Chronicling the Good Life: A Lifestyle Guide

All aboard for a journey into Floral City’s past! Join us at the Floral City Library on Wednesday, July 23, from 2-3 p.m. for “Heritage Hour: The Floral City Steamboat Era.”

Discover how steamboats navigated the Withlacoochee River, transforming the region by fueling the lumber and turpentine industries and connecting Floral City to a broader network of trade and communication. Learn how these paddle-powered vessels brought progress and prosperity to Citrus County and shaped everyday life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. With a focus on commerce, culture, and river life, this program will highlight a unique and fascinating chapter in our local history.

To keep up to date on this and all other programs offered by the Citrus County Library System, visit our website at www.citruslibraries.org, call your nearest branch or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @CitrusLibraries.

The Citrus County Veterans Foundation (CCVF) 21st annual Citrus County Veterans Golf Tournament will be held Sept. 13 at the Citrus Hills Golf and Country Club Course for the benefit of local honorably discharged veterans and their surviving spouses in urgent financial need.

Check-in for the four-person scramble will be at 7:30 a.m. at the Pro Shop with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Individuals and groups short of four golfers will be combined to make a team. You do not need to be a veteran to participate.

Registration form and $90 donation per golfer must be received no later than Aug. 28. Donation includes golf and cart, beverages on the course and lunch at the country club. The tournament features a Hole-in-One, first, second, third places, and closest to the pin cash prizes, plus door prizes. Charitable tax-deductible donations for hole sponsorships of $450, $350, $250 or $150 and door prizes are greatly appreciated.

Participating golfers and hole sponsors should make their checks payable to CCVF and send with registration form to CCVF, P.O. Box 678, Lecanto, FL 34460 no later than Aug. 28.

For registration form or more information, please visit the CCVF website at www.citrusvf.org or call 352-346-2141 or 352-382-3847.

All are welcome at the Second Sunday Sunset Drum Circle at Fort Island Gulf Beach Park at the end of the beach, 16000 W. Fort Island Trail, Crystal River, at 6 p.m. Sunday, July 13.

Portable toilets and free parking are available. If it is raining at the start time or very stormy at the beach, the drum circle is canceled.

We are in our 18th year of drumming and dancing approximately two hours before sunset at the beach. Leave your worries behind and participate in our activities as we unite in the universal language of rhythm as a “community of one.” We celebrate diversity and anticipate all ages, races, economic/educational levels, etc. to be in attendance.

Bring drums from all cultures, small percussion toys, shakers, tambourines, flutes and the like. Bring a chair, water and possibly bug spray. Keep in mind we have no shade at this time since our shelters were destroyed by the last hurricane. No alcohol, dogs, or smokes near or around the circle, as these are the rules of the park and we must obtain permits to hold our drum circles.

For more information, check us out on Facebook under Citrus County Drum Circle or call Charlotte at 352-344-8009 and leave a message for a return call prior to two hours before the start of the drum circle.

The Citrus Community Concert Choir will have its summer concert “Young at Heart,” in two performances in August. They will feature special songs from youthful days, including medleys from the “Wizard of Oz” and “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,” plus a beautiful arrangement of “Young at Heart.”

The first of the two concerts will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Hope Lutheran Church, 9425 N. Citrus Springs Blvd., Citrus Springs. Then, on Sunday, Aug. 3, the second concert will be at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Inverness.

There will also be some presentations of scholarship awards at the concerts.

Admission is $12 at the door; students are admitted free. Proceeds help fund the choir’s scholarship program to help local students going on to college to study music. Visit the Events Page at www.citruschoir.com/events for the flyer and visit the Facebook Group Page.

The 43rd annual Reach for the Stars Dinner Auction will be hosted by the Key Training Center on Friday, July 18, at the Chet Cole Life Enrichment Center (5495 W. Safari Lane). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

This year’s event is themed “The Wizard of Oz,” and guests are invited to journey over the rainbow for a magical evening filled with heart, courage and community spirit — all to benefit adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

As the kick-off to the Key Center’s weeklong Run for the Money events, this night features dinner by Leon McClellan and M&B Dairy with an open bar. Browse the silent auction tables with over 100 packages and be part of the action during the live auction. The night will conclude with the announcement of the winner of the 2025 Bad Boy Mower sponsored by Love Power Equipment.

All proceeds directly support life-changing programs at the Key Training Center.

Tickets are limited and are $100 per person. Purchase today by texting RFTS25 to 91999, visiting tinyurl.com/RFTS25 or calling 352-795-5541, Ext. 312.

