🌿Nature Coast Digest
Your weekly guide to Florida's Nature Coast
✅ Local news ✅ Events ✅ Things to Do ✅ History ✅ and more!
What's Happening Around the Nature Coast
This week, Hernando County is preparing for a possible budget shortfall, Citrus County is considering changes to its noise rules, and Levy County has put proposed RV and boat storage regulations on hold. We've also got progress on Cedar Key's oyster restoration project, plans for the Fort Island Trail boat ramp and a packed weekend calendar.
📰 Local Digest
Hernando County Prepares for Potential $24 Million Budget Hit
Hernando County officials discuss potential budget impacts during the September 22 final budget hearing. Source: Hernando County Board of County Commissioners
Hernando County has adopted its budget for the coming fiscal year, but officials are examining what Amendment 3 could mean for county services if voters approve it in November.
The proposed amendment would increase the homestead exemption for certain property taxes, excluding school district taxes. That would reduce the taxable value of qualifying homes and, in turn, the property-tax revenue available to local governments.
During the county's September 22 final budget hearing, the county administrator presented preliminary estimates putting the first-year impact on Hernando's General Fund at approximately $24 million.
Other estimated impacts include $3.7 million for emergency medical services, $3.3 million for transportation and $437,000 for the Health Department.
Officials discussed possible responses, including delaying road projects, reconsidering ambulance deployment and reviewing spending on parks, libraries and other county services. None of those changes have been approved.
Commissioners adopted a roughly $927 million budget for fiscal year 2026–27. The potential effects of Amendment 3 would instead shape planning for the following budget year if the measure passes. County staff expect to refine their estimates and could return to commissioners in December.
Citrus County Considers Noise Rule Changes After Concrete Plant Complaints
Residents living near the Citrus Industrial Park say noise from nearby concrete plant operations has become a problem, with some reporting activity as early as 3 or 4 a.m.
During the September 21 County Commission meeting, residents raised concerns about early-morning noise and the effect of industrial operations on nearby neighborhoods.
County staff said code enforcement had visited the area approximately half a dozen times but had not recorded noise levels exceeding the limits established by the current ordinance.
Commissioners discussed possible changes to permitted operating hours, noise limits and standards for industrial facilities near homes. Staff will also consult industrial property owners as the county considers its options.
Brookridge Residents Raise Traffic and Access Concerns
Brookridge residents raised concerns about traffic from a neighboring commercial development, including trucks, school buses and vehicles using the area as a shortcut, during the September 22 Hernando County Commission meeting. County officials explained that landscaping is required under the approved development plan, but the additional fencing residents have requested is not.
Some traffic improvements are already underway. Larger stop signs and reflective markers have been installed, and the county plans to order flashing stop signs after the new fiscal year begins October 1. Public Works will also inspect the road markings.
Meanwhile, the county is evaluating a possible traffic signal at Grove Road and State Road 50, which could provide another signalized access route. A second entrance into Brookridge remains under discussion, but no additional entrance has been approved.
Levy County Tables Proposed RV and Boat Storage Rules
A developer's request to allow RV and boat storage on a Rural Mixed Use property has prompted Levy County to consider new zoning rules that could apply countywide.
During their September 22 meeting, commissioners questioned several parts of the proposal, including a five-acre minimum lot size and whether facilities should be required to submit a full site plan.
The draft rules would require special-exception approval and establish standards for setbacks, landscaping buffers, parking and operating hours.
Commissioners voted to table the proposal and directed county staff to revise it before bringing it back for consideration. No changes to the zoning rules have been approved.
Local Governments Finalize Budgets and Property Tax Rates
County and city governments across the Nature Coast have been wrapping up their budgets and property tax rates for the 2026–27 fiscal year.
Citrus County adopted an aggregate millage rate of 8.6085 mills, slightly above its rollback rate of 8.5591. Hernando County adopted an aggregate rate of 7.7048 mills, just below its rollback rate of 7.7052.
Among local municipalities, Inverness adopted an operating rate of 7.4600 mills, while Bronson approved 5.5371 mills, unchanged from the previous year.
A mill represents $1 in property tax for every $1,000 of taxable property value. The rollback rate is the rate that would generate approximately the same property tax revenue as the previous year, excluding new construction.
Sources:
Citrus County BOCC meeting portal — 8.6085-mill aggregate rate.
Hernando County official website — 7.7048-mill aggregate rate.
