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Source: City of Crystal River / Kimley-Horn

Crystal River is considering building a new wastewater treatment plant at its existing Sprayfield property after engineers presented infrastructure options ranging from approximately $59 million to $80 million.

At the October 26 City Council meeting, engineers presented several options for replacing or rehabilitating the city's existing, flood-vulnerable wastewater treatment facility.

The least expensive rehabilitation option was estimated at approximately $59 million, while a more extensive upgrade approached $80 million. Building a new plant at the city's existing spray field property was presented as another option at a comparable cost.

Council members expressed a preference for building a new facility rather than investing heavily in the existing plant.

The city has approximately $32 million in available funding, with another $4.4 million potentially available. A significant funding gap remains.

No final construction contract or complete funding package has been approved.

Source: Crystal River City Council — October 26 meeting archive

Citrus County commissioners voted 4–1 on October 26 to authorize CoreCivic to negotiate with federal officials over potential detention and transportation services at the Citrus County Detention Facility.

The negotiations would involve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Homeland Security.

Residents spoke against the proposal, raising concerns about detention conditions and county costs. Commissioners also questioned staffing, medical expenses and how much the county would receive in reimbursement.

CoreCivic representatives said medical and security costs would be included in the negotiated arrangement.

Any proposed agreement would return to county commissioners for final approval.

Source: Citrus County BOCC — Meetings and Agendas

A proposed commercial development near U.S. Highway 27 and Northeast 220th Avenue received a favorable recommendation from the Levy County Planning Commission, despite objections from county planning staff.

The proposed Headwater Commercial Park would divide approximately 25 acres into 10 commercial lots.

Planning staff recommended denial, citing incomplete information involving stormwater management, floodplain conditions, groundwater and environmental considerations.

The applicant argued that some of the requested engineering details were not required at the preliminary plat stage.

Planning commissioners ultimately recommended approval, while suggesting additional consideration of road access and internal connections.

The proposal now heads to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners for further consideration.

Source: Levy County Planning Commission — October 26, 2026

Levy County's Planning Commission recommended approval of proposed regulations for biosolids recycling facilities during its October 26 meeting, following an earlier postponement.

The proposal would establish a special approval process for facilities converting Class B biosolids into Class AA material used in fertilizers and soil amendments.

Commissioners reviewed revised restrictions involving zoning, setbacks, facility size and groundwater protection, recommending additional changes to address concerns about springs, wells and nearby water bodies.

The proposed rules now move forward for consideration by the Levy County Board of County Commissioners.

Source: Levy County Planning Commission — October 26, 2026

Representatives of the Hernando County Fair Association presented county commissioners with early redevelopment plans for the Brooksville fairgrounds, including a proposed indoor equestrian arena measuring at least 40,000 square feet.

Other improvements under consideration include facility repairs, parking upgrades and broader changes to the grounds.

A formal master plan could take approximately nine months to develop.

Commissioners expressed interest in continued cooperation but emphasized financial transparency, governance and coordination with the City of Brooksville.

Source: Hernando County BOCC meeting records

Hernando County natural resources crews reported removing approximately 5,300 pounds of invasive water lettuce from Bay Lake over two days.

The floating vegetation had restricted access to the Weeki Wachee River.

Additional removal work was planned, while the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission temporarily held off on scheduled herbicide treatment as mechanical harvesting continued.

Source: Hernando County BOCC — October 27 meeting records

Photo courtesy of Inverness Art Co-Op / Shooting Star Creative.

The Inverness Art Co-Op raised $960 for CASA through an October 23 silent auction featuring artwork donated by local artists.

The fundraiser took place during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with proceeds supporting an organization that assists survivors of domestic violence.

Co-Op owner Suz Kelley thanked the artists, bidders and community members who helped make the event possible.

Source: October 31, 2026 press release from Mary Ann Gilfillan, Shooting Star Creative, titled Inverness Art Co-Op Raised Funds for CASA.

Wagon Wheel Feed & Hardware in Brooksville is celebrating 35 years in business.

According to the Hernando Sun, the Sanders family moved to Brooksville from St. Petersburg in 1991 without much experience in the feed business.

Three and a half decades later, the family-owned business is marking an impressive milestone.

Source: Hernando Sun — Wagon Wheel Feed & Hardware Celebrates 35 Years in Business

Nature Coast Exhibit No. 2 — Opening Reception
6:30–7:15 p.m. | Art Center of Citrus County, Hernando

Kick off the weekend with an opening reception showcasing local artwork at the Art Center of Citrus County. Admission is free.

Event details

Lake Hernando Dragon Boat Festival
8 a.m.–6 p.m. | 3699 E. Orange Drive, Hernando

Dragon boat teams take to the water for a day of racing and community festivities benefiting the Citrus County Education Foundation.

Event details

Inverness Festival of the Arts
Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Downtown Inverness

Downtown Inverness fills with artists, exhibits and entertainment for this two-day arts festival.

Festival details

Steel & Glory Car Show
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | Willard's Restaurant & Lounge, Morriston

Head to Levy County for a Saturday car show featuring vehicles on display at Willard's Restaurant & Lounge.

Event details

Temple Beth David Annual Food Fest & Bazaar
10 a.m.–3 p.m. | 13158 Antelope Street, Spring Hill

Enjoy a community food festival and bazaar hosted by Temple Beth David.

Event details

Veterans Day Picnic
Noon | VFW Post 4864, Citrus Springs

Veterans and their families are invited to a free Veterans Day picnic at VFW Post 4864. The event benefits Fisher House Gainesville.

Event details

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From major infrastructure decisions to local artists making a difference, there's plenty happening across the Nature Coast.

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Thanks for reading, and enjoy the weekend!

— Mike
Nature Coast Digest

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