Good morning, Crystal River, and happy Tuesday! Sunshine is the story today, with a high near 77 and a cool low of 54, and the sunny stretch continues through Friday. It's also National Chicken and Waffles Day, so here's a question for you: where in Citrus County do you go for the best plate of chicken and waffles?

In the news, the Florida Department of Health in Citrus County has confirmed two cases of locally acquired dengue, and crews are stepping up fogging and ground inspections. Crystal River wants your input on the Little Springs Park playground rebuild this Saturday, a local historian explores how Citrus County's cities got their shape, and Lt. Colby Koenig has a new role with the city. The Sheriff's Office welcomed the Brotherhood Ride, School Bus Safety Week is underway, and Lecanto High School has ASVAB signups open.

Looking ahead, the Friends of Crystal River State Parks board meets at 4 this afternoon, and a plant swap runs 4 to 5 PM at Rainbow Lakes Estates. The Mosquito Control facility tour is Wednesday morning, the Open Music Jam fills Wednesday evening at Bree's Riverside Restaurant, and Karaoke takes over there Thursday. No food trucks or restaurant specials today, so tell us your favorites. Grab your sunscreen, skip the bug bites and sing loud!

Crystal River Wants Your Input on the Little Springs Park Playground Rebuild
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River is inviting residents to Little Springs Park this Saturday to share their input on the creative playground rebuild, according to the city's Facebook post. If you have ideas for the park, this is the place to be heard.
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Ever Wonder How Citrus County's Cities Got Their Shape?
Citrus County Chronicle
Ever wonder how Citrus County's cities got their shape? Local historian Ken Marotte explores how annexation helped reshape our communities, from vanished towns to expanding city limits, according to the Citrus County Chronicle.
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Lt. Colby Koenig Named Career Lieutenant on B-Shift
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River is congratulating Lt. Colby Koenig on his new position as Career Lieutenant on B-Shift, effective October 19, 2026, according to the city's Facebook post.
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A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
Citrus County Fire Rescue
Citrus County Fire Rescue says Station 7 received treats and artwork over the weekend from a community member and her daughter, a thank-you for the help they received after a recent accident, according to the department's post.
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Sheriff's Office Welcomes the Brotherhood Ride Into Citrus County
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office welcomed the Brotherhood Ride into Citrus County. The riders are cycling in tribute to 22 fallen Florida heroes from 2025, including Corporals Lahera and Rodriguez, according to the Sheriff's Office post.
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DOH-Citrus Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert
Florida Dept. of Health - Citrus
The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County has confirmed two cases of locally acquired dengue in the county. DOH-Citrus and Citrus County Mosquito Control are stepping up truck fogging, aerial larviciding and ground inspections for breeding sites. The alert also lists simple steps residents can take to avoid mosquito bites.
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Sign Up for the ASVAB
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High School is inviting juniors and seniors who want to explore their career options to sign up for the ASVAB, a standardized multi-aptitude test, according to the school's Facebook post.
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A Great Start to Toolbox for Tomorrow's Leaders
Citrus County School District
The first week of this year's Toolbox for Tomorrow's Leaders program is in the books, according to the Citrus County School District. The program connects Citrus County students with local businesses.
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School Bus Safety Week Is Here
Citrus County School District
The Citrus County School District is kicking off School Bus Safety Week by celebrating the everyday heroes who help students get to and from school safely. Its post mentions school bus drivers, students, families and motorists.
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Friends of Crystal River State Parks Board Meeting
Tuesday | October 20, 2026 | 4 PM
Crystal River Archaeological State Park Museum
3400 N. Museum Point, Crystal River, FL 34428
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Plant Swap at Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Tuesday | October 20, 2026 | 4 PM – 5 PM
Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
4020 SW Deepwater Ct., Dunnellon, FL 34431
Swap plants. Meet neighbors. Grow together. Bring a plant, cutting, seed, pot, or gardening goodie to trade, and take home something new to grow. This is a relaxed, welcoming event for all experience levels. Free to attend.
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Mosquito Control Facility Tour
Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
Citrus County Mosquito Control District
968 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join a presentation on mosquito control practices and how you can prevent mosquitoes at home, then finish with a tour of the equipment, lab and helicopters. Free and open to everyone. The event is geared toward adults, though interested children are welcome. RSVP by calling 352-527-7478 ext. 315.
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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.

Open Music Jam at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Open Music Jam
Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details →

Karaoke at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Karaoke
Thursday | October 22, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
View Event Details →

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team