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Levy County has spent months working on a plan for how the county should grow through 2050.

But when the latest version came before the Planning Commission on Sept. 28, commissioners weren't convinced it reflected enough of that work.

They voted 2-1 to recommend that the County Commission not approve the current draft.

The county originally launched a broad update that included public input, consultant work and workshops covering issues such as future development, infrastructure, housing, agriculture and protection of natural resources.

Planning commissioners also spent several August workshops reviewing the plan section by section and recommending changes.

But during the Sept. 28 meeting, a county planning consultant explained that the County Commission had since directed the update toward a more limited approach.

That raised concerns among planning commissioners and residents that months of previous work and public input weren't adequately reflected in the latest draft.

There were also questions about changes involving future land use, protection of rural and agricultural areas, and water resources.

The Planning Commission's vote doesn't kill the update. The board only makes recommendations, and the final decisions belong to the Levy County Commission.

But the 2-1 vote sends county commissioners a clear message: the Planning Commission isn't ready to recommend the current version.

Sources:

Primary county page: Levy County Comprehensive Plan
Draft documents: 2026 Update Draft Documents
Meeting information: Levy County Board Meeting Dates

Tampa General Hospital Brooksville has performed its first cardiothoracic surgery, marking a significant expansion of heart care available in Hernando County.

The first procedure included coronary artery bypass surgery along with two additional procedures involving the patient's heart.

TGH Brooksville can now provide some complex heart surgeries that previously would have required patients to receive that level of care elsewhere.

The new surgical program builds on other heart-care services TGH has added locally. The hospital opened dedicated cardiac rehabilitation services in May 2025 and an advanced heart-failure clinic two months later.

Tampa General says the goal is to give Hernando County patients access to more specialized cardiovascular treatment closer to home while still connecting them with the larger TGH and USF Health system.

Sources:
TGH Brooksville Performs First Cardiothoracic Surgery

Crystal River City Council approved an amended agreement with One Oak Kings Bay LLC for dock work needed as part of Phase II of the Kings Bay Riverwalk.

Under the agreement, the property owner will handle construction of the replacement dock, and the city can reimburse eligible costs up to $119,700.

Any additional private boat slips pursued by the property owner would be separate from that city reimbursement.

The city has another Riverwalk workshop scheduled for Oct. 28 at 1 p.m.

Sources:
Crystal River Agendas & Minutes

Levy County is considering new rules for facilities that turn treated sewage waste into material that can be used as fertilizer or a soil amendment.

Biosolids are the solid material left over when domestic wastewater is treated. Florida allows properly treated biosolids to be reused, including as fertilizer and soil amendments.

The Levy County proposal deals with facilities that would take Class B biosolids and process them into Class AA material, which meets Florida's highest standards for biosolids that can be distributed and marketed like commercial fertilizer.

The proposed county rules would allow these processing facilities in Agricultural/Rural Residential areas through a special approval process. Among the proposed requirements are a minimum 50-acre site and at least a half-mile separation from platted residential subdivisions.

The applicant asked for additional time, and the Planning Commission unanimously continued the discussion until Oct. 26 at 5:45 p.m.

Sources:
Levy County Meeting Portal
For the explanation of Class B and Class AA biosolids:
Florida DEP — Domestic Wastewater Biosolids

Come see us at Scarecrow Fest — weather permitting!
5 to 9 Designs is planning to be at Scarecrow Fest in downtown Crystal River this Saturday with handmade coastal and seasonal home décor. With tropical weather in the Gulf, festival organizers are keeping an eye on conditions, so plans may change.
If the weather cooperates, stop by the booth, see what Becky's been making and say hello.
Saturday, Oct. 10 · 10 a.m.–3 p.m. · Heritage Village
Weather note: Check for the latest festival updates before heading out. If canceled, Scarecrow Fest will be rescheduled for October 31st.

See more at 5to9designs.com

5 to 9 Designs is another local small business run by the folks behind Nature Coast Digest.

On Sept. 28, the Crystal River City Council proposed rules that would require businesses renting boats, kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft to operate from approved locations, identify their rental vessels, carry liability insurance and have an emergency plan.

Customers would also have to receive information about boating safety, Kings Bay and manatee protection zones before heading onto the water.

The proposal would also increase the registration fee for rental businesses based outside Crystal River from $20 to $50.

Council members questioned a proposed employee-training requirement because state training requirements already exist, and city staff said that provision could be removed.

