Citrus United Basket says there's a gap in this year's Toys for Tots program, and they're asking the community for an early hand so no local kid goes without a gift this Christmas.

Down at the county building, Pine Ridge's court win just got more complicated as commissioners reverse course, and a new report has some residents asking whether all that money spent on outside consultants was worth it. Budget season is also underway, and officials want your voice in the room before the numbers are final.

Lecanto's football team is still celebrating a big win over rival Citrus, doctors at HCA Florida Citrus just performed the county's first blood pressure breakthrough procedure, and Crystal River's Town Square is gearing up for First Friday. Keep scrolling for all of it, plus this weekend's live music lineup.

Water Reclamation Facility opens its doors for Save Our Waters Week
Citrus County Water Resources is inviting residents to tour the newly upgraded Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility as part of the 31st Annual Save Our Waters Week. The open house offers a rare look at how the county treats and reclaims water for the community.
Citrus County Government
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Budget season kicks off with a push for public input
County officials say budget season is in full swing and are urging residents to attend upcoming meetings before final numbers are set. Officials are framing the sessions as a real chance for the public to stay informed and weigh in on how tax dollars get spent.
Citrus County Government
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Taxpayers paid for county studies. Did commissioners listen?
Citrus County has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on outside consultants to study growth and government-space needs, but commissioners don't always follow the recommendations they pay for. Commissioner Janet Barek argues the studies waste money better spent on staff, while Commissioner Holly Davis says some problems genuinely require outside expertise.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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80 homes, a court fight, and a county flip-flop
A legal fight over an 80-home development has taken another turn, with the county reversing an earlier stance after the case didn't go its way in court. It's the latest chapter in a dispute residents have been watching closely.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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License plate reader debate spreads across Florida
The debate over license plate reader cameras is spreading well beyond Citrus County, with neighboring counties taking very different approaches as they reassess their own programs. Some are pulling cameras only from state roads while others are rethinking the technology altogether.
Citrus County Chronicle
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Toys for Tots gap has CUB asking for early help
Citrus United Basket says a gap in this year's Toys for Tots program could leave local kids without gifts this Christmas, and the group is asking the community to step up early. Organizers hope a fall push can keep the decades-old toy drive tradition going.
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
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County's first renal denervation procedure performed at HCA Florida Citrus
Doctors at HCA Florida Citrus Hospital have performed the county's first renal denervation procedure, giving patients with hard-to-control high blood pressure a new treatment option close to home. The minimally invasive procedure means patients no longer have to travel out of the county for it.
Citrus County Chronicle
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Sheriff's Office mourns Public Service Officer Al Doceti
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Public Service Officer Al Doceti, who passed away Wednesday after two years of dedicated service to the agency and volunteer work in the community. Colleagues are remembering him for his dedication.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
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Lecanto football players relive big win over rival Citrus
Lecanto football players are still buzzing after last Friday's big win over rival Citrus, and they sat down on camera to talk about what the victory meant to the team.
Citrus County Chronicle
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First Friday
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
123 NW US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34428
Join us at Town Square every first Friday of the month for live music, shopping vendors, lawn games, food trucks, and visiting our downtown bars and restaurants.
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Rainbow Lakes Estates Dominos Club at Rainbow Lakes Estates Community
Friday | September 4, 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…
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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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Big Worley's BBQ & Burger (BBQ | Burgers)
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 4 PM – 9 PM
Homosassa Distillery & Brewing Co
8759 W. Tradeways Ct, Homosassa, FL 34448
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Not seeing your favorite restaurant listed? Reply to this newsletter and let us know your go-to place for date night.

Hippy Gypsy Friday's at Papa Willies
Hippy Gypsy
Friday | September 4, 2026 | 7 PM – 10 PM
Papa Willie's Bar & Grill
4105 N Lecanto Hwy, Beverly Hills, FL
Write it down. Just to make it a little easier. Every first Friday for the rest of our lives - 7pm to 10pm. Papa Willies- Home of Hippy Gypsy. Starting in 2026
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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 Blondes at Crystal Harley
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