Happy Saturday, Crystal River! Today also marks the International Day of Charity, a fitting moment for a community that keeps showing up for each other. Citrus County Blessings is feeding more than 3,100 kids across the county and needs more volunteers to keep packing weekend food bags, while Citrus County Commissioner Holly Davis wants to bring a Palm Beach County program to Citrus County that lets shelter dogs spend the day with volunteers and could even save taxpayers money on shelter operations.

Development is picking up on State Road 44, where more retail could follow the new Home Depot, and ten Citrus County Fire Rescue personnel were honored as Hometown Heroes at a gala in Ocala this week. County offices close Monday for Labor Day, so get anything you need done before the holiday weekend.

If you're heading out today, expect scattered storms through the afternoon (check the forecast below), grab dinner from one of three food trucks in town, catch live music at The Crossroads Lodge or Buoy Bar, or stroll the Front Porch Art Walk in Hernando Beach. Here's everything happening around Crystal River this week.

What's next after Home Depot on State Road 44?
The new Home Depot on State Road 44 might be just the first of several stores headed for that wooded stretch of road. The Citrus County Chronicle reports more retail development could be in the pipeline for the corridor, a sign of continued growth along one of the county's busier roads.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Could a day out for shelter dogs save Citrus taxpayers money?
Citrus County Commissioner Holly Davis wants the county to look at a Palm Beach County program that lets shelter dogs without behavioral issues spend the day, or up to 24 hours, with county employees or approved residents at no cost. Palm Beach County reported dogs went out 27 times among 20 dogs, and 16 of those were later adopted or placed in foster to adopt homes. Davis, who adopted a shelter dog of her own after seeing the program firsthand, has asked Citrus County staff to review it and report back to the board. Supporters say the idea could ease shelter overcrowding, improve outcomes for the dogs, and save the county money on shelter operations.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Ten Citrus County Fire Rescue personnel honored as Hometown Heroes
Ten Citrus County Fire Rescue personnel were recognized at the 2026 Hometown Heroes Awards Gala in Ocala, hosted by NAMI Marion and Hiers-Baxley Funeral Homes. The gala honors first responders and community members who've gone above and beyond in service to their neighbors. Citrus County Fire Rescue congratulated all ten honorees for representing the department well.
Citrus County Fire Rescue
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Citrus County Blessings feeds 3,100+ kids and needs volunteers
Citrus County Blessings works to make sure no child in the county goes hungry, currently serving more than 3,100 kids across Citrus County. Volunteers pack weekend food bags so students have meals covered when school programs aren't available. The group relies on community volunteers and donations to keep the effort running every week.
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
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Crystal River announces Fall Light Pole Decorating Competition
The City of Crystal River is inviting businesses and community groups to enter its new Fall Light Pole Decorating Competition, dressing up Town Square's light poles to keep the area festive through a busy October full of events. The city is hoping for wide participation so downtown carries that fall look all month long. Registration is open now.
City of Crystal River - Government
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Mustang club turns passion into charity
Perry and Jackie Unger have turned their love of Ford Mustangs into something bigger than a hobby, channeling their local Mustang club's car shows and get-togethers into fundraising for charity. The Chronicle profiles how a shared passion for classic cars has grown into a way for club members to give back to the community.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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County offices closed Monday for Labor Day
Citrus County Government offices will be closed Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day. Normal hours resume the following day.
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
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Friends of Crystal River State Parks fund new airboat grass rake
Thanks to its members and donors, Friends of the Crystal River State Parks was able to buy a grass rake attachment for the park's airboat. Thousands of acres of Crystal River Preserve State Park sit on islands only reachable by water, so the new equipment helps crews maintain those areas more easily. The group thanked everyone who chipped in to make the purchase possible.
Friends of the Crystal River State Parks
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Free 'Make Your Water Count' workshop set for Sept. 16
Citrus County Parks and Recreation is hosting a free "Make Your Water Count" workshop on Wednesday, September 16, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Citrus County Extension office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path in Lecanto. Staff from Mosquito Control, Parks and Recreation, and Water Conservation will cover topics like how often to water your lawn, ways to collect and store rainwater, safe spots to kayak or canoe given low lake levels, mosquito prevention in the yard, and how to evaluate an irrigation system. Registration is free online, or call 352-527-7540 with questions.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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Lightning detection system down at Homosassa Area Recreation Park
The automated lightning detection and warning system at Homosassa Area Recreation Park's athletic fields is temporarily out of service. With the system down, it won't automatically sound a warning when lightning is detected nearby, so anyone using the fields for practice, games, or pickup sports should keep an eye on the sky and head indoors at the first sign of a storm. No timeline was given for when the system will be back online.
Nature Coaster
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Crystal River swim teams sweep Hernando High
Crystal River High School's swim teams swept Hernando High School this week. The boys won 121-33 and the girls took their meet 105-49, and Pirate Country celebrated both squads for the lopsided wins.
Crystal River High School
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Lecanto High names Lt. Rausch head wrestling coach
Lecanto High School has named Lt. Rausch as its new head wrestling coach. The school says Rausch brings a deep love for the sport and strong personal wrestling experience to the program, and Lecanto is looking forward to the season under his leadership.
Lecanto High School
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Positive Pirates of the Week: Deputy Morton and Lily Scott
Crystal River High School's Positive Pirates of the Week are Deputy Morton and student Lily Scott, recognized for standing out in a good way. Pirate Country thanked this month's sponsor, EBODS, for supporting the shoutout.
Crystal River High School
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Seven Rivers Christian volleyball swept by Bishop McLaughlin
Seven Rivers Christian's volleyball team built big leads in each of the first two games Thursday but couldn't hold on, getting swept by visiting Bishop McLaughlin. The Chronicle notes the team had chances to close out both sets before the match slipped away.
Citrus County Chronicle
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1st Saturdays Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 10 AM – 2 PM
3267 Flamingo Blvd., Hernando Beach, FL 34607
Experience the charm and unique coastal character of Hernando Beach at the Front Porch Art Walk on Saturday, September 5! Stroll among beautiful waterfront venues and discover original art, fine craft…
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Lego Build & Chill Club
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
LEGO Build & Chill Club – Rainbow Lakes Estates. Looking for a fun, creative way to connect with the community? Come join us for our LEGO Build & Chill Club! Whether you're a master builder or jus…
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The Lobster Tank (Lobster Rolls)
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 12 PM – 5 PM
Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort
3995 N Turkey Oak Dr, Crystal River, FL 34428
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Death By Hummuscide (Hummus | Greek)
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 12 PM – 9 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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Sugar Daddz (Desserts | Tacos)
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Crystal River Main Street
532 N Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
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Know a local business that deserves a little love? Reply to this newsletter and let us know who we should spotlight in a future issue.

