Community News
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 · Beverly Hills
Collier County Celebrates Picayune Strand Everglades Completion
A cornerstone Everglades restoration project spanning 55,000 acres in Collier County has reached full completion, restoring natural water flows and revitalizing wetlands. The Picayune Strand Restoration Project marks another victory in Florida's massive Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Officials hailed the milestone as a model of federal-state collaboration.
Florida Bills Slash No-Fault Auto, Shield Homeowners from Roof Hikes
Florida's 2026 insurance reforms repeal the state's no-fault auto system and protect homeowners from coverage denials over old roofs, aiming to curb skyrocketing premiums amid hurricane risks. Effective July 1, new laws mandate fault-based liability for crashes and require human review of AI claim denials. Drivers and residents from Miami to Tampa face a transformed market promising rate relief.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Florida's Heat Wave Eases Slightly Friday After Record-Breaking Thursday
South Florida and Central Florida residents get a brief respite from scorching temperatures Friday, with highs dropping into the upper 80s at the coast and low 90s inland—but forecasters warn the dangerous heat pattern will persist through the weekend. Thursday's near-record temperatures set the stage for what meteorologists are calling one of the hottest stretches of the year so far.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
DeSantis Signs 2026 Farm Bill in Sebring, Boosting Rural Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 290 into law Monday in Sebring, delivering wins for Florida farmers with protections for gas-powered equipment and farmland preservation. The measure bans local bans on gasoline tools, makes the Farmers Feeding Florida program permanent and curbs high-density rural development. Critics decry potential sprawl from related land-use changes.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County secures $16.4M for sewer repairs in Homosassa
Citrus County received $16.4 million in federal disaster recovery funds to repair aging sanitary sewer infrastructure in Homosassa, with work beginning on Halls River Road.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County closes three boat ramps next week for emergency repairs
Citrus County will repair three boat ramps June 15-19 to address low-water access hazards. Boaters should expect intermittent closures.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County wins state awards for growth planning tool and economic development website
Citrus County won a state award for its Interactive Growth Model, which forecasts development patterns and infrastructure needs, and a marketing award for its economic development website launched in February.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Moves to New Website, Seeks Public Feedback
Citrus County launched a redesigned website April 8 with improved mobile access and new navigation. Officials are asking residents to complete a survey on county communications.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Gets $16.4M to Fix Failing Sewer System in Homosassa
Citrus County secured $16.4 million in state disaster recovery funds to repair aging sewer lines in Homosassa that overflow during storms and send raw sewage into neighborhoods and Halls River.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Posts 2026 Road Work Schedule Online
Citrus County posted its 2026 road work plan online, allowing residents to search treatment schedules for specific county roads.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Launches Text and Email Alert System
Citrus County residents can now receive alerts on everything from burn bans to transit closures by signing up at citruscounty.gov/notify.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Opens Notification System for Service Updates
Citrus County residents can now sign up for email or text notifications about burn bans, water restrictions, landfill closures, and other county services at citruscounty.gov/notify.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Fire Rescue Gets $3.5M for New Station at Inverness Airport
Citrus County Fire Rescue receives $3.5 million to relocate Fire Station 8 to Inverness Airport, cutting response times for 7,200 homes in the area.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Old Courthouse Museum Opens Orange Hotel Centennial Exhibit
The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum displays artifacts from the Orange Hotel through early July, featuring original menus, keys and postcards from the historic building's 100-year history.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Beverly Hills, School District Approve $39 Million Partnership Through 2029
Beverly Hills and its school district approved a $39 million, three-year partnership that shifts youth programs to district control beginning August 2026.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Lifts Burn Ban After Two Months
Citrus County residents can resume burning yard waste after the Board of County Commissioners lifted a two-month burn ban following improved weather conditions.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Wins State Awards for Growth Model and Economic Development Website
Citrus County won two statewide awards this month for an Interactive Growth Model that guides development planning and a new economic development website launched to attract business.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Breaks Ground on New Animal Services Facility
Citrus County hosts a groundbreaking ceremony June 15 for a new Animal Services facility in Lecanto, with construction expected to wrap up in fall 2027.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Wins State Awards for Growth Planning, Economic Development Website
Citrus County won state recognition for its data-driven growth forecasting model and redesigned economic development website, citrusadvantage.com.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Lifts Burn Ban as Drought Conditions Ease
Citrus County lifted its burn ban May 28 after improved drought conditions and recent rainfall reduced wildfire risk. Outdoor burning remains regulated under Florida law.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Lifts Burn Ban as Drought Conditions Ease
Citrus County rescinded its burn ban May 26 after improving drought conditions and lower fire danger readings. Residents may resume outdoor burning of natural yard waste under state guidelines.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Wins Awards for Growth Planning Tool and Economic Website
Citrus County received two regional awards for its Interactive Growth Model forecasting tool and its new economic development website, citrusadvantage.com.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
New Year’s Eve Dinner at Toro Toro Miami
Toro Toro Miami will offer a four-course prix fixe menu with live entertainment for New Year’s Eve 2024, featuring dishes like Wagyu Short Rib and Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Burn Ban Continues in Unincorporated Citrus County
Citrus County maintains a burn ban in unincorporated areas due to severe drought and elevated wildfire risk.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Launches New Website, Seeks Public Input
Citrus County launched a redesigned website April 8 at citruscounty.gov, replacing the previous domain with improved mobile access and clearer navigation for residents.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Burn Ban Takes Effect in Unincorporated Citrus County
Unincorporated Citrus County enters a burn ban as drought conditions spike. The restriction takes effect April 1 and may lift once conditions improve.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Voters Guide: How Judicial Elections and Merit Retention Work
The Florida Bar's "The Vote's in Your Court" guide explains how judicial elections and merit retention work in Florida. Printed copies in multiple languages are available through the Citrus County Supervisor of Elections.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Releases 2026 Road Improvement Plan
Citrus County released its 2026 road improvement plan May 13, allowing residents to search which county roads will be repaired this year.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Citrus County Launches Direct Notification System for Residents
Citrus County residents can now sign up for direct email and text notifications on burn bans, water restrictions, development updates, and other county services.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
CF Woodwind & Brass Performance Scheduled for April 27 at Webber Center
Lecanto residents can attend a free performance by the CF Woodwind and Brass ensemble on Monday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m. at the Webber Center.
Tuesday, May 12, 2026