Jimmy Buffett Day returns to Town Square. Mark your calendar for Sunday, Aug. 30, from 4:30-8 PM, when the city celebrates Jimmy Buffett Day with live music from The Landsharks, straight from Margaritaville in Key West. Leave the coolers and outside alcohol at home; downtown Entertainment District businesses have food and drinks covered. Event shirts are pre-order only this year. Details here.

Visitors spent $428 million in Citrus County last year. A new county tourism report shows guests pumped $428 million into the local economy and generated $37 million in tax revenue, money that helps fund public services, jobs, and infrastructure from Homosassa to Inglis. Read the full report.

Citrus Springs is driving the county's growth. New homes continue to reshape Citrus Springs, which now accounts for about 40% of all new residential construction county-wide, more than any other area. See what's driving it.

Campaign finance gap widens ahead of the Aug. 18 primary. New filings show District 2 challenger Stacey Worthington has outraised incumbent Diana Finegan, while District 4's Rebecca Bays has more than doubled the combined total of her challengers. See the numbers.

Crystal River's first Saturday Night in Town Square draws a crowd. Despite cloudy skies, the city's debut Saturday Night in Town Square pulled in a strong turnout for live music from The Cats Band, local vendors, and food. See the recap.

Neighbors sound off on county spending, salaries, and growth. This week's Sound Off community column rounds up local opinion on county spending, commissioner salaries, the Riverwalk, traffic, the animal shelter, golf carts, growth, and taxes. Join the conversation.

Crystal River native publishes a country music A-to-Z. cLauren Black, a Crystal River native and editor-in-chief of Country Now, has published "Country Music Forever: An A to Z Celebration of Icons, Songs, and Stories," drawing on her journey from Crystal River to Nashville. Read her story.

Homosassa boarding facility owner arrested after animal cruelty investigation. Nicole Palmer, 43, owner of Pampered Paws Ranch, faces two felony counts of animal cruelty after two boarded dogs died and eight others were found in severe neglect, including no visible water and dangerously hot conditions. Read the full story.

Student Baker Acts hit a six-year low. Citrus County Schools reported just 11 Baker Act cases last school year, the lowest in six years. The School Board also approved a $1.33 million Mental Health Assistance Plan to keep funding school psychologists, social workers, and community resource connections. Read more.

Crystal River Middle and Lecanto Primary crowned inaugural Spirit Stick Champions. The two schools took home the first-ever District Welcome Back Spirit Stick after a high-energy competition full of dancing mascots and school pride. The Citrus County Education Foundation is also handing out bonus spending money to several other schools that brought it. See who else won.

Local veterans invited to share their stories in the classroom. The 2026 Veterans In The Classroom program is looking for veterans willing to talk with students across Citrus County Schools about their military experience. Learn how to sign up.

Class of 2027: your first senior event is Aug. 14. Lecanto High's Senior Sunrise kicks off the school year with donuts, photos, and a guest speaker at the LHS Stadium Field, Friday, Aug. 14, from 6:30-7:30 AM. Details here.

Free Pirates football, Friday night. Crystal River High is inviting the community out to Bramlett Stadium this Friday, Aug. 7, to cheer on the Pirates, and admission is free. More info.

Health insurance costs are climbing for school district staff. Citrus County Schools officials say medical claims are outpacing the employee health plan, and they're preparing for likely changes to premiums and deductibles for teachers and staff in 2027. Read more.

CRHS Open House Thursday, Freshman Orientation Friday. Crystal River High welcomes 10th-12th graders to Open House on Thursday, Aug. 6, from 4-6 PM to meet teachers and walk schedules, details here, followed by Freshman Orientation for incoming ninth-graders on Friday, Aug. 7. more info.

BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | August 6, 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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BELLY DANCING CLASS
Thursday | August 6, 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…
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Belly Dancing Class -- EVERY THURSDAY
Thursday | August 6, 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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First Friday
Friday | August 7, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
City of Crystal River Government
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.
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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 5, 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 6, 2026 | 6 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 6, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Wallace Blvd. @ Eagles Post #4272
Wallace Blvd.
Friday | August 7, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Eagles Post #4272
5340 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd., Homosassa, FL
Rocking the Eagles
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Hippy Gypsy @ Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
Hippy Gypsy
Friday | August 7, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill (Crystal River, FL)
8115 W. Ferwerda Ct., Crystal River, FL 34428
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
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Big Worley's BBQ & Burger (BBQ | Burgers)
Friday | August 7, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Homosassa Distillery Co
8759 W. Tradeways Ct, Homosassa, FL 34448
View Food Truck Info -->

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