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Steel Rodeo at The Crossroads Lodge
Steel Rodeo
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 1 PM – 5 PM
The Crossroads Lodge At Historic Lebanon Station
11350 State Road 121, Inglis, FL 34449
Public event
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Saturday Night in Town Square
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
559 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Saturday Night in Town Square is NEW this summer, but it really is First Friday moved to the first Saturday night by popular demand. Same great event: vendors, shopping, games, food trucks & live mu…
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Cold Shot Band at The Buoy Bar
Cold Shot Band
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Buoy Bar Inglis
10930 SE 201st Street, Inglis, FL 34449
Come join us for an evening of your favorite rock music performed live by Cold Shot Band!
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Shannon Lovve LIVE at Papa Willie's Bar & Grill Beverly Hills
Shannon Lovve
Saturday | September 5, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
4105 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL
Shannon Lovve Duo LIVE at Papa Willie's 7-10PM Saturday
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Agent Bonds at Crystal Harley-Davidson
Agent Bonds
Sunday | September 6, 2026 | 12 PM
Crystal River Harley Davidson
1147 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
test drive a new bike today!
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Whiskey Outlaws at Silver Moon Tavern
Whiskey Outlaws
Sunday | September 6, 2026 | 2 PM
Silver Moon Tavern
3025 S US 41, Dunnellon, FL 34432
Whiskey Outlaws
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Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team