Good morning, Homosassa Springs! In today’s edition: Pension-stretching Florida waterfronts, little-known kayak escapes, a beloved roller rink’s farewell, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Places your pension lasts longer: FinanceBuzz’s December study identified ten Florida waterfront towns where retirees can live on $2,000 a month, with standouts like Homosassa Springs, Sebring, and Pensacola offering affordability and coastal charm — see the full list.

Calming journeys off the map: Fourteen little-known Florida rivers and runs offer kayakers quiet, slower water with limestone windows, tea-colored currents, and birds nearby, turning paddles into peaceful escapes that many travelers overlook — read the full list.

A local era ends: After more than four decades, The Roller Barn in Inverness closed on Dec. 31, ending a cherished skating and party spot for families in Citrus County, including Homosassa Springs — read the full story.

Craving a crisp pour: The SideBar Tavern pours laid-back taps and neighborly vibes. A rotating lineup, from fruit-forward Florida cider to local brews, makes an easy midweek upgrade when you want something refreshing without going full cocktail mode.

Two programs power local projects: Governor Ron DeSantis announced $311 million in grants to improve infrastructure in 37 Florida communities, including rural areas, aiding recovery from 2023 and 2024 storms with utility, transportation, water upgrades — see how funds will be used.

Family-friendly adventure awaits: Citrus County Parks and Recreation will host the 3rd Annual Outdoors Expo on Jan. 10. The free event will feature fishing, archery, kayaking, hiking, camping, biking, and team sports, plus food and beverages. Vendor tables are available for businesses and organizations. Get all the event details.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🐊 A History of the Everglades @ Coastal Region Library | Monday (1/12) at 3:00 PM – This talk dives into Everglades National Park’s wild past and the folks who fought to save a so-called swampland that turned out to be priceless. Expect real stories, a crash course in why it matters, and zero mosquitoes. Airboat not required.

💰 Financial Foundations @ Central Ridge Library | Tuesday (1/13) at 10:00 AM – Trade money stress for a crash course that actually makes sense. Learn key financial concepts, build better habits, and leave with a plan that fits real life, not a buzzword salad. Bring your questions, your budget, and that credit card guilt.

🔥 Blue Heron Woodburning Workshop @ East Citrus Community Center | Wednesday (1/14) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been eyeing the herons down by the wetlands and thinking, I could make that, this Blue Heron woodburning workshop is your moment. They bring the gear and guidance, you learn, burn, and head home with art you can hang, not just fridge it.

🏆 352 Classic @ Citrus High School | Wednesday (1/14) at 3:00 PM – Round up your crew for the 352 Classic, a proper hometown hang where bragging rights, good company, and local pride do the heavy lifting. Expect spirited competition, easygoing vibes, and plenty of chances to catch up with people you pretend to avoid at Publix.

🧵 Sewing for Fun @ Homosassa Public Library | Thursday (1/15) at 10:00 AM – This hands-on session welcomes total newbies and seasoned stitchers to make a simple, genuinely fun project. Expect easy wins, neighborly chatter, the rhythm of needles, and the quiet satisfaction of a tidy seam, a tamed bobbin, and finally using that button jar for something.

🎨 Watercolor Group @ Art Center of Citrus County | Thursday (1/15) at 3:00 PM – Take a breather and drop into the Art Center’s watercolor group, where brushes are calm, jokes are dry, and the paper helps. Deb Newman keeps it welcoming, whether your last masterpiece was a school volcano or your backsplash. Thursdays, bring a mug.

📖 Tiny Tales @ Floral City Public Library | Friday (1/16) at 10:00 AM – Need an outing that burns wiggles and feeds tiny brains? Tiny Tales is a sweet storytime for the 0-to-5 crowd and their caregivers, with songs, short books, and plenty of floor time. You chat with grownups, they babble, everyone wins.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Homosassa Springs report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 80°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 0%

Patchy fog before 10am. Mostly sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 74 in the afternoon. South southwest wind 2 to 7 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. West southwest wind around 2 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 71°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 24%

A slight chance of rain showers between 7am and 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 71. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 40. North northeast wind around 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.

Most popular house this week

This 3-bed, 2-bath pool retreat sits on a serene cul-de-sac backed by a lush greenbelt. Built in 2004, the layout blends formal and casual zones, from a grand double-door entry to living and dining, to a comfortable family room with custom built-ins.

The kitchen stacks perks, custom cabinetry with pull-out storage, solid counters, a built-in desk nook, and an appliance package. A split plan places the owner suite by the pool with a spa-like garden tub, walk-in shower, and walk-in closet. An oversized screened lanai frames the sparkling inground pool and peaceful wooded views with frequent songbirds.

Take a peek inside →