Native Gardening Workshop Lands Thursday at the Canning Center
Lecanto, FL · September 29, 2026
Heavy gray clouds are rolling over the ridge this morning, offering a subdued start to what looks like a full week of community workshops and library gatherings.
The Lead
Citrus County Parks and Recreation is launching the fifth annual Florida Native Plant Month this Thursday morning with an open workshop and social at the historic Citrus County Canning Center on West Southern Street. Beginning at 9:00 AM on October 1, the hands-on session focuses on practical landscaping strategies tailored to Central Ridge soil and climate conditions, showing homeowners how indigenous flora can dramatically reduce irrigation demands and protect local groundwater. County specialists will walk attendees through beginner-friendly varieties, pollinator garden layouts, and simple soil prep before opening the floor for a community seed and tip swap. With residential development continuing to expand across the county, county staff are treating backyard conservation as a front-line buffer for the aquifer. Pre-registration remains open online, though morning walk-ins can grab remaining seats when doors open at 8:45 AM.
Local Pulse
Solid Waste Agreements Take Effect Thursday City Hall New county contracts route municipal collections from Crystal River and Inverness straight to the central landfill on Highway 44.
District Highlights Middle School Elective Programs Schools Educators spotlighted interactive courses this week that give students early exposure to vocational careers and technical problem-solving skills.
Today's Outlook
- High 88°F · Low 67°F — Overcast
- Expect heavy cloud cover and humid warmth today, so you can safely leave sunglasses behind.
What's On Around Town
Today
Citrus County Genealogical Society Open Help Central Ridge Library (425 W Roosevelt Blvd), Beverly Hills, 10:00 AM–Noon · Free Get one-on-one assistance navigating regional family history archives and databases.
Walk-In Device Assistance Coastal Region Library (8619 W Crystal St), Crystal River, 10:00 AM–Noon · Free Bring your smartphone or tablet for volunteer troubleshooting and setup help.
Color Me Happy Central Ridge Library (425 W Roosevelt Blvd), Beverly Hills, 12:30–3:00 PM · Free Unwind with adult coloring sheets and shared pencils in the quiet room.
Everyday English Conversation Group Central Ridge Library (425 W Roosevelt Blvd), Beverly Hills, 3:30–4:30 PM · Free Practice practical English conversational skills in an informal, guided small group.
Tomorrow
- Infant Massage Class Citrus County Health Department (3700 W Sovereign Path), 9:00–10:30 AM · Free
- Mosquito Control Workshop Homosassa Public Library, Homosassa, 1:00–2:30 PM · Free
- Ridge Readers Book Club Central Ridge Library (425 W Roosevelt Blvd), Beverly Hills, 3:00–4:30 PM · Free
Thursday
- Planning and Development Commission Lecanto Government Building (3600 W Sovereign Path), 9:00 AM
- Voter Outreach Services West Citrus Community Center (8940 W Veterans Dr), Homosassa, 9:30–11:30 AM · Free
- Cootertober Kickoff Concert Courthouse Square (207 Courthouse Sq), Inverness, 7:00–9:00 PM · Free
Spotlight & Story
- The Lost Town of Orleans
- Founded in 1885 by Reverend Young, this bustling citrus hamlet once boasted 100 residents and its own railroad station just south of town. The catastrophic Great Freeze of 1895 wiped out the groves overnight, leaving only overgrown forest paths.
Lecanto Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
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