Citrus County residents have a packed calendar of community events this July, ranging from a long-standing election candidate forum in Inverness to a free back-to-school bash in Crystal River, along with ongoing donation needs at the local abuse shelter. The Citrus County Chronicle will host its Primary Election Candidate Forum on Tuesday, July 7, at the Citrus County Fair Auditorium, 3610 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, with doors opening at 5 p.m. The forum continues a nearly 50-year community tradition giving voters a chance to hear directly from local candidates before heading to the polls.
The Supervisor of Elections Office will also be present at the July 7 forum, and will host a separate outreach event on Thursday, July 9, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Floral City Library, 8360 E. Orange Ave., Floral City. Residents can register to vote, update voter records, renew signatures on file, or request a Vote-by-Mail ballot. For more information, visit votecitrus.gov or call 352-564-7120. The League of Women Voters of Citrus County will also hold a candidate meet-and-greet on Wednesday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at the Coastal Region Library, 8619 W. Crystal St., Crystal River, featuring a coastal climate risk presentation by Dr. Don Wright, professor emeritus.
Families with school-age children should mark Saturday, July 18, for the fourth annual Back to School Bash, sponsored by Langley Health Services. The free event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Florida National Guard Armory, 8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River. Attendees can expect free school supplies, food, activities, and school physicals. Children must be present to receive supplies. Also on July 18, the Gulf Coast Manatees Homeschool Group is wrapping up its Summer Shenanigans Camp, with sessions also on July 13 and 15 at rotating locations including Hunter Springs Park and Whispering Pines Park. Daily drop-in costs $30, with a weekly rate of $75 and $5 off per sibling. Email [email protected] for details.
The Citrus County Abuse Shelter Association, known as CASA, is urgently seeking pantry and household donations to keep its shelter stocked. Cooking oil is listed as the most urgent need, along with Enfamil Bentleease formula, breakfast items, canned and fresh produce, meats, and cleaning supplies. Donations can be dropped off at the CASA Outreach office, 1100 E. Turner Camp Road, Inverness, Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or at Carol’s Interiors and Floors, 6410 S. Suncoast Blvd., Homosassa. CASA also offers an Amazon Wishlist for easy online donations. Contact Rane Herzek at 352-344-8111 or [email protected] for more information.
Other upcoming events include the Second Sunday Sunset Drum Circle at 6 p.m. on July 12 at Fort Island Gulf Beach Park, 160000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, open to all. A Christmas in July Arts and Crafts Fair will be held July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, 8831 W. Bradshaw St., Homosassa, with concessions and lunch available. Call Lorry at 630-269-1096 for fair details. Veterans service organizations and civic groups are also encouraged to attend the Veterans Appreciation Week planning meeting at 1:30 p.m. on July 15 at the Inverness Elks Lodge 2522, 3575 E. Lake Place, Hernando, to help coordinate Citrus County’s 34th Annual Veterans Appreciation Week. More information on all local events is available through the Citrus County Chronicle.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
