Good morning, Crystal River! It's Wednesday, October 21, and the forecast is sunny with a high near 80 and a low around 56, so it's a great day to be outside. Today is also National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day, which fits right in with pumpkins popping up all over town this week. Are you team pumpkin cheesecake or team apple?

In the news, Crystal River leaders approved permits and safety standards for Kings Bay vessel rentals along with a ban on noisy jake braking, and City Attorney Robert Batsel Jr. is resigning after more than six years. A $45 million Coast Guard station is taking shape on the Barge Canal, and a developer is challenging the commissioners' decisions to step aside from the Betz Farm vote. We also have a road closure on N Turkey Oak Drive, Teen Driver Safety Week tips and Lecanto High's Senior Night this Friday.

Looking for plans? Tour the Mosquito Control Facility this morning, catch live music at Bree's tonight, or grab lunch from Brynn's Bytes at Low Key Hideaway in Cedar Key. Save Friday for the Squish or Squeeze pumpkin hunt, Next Stop Comedy at Blackwater and Jorge Valentine at St. Johns Tavern. Sunshine, pumpkins and a little stand-up, what more could you ask for?

Crystal River Approves Kings Bay Vessel Rental Rules and a Jake Brake Ban
Citrus County Chronicle
Crystal River city leaders approved permits and safety standards for vessel rentals on Kings Bay, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. They also approved a ban on noisy jake braking. What do the new rules mean for the water and for your street? The full story has the details.
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Crystal River City Attorney Robert Batsel Jr. Is Resigning
Citrus County Chronicle
Crystal River City Attorney Robert Batsel Jr. is resigning after more than six years, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. He cites conflicts between the city's opposition to development projects and his law firm's private clients.
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A $45 Million Coast Guard Station Is Taking Shape on Citrus County's Barge Canal
Citrus County Chronicle
A $45 million Coast Guard station is taking shape along Citrus County's Barge Canal, according to the Citrus County Chronicle. The new facility is set to open in early 2027 and will strengthen search-and-rescue operations across the Nature Coast.
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Developer Challenges Commissioners' Decisions to Step Aside From Betz Farm Vote
Citrus County Chronicle
Did two Citrus County commissioners have a legal basis for stepping aside from the Betz Farm vote? According to the Citrus County Chronicle, developer James Dicks is challenging their decisions to step aside.
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Citrus County Invites You to the 23rd Annual Fall-o-ween Picnic
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
Citrus County Government is inviting the community to the 23rd annual Fall-o-ween Picnic on October 30 at the Central Citrus Community Center. The post promises live entertainment, games and a costume contest.
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Road Closure on N Turkey Oak Drive Near Sweet Citrus Acres
City of Crystal River - Government
The City of Crystal River says first responders, city workers and road maintenance crews are in the area of N Turkey Oak Drive, just beyond the entrance to Sweet Citrus Acres, and the road is closed as of Tuesday. A Sheriff's Office update says there is no through traffic. Check for updates before you head out.
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Sheriff's Office Shares Tips for Teen Driver Safety Week
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says this week is Teen Driver Safety Week, and Sergeant Laura Anstead is sharing tips to help keep young drivers safe on the road. The post also mentions a free advanced driving course offered by the Sheriff's Office.
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Lecanto High School Celebrates 58 Seniors on Friday
Lecanto High School
Lecanto High School is recognizing 58 seniors at Senior Night this Friday, October 23, according to the school's Facebook post. The post has the details for the evening.
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Nolan DeForest Is Having an Out-of-This-World Fall for Crystal River Golf
Citrus County Chronicle
Nolan DeForest was outstanding in his first three varsity seasons for the Crystal River boys' golf team, but this fall, according to the Citrus County Chronicle, he has been out of this world. The full story has the details.
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Vote for Pirate Football Coach Brice Spaulding for Bucs Coach of the Week
Crystal River High School
Crystal River High School is asking Pirate Country to vote for head football coach Brice Spaulding for Tampa Bay Bucs coach of the week. If he collects the most votes, the Pirate football team will receive $2,000 from the Bucs, according to the school's Facebook post.
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Lecanto Primary Kindergarteners Bring Book Characters to Life With Pumpkins
Citrus County School District
Lecanto Primary School kindergarteners brought their favorite book characters to life with some pumpkin creativity, according to the Citrus County School District. The post gives a special shoutout to Mrs. Helfritz's kindergarten class.
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School Bus Safety Tip: Stay Out of the Danger Zone
Citrus County School District
The Citrus County School District is sharing a school bus safety tip: stay out of the danger zone. Its post says there is a danger zone all around a school bus where the driver may not be able to see children.
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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.
View Event Details →

Squish or Squeeze at Citrus Inflatables Splash & Play
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Citrus Inflatables Splash & Play
2581 US 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Think Easter egg hunt with a Halloween squishy twist. Kids hunt for hidden mini pumpkins in their age group area, then trade their pumpkins at the Prize Station for a squishy prize. Check-in is at 5:15 PM and the hunt starts at 5:30 PM sharp. Afterward, stick around to play with a coloring station, bracelet making, inflatables and more. $10 per child, under 2 free, spectators free.
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Brynn's Bytes (American | Seafood | Wings)
Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 1 PM – 8 PM
Low Key Hideaway
12050 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625
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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
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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
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Mark Connors Music at Brooks Dockside Seafood
Mark Connors Music
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 4 PM – 7 PM
Brooks Dockside Seafood
140 Elkins Road, Inglis, FL 34449
Come enjoy some live music and great food!
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Never 2 Late Duo at Bree's Riverside Restaurant
Never 2 Late Duo
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 6 PM – 9 PM
Bree's Riverside Restaurant
29250 Lake Lindsey Rd., Nobleton, FL 34661
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Next Stop Comedy at Blackwater Bar and Grill
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 7 PM
Blackwater Restaurant
6301 Riverside Dr., Yankeetown, FL 34498
Next Stop! A comedy show near you! Join us at Blackwater Bar and Grill for a brand new line-up of comedians every time. Next Stop Comedy brings top stand-up comedians to your favorite local venues.
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Jorge Valentine at St. Johns Tavern
Jorge Valentine
Friday | October 23, 2026 | 8 PM
St. Johns Tavern
572 N. Citrus Ave, Crystal River, FL 34428
Come sing and dance along to all of your favorite Rock, Pop and Country songs.
View Event Details →

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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team