrected Property Tax Notices Coming After School Tax Rate Error
Citrus County property owners who recently received their TRIM (Truth in Millage) notice will get a corrected version after the Citrus County School District acknowledged an error in the printed materials. The district confirmed the wrong school tax rate appeared on the notices mailed to residents. Corrected notices are now being issued so property owners can see accurate figures before any tax-related deadlines. Residents with questions about their notice are encouraged to contact the School District or the Property Appraiser's office.
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Citrus County Fairgrounds Getting $1 Million Boost
The Citrus County Fairgrounds is getting a $1 million boost in state funding to support a series of upgrades to the aging complex. The money will go toward livestock barn improvements, electrical and plumbing upgrades, new security cameras, and a new fair office. The investment is aimed at modernizing a facility that hosts the county fair and numerous community events throughout the year. County officials say the improvements will help the Fairgrounds continue serving as a gathering place for residents for years to come.
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Could Data Centers Become a Flashpoint in Citrus County?
Across the country, communities are pushing back against the rapid growth of data centers, with neighbors turning into activists over concerns about water use, electricity demand, noise, property values, and a lack of transparency from developers. The trend has sparked organized opposition in numerous towns as residents weigh the economic promises of these facilities against their local costs. No data center project has been announced for Citrus County, but the growing national debate raises questions worth watching as similar developments expand across Florida. Residents interested in the issue can follow how neighboring communities have responded for a preview of what a local debate might look like.
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Public Safety News

Human Remains Found in Homosassa Prompt Sheriff's Office Investigation
Human remains believed to have been in a wooded area of Homosassa for several years were discovered over the weekend. The discovery prompted an investigation by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, working alongside the Medical Examiner's Office to determine the identity of the individual and the circumstances surrounding the case. Investigators are treating it as an active case while forensic work continues. The Sheriff's Office has not released additional details and asks anyone with information to come forward.
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Local School News

Seven Rivers Christian Football Picks Up Season's First Win
The Seven Rivers Christian football team picked up its first win of the season Friday night at Warrior Park. The Warriors' performance gave the program a needed boost heading into the rest of its schedule. Coaches and players pointed to the win as a sign of progress early in the season. Seven Rivers Christian will look to build on the momentum in its upcoming games.
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Lecanto, Citrus Girls Cross Country Emerging as District Contenders
Both the Lecanto and Citrus High girls cross country teams are emerging as contenders in their district this season. Early meets have shown strong depth and competitive times for both programs, putting them in the conversation for a strong finish at district and regional meets. Coaches credit the early results to offseason training for both teams. The rivalry between the two schools is shaping up to be one of the storylines to watch as the season continues.
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Lecanto, Citrus Boys Cross Country Off to a Rocky Start
While the girls' teams are off to a strong start, the Lecanto and Citrus High boys cross country teams are each working through early-season struggles. Both programs are still finding their footing as runners adjust to the demands of the season. Coaches are using the early meets to identify areas for improvement before district competition ramps up. Both teams will look to turn things around in the coming weeks.
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Seven Rivers Christian's Mary Summers Finds Tough Competition Close to Home
For the better part of three seasons, Mary Summers of Seven Rivers Christian School has had to travel across Florida to find competition tough enough to push her. That changed this past Saturday, when Summers found the level of competition she'd been seeking much closer to home. The meet gave the standout athlete a chance to test herself against strong competition without the usual long trip. Summers' continued success has made her one of the athletes to watch in Citrus County this fall.
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Local Event & Happenings

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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Wellness with WAVE Walk
Wednesday | September 2, 2026 | 7 AM
272 NE 3rd St, Crystal River, FL 34429
After three great walks and an incredible response from our community, we’re keeping the momentum going. With the Florida summer heat in full force, we’re starting bright and early at 7:00 AM so we ca…
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Uturn Mobile Soup Kitchen - serving lunch 10:30 am-1pm every Wednesday
Wednesday | September 2, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Club Recovery
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-turn for Christ Florida. Serving those in need with Grace & Grub Ministries - every Wednesday 10:30-1pm at Old Schoolhouse in Hernando.
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The Hangout at The Youth Center
Wednesday | September 2, 2026 | 4 PM – 6 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Rainbow Lakes Estates Youth Center 🎉 Looking for a fun and safe place for kids to hang out, play games, and make friends? The Rainbow Lakes Estates Youth Center is open with weekly hours and special…
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County at American Legion Post #155
Thursday | September 3, 2026 | 7 AM – 9 AM
American Legion Post 155 Crystal River Florida
6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come visit the best small business networking group in Citrus County! Visitors are always welcome. You can register to visit (let us know you're coming so we can introduce you and give you some time…
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Tater Tot Thursdays
Thursday | September 3, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Fun, Enrichment, And Stimulation for toddlers at RLE Community Center
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BELLY DANCING CLASS at Homosassa Civic Club
Thursday | September 3, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club
5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Posting on behalf of a friend: BELLY DANCING CLASS $5. Mention this ad and your first class is free! Thursdays, 5:30 beginners & 6:30 Advanced.
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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team

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