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Hernando County commissioners are considering rewriting the county's Community Appearance Code with substantially stronger requirements for preserving trees and landscaping new projects.

The proposal would expand protections for large specimen and majestic trees, establish requirements for replacing trees that are removed, and allow mitigation fees to be paid into a new Tree Mitigation Fund.

Developers could also face stronger landscaping and buffering requirements, performance bonds and increased penalties for removing protected trees without authorization. The proposal includes incentives for subdivisions that preserve additional tree canopy.

For now, these are proposed rules, not a newly adopted ordinance. But it's one worth watching as the county continues to grow.

Sources: Hernando County BOCC - August 4, 2026

Hernando County commissioners approved rezoning that would allow a concrete batch plant on Power Line Road near the I-75/SR 50 development district.

The proposed plant would use about five acres of a 38.4-acre property and is expected to employ roughly 30 to 50 people.

Residents opposed to the project raised concerns about heavy truck traffic, dust and air quality, noise, road conditions and the plant's proximity to residential development.

Commissioners ultimately approved the rezoning, clearing the land-use hurdle for the project.

Sources: Hernando County BOCC - August 4, 2026

Betz Farm is a roughly 350-acre property near Crystal River that has been owned by Citrus County since 2003. Recently, a developer has proposed a project that would bring nearly 1,500 homes and townhomes to the site.

Understandably, the proposal has raised concerns from nearby residents about traffic, the impact of additional growth and whether surrounding roads can handle it.

Those concerns were also raised by members of the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission. During its Aug. 20 meeting, commissioners questioned the project's traffic impacts, wetlands and environmental issues and what they said was a lack of detail in the development plans.

The commission ultimately recommended denial of the application, sending the proposal on to the Citrus County Commission.

That recommendation isn't the final word. The proposal is scheduled to go before county commissioners on Oct. 13 at 5 p.m.

Source: Citrus County Planning and Development Commission — Aug. 20, 2026 meeting

Tiny-home living isn't just something showing up on HGTV anymore.

Sweet Citrus Acres RV Resort in the Crystal River area, traditionally home to RV owners, is adding tiny homes to the mix.

It's an interesting local example of a housing trend that's been growing elsewhere: smaller permanent or semi-permanent homes sharing space with more traditional RV communities.

What do you think? Would you consider tiny-home living? I wouldn't have enough room for my fishing gear.

Source: Citrus County Chronicle

Habitat for Humanity of the Nature Coast is expanding its work into Levy County.

The organization is preparing to break ground in Bronson on what will become its first home built in Levy County.

It's a meaningful expansion for an organization already active elsewhere on the Nature Coast. We're looking forward to following along as the home takes shape.

Source: Habitat for Humanity of the Nature Coast | Citrus County Chronicle

The City of Inverness is participating in the Nature Coast Volunteer Center's Two Good Soles shoe and sock drive, helping collect new shoes and socks for people in need throughout Citrus County.

Donations can be dropped off at the Inverness Government Center through Sept. 10.

If you've been meaning to clean out the shopping list and help out locally at the same time, this one's an easy way to do it.

Source: City of Inverness — Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive

Here's one situation where keeping your cool really matters.

A 2022 Citrus High School graduate who became a flight instructor before turning 22 safely landed a small airplane on Interstate 10 after an engine emergency while flying with a student.

We're happy everyone made it through the emergency safely.

Source: Citrus County Chronicle

Card collectors have a new place to browse in Hernando — Hernando the town, not the county, just to keep everyone on their toes.

Citrus Coast Collectibles officially opened Aug. 1, bringing another locally owned specialty shop to the area.

The store focuses on cards and collectibles and drew dozens of customers for its opening.

📍 Citrus Coast Collectibles: 2780 N Florida Ave, Hernando, FL 34442

Let us know if you hear of any other interesting new locally owned businesses opening.

Source: Hernando Sun

Crystal River is getting into the island spirit for Jimmy Buffett Day on Sunday, Aug. 30.

Downtown businesses will be joining in with live music, food and drink specials and plenty of Buffett-inspired fun throughout the day.

Break out the Hawaiian shirt, find your missing flip-flop and consider this your excuse to spend a little time in Margaritaville without leaving the Nature Coast.

📅 Sunday, Aug. 30
📍 Downtown Crystal River

More info: Discover Crystal River — Crystal River Nights Concert Series / Jimmy Buffett Day

Drop in at Chinsegut Conservation Center Saturday morning for a family-friendly look at Florida's fascinating bat species.

The program runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you can stop by anytime during the event.

📅 Saturday, Aug. 29 | 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
📍 Chinsegut Conservation Center, 23212 Lake Lindsey Rd., Brooksville

More info: Florida's Adventure Coast — Discovery Days: Bats

The Olive Grove in Brooksville is celebrating its 15th Annual Harvest Mill Party this weekend.

The three-day event invites visitors to learn, taste, create and explore, and this year's celebration also includes the grand opening of the new Motherland Fungi Grow House.

📅 Friday–Sunday, Aug. 28–30 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
📍 The Olive Grove, 15016 Rester Dr., Brooksville

More info: Florida's Adventure Coast — 15th Annual Harvest Mill Party

Spend Friday night exploring one of Brooksville's historic landmarks during Night at the Museum at the May-Stringer House.

The evening offers a chance to experience the historic home after hours and learn a little more about the people and stories connected to the property.

📅 Friday, Aug. 28 | 6–10 p.m.
📍 May-Stringer House, 601 Museum Ct., Brooksville
💵 $10

More info: Florida's Adventure Coast — Night at the Museum

Things get complicated quickly in this 1960s comedy about a Paris bachelor secretly engaged to three airline stewardesses at the same time. His carefully arranged schedule works just fine — until faster Boeing jets bring all three women to Paris at once.

📅 Aug. 28–Sept. 6
📍 Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness
💵 $20 + fees

More info: Discover Crystal River — Boeing Boeing

If it's been a while since you've visited Linda Pedersen Park in Hernando County, there's another reason to keep the park on your radar: a new observation tower is planned for the site.

The park sits along Jenkins Creek near Hernando Beach, and the planned tower would offer an elevated look across the surrounding coastal landscape.

This doesn't need to become an expedition requiring three coolers and a laminated itinerary. It's simply one of those local spots that's easy to overlook when it's practically in the backyard.

Thank you for subscribing and for all the support. I'm looking forward to bringing you even more useful local information each week.

I have a lot of ideas for where to take Nature Coast Digest, and I'm looking forward to rolling them out as time allows. If you have suggestions, drop me a line (fishing pun intended). I'd love to hear from you.

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— Mike
Nature Coast Digest

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