
Inside Crystal River, Issue #17
August 18, 2026
Today is Primary Election Day in Citrus County, and it's more consequential than many voters realize: several of this cycle's races are single-party contests, meaning whoever wins today's primary wins the seat outright with no rematch in November. Fittingly, today is also World Never Give Up Day, so if you haven't made it to the polls yet, there's still time before they close at 7 p.m. On the legal front, county commissioners voted this week to authorize the county attorney to pursue a court injunction against Lecanto Sand LLC, seeking to halt unpermitted activity at the company's 70-acre property west of Homosassa Trail, just days after rejecting a separate 44-acre proposal from the same company.
In Public Safety, CCSO is asking for help locating a stolen golf cart taken from a Lecanto resident last week, and investigating a string of vehicle burglaries in the Rock Crusher neighborhood caught on home security cameras early Monday morning. And Florida researchers want just 15 minutes of your time: pull up a patch of flowers and help scientists count the state's bees, butterflies, and other pollinators for an ongoing statewide effort.
Today's calendar includes the Rainbow Lakes Estates Poker Club, a Plant Swap in Dunnellon, and a free networking event at Two Guys from Italy in Homosassa Springs, with karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant coming up Thursday. And whatever else is on your plate today, it's also National Fajita Day, so there's a good excuse for dinner tonight.
Crystal River, FL Area Weather

Local News and Information
Local Government & Community News
Reminder: Today Is Primary Election Day. Get Out and Vote.
Today is Primary Election Day in Citrus County, and for several races on the ballot, today's results are the final word. Many of this cycle's contests are drawing candidates from only one party, which means whoever wins today's primary wins the seat outright, with no rematch in November. Polls are open until 7 p.m., so if you haven't voted yet, there's still time to make sure your voice counts in the races that matter most close to home.
Citrus County Commissioners voted Monday to authorize the county attorney to pursue a court injunction against Lecanto Sand LLC, seeking to halt what officials describe as unpermitted activity on the company's 70-acre property west of Homosassa Trail. The move comes less than a week after commissioners voted 5-0 to reject a separate Lecanto Sand proposal for 44 acres off South McClure Point, near the Suncoast Parkway extension. Residents near both sites have raised concerns about truck traffic and environmental impacts throughout the dispute. No court date has been announced yet. Read More -->
Florida researchers are asking residents to spend just 15 minutes in their own yard counting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators for an ongoing statewide count. Organizers say the data helps track pollinator health and identify areas where populations may be declining. No special equipment or experience is needed, just a patch of flowers and a few minutes to record what you see. Full instructions for participating are available through the Chronicle. Read More -->
Public Safety News
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for help locating a golf cart stolen from a Lecanto resident sometime between Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14. The cart, a blue 2020 Club Car Precedent with blue and black seats, matching rims, and a gold U.S. Army Retired placard on the front bumper, was last seen around 7:30 a.m. that Friday. Anyone with information is asked to contact CCSO and reference case number 26-00008421. Read More -->
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is investigating multiple vehicle burglaries in the Rock Crusher neighborhood that occurred between 1 and 5 a.m. Monday, August 16. Surveillance footage captured three subjects, possibly juvenile males, along with a dark-colored SUV believed to be connected to the break-ins. Deputies are asking residents in the area to check home security camera footage from those early morning hours. Anyone with information is asked to call 352-249-2790. Read More -->
I'm 63 With $1.5M. Can I Spend $10K a Month?
You’ve saved $1.5 million. Now comes the real test.
Can it produce $10,000 a month, or will that pace drain your portfolio?
Most retirees do not get a clear answer until it is too late.
The issue is not just how much you have. It is whether your portfolio was built to pay you, not just grow.
That difference can determine whether your money lasts decades or starts breaking down early.
Sequence of returns, taxes on withdrawals, healthcare costs, and whether the 4% rule still applies all play a role.
Fiduciary advisors created a breakdown showing what drives sustainable income and why the same $1.5M can produce very different outcomes.
If you have $1M or more invested, do not guess.
Local Event & Happenings
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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Mosquito Control Facility Tour
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10 AM – 11:00 AM
Citrus County Mosquito Control District
968 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join us for a presentation and tour of our mosquito control facility. We will start with a presentation on mosquito control practices, how you can prevent mosquitoes at home, and then finish with a to…
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Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen - every Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Old Schoolhouse Community Center
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-Turn for Christ, Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 7 AM – 9:00 AM
American Legion Post #155
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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Ocala Blue Star Mothers (20% Fundraiser) @ Five Guys - Lecanto
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Five Guys
1838 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461-9680
20% of your purchase goes to Ocala Blue Star Mothers and will be used to support our veterans and military service members. Lecanto location only.
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August Chamber Mixer
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 5 PM – 7:00 PM
Village Powersports
2295 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
🏁 August Chamber Mixer: Networking in the Fast Lane 🏁 Hosted by Village Powersports Join us on Thursday, August 20th, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Village Powersports in Homosassa for an evening of networ…
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Belly Dancing Class -- EVERY THURSDAY
Thursday | August 20, 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 <3 <3 MENTION THIS AD AND YOUR FIRST CLASS IS FREE <3 <3 Thursdays, 5:30 beginners & 6:30 Advanced at: $5 Old Homosassa Civic Club 5530 S Maso…
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Local Live Entertainment
Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->
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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team

