Citrus County commissioners are weighing whether to appeal or accept a judge's ruling in the long-running Pine Ridge golf-course fight. Meanwhile, Habitat for Humanity of the Nature Coast is gearing up to break ground on its 300th Citrus County home next month, and $800,000 in state funding is headed to Chassahowitzka River Campground to repair storm damage and upgrade the boat launch, restrooms, and parking lot.

The Chronicle's Editorial Board makes the case that County Administrator Steve Howard is overdue for a formal performance review, and columnist John Stewart writes about the mental health toll deployment can leave on local veterans. On a lighter note, Homosassa Library is throwing open its doors to Marvel, Mario, Pokémon, and K-pop cosplay for C4Con next month, and Crystal River's swim team splashed into its season opener against Springstead this week.

There's plenty happening around town too, from a ribbon cutting and golf scramble to a car show, a D&D club meetup, and live music at Bree's. Oh, and it's National Dog Day, so give your pup some extra love today. Keep scrolling for the full rundown, plus this week's events, food trucks, and live entertainment lineup.

Commissioners Face Appeal-or-Accept Decision in Pine Ridge Golf Course Fight

The long-running legal battle over development on the former Pine Ridge golf course has reached a turning point. A judge has ruled on the case, and Citrus County commissioners must now decide whether to appeal that ruling or let it stand. The outcome will shape what happens next on the contested property and could set a precedent for how future development disputes are handled in the county. Commissioners are expected to take up the decision at an upcoming meeting. Read More -->

Habitat for Humanity Set to Break Ground on 300th Citrus County Home

Habitat for Humanity of the Nature Coast will break ground on September 26 on its 300th home built in Citrus County, a milestone representing 300 local families helped into homeownership. The organization is inviting the community to a free celebration in Citrus Springs to mark the occasion. Habitat homes are built largely with volunteer labor and sold to qualifying families through affordable, no-interest mortgages. The 300-home milestone reflects decades of steady work expanding homeownership access across the county. Read More -->

$800,000 in State Funding Headed to Chassahowitzka River Campground for Storm Repairs

Chassahowitzka River Campground is set to receive $800,000 in state funding to repair damage from Hurricane Helene and complete broader upgrades. The money will fund improvements to the boat launch, restrooms, parking lot, and electrical system. The campground is a popular put-in point for boaters, paddlers, and anglers heading out onto the Chassahowitzka River. County officials say the work is intended to restore the park to full service and better withstand future storms. Read More -->

OUR OPINION: Editorial Board Says County Administrator Is Overdue for a Performance Review

In a new editorial, the Chronicle's Editorial Board argues that County Administrator Steve Howard, who has often said "what gets measured gets done," should be held to that same standard. The Board points out that Howard has gone nearly four years without a formal performance review from the County Commission. It argues that regular, documented reviews are standard practice for an executive overseeing the county's day-to-day operations and public spending, and it calls on commissioners to schedule one. This reflects the Editorial Board's opinion, not a Commission decision or statement of fact. Read More -->

Column: For Veterans, the Hardest Battles Don't Always End With Deployment

In a column for the Chronicle, writer John Stewart looks at how long separations, combat stress, physical injuries, and gaps in timely care can weigh on local veterans long after they come home. Stewart writes that these pressures contribute to rising mental health struggles within the veteran community, including elevated suicide risk. He argues that stronger local support networks and faster access to care are needed to address the problem. The piece reflects Stewart's own reporting and viewpoint on an issue affecting veterans in Citrus County and beyond. Read More -->

C4Con Brings Marvel, Mario, Pokémon, and K-pop Cosplay to Homosassa Library

The Homosassa Library is hosting C4Con on September 12, a free, family-friendly pop-culture convention featuring cosplay inspired by Marvel, Mario, Pokémon, and K-pop. The event includes gaming tournaments, trivia, LEGO building competitions, arts and crafts, and karaoke. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters. It's a low-cost way for local fans of all ages to connect over shared interests right in Homosassa. Read More -->

Crystal River Swimming Opens Season at Home Against Springstead

Crystal River's swim team opened its season Tuesday evening at the YMCA, hosting Springstead High School in a 6 p.m. meet. It was the team's first competition of the fall, kicking off a schedule that runs into the winter months. Home meets like this one give local swimmers an early measuring stick against county rivals. Look for more results and matchups as the season continues. Read More -->

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Brightway Insurance, The Wilson Agency - Nature Coast Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 4:30 PM
Brightway Insurance, The Wilson Agency
5335 S Suncoast Parkway, Homosassa, FL 34446
Join us in welcoming our newest member to the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
View Event Details -->

Thursday Evening Scramble at ZenSprings Golf Club
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 6 PM
ZenSprings Golf Club
20650 SW 80th Place Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34431
⛳️ THURSDAY EVENING BLUE TEES SCRAMBLE ⛳️ Looking for a fun way to kick off the weekend a little early? Grab your golf partner and join us every Thursday evening at ZenSprings Golf Club for our Blue…
View Event Details -->

Cruise In Car Show @ Brooks Dockside Seafood
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Event Details -->

Parent's Night Out at Sculpt & Flow Studios
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Sculpt & Flow Studios
28 NE 4th Street, Crystal River, FL 34429
🌟 Parents Night Out at Sculpt & Flow Studios! 🌟 Parents… you deserve a night off, and the kids deserve a night of fun! 🎉 Join us for a special Parents Night Out: Campfire Backyard Yoga Excursion…
View Event Details -->

Canvas Painting by Traveling Art Parties at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Rainbow Lakes Estates Dungeons & Dragons Club
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Creative Arts Center
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates 🐉 Calling all adventurers! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons Club at the RLE Creative Arts Center and embark on epic quests, battle fierce monsters,…
View Event Details -->

15-Year Reunion
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 10:30 PM – 6 PM
Lecanto High School
3810 W Educational Path, Lecanto, FL 34461
Friday, Aug 28: - Football Game versus Citrus High, special seating on track for class - Social Outing at Copps Brewery Saturday, Aug 29: - School Tour - Reunion in Cafeteria with food trucks Alumni…
View Event Details -->

Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Wednesday | August 26, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
View Food Truck Info -->

Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | August 27, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US-19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Food Truck Info -->

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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 26, 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 27, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

Mark Connors at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Mark Connors
Friday | August 28, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Event Details -->

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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team