Community News
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 · Homosassa
Lauderdale Lakes Officer-Involved Shooting: What We Know So Far
An officer-involved shooting occurred early Friday morning at 3601 NW 34th Ave in Lauderdale Lakes, with emergency responders on scene.
Officer Involved Shooting on Terramar St, Fort Lauderdale
Emergency responders were dispatched to an officer involved shooting on Terramar St in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday night.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Crews Respond to Vehicle Fire on 34650 Us Hwy 19 N in Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor Fire Rescue responded to a vehicle fire on 34650 Us Hwy 19 N in Palm Harbor early Saturday morning.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Palm Harbor Vehicle Blaze: Early Morning Response Underway
Emergency crews are currently responding to a vehicle fire reported on US Highway 19 North in Palm Harbor early Thursday morning, with Engine 167 dispatched to the scene.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Citrus County wins 17 national awards for innovative programs
Citrus County received 17 national awards from the National Association of Counties for innovative programs spanning animal services, fire rescue, libraries, and parks.
Tuesday, September 1, 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, September 1, 2026
State awards Citrus County $3.5 million for new fire station at Inverness Airport
State funding will relocate Fire Station 8 to Inverness Airport, extending emergency coverage to 7,200 additional homes in the county.
Tuesday, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 2026
Citrus County Fire Rescue Gets $3.5M for New Inverness Airport Station
Citrus County Fire Rescue receives $3.5 million to relocate Fire Station 8 to Inverness Airport, expanding coverage to 7,200 homes and improving response times.
Tuesday, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 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, September 1, 2026
DeSantis Rejects Florida Gas Tax Pause Amid $4/Gallon Spike
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shot down calls to suspend the state's 25-cent gas tax, warning drivers won't feel relief at pumps hitting $4 a gallon. Despite pleas from Democrats and Palm Beach County leaders, he cited past failures and oil market volatility. As global tensions rise, Florida motorists brace for pain at the pump.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
DeSantis Signs 9 Key Florida Laws on Safety, Schools and Traffic
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed nine new laws Thursday in Tallahassee, tackling unlicensed drivers, church security and body camera privacy amid rising public safety concerns. Most take effect July 1, joining nearly 60 others passed this year. From stricter traffic penalties to expanded school guardians, the measures aim to bolster security across the Sunshine State.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Florida's Lab-Grown Meat Ban Survives Federal Court Challenge
Nearly two years after Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation banning cultivated meat sales in Florida, a federal appeals court upheld the controversial law as constitutional. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge from California-based Upside Foods, cementing Florida's status as the first state to prohibit lab-grown meat—a move critics say protects the traditional livestock industry rather than consumers.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Florida Launches Mandatory Hurricane Drills Across All 67 Counties
With hurricane season looming just weeks away, Florida's Division of Emergency Management has rolled out mandatory public safety drills statewide to sharpen readiness. The initiative targets all 67 counties, urging residents to stock seven days of supplies and master evacuation protocols. Officials warn that recent storms underscore the need for swift action amid rising threats.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
DeSantis Greenlights UFC, Colleges in Florida's New License Plates
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed a bill unleashing eight new specialty license plates, from UFC fighters to South Florida high schools and military academies. Drivers can start pre-ordering Oct. 1, but only if 3,000 vouchers sell in two years. With over 2.3 million special tags already on roads, these could boost scholarships, mental health and more.
Tuesday, September 1, 2026