Good morning, Crystal River! Tuesday's primary races wrapped up with clear results: Robert People has secured the Democratic nomination for US House District 23, and former school administrator Mike Mullen won the District 3 School Board seat outright. Meanwhile, a judge has put the brakes on an 80-home development planned for Pine Ridge's former golf course, pausing construction while a legal challenge from residents plays out.

If you're heading outside tonight, know that Citrus County Mosquito Control will be conducting helicopter spray treatments over Crystal River as part of routine mosquito control efforts. Gulf Coast communities, including our own, are also weighing new storm-defense strategies to reduce damage from future storms. And CCSO responded to a crash that closed lanes on US 19 near N Turkey Oak Drive Tuesday morning, so that stretch should be back to normal by today.

On the calendar this week: a Mosquito Control Facility Tour, the BNI networking breakfast, an August Chamber Mixer at Village Powersports, and a Cruise In Car Show at Brooks Dockside Seafood on Friday, plus live music at Bree's Riverside Restaurant all week long. It's also National Aviation Day and World Humanitarian Day, so take a moment to appreciate both the folks who keep us flying and those who show up for people in need. Have a great Wednesday!

US House District 23: Robert People Wins Democratic Primary

Robert People has won Tuesday's Democratic primary for Florida's US House District 23, officially securing his party's nomination. The win sets up a general election matchup this November, with the district covering Citrus County among other Gulf Coast counties. Full vote totals and turnout figures have not yet been published. Read More -->

Judge Halts 80-Home Development on Former Pine Ridge Golf Course

A judge has put plans for 80 new homes on Pine Ridge's former golf course property on hold, following pushback from Pine Ridge residents even after county commissioners had approved the development. The ruling pauses construction while the legal challenge plays out, and no timeline has been set for a final decision. Residents who opposed the project cited concerns about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood. Read More -->

Mosquito Control Helicopter Spraying Over Crystal River Tonight

The Citrus County Mosquito Control District will conduct low-flying helicopter spray treatments over Crystal River tonight as part of routine mosquito control efforts. Residents planning to be outside this evening should check the source post for guidance on the treatment area and any precautions before heading out. The district has not specified an exact time window for tonight's flights. Read More -->

Florida's Gulf Coast Communities Build Defenses Against Future Storms

Gulf Coast communities across Florida, including areas like Citrus County, are exploring new storm-defense strategies as coastal flooding and severe weather remain an ongoing concern. Local leaders and experts are weighing options designed to reduce damage from future storms rather than simply responding after the fact. Specific plans and funding sources for any Citrus County projects have not yet been detailed. Read More -->

CCSO Responded to Crash That Closed Lanes on US 19 Tuesday Morning

Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies and first responders closed lanes of US 19 near N Turkey Oak Drive in Crystal River Tuesday morning after a vehicle accident. Drivers in the area were asked to seek alternate routes while crews worked the scene. No further details on injuries or the cause of the crash were available at the time of this report. Read More -->

Former School District Administrator Mike Mullen Wins District 3 School Board Seat

Mike Mullen, a former Citrus County School District administrator, won Tuesday's election for the District 3 School Board seat. Mullen's background in school administration was a central theme of his campaign, and voters chose him to bring that experience directly to the board. Full results and vote totals for the race have not yet been published. Read More -->

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Mosquito Control Facility Tour
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10 AM – 11:00 AM
Citrus County Mosquito Control District
968 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join us for a presentation and tour of our mosquito control facility. We will start with a presentation on mosquito control practices, how you can prevent mosquitoes at home, and then finish with a to…
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Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen - every Wednesday 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m
Wednesday | August 19, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Old Schoolhouse Community Center
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-Turn for Christ, Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | August 20, 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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Ocala Blue Star Mothers (20% Fundraiser) @ Five Guys - Lecanto
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Five Guys
1838 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461-9680
20% of your purchase goes to Ocala Blue Star Mothers and will be used to support our veterans and military service members. Lecanto location only.
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August Chamber Mixer
Thursday | August 20, 2026 | 5 PM – 7:00 PM
Village Powersports
2295 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
🏁 August Chamber Mixer: Networking in the Fast Lane 🏁 Hosted by Village Powersports Join us on Thursday, August 20th, from 5 PM to 7 PM at Village Powersports in Homosassa for an evening of networ…
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Belly Dancing Class -- EVERY THURSDAY
Thursday | August 20, 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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Cruise In Car Show @ Brooks Dockside Seafood
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Wednesday | August 19, 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 20, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Jeff Brown at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Jeff Brown
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Never 2 Late Duo at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Never 2 Late Duo
Friday | August 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details -->

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