Good morning, Crystal River! Today is also National Green City Day, and it feels fitting this week. More than 500 volunteers just helped Citrus County wrap up its 37th Annual Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Cleanup, hauling in over 700 pounds of debris from our local waterways.

It's a busy stretch ahead. First Friday returns to Town Square tomorrow with live music and food trucks, Rocktoberfest rocks Town Square Saturday evening, and a proposed 185-foot cell tower near town has some neighbors talking. Scroll down for the full rundown.

Thanks for starting your day with us. Now go hug a tree, or at least skip the litter near one. Happy Green City Day, Crystal River!

Art from the Heart Expands Its Schedule for Dementia Caregivers in Citrus County
Citrus County Chronicle
Art from the Heart is expanding its schedule in Citrus County, giving people living with dementia and their care partners more chances to connect through art, music and conversation.
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Crystal River Has Waited Long Enough on Kings Bay's Derelict Boats, Chronicle Says
Citrus County Chronicle
The Chronicle's editorial board says Crystal River has studied Kings Bay's derelict boat and mooring problems long enough, and it's time for the city to use the tools it already has to act.
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Chronicle's Fall Home & Garden Show Draws a Great Turnout
Citrus County Chronicle
The Chronicle's Fall Home & Garden Show drew a great turnout, with dozens of vendors filling the Citrus County Fair Auditorium to show off ideas and products for homes, yards and outdoor spaces.
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New Plan Explores More Affordable Housing Options for Citrus County
Citrus County Chronicle
A new county plan explores more affordable housing options for Citrus County, including homes priced at $200,000 or less, duplexes, triplexes and other ways to help residents find a place they can afford.
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Citrus County's Public Records Manager Placed on Leave After Data Exposure
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County's public records manager has been placed on paid administrative leave and faces possible termination after county employees' and their dependents' personal information was inadvertently exposed.
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Proposed 185-Foot Cell Tower Near Crystal River Draws Neighbor Opposition
Citrus County Chronicle
A proposed 185-foot cellphone tower near Crystal River is drawing opposition from neighbors and questions from county planners about whether it fits the surrounding area, with the plan going before commissioners.
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Citrus County Wraps Its 37th Annual Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Cleanup
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County just wrapped its 37th Annual Lakes, Rivers & Coastal Cleanup, with over 500 volunteers pulling more than 700 pounds of debris from local waterways in honor of Save Our Rivers.
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Local Sports Briefs: Crystal River's Nolan DeForest Cards a 4-Under-Par Round
Citrus County Chronicle
Tuesday's county sports action included a standout round from Crystal River golfer Nolan DeForest, who carded a 4-under-par round.
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Seven Rivers Christian Volleyball: Mariella de Beer Delivers in Crunch Time
Citrus County Chronicle
The Seven Rivers Christian volleyball team got contributions from everyone on the court Tuesday night, but it was Mariella de Beer who took over when it counted most.
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Agriculture Is More Than Tractors and Crops for 150 Citrus County Students
Citrus County Chronicle
About 150 area students got a hands-on look at careers in agriculture beyond tractors and crops, exploring drones, technology, science and skilled trades at a recent career day.
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Lecanto High's JV and Varsity Volleyball Teams Picked Up Wins Tuesday Night
Lecanto High School
Congratulations are in order for both the JV and Varsity volleyball teams at Lecanto High, who picked up wins Tuesday night.
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 7 AM – 9 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 to talk about yourself and your business) or you can just show up.
View Event Details -->

Tater Tot Thursdays at Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Fun, Enrichment, And Stimulation for toddlers at RLE Community Center
View Event Details -->

Business Builders Citrus at Luigi's Family Restaurant
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 12:01 PM – 1:01 PM
Luigi's Family Restaurant
4538 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
Come out have some lunch and tell the group about your business. The group and meet ups are free, we just ask that you share the event and invite some people.
View Event Details -->

Belly Dancing Class at Homosassa Civic Club
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club
5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Belly dancing class, $5. Mention this ad and your first class is free. Thursdays, 5:30 beginners & 6:30 advanced.
View Event Details -->

First Friday
Friday | October 2, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
City of Crystal River Government
123 NW US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Join us at Town Square every first Friday of the month for live music, shopping vendors, lawn games, food trucks, and visiting our downtown bars and restaurants.
View Event Details -->

Florida Trail Team Challenge
Friday | October 2, 2026 | 7 PM
Citrus County Fairgrounds Arena
3600 S Florida Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
Information, sponsors and sign-ups at www.FloridaTrailTeamChallenge.com.
View Event Details -->

Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club
Friday | October 2, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Join us for Dominoes Club at the RLE Clubhouse! Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning, everyone is welcome.
View Event Details -->

Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus
Friday | October 2, 2026 | 7:30 PM – 10 PM
Liberty Park
268 N Apopka Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
Join us Friday, October 2nd at Liberty Park for a free showing of Disney's Hocus Pocus (1993)! Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic baskets.
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5th Annual Jessie's Place Event at Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Saturday | October 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
Punishers LEMC presents its 5th annual event in support of Jessie's Place, Citrus County Children's Advocacy Center, with food trucks, music, raffle, 50/50 and auction items.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Lego Build & Chill Club
Saturday | October 3, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
LEGO Build & Chill Club at the RLE Clubhouse! Separate areas for adults & kids, bring your own LEGO sets, and show-and-tell fun for all ages.
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Wild Caught Seafood)
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
View Appearance Details -->

Spice Corner (Indian)
Thursday | October 1, 2026 | 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Aggregation Distilling Company
255 SE US Hwy 19, Unit 4, Crystal River, FL 34429
View Appearance Details -->

Not seeing your favorite restaurant listed? Reply to this newsletter and let us know your go-to place for date night.

Steel Rodeo at The Crossroads Lodge
Steel Rodeo
Saturday | October 3, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 PM
The Crossroads Lodge
11350 State Road 121, Inglis, FL 34449
Public event.
View Event Details -->

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team