Good morning, Crystal River, and happy Monday! It's November 2, which is also National Deviled Egg Day, so here's a question for you: what's the one dish that disappears first at your family gatherings? Expect a partly cloudy day near 82 degrees with a chance of showers and isolated storms, and a mostly sunny Friday waiting at the end of the week.

In the news, the Florida Forest Service issued no outdoor burn authorizations on Sunday because of weather that could spread fires fast, and Citrus County Fire Rescue is asking residents to hold off on burning. November is Manatee Awareness Month, so boaters, slow down and watch for manatees. Welding students from Withlacoochee Technical College helped build a new walkway at Citrus Springs Elementary, and the Lecanto swimming and diving teams are headed to the state championships in Ocala on Friday.

For your week, the Little Mermaid show makes a splash today at Mertailor's Aquarium in Lecanto, Family Feud-style trivia kicks off tonight at The Barrel Bar and Grille in Homosassa, and Toddler Tuesday brings crafts and mermaid story time. Grab your trivia crew and have a great Monday!

Citrus County Highlights Its Latest Triple Crown Award From Finance Officers Association
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County government's weekly Sunday Commentary looks at the county's latest Triple Crown Award from the Government Finance Officers Association.
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November Is Manatee Awareness Month: Boaters Asked to Watch for Manatees
Friends of the Crystal River State Parks
November is Manatee Awareness Month, and boaters are asked to watch for manatees heading to warmer water, including the Crystal River. Manatees need water above 68 degrees to survive the winter, and hundreds overwinter in nearby springs such as Three Sisters. Going slowly and wearing polarized glasses helps boaters spot them.
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Inverness City Council to Consider Carrying $18 Million in Unspent Funds
Citrus County Chronicle
In Inverness, the City Council meets at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Valerie Theatre to consider carrying $18 million in unspent funds into the current budget, including sewer project money.
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Outdoor Burning: Please Use Extreme Caution
Citrus County Fire Rescue
The Florida Forest Service's Withlacoochee Forestry Center issued no outdoor burn authorizations on Sunday, Nov. 1, citing weather that could cause erratic fire behavior and rapid spread. No local burn ban is in effect, and small yard debris fires that don't need authorization may still be allowed. Citrus County Fire Rescue urges residents to hold off on burning until conditions improve.
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WTC Welding Students Build New Walkway at Citrus Springs Elementary
Citrus County School District
Welding students from Withlacoochee Technical College helped build a new walkway at Citrus Springs Elementary School, turning classroom learning into a hands-on project for the school community. A new episode of Beyond the Bell visits the campus, where Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert talks with the students about their work.
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Lecanto Swimming and Diving Sends Eight Events to State Championships
Citrus County Chronicle
The Lecanto swimming and diving teams are sending eight events to the FHSAA Class 3A State Championships on Friday at FAST in Ocala.
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Popsmith’s investment round closes in a few weeks.

The brand is bringing popcorn back to the stovetop, with a patent-pending Popper and a growing line of kernels, oils, and seasonings.

Over 85,000 customers, $20M+ in lifetime revenue, and retail partners like Williams Sonoma, Costco, and Crate & Barrel show how far this premium popcorn brand has come in the $21B+ global market.

With revenue projected to jump more than 70% in 2026, the company is giving individual investors a chance to become shareholders. Get in before the round closes.

Explore the investment opportunity

Own a Stake in Popsmith

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.
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Toddler Tuesday at Mertailor's Aquarium
Tuesday | November 3, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 4 PM
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter
4100 W Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Toddler morning with a hands-on craft at 11 AM and mermaid story time, included with admission to Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium in Lecanto.
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The Hangout at The Youth Center
Wednesday | November 4, 2026 | 4 PM – 6 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Youth Center
4010 SW Deepwater Ct, Dunnellon, FL 34431
Looking for a fun and safe place for kids to hang out, play games, and make friends?
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Know a food truck that should roll into the spotlight? Reply to this newsletter and let us know where it’s serving next so we can share it in a future issue.

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.

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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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team