Good morning, Crystal River! Tuesday's edition leads with money and dirt: Crystal River is looking at water and sewer rate increases of 10.5 percent in each of the next two years, and a proposed 70-acre sand mine in Lecanto heads to county commissioners with nearby residents raising concerns about buffers and truck traffic.

Elsewhere, Florida's Democratic U.S. Senate primary is testing progressive momentum in the state, a new commentary warns proposed changes to the Endangered Species Act could threaten manatee habitat right here on the Nature Coast, and a Nature Coast writer argues science belongs on the ballot this fall. Citrus County Schools also kicked off the 2026-2027 year yesterday, with buses rolling out before sunrise and students back in the classroom.

On the calendar: Florida Coast Cooling celebrates a Chamber ribbon cutting this afternoon, the Weeknight jackpot buckle series runs Wednesday in Dunnellon, and an Open Music Jam hits Bree's Riverside Restaurant Wednesday evening. And since today is National Son's and Daughter's Day, give the kids in your life an extra hug tonight. Enjoy your Tuesday!

Crystal River Residents Could Face Water and Sewer Rate Hikes

City leaders are reviewing a proposed five-year plan that includes water and sewer rate increases of 10.5 percent in each of the next two years, driven by rising operating costs and roughly $60.7 million in infrastructure needs. Read More -->

Proposed 70-Acre Sand Mine in Lecanto Heads to County Commissioners

A proposed 70-acre sand mine in Lecanto is up for review by county commissioners, pitched as a supply source for continued construction. Nearby residents have raised concerns about buffers and increased truck traffic. Read More -->

Florida's Democratic U.S. Senate Primary Tests Progressive Momentum

Angie Nixon and Alex Vindman are competing for the chance to challenge Republican Senator Ashley Moody, staking out different positions on wages, Israel and campaign strategy. Read More -->

Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species Act Could Threaten Manatee Habitat

A new commentary warns that proposed federal changes to the Endangered Species Act could weaken habitat protections that manatees and other threatened species rely on, with potential consequences for the Crystal and Homosassa rivers. Read More -->

Commentary: Science Is on the Ballot This Fall

Nature Coast writer Joe Murphy argues that Florida needs leaders willing to embrace science-based solutions on issues ranging from education and hurricanes to climate change and public health. Read More -->

First Day of School: 2026-2027 Year Kicks Off Across Citrus County

Buses rolled out before sunrise and students returned to classrooms across Citrus County Schools as the 2026-2027 school year officially got underway. Read More -->

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Florida Coast Cooling Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Tuesday | August 11, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Florida Coast Cooling
6431 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
View Event Details -->

$250 added Weeknight jackpot buckle series
Wednesday | August 12, 2026 | 6:30 PM
FlyN Feather Farm
7855 W. Adirondack St., Dunnellon, FL 34433
Flyer for details
View Event Details -->

BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | August 13, 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…
View Event Details -->

The UPS Store #8242 Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Thursday | August 13, 2026 | 4:30 PM
The UPS Store #8242
9475 S Suncoast Blvd A9, Homosassa, FL 34446
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
View Event Details -->

Belly Dancing Class -- EVERY THURSDAY
Thursday | August 13, 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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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 12, 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 13, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team