Good morning, Crystal River! Your City Council just secured another year of seasonal parking help at Three Sisters Springs, so you can beat the crowds instead of circling for a spot. We're also taking a moment to remember Judge Patricia "Trish" Thomas, whose decades of service shaped Citrus County long after she left the bench.

On a lighter note, Crystal River High School surprised its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class in person, and every Citrus County Schools student gets free breakfast and lunch again this year, no forms required. A local country music writer is also getting some Nashville-sized attention for her new book.

Grab your coffee (or an umbrella, storms are in the forecast most of the week) and keep scrolling for school open house dates, three ribbon cuttings, a small business networking meetup, and more.

Springs parking funding extended another year. Great news for anyone tired of parking headaches near Three Sisters Springs. The City Council agreed to keep seasonal parking attendants at the Visitor Center for another year, earmarking $42,695 in the budget for three attendants to manage the usual conflicts that pop up around the springs. It's only a temporary fix while city leaders work toward a permanent parking solution. Read more.

Remembering Judge Patricia "Trish" Thomas. Citrus County is honoring a true legend. Judge Thomas made history as the county's first woman judge, but her impact stretched far beyond that title. She served with fairness, humility, and compassion on the bench, then continued her unwavering service to Citrus County long after retirement. Read the full tribute.

Sound Off: what your neighbors are talking about. This week's Sound Off covers county spending, commissioner salaries, the Riverwalk, traffic, the animal shelter, golf carts, growth, and taxes. See what your neighbors are saying, and join the conversation. Join in.

Saturday Night in Town Square kicks off with a splash. Crystal River's inaugural Saturday Night in Town Square was a hit, cloudy skies and all. The Cats Band brought the live music and local vendors brought the food and finds. If you missed the debut, keep an eye out for the next one. See the recap.

Crystal River native lands a Nashville book deal. Lauren Black, editor-in-chief of Country Now, has published Country Music Forever: An A to Z Celebration of Icons, Songs, and Stories. The Crystal River native's journey from our community to interviewing country music's biggest stars is a hometown pride story worth sharing. Read her story.

CRHS surprises its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class. Crystal River High School made some special deliveries this week, notifying its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees in person. Congratulations to Lanna Hough-Wentworth, Clayton Trenary, Cliff Dyer, and Coach Earl Bramlett, along with the 2019 Softball Team. See the full list.

Free breakfast and lunch for every CCS student, all year. Every Citrus County Schools student will get free breakfast and lunch throughout the entire 2026-2027 school year, no applications or meal forms required. Families should still get familiar with the MealViewer app and MySchoolBucks before the first bell. Details here.

Open House is this week. The countdown to the new school year is on. Open House events are happening this week, your chance to meet your student's teachers and explore campus. Be sure your FOCUS Parent Portal account and annual forms are complete before you go. Check your school's flyer.

Unlimited everything. No contract. Just $25/mo. With Tello, you get reliable 5G coverage, zero hidden fees, and none of the bundles you never wanted.

Build Your Own Tello Plan

Welcome Back CCSD Employees
Tuesday, August 4 | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Lecanto High School, 3810 W Educational Path, Lecanto
The annual event welcoming back CCSD admin, support staff, and teachers for the new school year, with breakfast and an expo.

Ericsson Notary & Services Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, August 4 | 4:30 PM
Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, 915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River
Celebrate the grand opening of Ericsson Notary & Services as its newest Chamber ribbon cutting.

Sutherland Enterprises Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday, August 4 | 4:30 PM
Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, 915 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River
Join the Chamber in welcoming its newest member.

BNI Small Business Networking Meet-up
Thursday, August 6 | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
American Legion Post 155, 6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River
Citrus County's small business networking group welcomes visitors. Open networking starts at 7am, meeting runs 7:30-9am.

Belly Dancing Class
Thursday, August 6 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club, 5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa
$5 per class, beginners at 5:30 and advanced at 6:30. Mention this ad for a free first class.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, please [Subscribe Now] to get it sent directly to your inbox every day.

We're here to help support local businesses, and to see the community grow together. If there is anything that you'd like to suggest to us, just reply to this email and it'll come right to our editor.

Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team