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Inside Crystal River, FL, Issue 91, October 31, 2026 collage of local events and news

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Inside Crystal River, Issue #91
October 31, 2026

Good morning, Crystal River, and Happy Halloween! Today is also National Caramel Apple Day, so tell us: are you a plain caramel traditionalist, or do you go all in with nuts and sprinkles? Either way, it's a mostly cloudy Saturday with a high of 84 and a low of 70, so bring the lightest costume you can find. Scattered showers and isolated storms are possible Sunday and Monday, and don't forget to set your clocks back one hour tonight.

In the news, Crystal River's long-awaited Riverwalk is moving closer to completion, but it may come at the cost of a longtime public boat ramp. Heading out to trick-or-treat in Hampton Hills? A temporary traffic pattern will be in place from 5 to 8 PM. Citrus County is also receiving $7 million for septic upgrades and springs restoration projects, and Citrus County Schools delivered more than 128,000 free summer meals directly to students' homes.

Tonight is packed with Halloween fun. Scarecrow Fest moved to Halloween with 50+ craft vendors and 400 pumpkins, trunk or treats are popping up across town, and the Rick Lynn Band headlines the free Crystal River Nights concert at Town Square. Grab a bite from five food trucks along the way. Watch for little ghosts crossing the street, and save us a Snickers!

Crystal River, FL Area Weather

Crystal River five-day forecast from Saturday Oct 31 to Wednesday Nov 4, 2026. Source: Xweather

Upcoming Events to Watch

Local News and Information

Local Government & Community News

Citrus County Receives $7 Million for Septic Upgrades and Springs Restoration Projects
Nature Coaster
Nature Coaster reports that Citrus County is receiving $7 million for septic upgrades and springs restoration projects. Read the full report for details on which projects the money will fund.
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New Take 5 Oil Change Coming to Homosassa Along U.S. 19
Citrus County Chronicle
A new Take 5 Oil Change is coming to Homosassa along U.S. 19. County commissioners approved the project unanimously after getting assurances about oil spills, hurricane flooding and traffic safety.
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Crystal River Riverwalk Nears Completion, at the Cost of a Longtime Public Boat Ramp
Citrus County Chronicle
Crystal River's long-awaited Riverwalk is moving closer to completion, but at a cost: a longtime public boat ramp. City Council members agreed to move forward with negotiations despite concerns.
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Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek Wants City Council Meetings to Feel Like Conversations
Citrus County Chronicle
Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek wants City Council meetings to feel like conversations, not just three-minute speeches from residents. The Chronicle looks at how his open approach gives the public a greater voice in decisions.
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New Tractor Means Faster Storm Cleanup Along the Withlacoochee State Trail
Citrus County Chronicle
A new tractor means faster storm cleanup and safer travels along the 47-mile Withlacoochee State Trail. The tractor was made possible by a donation from the Friends of the Withlacoochee State Trail.
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Public Safety News

Hampton Hills Halloween Traffic Pattern in Place 5 to 8 PM Oct. 31
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Heading out for trick-or-treating in the Hampton Hills area of Citrus Hills? A temporary traffic pattern will be in place from 5 to 8 PM on October 31. Approved vehicles must follow one-way traffic, ATVs and UTVs are not permitted on the roadway, and the speed limit is 5 MPH or less. W Britain St between N Bowman Terrace and N Abalone Terrace will be closed to through traffic but open to pedestrians, and deputies will be stationed along the route.
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Shed Fire Outside Crystal River City Limits Prompts Fire Safety Reminder
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Citrus County Fire Rescue responded Thursday afternoon to a shed fire on N. Loquat Pt., outside the Crystal River city limits. Crews contained a brush fire that spread into the woods behind it. The property owner said a discarded cigarette may have started it, though the cause could not be determined. Fire Rescue reminds residents to dispose of cigarettes safely and keep driveways clear for emergency access.
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Local School News