Inverness budget hearing calendar entry — 7.4600-mill operating rate.
Bronson meeting agendas and minutes — 5.5371-mill operating rate.
❤️ Good Things Happening
Cedar Key Oyster Restoration Project Makes Progress
A roughly $2 million oyster restoration project is making progress in Cedar Key, with crews working to place approximately 3,200 cubic yards of rock.
During a September City Commission meeting, officials reported that about 2,700 cubic yards had already been moved, with roughly two and a half weeks of work remaining at the time.
Once completed, the rock will provide a foundation for oyster habitat, supporting efforts to restore Cedar Key's coastal ecosystem.
📸Through Your Lens
We're kicking off a new section featuring photos from our readers. This week's contribution comes from Debbie C., who shared two beautiful views of Yankeetown in Levy County.
Sunset over the water in Yankeetown. Photo: Debbie C.
Late-afternoon light filters through moss-draped trees along the water in Yankeetown. Photo: Debbie C.
🌊 On the Water
Fort Island Trail Boat Ramp Expansion Moves Forward
Citrus County's selected concept for the Fort Island Trail Park expansion includes a new two-lane boat ramp, additional trailer parking and a larger launch basin. Construction has not yet been approved. Image: Citrus County.
Citrus County commissioners have selected a proposed design for expanding Fort Island Trail Park's boat ramp, with an estimated construction cost of $5.37 million.
The plan includes a new two-lane boat ramp, an expanded launch basin, additional trailer parking, a dedicated kayak launch and a new restroom. The existing boardwalk would also be replaced with a paved walking trail.
During their September 21 meeting, commissioners selected the most extensive of three options presented in a feasibility study, allowing the project to move into design, engineering and permitting.
Construction has not been approved. Design and permitting are expected to take approximately 18 to 24 months
🎉 Events
Thursday, October 1
9 a.m. — Florida Native Plant Month Workshop · Lecanto · $5
A morning workshop focused on Florida's native plants. Details
7 p.m. — Cootertober Kickoff Concert · Courthouse Square, Inverness · Free
Razors Edge brings its AC/DC tribute to downtown Inverness. Details
Friday, October 2
2 p.m. — Fungi Friday · Brooksville
Learn to grow blue oyster mushrooms in a hands-on workshop. Details
6 p.m. — Unplugged Nirvana Tribute · Sparacia Witherell Winery, Brooksville
An acoustic tribute to Nirvana. Details
7 p.m. — Cooter Blues! · Valerie Theatre, Inverness
Sheba and the Bluesmen take the stage. Details
7:30 p.m. — Hocus Pocus at Liberty Park · Inverness · Free
An outdoor screening of the Halloween favorite. Details
7:30 p.m. — Two Witches, No Waiting · Art Center Theatre, Hernando · $21
A Halloween comedy, with additional performances Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Details
Saturday, October 3
7 a.m. — John Holmes Trail Run · Hernando County
Choose from 50K, 16-mile and 9-mile distances. Details
9 a.m. — Friends of Citrus Arts & Crafts Fair · Homosassa Springs
Browse arts, crafts and handmade items until 3 p.m. Details
10 a.m. — Hernando Beach Front Porch Art Walk · Hernando Beach
Explore the monthly neighborhood art walk. Details
11 a.m. — Blippi Family Meet & Greet · HarvestMoon Fun Farm, Brooksville
A family event during the farm's fall festivities. Details
Noon — Weeki Wachee Witches Paddle · Weeki Wachee
The Sisters of the Moon bring Halloween spirit onto the water. Details
2 p.m. — Vetoberfest · Spring Hill
A community event celebrating veterans. Details
5 p.m. — Rocktoberfest · Crystal River
Live rock music featuring Jasmine Cain. Details
5 p.m. — Cooter Country Music Festival · Inverness · Free
An evening of country music through 9 p.m. Details
5 p.m. — Rachelle Vance Photography Exhibit · Cedar Key
Enjoy an exhibition of local photography. Details
5 and 7 p.m. — Comedy, Magic and Illusions with Cesar Domico · Valerie Theatre, Inverness
Two Saturday performances. 5 p.m. show · 7 p.m. show
Sunday, October 4
7:30 a.m. — Withlacoochee State Trail Annual Ride · Inverness
Registration begins at 315 N. Apopka Avenue. Details
10 a.m. — Sunday Brunch Market · Spring Hill
Browse the Sunday market. Details
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👋 Until Next Week
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— Mike
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