Good morning, Crystal River! It's Friday, September 25, and National Quesadilla Day if you need an excuse for a good lunch. The forecast couldn't be easier: sunny skies and mid-80s clear right through the weekend, with the first real shot of rain not showing up again until Tuesday.

On the news side, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended the region's "Extreme" water shortage order through March 2027, so those watering restrictions aren't going anywhere soon. The Citrus County Hospital Board is also winding down for good, handing $3.24 million in assets over to the county on October 1, and a new Chronicle column digs into why your government meets at such odd hours. Closer to home, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for help finding 17-year-old Makenzi Ring, last seen early Wednesday morning at the Wawa in Lecanto.

This weekend brings a packed lineup: three food trucks rolling through town, live music at Crump's Landing and Copp Brewery, and a fresh round of Rainbow Lakes Estates club nights for the board game and craft crowd. Get out there and enjoy the sunshine, and maybe grab that quesadilla while you're at it.

Autism Fundraiser at Crystal Harley-Davidson
Saturday, September 26 | 12 PM – 4 PM
1147 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Live music from the Rick Lynn Band, a 50/50 raffle, and an auction, all to raise money for autism.

Drought Rules Extended: What You Can (and Can't) Water Through March 2027
Nature Coaster
The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board has extended the region's Modified Phase III "Extreme" water shortage order, keeping watering restrictions in place through March 31, 2027.
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Citrus County Hospital Board Set to Dissolve October 1
Citrus County Chronicle
The Citrus County Hospital Board, which has overseen hospital assets for decades, will officially dissolve on October 1, transferring roughly $3.24 million in cash along with its contracts and obligations directly to the county.
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Chronicle Column Explains County Meetings' Odd Start Times
Citrus County Chronicle
A new Citrus County Chronicle column from Michael D. Bates breaks down some of local government's odder quirks, like why County Commission meetings start at 1 p.m., zoning hearings begin at 5:01 p.m., and what an "intervenor" actually is.
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Citrus County Animal Services Waives Adoption Fees Through Sept. 30
Citrus County Animal Services
Citrus County Animal Services has waived adoption fees through September 30 as part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event, with more than 30 pets already adopted this week and more still waiting for homes.
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🏍️🚒 RIDING IN MEMORY OF CAPTAIN MIKE FLETCHER
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Crystal River Fire Rescue's 2nd Annual Capt. Mike Fletcher Memorial Bike Run rolls out Sunday, October 4, honoring the late captain and raising funds to support the department's newest firefighter recruits.
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Trooper Smith Memorial Rededicated at Legrone Park
City of Crystal River - Government
The relocated Trooper Smith Memorial was rededicated at Legrone Park this week, alongside a new "Tribute to our Protectors" mural by local artist Leah Tinsely honoring Citrus County's military members and first responders.
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Missing Runaway Juvenile Makenzi Ring
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help locating 17-year-old Makenzi Ring, reported as a runaway after last being seen early Wednesday morning at the Wawa in Lecanto.
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Lecanto Volleyball Sweeps Crystal River for 18th Straight Win
Citrus County Chronicle
Lecanto's volleyball team swept Crystal River 25-15, 25-15, 25-18 on Tuesday night, extending the Panthers' winning streak over their county rival to 18 straight matches.
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CRHS 2026-2027 Homecoming Court!!! #weAREthepirates
Crystal River High School
Crystal River High School has announced its 2026-2027 Homecoming Court, recognizing the students who will represent the Pirates during this year's Homecoming festivities.
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Upcoming Spirit Week days for the week of October 5th-9th! #weAREthepirates
Crystal River High School
Crystal River High School's Spirit Week is set for October 5-9, with a full lineup of themed days for students to show their Pirate pride.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dungeons & Dragons Club
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 9 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
🎲 Dungeons & Dragons Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates 🐉
Calling all adventurers! Join us for Dungeons & Dragons Club at the RLE Creative Arts Center and embark on epic quests, battle fierce monsters, and create unforgettable stories with fellow players.
View Event Details →

Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 7 PM – 8:45 PM
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominoes Club 🎲

Looking for a fun way to spend your Friday evening? Join us for Dominoes Club at the RLE Clubhouse! Whether you're a seasoned player or just learning, everyone is welcome to come play, socialize, and enjoy a great night with the community.
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Break-A-Way and Barrels
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 9 AM
Red Level Horseman's Arena
3600 S Florida Ave, Inverness, FL 34450
Join us as we start our fall season, Break-A-Way and Barrels September 28th 2026. The Women's Break-A-Way and Barrel series for 2026 - 2027.
Sept. 26th, Oct. 17th, Nov. 28th, Jan. 23rd, Feb. 27th, Mar. 27th
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Virtual QPR Suicide Prevention Class with NAMI Citrus
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 10 AM – 11:30 AM
8471 W Periwinkle Ln, Homosassa, FL 34446
The QPR Institute's mission is to save lives and reduce suicidal behaviors by providing innovative, practical, and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us.
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Autism event
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 12 PM
1147 S Suncoast Blvd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Come join us at the Harley dealership for great food music by rick Lynn band 50/50 raffle and a auction all to raise money for autism
View Event Details →

Rainbow Lakes Estates Fiber Craft Society Club
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 1 PM – 3 PM
24654 SW Shorewood Dr., Dunnellon, FL 34431
🧶 Fiber Craft Society – Rainbow Lakes Estates 🧵
Join fellow craft lovers at the Fiber Craft Society at the RLE Creative Art Center! This welcoming group is perfect for anyone who enjoys working with yarn, fabric, and fiber arts.
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Official Ministry Launch at Fort Island Trail Park
Sunday | September 27, 2026 | 8 AM
Fort Island Trail Park
12073 W Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come on out and throw a line and listen to the gospel!
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NBHA FL06- FlyN Feather Farm
Sunday | September 27, 2026 | 11:30 AM
FlyN Feather Farm
7855 W. Adirondack St., Dunnellon, FL 34433
9AM-11AM EXHIBITION
11:15 FUTURE CHAMPIONS
11:30 OPEN 5D
SENIORS TO FOLLOW OPEN
YOUTH TO FOLLOW SENIORS
Entries on Saddlebook
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Brooks Dockside Seafood (Wild Caught Seafood)
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 11 AM – 8 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
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Mel & Tony's Subs, Skewers & More (American | Italian)
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
Sun Retreats (Crystal River)
237 S. Rock Crusher Rd., Crystal River, FL 34429
View Appearance Details →

Big Worley's BBQ & Burger (BBQ | Burgers)
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Homosassa Distillery & Brewing Co
8759 W. Tradeways Ct, Homosassa, FL 34448
View Appearance Details →

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Jorge Valentine at Crump's Landing
Jorge Valentine
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6 PM – 10 PM
Crumps Landing
11210 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs!
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Whiskey Outlaws at Copp Brewery & Winery
Whiskey Outlaws
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Live Band
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Whiskey Outlaws at Copp Brewery & Winery
Whiskey Outlaws
Friday | September 25, 2026 | 7 PM
7855 W Gulf To Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Whisky Outlaws is a country band who recently won Country Clash battle of the bands and voted best country band!
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Damon Fowler - The Big Squeeze 2026, Inglis, FL
Damon Fowler
Saturday | September 26, 2026 | 6:30 PM
The Crossroads Lodge At Historic Lebanon Station
11350 State Road 121, Inglis, FL 34449
The Big Squeeze 2026
Tampa's Damon Fowler brings his masterful singing and guitar work to Historic Lebanon Station.
View Event Details →

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team