A second public hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Sources:
Crystal River Agendas & Minutes

A group of Hernando County organizations is working together to find homeless veterans and connect them with help.

The Veterans Community Partners effort brings together veterans organizations, county agencies and local nonprofits.

During outreach in September, teams reported finding 11 homeless people living in encampments, including two veterans.

Now they're preparing for the Hernando County Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair on Nov. 18 at Radiant Church.

The event is intended to help homeless and at-risk veterans connect with services including food, clothing, housing assistance, health and dental care, showers, laundry, haircuts and hygiene supplies.

Organizers are also working on transportation options for veterans who may have difficulty getting to the event.

Sources:
Helping Homeless Veterans — Hernando Sun

Sunset at Fort Island Trail Beach in Crystal River
Photos submitted by Mary Ann Gilfillan of Altered Life Photography

4 p.m. — Pokémon Fright Night · Howard’s Flea Market, Homosassa

A Pokémon-meets-Halloween evening with costumes, themed activities and specialty drinks. Details

6 p.m. — Inverness Elvis & Roper Romp · Downtown Inverness · Free

Downtown Inverness celebrates Elvis and Mrs. Roper with themed fun and costumes. Details

6:30 p.m. — Friday Night Live · Hernando Park Bandshell, Brooksville

John Hindman & The Mustang Mafia take the stage for Brooksville’s October Friday Night Live. Details

7 p.m. — Spooky Requests Live! · Valerie Theatre, Inverness · $25 + fees

A live concert presented like an old-fashioned radio request show, with audience interaction throughout the performance. Details

7:30 a.m. — 4th Annual PTSD Awareness 5K · Liberty Park, Inverness · $40

Run or walk through Inverness while supporting Soldiers Freedom Outdoors and its programs for active-duty service members and veterans. Details

9 a.m. — Guided Hike: Janet Butterfield Brooks WEA · Brooksville · Registration required

Explore an area normally closed to general public access during a guided hike of just under two miles. Space is limited. Details

9 a.m. — Free Costume Pop-Up · Cedar Key City Park · Free

Families can choose from approximately 150 free children's Halloween costumes while supplies last. The pop-up continues Sunday. Details

10 a.m. — Scarecrow Fest · Heritage Village, Downtown Crystal River · Free

Celebrate fall with local vendors, live music, free kids activities, costumes, games, food and fall photo spots. Details

Weather dependent — check for updates before heading out.

2 p.m. — Hispanic Heritage Festival · Spring Hill · $3 advance / $5 day-of

Celebrate Hispanic heritage with music, cultural performances, food, dancing, vendors and family activities. Details

5 p.m. — Citrus Learning Academy & Nature Coast Preschool Fall Festival · Homosassa · Free

A community fall festival with bounce houses, games, food trucks, Kona Ice and music. Details

5 p.m. — Crystal River Nights Concert Series · Crystal River Town Square · Free

An evening of live music featuring Ridge Country Band followed by the Rick Lynn Band. Details

5 p.m. — Emotopia Music and Drift Fest · Lead Foot City, Brooksville

Live music meets motorsports with drifting, an oddities expo and other activities at Lead Foot City. Details

5 p.m. — Art & Oddities Collective Costume Contest · Broad Street Brewing Co., Brooksville

Artists, makers and vendors gather for an evening of spooky art, oddities, live music, food and a costume contest. Details

6:30 p.m. — ROCCS 12th Annual Casino Night Fundraiser · Depot Pavilion, Inverness · $40 general admission

An evening of casino-style fun benefiting the Rowing Organization of Citrus County Students. Details

1 p.m. — Cooter Carnival · Liberty Park, Inverness · Free

Cootertober continues with carnival games hosted by local businesses, vendors, food trucks and free face painting. Details

Let us know — we read every reply.

Nature Coast Digest reaches local readers across Citrus, Hernando and Levy counties every week. If you own a local business and want to reach them, we'd love to talk.

Interested? Email [email protected]

That’s it for this week!

If you make it out to Scarecrow Fest on Saturday, stop by the 5 to 9 Designs booth and say hello — I’d love to meet some Nature Coast Digest readers in person.

And as always, if you spot something happening around the Nature Coast that we should know about — a story, event, new business or even a great photo — send it our way.

Have a great weekend, and I’ll see you next week.

— Mike
Nature Coast Digest

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