Good morning, Crystal River! If you're near Dunnellon, keep an eye on the Withlacoochee River today: a flood warning is in effect after last week's heavy rain in the Green Swamp area pushed water levels up.

Closer to home, Citrus County's land development director has been placed on administrative leave ahead of a disciplinary hearing, and Crystal River city employees will see their raises land in October instead of this month.

There's good news too: golf carts are finally getting a dedicated way across U.S. 19, Whispering Pines Park has a new entrance, and Citrus High kicks off Homecoming Week. Scroll down for today's events, live music and more.

City moves employee raises to October
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Crystal River is pushing city employees' annual raises from this month to October as officials work through budget timing.
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From swampy range to regional training hub?
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Citrus County officials are eyeing a $14 million regional public safety training complex in Lecanto to replace an aging, flood-prone firearms range, with the School District, Sheriff's Office and state lawmakers already on board.
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Whispering Pines finally gets another way in
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
A new entrance to Whispering Pines Park opened this week, and the first car through carried a family with deep roots in both Inverness and the park itself.
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Golf carts are finally getting across U.S. 19
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Golf carts will finally be able to cross U.S. 19 after years of planning for a dedicated crossing, giving residents on both sides an easier route.
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Land development director placed on administrative leave; Joanna Coutu to face hearing
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Citrus County land development director Joanna Coutu has been placed on administrative leave and will face a hearing as part of a disciplinary proceeding; officials say no final action has been taken yet.
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Clerk’s Office to close Sept. 21 for staff training
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
The Clerk of the Circuit Court's office will close Sept. 21 for staff training, so plan ahead if you need in-person service that day.
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Citrus County's #EmptyTheShelters Adoption Event Returns Sept. 18
Citrus County Animal Services
Citrus County Animal Services' #EmptyTheShelters adoption event returns starting September 18, with reduced fees to help local pets find homes.
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Citrus County gears up for Save Our Waters Week
Citrus County Government (FB Page)
County staff and community partners are gearing up for Save Our Waters Week, kicking off September 19 with events aimed at protecting Citrus County's springs and waterways.
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River Flood Warning issued for the Withlacoochee River near Dunnellon
Citrus County Sheriff's Office
A River Flood Warning is in effect for the Withlacoochee River near US 41 in Dunnellon after heavy rain in the Green Swamp area pushed water levels up. Nearby residents should watch for rising water and stay alert.
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Citrus County urges hurricane prep even in a quiet season
Citrus County Chronicle
Citrus County is still in the peak months of hurricane season, and officials are reminding residents not to let a quiet stretch create a false sense of security. Now's the time to double check your plans, supplies and insurance.
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Lecanto girls cross country wins Land O' Lakes Invitational
Citrus County Chronicle
The Lecanto High School girls cross country team turned in four top-10 finishes to win the team championship over Cypress Creek of Wesley Chapel at Saturday's Land O' Lakes Invitational.
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Homecoming week rolls through Citrus High
Citrus County Chronicle (Local News)
Homecoming week is in full swing at Citrus High, with students diving into spirit days and events building up to the big game.
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Mosquito Control Facility Tour
Wednesday | September 16, 2026 | 10 AM – 11 AM
968 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461
Join us for a presentation and tour of our mosquito control facility.
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Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen at Old Schoolhouse Community Center
Wednesday | September 16, 2026 | 10:30 AM – 1 PM
Club Recovery
2415 N. Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442
U-Turn for Christ, Grace & Grub Ministries - Mobile Soup Kitchen
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BNI - Small Business Networking Meet-up in Citrus County
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 7 AM – 9 AM
American Legion Post 155 Crystal River Florida
6585 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Crystal River, FL 34429
Come visit the best small business networking group in Citrus County! Visitors are always welcome.
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Tater Tot Thursdays at Herman B Oberman Public Library
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM
4040 SW Deepwater Ct, Dunnellon, FL 34431
Fun, Enrichment, And Stimulation for toddlers at RLE Community Center
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Business Builders Citrus at Luigi's Family Restaurant
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 12:01 PM – 1:01 PM
Luigi's Family Restaurant
4538 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa, FL 34446
Come out have some lunch and tell the group about your business. The group and meet ups are free, we just ask that you share the event and invite some people.
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Ocala Blue Star Mothers Fundraiser at Five Guys
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 4 PM – 8 PM
1838 N Lecanto Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461-9680
20% of your purchase goes to Ocala Blue Star Mothers and will be used to support our veterans and military service members. Lecanto location only.
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RLE Advisory Board Meeting
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
4040 SW Deepwater Ct, Dunnellon, FL 34431
If you wish to speak at an upcoming Advisory Board meeting, please contact the RLE District Office at 352-489-4280. You will be given 5 minutes.
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Annual Jail and Bail event at VFW Post #8189
Friday | September 18, 2026 | 5 PM
8856 W Veterans Dr., Homosassa, FL 34448
4th Annual ERA Jail & Bail Charity Event.
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Weekly Belly Dancing Class in Homosassa
Thursday | September 17, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Homosassa Civic Club
5530 S. Mason Creek Rd., Homosassa, FL 34448
Posting on behalf of a friend: belly dancing class, $5. Thursdays, 5:30 PM for beginners and 6:30 PM advanced. Mention this ad and your first class is free.
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Gator & the Gang at Crump's Landing
Gator & the Gang
Friday | September 18, 2026 | 6 PM
Crumps Landing
11210 W Halls River Rd, Homosassa, FL 34448
Gator & the gang will be rockin' the world, famous Homosassa river on September 18th at 6pm. Please come join us for funky Swamp and Florida folk music!
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Next Stop Comedy at Blackwater Bar and Grill
Next Stop Comedy
Friday | September 18, 2026 | 7 PM
Blackwater Grill Yankeetown
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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Sincerely,
Mark and the Inside Crystal River Team