Good morning, Crystal River! Wednesday's edition leads with two big local government stories: county commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to reject the controversial 70-acre sand mine proposed in Lecanto and directed the county attorney to pursue an injunction, while Crystal River city leaders are weighing four paths forward for a permanent City Hall nearly three years after Hurricane Idalia forced them out, with costs ranging from $2.5 million to $11 million.

Elsewhere, the Friends of the Citrus County Library System are marking 25 years and nearly $1.6 million raised for local libraries, every Citrus County Schools student gets free breakfast and lunch this year with no paperwork required, and Crystal River High School's Pirates kick off their 2026 football season with the return of Friday Night Lights. Also on tap: the repaved road into Crystal River Archaeological State Park is open for smoother trail and kayak-launch access, gas prices are holding steady countywide, and Frank Julian's new musical "The Chick Magnets" opens at the Valerie Theatre.

On the calendar: the Weeknight jackpot buckle series runs tonight in Dunnellon, Death By Hummuscide food truck rolls into Aggregation Distilling Company Friday, and live music fills Bree's Riverside Restaurant and St. Johns Tavern this week. And since today is National Vinyl Record Day, maybe dig out an old record while you're at it. Enjoy your Wednesday!

County Commissioners Unanimously Reject Lecanto Sand Mine

Citrus County commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to reject the controversial 70-acre sand mine proposed off South McClure Point in Lecanto, following months of pushback from nearby residents over buffers and truck traffic. The unanimous denial blocks Lecanto Sand LLC's application to mine the property. Commissioners went a step further, directing the county attorney to pursue an injunction against the applicant. The vote marks a decisive end, at least for now, to a fight that had drawn significant concern from nearby residents. Read More -->

Crystal River Weighs Four Paths Forward for City Hall, Nearly Three Years After Idalia

Nearly three years after Hurricane Idalia forced Crystal River's city government out of its City Hall, council members are weighing four options for what comes next: repair the existing building, renovate it, rebuild from scratch, or pursue a hybrid approach. Cost estimates for the options range from roughly $2.5 million to as much as $11 million, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. The decision carries an added wrinkle, since council members must also decide whether a rebuilt or renovated City Hall stays in its current downtown location at all. City leaders are expected to weigh cost, timeline, and downtown presence as they move toward a final decision in the coming months. Read More -->

Friends of the Citrus County Library System Mark 25 Years, Nearly $1.6 Million Raised

The Friends of the Citrus County Library System (FOCCLS) are celebrating 25 years of turning donated books and volunteer hours into funding for local libraries, having raised nearly $1.6 million over that span. The all-volunteer group is now preparing for its next major book sale fundraiser. Organizers say they need more storage space and more volunteers to keep the sales running at the scale they have in recent years. FOCCLS is asking the community to help however it can, whether by donating books, volunteering time, or turning out to shop the next sale. Read More -->

Repaving Complete on Road to Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Repaving work is complete on the state park road leading to the Crystal River Archaeological State Park, including access to the 7-Mile and Mullet Hole Trails and both of the park's free kayak launches, according to Friends of the Crystal River State Parks. The freshly paved road replaces what had become a bumpy, pothole-riddled approach to the park. Visitors planning a hike on the Mullet Hole Trail or a paddle from one of the free launches should find easier, smoother access going forward. The park remains free to enter and is one of Crystal River's most-visited outdoor destinations. Read More -->

'The Chick Magnets' Musical Opens at the Valerie Theatre

Frank Julian's latest musical, "The Chick Magnets," opens at the Valerie Theatre, following an aging band as they get back together for one more shot at glory. The show promises laughs, an original score, a love story, and a soundtrack that leans into 1980s rock nostalgia, including a nod to Bon Jovi. It's Julian's newest local production after a string of past shows staged at the same venue. Tickets and showtimes are available through the Valerie Theatre's box office. Read More -->

Gas Prices Hold Steady, But Citrus County Drivers Can Still Save by Shopping Around

Florida gas prices held relatively steady this week, but Citrus County drivers can still find real savings by comparing stations, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. Prices Monday ranged from about $3.69 a gallon in Homosassa to $3.99 in Inverness, a roughly 30-cent swing within the county. Prices could shift again depending on global oil markets and refinery activity in the weeks ahead. Drivers are encouraged to compare prices before filling up rather than stopping at the first station they pass. Read More -->

Citrus County Schools Offering Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students in 2026-2027

Every student in Citrus County Schools will receive free breakfast and lunch throughout the 2026-2027 school year, the district announced, with no applications or meal forms required. The program covers all students districtwide regardless of household income. Families should know that each student's ID number will double as their lunch number in the cafeteria system. Parents can check daily menus ahead of time through the district's MealViewer app. Read More -->

Friday Night Lights Return: Crystal River High School Pirates Open 2026 Football Season

Crystal River High School's football season is back: Pirate Country announced this week that Friday Night Lights returns, kicking off the Pirates' 2026 season opener. The post capped months of offseason anticipation with a rallying cry for fans to pack the stands for the opening kickoff. Specific game time and opponent details weren't included in the announcement, so check the school's athletics channels for the latest. It's the unofficial start of fall sports season in Crystal River. Read More -->

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$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…
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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.
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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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Death By Hummuscide (Hummus | Greek)
Friday | August 14, 2026 | 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US-19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Food Truck Info -->

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
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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
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Jorge Valentine Band @ St. Johns Tavern
Jorge Valentine
Friday | August 14, 2026 | 8 PM – 10 PM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs! We perform hits from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Ed Sheeran, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Nickelback, Linkin Park…
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