Crystal River's got plenty brewing this Wednesday. A new BJ's Wholesale Club is on its way to Citrus County, and residents and officials already have a growing list of concerns about what it will mean for the area. Down at the waterfront, city leaders are weighing what a Pete's Pier project would actually cost Crystal River. On the housing front, the county's SHIP program has helped 97 local families find their footing, and four months after a fire tore through Hometown Deli, the local favorite is finally back open and ready to serve you again.

In safety news, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is investigating after one person was found dead following a structure fire in Inverness, and the office has also suspended its license plate reader program countywide. Over in schools, the Citrus County School Board is pushing for a bigger say when outside agencies investigate district matters.

And rain or shine, Crystal River's Jimmy Buffett tribute weekend carried on despite the weather, so there is plenty more to keep you busy too, from a Wednesday morning wellness walk to First Friday's live music and food trucks downtown. Keep scrolling for all the details on events, food trucks, and live entertainment happening around town this week.

Before BJ’s opens, concerns are piling up
A new BJ’s Wholesale Club is on its way to Citrus County, and as opening day approaches, residents and local officials are raising a growing list of concerns about its impact on the surrounding area.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

Crystal River weighs costs as Pete’s Pier talks continue
Talks over the future of Pete’s Pier are continuing in Crystal River, with city officials now weighing what the project would cost the city.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

SHIP funds open doors for 97 families
Citrus County’s State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP) program has helped 97 local families with housing assistance, putting state funding toward keeping homeownership within reach.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

Rain can’t wash away Buffett spirit in Crystal River
Rain didn’t keep Crystal River’s Parrotheads away this weekend, as the city’s Jimmy Buffett manatee-legacy celebration carried on despite the wet weather.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

They came back: Four months after a tragic fire, Hometown Deli doors reopen
Four months after a fire tore through Hometown Deli, the local favorite has reopened its doors, giving the community back a beloved spot for a meal.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

One person found dead following fire in Inverness
One person was found dead Tuesday after a structure fire in the 6100 block of East Banner Lane in Inverness, according to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, which continues to investigate.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

Sheriff suspends Citrus County license plate reader program
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office has suspended its license plate reader program, pulling back on the camera system used to track vehicles traveling through the county.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

Board seeks more say over outside investigations
The Citrus County School Board is pushing for a greater voice when outside agencies investigate district matters, seeking more input before those inquiries move forward.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Read More →

The professionals pulling ahead aren't working more. They're using Claude.

Our free guide will show you how to:

Transform your workflow with AI and stay ahead of the curve with this comprehensive guide to using Claude at work.

Get The Free Guide

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…
View Event Details →

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.
View Event Details →

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…
View Event Details →

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…
View Event Details →

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
View Event Details →

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 at: $5 Old Homosassa Civic Club 5530 S Mason Cre…
View Event Details →

First Friday
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
123 NW US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Join us at Town Square every first Friday of the month for live music, shopping vendors, lawn games, food trucks, and visiting our downtown bars and restaurants.
View Event Details →

Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominoes Club 🎲 Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday evening? Join us for Dominoes Club at the RLE Clubhouse! Whether you’re a seasoned player or just learning, everyone…
View Event Details →

Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Wednesday | September 2, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
View Appearance Details →

Know a local business that deserves a little love? Reply to this newsletter and let us know who we should spotlight in a future issue.

Not seeing your favorite restaurant listed? Reply to this newsletter and let us know your go-to place for date night.

Hippy Gypsy Friday's at Papa Willies
Hippy Gypsy
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
4105 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL
Write it down. Just to make it a little easier. Every first Friday for the rest of our lives - 7pm to 10pm. Papa Willies- Home of Hippy Gypsy. Starting in 2026
View Event Details →

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