Nature Coast Orchid Society’s July 26 meeting will hear “How to Successfully Grow Encyclia Orchids” by Jim Roberts.

On Wednesday, July 23, join award-winning model builder Stephen Thein at the Homosassa Public Library as he shares his expansive model collection! Stop by anytime between 10 a.m. to noon to enjoy the collection.

Thein’s models represent different periods of history and different kinds of machines — from World War II-era tanks to brightly colored T-Birds. Drop in to see the models, get help with a model you’re working on, or ask questions about the model building process.

Thein will be displaying pieces from his collection at the Homosassa Public Library throughout the month of July.

Library programs are free and open to the public. To register for this program, visit the online calendar at attend.citruslibraries.org/events or call the Homosassa Branch at 352-628-5626.

Forget waiting on the weather — Floral City Library invites you to create your own adorable rain cloud at “Adults Create: Make Your Own Raincloud” on Monday, July 28, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

In this whimsical crafting session, you’ll design a hanging rain cloud decoration sure to brighten up any space. Whether you’re looking to add cozy flair to your home or just want to enjoy a fun and creative project, this is your chance to bring the weather indoors, no umbrella required!

Registration is required. Sign up through the online calendar at citruslibraries.org, in person, or by calling the Floral City Library at 352-726-3671.

Nature Coast Orchid Society’s 2025 Annual Auction will be held Aug. 23 at the St. Joan of Arc Church Hall.

Preview at 11 a.m. and the auction begins at noon and runs until all plants are sold. Open to the public and no entry fee. Cash, checks and credit cards accepted.

The TOOFAR Country Music Jam meets every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. at the TOOFAR Foundation building at 9228 E. Gospel Island Road in Inverness.

We welcome musicians, singers, and audience listeners. Everyone is invited to come join the fun!

Too hot? Set your own pace, stay hydrated, bring bug spray, then jump in the park pool.

Pickup games at the Westside Pickleball Club are held at Bicentennial Park Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Tuesday and Thursday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Beginners to intermediate levels, and those new to the game enjoy this fun sport. Just introduce yourself, dress appropriately and wear court shoes. Text 352-212-6949 to leave a message for Bob.

Mark your calendars for Kid Movie Wednesday at the Valerie Theatre! Catch family favorites like “Ratatouille,” “Moana,” “Toy Story 4” and more, screening on select Wednesdays at noon and 2:30 pm for just $1 each.

No ticket refunds or exchanges, and tickets can be purchased online or at the Box Office. The Valerie Theatre is at 207 Courthouse Square, Inverness. For more information and show dates, call 352-341-7850.

Serving west central Florida, Hands on Woodturners (HOW) meets at 6:45 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month. The next meeting is July 16. Meetings are held at the Lions Club, 72 Civic Circle, Beverly Hills. Individuals interested in, or participation in the woodturning craft are welcome to attend.

Club meetings include the display of members’ work, woodturning demonstrations and provide opportunities that increase the interest and skills of members. Guests are always welcome.

The Beverly Hills Shuffleboard Club welcomes new members and invites players to join them at 10 a.m. any Wednesday for a free day of play at Central Ridge Community Park on Civic Circle, Beverly Hills.

For more information contact Mary at 802-274-8523 or Terri at 859-279-5561.

The Nature Coast Dulcimer Players host an acoustic music jam Monday afternoons from 3-5 p.m. at the Historic Hernando School in Hernando. A free instructional group meets from 2-3 p.m. in the same location.

We welcome adults of all levels to join our jams. For more information, call 352-344-1204.

The Citrus Bridge Club welcomes new players of all skill levels to participate in playing duplicate bridge. Come and make new friends in a friendly social atmosphere at the club located in the Tree Top Plaza at 1647 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway, Lecanto.

The summer schedule is Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. with a free lesson at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The Floral City Heritage Council announces their Heritage Museum is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Museum is located at 8394 E. Orange Ave. in the Floral City Town Center and for small groups it may be open by appointment during the summer. Call the museum director, Tom Ritchie, at 352-726-2743.

The Portrait Group of the Citrus County Art Center welcomes those interested in drawing and painting. They have a model, comfortable setting and a range of artists from beginning to experienced. They meet at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays at the Art Center, at 2644 N. Annapolis Ave., Hernando.

For information, call John Bescher at 352-220-8530 or n4dxi@aol.com.

The Old Courthouse Heritage Museum presents free events for children on the first and third Saturdays of each month.

Each event will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. and are recommended for children ages three and up. Since space is limited, parents and guardians should pre-register by calling the museum at 352-341-6428.