CREST Students Collect Food for Local Veterans Nov. 2 Through Dec. 14
Citrus County Chronicle
CREST students are collecting nonperishable food for local veterans through the sixth annual Students Feeding Veterans food drive, running Nov. 2 through Dec. 14. Donation boxes will be at all Citrus County schools and participating businesses.
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Citrus County Schools Delivered More Than 128,000 Free Summer Meals to Students' Homes
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County Schools delivered more than 128,000 free summer meals directly to students' homes through a first-in-Florida pilot program. The Chronicle applauds the innovative effort.
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Academy of Environmental Science and Lecanto Middle Win Environmental Jeopardy
Citrus County School District
The Academy of Environmental Science took first place in the high school category, and Lecanto Middle School won the middle school category, at this year's Environmental Jeopardy Competition at the College of Central Florida. The event is part of Save Our Waters Week, with support from the Citrus County Education Foundation.
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CRHS Environmental Jeopardy Team Earns Second Place
Crystal River High School
Crystal River High School's Environmental Jeopardy team delivered an outstanding performance and a second-place finish. The school says it is proud of the students and grateful for the time, dedication and knowledge they put into representing the Pirates.
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Red Ribbon Week at Citrus Springs Middle School Brings Dress-Up Days and School Spirit
Citrus Springs Middle School
Red Ribbon Week at Citrus Springs Middle School brought dress-up days, school spirit and reminders about making good choices and saying no to drugs. Superintendent Dr. Hebert stopped by during Falcon Focus.
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Crystal River Primary Principals Dress as Bear Cubs for Halloween
Citrus County School District
Principal Christina Touchton and Assistant Principal Connie Kane dressed as Bear Cubs for Halloween at Crystal River Primary School. The school says the two never miss a chance to join the fun and help students feel welcomed and excited to learn.
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Local Event & Happenings

Nightmare on the River with Nino Breeze Project, Youngin Itz, Kenon
Friday | October 30, 2026
Nightmare on the River with Nino Breeze Project, Youngin Itz and Kenon, Friday and Saturday near Three Sisters Springs. Check the event page for start times.
View Event Details →

PUMPKINS & PILATES: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FUNDRAISER
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 9 AM – 9:45 AM
Move for a cause with Sculpt & Flow Studios! Join us Halloween morning at Growing Back to Eden farm for Pilates, pumpkin decorating, and a meaningful way to give back!
View Event Details →

BOOTH*A*TREAT Boo Bash and Costume Contests
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
Howard's Flea Market
6373 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
Free Halloween bash at Howard's Flea Market with trick-or-treating, carnival games, prizes and a kids costume contest at 1 PM.
View Event Details →

Scarecrow Fest (moved to Halloween)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Downtown Crystal River
Crystal River's free downtown fall festival, moved to Halloween, with 50+ craft vendors, food trucks, live music, games, a kids costume contest and 400 pumpkins.
View Event Details →

Trunk or Treat at American Legion Post #155
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
American Legion Post #155
6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
American Legion Post 155 Trunk or Treat Join us for a fun-filled Trunk or Treat at American Legion Post 155!
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Happy Bubble Halloween at Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 11 AM – 4 PM
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Halloween day event at the Lecanto mermaid aquarium with live mermaid shows at noon, 1:30 and 3 PM. Admission $17.50 adults, $12.50 ages 4 to 12.
View Event Details →

Misery at the Valerie Theatre
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 1:30 PM
Valerie Theatre
Saturday matinee of the stage thriller Misery about a novelist and his obsessive fan. Presented by Under Siege Enterprises. Rated adult. Tickets $20 plus fees.
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Candy Explosion
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
River Life Church
Free church parking lot Halloween night with decorated trunks, candy, food, kids activities and a giant candy drop with candy volcano eruptions.
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Cooterween
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Downtown Inverness, Courthouse Square
Free downtown Inverness Halloween night with business trick-or-treating from 5 PM, music by Delightful Entertainment, candy and a costume contest for ages 12 and under.
View Event Details →

Halloween at the Distillery
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
We have something Spook-tacular planned for Halloween at the distillery. Get your costume made and come out for some fun, spirits and boos!
View Event Details →

Crystal River Blocktoberfest (Free Fall Festival!)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Join us for our annual Blocktoberfest - Crystal River Edition! FREE food, bounce houses, rock-wall experience, laser tag, candy, face painting, cotton candy, popcorn, and so much more!
View Event Details →

Trunk or Treat & Costume Party & DJ & Karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
Halloween trunk or treat, costume party, DJ, and karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant, Nobleton.
View Event Details →

Halloween Haunted Walk and Carnival
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
St. John the Baptist Catholic Church
Free family haunted walk and carnival with costumed characters, themed scenes, candy stations, carnival games and prizes. Call the parish office at 352-489-3166.
View Event Details →

