Good morning, Crystal River! It's Friday, October 30, and the day looks partly cloudy with a high of 84 and a low of 69. It's also National Candy Corn Day, so we have to ask: are you team candy corn or team leave it in the bowl?

In the news, Citrus County was awarded $3 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for septic-to-sewer conversion and upgrade projects, which Housing Services says will support 385 more households. Commissioners bid farewell to Diana Finegan and Rebecca Bays ahead of two new commissioners taking office November 17, and Fire Rescue is sharing Halloween safety tips. In school news, three Pirates won district gold medals and Lecanto High is spotlighting senior track standout Adrianna Miller.

Tonight, Citrus Springs Blocktoberfest runs from 5:45 to 8:45 PM, the Jump Fit Halloween Glow Party lights up Crystal River, and Memphis style music plays at KC Wine Bistro. On Saturday, Scarecrow Fest fills downtown Crystal River from 10 AM to 5 PM, The Mordigans Band and the Rick Lynn Band play Town Square, and Crystal River Blocktoberfest starts at 5:45 PM. Food truck fans can find Medilish Grill at Crystal Isles RV Resort tonight, and Sunday brings showers and a few storms, so keep an umbrella handy. Happy Halloween weekend, Crystal River, and save some candy corn for the trick-or-treaters!

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.
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Septic Upgrade Program Can Help 385 More Citrus Households
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County was awarded $3 million from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for septic-to-sewer conversion and upgrade projects. Housing Services Director Michelle Alford says the money will let the county support 385 additional households, bringing the total to 1,077 households helped through earlier awards of around $5.3 million and this one.
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Citrus Commissioners Bid Farewell to Finegan and Bays
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County commissioners bid farewell to Diana Finegan and Rebecca Bays, honoring their service and reflecting on the county's future. Two new commissioners will take office Nov. 17.
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Citizens Academy Class Hears From County Administrator
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County's current Citizens Academy class is in its 9th session, learning how local government services and operations work. County Administrator Steve Howard stopped by to greet and speak with the residents, and the county points to citruscounty.gov/academy for more on the program.
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Chamber's Business Appreciation Month Ends Saturday
Citrus County Chamber of Commerce
Business Appreciation Month wraps up Saturday, October 31, so there are only a few days left to use the Member to Member Benefits offered by fellow Chamber members. The Chamber has posted flyers with the available deals, discounts and perks, and the month is presented by Nick Nicholas Ford.
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VFW Post 10087 Honors Four First Responders
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
VFW Post 10087 in Beverly Hills hosted a National First Responders Day ceremony honoring Captain Montgomery, Detective Keszthelyi, Master Deputy Ruby and Communications Officer Whitaker for their contributions to their agency and the community. The post says each member helps keep the county safe, whether serving in the field or supporting from within.
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TGH Crystal River Visits Fire Rescue With Halloween Treats
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Staff from TGH Crystal River paid a surprise visit to Citrus County Fire Rescue headquarters with treats, challenge coins and a little Halloween spirit, dressed up for the occasion. Fire Rescue says it is grateful for the partnership with the hospital in caring for the community.
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Fire Rescue Shares Halloween Safety Tips
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Citrus County Fire Rescue is sharing Halloween safety tips: choose flame-resistant costumes, carry flashlights or glow sticks, and add reflective materials to costumes and treat bags so drivers can see trick-or-treaters. It also suggests battery-operated candles in jack-o'-lanterns and asks drivers to slow down in residential neighborhoods, especially after dark.
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Superintendent Joins Falcon Focus at Citrus Springs Middle
Citrus Springs Middle School
Superintendent Dr. Hebert joined October's Falcon Focus at Citrus Springs Middle School, where he sampled candy from around the globe and learned a little about diamond dot art and STEM. The school credits the Citrus County Education Foundation for making its Falcon Focus days possible.
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Three Pirates Win District Gold Medals, Advance to Regionals
Crystal River High School
Sophia Campa, Maya Szylkowski and Cullen Alford won district gold medals for the Pirates, and all three advance to Regionals.
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Lecanto Senior Adrianna Miller Is a Track Standout
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High School is spotlighting senior Adrianna Miller, a multiple-time district champion, regional champion, state medalist and three-time state qualifier on the track. She also plays basketball and has served as team captain in nearly every sport she has played.
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Lecanto Students Asked to Wear Green and Gold Friday
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High is asking students to show their Panther pride by wearing green and gold to school on Friday.
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Lecanto High Spanish Club Invites New Members
Lecanto High School
Students curious about Spanish language, culture, food and music are invited to join the LHS Spanish Club. The club meets for cultural celebrations, games, crafts, movies and discussions while planning special events, and students can see Señor Sullivan for more information.
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Video: Highlights From Crystal River's Win Over Citrus
Citrus County Chronicle
The Citrus County Chronicle has posted video highlights of Crystal River's win over Citrus. Part 1 is available on the paper's Facebook page, and a Part 2 has been posted as well.
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Fall Festival
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
LDS Church
Fall Festival at the LDS church in Lecanto, 4 to 9 PM Friday. Check the event page for details.
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River School After Dark
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 9 PM
Halloween night for kids 5 to 12: night fishing, lighted kayak paddle, haunted golf cart ride, pumpkin archery and costume contest. $75 per child.
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Citrus Springs Blocktoberfest (Free Fall Festival)
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 5:45 PM – 8:45 PM
Citrus Springs Blocktoberfest site
Free fall festival hosted by Crystal River Church of God with bounce houses, rock wall, laser tag, face painting, candy, cotton candy, popcorn and community food trucks.
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JUMP FIT HALLOWEEN GLOW PARTY!
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 6 PM – 8 PM
Sculpt & Flow Studios
28 NE 4th Street, Crystal River, FL 34429
Jump Fit is an upbeat, low-impact cardio class on rebounder boots, and costumes are encouraged. Classes run 6 to 7 PM or 7 to 8 PM. $35 if you need boots, $15 if you own boots.
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Hilthon Haunt Kids Night
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 7 PM – 9 PM
Kids Night at the Hilthon Haunt in Homosassa, 7 to 9 PM Friday. $5 donation.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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!
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Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe (Shaved Ice | Smoothies | Desserts)
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM
2431 S Suncoast Blvd (Homosassa)
2431 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Seafood, Southern, Cajun)
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Unlimited Shaved Ice Cafe (Shaved Ice | Smoothies | Desserts)
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Eagle Buick GMC
Homosassa, FL 34448
View Appearance Details →

Medilish Grill (Mediterranean | Kabobs | Wraps)
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Crystal Isles RV Resort
11419 W Fort Island Trl, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Appearance Details →

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.

LIVE Music! with Jim Green at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 5 PM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
Jim Green blends classic rock, oldies, blues and country. Food truck on site, beer and wine at the Best Catch Club. No car cruise-in this week; Trunk or Treat Cruise In is Sat 10/31.
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Memphis Style Music at KC Wine Bistro
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
KC Wine Bistro
564 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Live music at KC Wine Bistro in downtown Crystal River. The event listing describes it as "Memphis live" with the tagline "Music sounds better here."
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Hair of the Dog at Silver Moon Tavern
Hair of the Dog
Friday | October 30, 2026 | 8 PM
Silver Moon Tavern
3025 S US 41, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Friday rock night with the band Hair of the Dog at Silver Moon Tavern in Dunnellon. Live music and cold drinks.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team