From the Homosassa Page Turners to the Ridge Readers Book Club, there is a book club for everyone at Citrus Libraries.

Book clubs are great social gatherings where one can share his/her recent readings. They provide an environment for discussion on a variety of topics, promote deeper engagement with the book, encourage critical thinking, provide diverse perspectives and foster a perpetual love of literature.

With these benefits in mind, consider joining one of the book club gatherings offered at Citrus Libraries location.

• The Homosassa Page Turners meet every first Thursday at the Homosassa branch from 3-4 p.m.
• At the Floral City branch, meet with the Book Share group every third Friday from 11:30-12:30 p.m.
• The Ridge Readers Book Club gathers at the Central Ridge branch in Beverly Hills on the last Wednesday of each month from 3-4:30 p.m.

These library programs are free and open to everyone. For more, go to the library’s website, attend.citruslibraries.org/events. Additional information about programs and events can also be found by following @CitrusLibraries on Facebook or Instagram.

An Inverness ukulele group is holding weekly jam sessions to share techniques and gather new songs.

Jams will be held from 3-4 p.m. Fridays at the Lakes Region Library, 1511 Druid Road, Inverness.

All ukulele enthusiasts are invited to join the group for this free jam time.

Bring a glove to Bicentennial Park behind the Crystal River airport at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays or Wednesdays and participate in a game of softball or just spectate.

A group of ages 55 and older (age flexible) men and women gather to pick teams and enjoy the exercise and fresh air. No league fees or team commitments. Experience is helpful, but not required. Everyone can play.

For information, call Wally at 352-212-0986.

Join the City of Inverness at the Depot Pavilion for Tower Tunes every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Music at the Depot Tower Stage will feature a variety of talented artists. Bring a chair and relax while enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

If you would like to showcase your musical talents by being a part of Tower Tunes, reach out to events@inverness.gov or call 352-726-2611, ext. 1303.

The Citrus County Amateur Radio Club covers topics including electronics, meeting with ham radio operators, getting an amateur radio license, how signals taking less energy than a light bulb can travel thousands of miles, and others related to amateur radio operation.

Interested parties can attend next month’s meeting at The Citrus County Emergency Operations Center, 3549 Saunders Way, Lecanto.

For information, contact John Bescher at n4dxi@aol.com or 352-220-8530.

A community theater group is planning a series of plays at the Valerie Theater in Inverness.

Artistic Director Patrick Erhardt said the Valerie Players needs performers, directors and people to work behind the scenes.

The weekly Hernando Ukulele Jam meets at 11 a.m. for intermediates and noon for beginners every Tuesday at the Historic Hernando School at the intersection of U.S. 41 and County Road 486. The event is free and open to everyone.

Attendees should bring their favorite ukulele and a music stand if they have one.

For more information, call 352-566-2328.

A Women’s Mahjongg Club is forming for residents of Sugarmill Woods. The version that will be played is the Wright-Patterson (not the American version).

The Floral City Crafters meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Floral City Baptist Church, 8545 Magnolia St.

The crafters are a group of knitters, crocheters, quilters, jewelry makers and more who share their love of crafts and spend time together. Attendees can bring their crafts or learn a new one.

There is a $2 fee for each weekly meeting. For questions, call 352-637-5423 or 352-726-5658.

Join the Sunshine Poets’ monthly meeting and poetry reading at 10 a.m. the last Thursday of each month at the Central Ridge Library in Beverly Hills.

Attendees are welcome to bring poems to share or just listen. If you would like the members to critique your poems, bring several copies on which they can write suggestions. Attendees are also welcome to join the group afterward for lunch at a local restaurant.

Additional details are available on the Sunshine Poets Facebook page. For questions, contact Cheri Herald, Sunshine Poets president, at sunshinepoets@gmail.com.

The Hernando Area Senior Program is hosting free ukulele classes with Joy Wilson at noon on Tuesdays at 2415 N. Florida Ave. in Hernando. All skill levels are welcome.

Attendees must comply with COVID-19 guidelines and masks are mandatory. Due to limited space, participants should call ahead to make a reservation. For additional information about these activities, call 352-527-5484.

Citrus Bridge Club has face-to-face games at 1 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the Tree Top Plaza, 1647 W. Gulf-to-Lake Highway in Lecanto.

Ruby Life Master Mike Swartz offers a series of beginner lessons from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. While geared toward the beginner player, current bridge players will also find Swartz’s lessons are a good refresher.

In an effort to keep all participants safe, proof of vaccination will be required for the regular games and for Swartz’s lessons. Masks are recommended but optional.