Misery at the Valerie Theatre
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 9:30 PM
Valerie Theatre
Halloween night late show of the stage thriller Misery from Under Siege Enterprises. Rated adult. Tickets $20 plus fees at the Valerie Theatre box office.
View Event Details →

Adult-Themed Halloween Party
Saturday | October 31, 2026
Nature's Resort
Adult-themed Halloween party for ages 21+ at Nature's Resort in Homosassa on Halloween night. Check the event page for times.
View Event Details →

The Little Mermaid Show at Mertailor's Aquarium
Monday | November 2, 2026 | 12 PM
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Underwater Little Mermaid show at the Lecanto aquarium at noon and 3 PM, included with admission ($17.50 adults, $12.50 ages 4 to 12). Runs Mondays through Nov 30.
View Event Details →

Local Food Trucks

Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe (Shaved Ice | Smoothies | Desserts)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 8:30 AM – 3 PM
Howard's Flea Market
6373 S. Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34446
View Appearance Details →

Sip Away (Dirty Sodas | Coffee | Beverages)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
View Appearance Details →

Brooks Dockside Seafood (Seafood, Southern, Cajun)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Appearance Details →

Sugar Daddz (Desserts | Tacos)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Crystal River Main Street
532 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
View Appearance Details →

Georgia Boy Southern BBQ & Seafood (Southern BBQ | Seafood)
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
View Appearance Details →

Local Business Spotlight

Local Restaurant Specials

Which local restaurant do you love and recommend to everyone? Reply to this newsletter and tell us, and we may feature it in a future issue.

Local Live Entertainment

Wooten & Wise at Silver Moon Tavern
Wooten & Wise
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 2 PM – 6 PM
Silver Moon Tavern
3025 S US 41, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Live Music Duo
View Event Details →

LIVE Music! with Dusty Starr Williams at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
LIVE Music with Dusty Starr Williams! Brooks Dockside Seafood Food Truck. Beer & Wine available at the Best Catch Club. Fans & Swamp Coolers Dockside.
View Event Details →

The Mordigans Band at Saturday Night in Town Square
The Mordigans Band
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
The Mordigans Band performs at Saturday Night in Town Square's Halloween edition, with a costume contest, 5 to 9 PM, free.
View Event Details →

Ridge Country Band at Crystal River Nights Concert
Ridge Country Band
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 5:30 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Opening act for the free Crystal River Nights concert at Town Square, 5 to 9 PM. Bring chairs, leave coolers and outside alcohol at home. Rick Lynn Band headlines.
View Event Details →

Halloween with Karmic Revenge at Maguire's Sports Bar
Karmic Revenge
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 7 PM
Maguire's Sports Bar
48 Hwy 19 South, Inglis, FL 34449
HALLOWEEN NIGHT JUST GOT LOUDER! Get ready for a spooky night of killer music, cold drinks, and Halloween chaos as KARMIC REVENGE takes over Maguire’s Sports Bar LIVE at 7PM!
View Event Details →

Rick Lynn Band at Crystal River Nights Concert
Rick Lynn Band
Saturday | October 31, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Crystal River Town Square
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Headliner for the free Crystal River Nights concert at Town Square, 5 to 9 PM. Hometown favorite Rick Lynn returns from Nashville. Bring chairs, no coolers.
View Event Details →

Halloween Party with Florida Rhythm Band
Florida Rhythm Band
Saturday | October 31, 2026
Copp Brewery & Winery
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Florida Rhythm Band plays 7 to 10 PM at COPP Brewery and Winery, with a costume contest and prizes. Costumes encouraged.
View Event Details →

KennaDee at Peck's Old Port Cove
KennaDee
Sunday | November 1, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 PM
Peck's Old Port Cove
139 N Ozello Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
KennaDee plays live acoustic music at Peck's Old Port Cove, 1 to 5 PM Sunday.
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Remnants Altar at November Bike Day, Silver Moon Tavern
Remnants Altar
Sunday | November 1, 2026 | 1 PM
Silver Moon Tavern
3025 S US 41, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Live music from Remnants Altar at Silver Moon Tavern's November Bike Day in Dunnellon. Biker Bites is serving food and there are cold drinks.
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100 People Said (Family Feud-style trivia)
Monday | November 2, 2026 | 7 PM
The Barrel Bar and Grille
Family Feud-style trivia night, 100 People Said, at The Barrel Bar and Grille in Homosassa, 7 PM Monday.
View Event Details →

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