Monday, April 27, 2026

Heads up for pet parents: An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.*

Tailored care for global trips: Now open in Citrus County, DOH-Citrus's Travel Health Program offers one-stop consultations, destination risk advice, and vaccines for international travelers, with a $100 consultation fee paid before services -- get details on services and fees.

Adventure-packed Florida coastal retreat: Just down the road in Brooksville, Cabot Citrus Farms is a new Nature Coast resort with clay shooting, archery, golf, guides and rentals, plus restaurants in a striking setting -- see what's offered and when.

Second hearing and budget moves: Crystal River City Council is seeking input while pursuing up to $750,000 in 2027 Small Cities grant funding for stormwater, parks, and housing. Council approved replacing a totaled utility vehicle -- get all the details.

The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*

Retirees are making moves: After gold's best year in nearly five decades, more folks than ever are moving part of their savings into precious metals. Not all of it... just enough to hedge against inflation. AHG put together a free guide that explains how it works -- grab your copy here.*

Your smoke-shop shortcut: When you want a new piece or a reliable torch without the guesswork, Higher Up Smoke Shop keeps it simple with premium hemp, disposable vapes, glass, and accessories. Friendly, local, and stocked with what you actually use, it’s worth a quick stop this week.

Upgrade your everyday: Hunting for a comfier couch, a dining set that actually fits, or a mattress your back will write thank-you notes about? Rich Bedding Furniture Outlet brings living room, bedroom, and home office finds that dial in your space... no epic shopping odyssey required.

Fresh catch, quick bite: Skip the same-old and swing by Skinny Tortuga, a Homosassa food truck turning locally sourced seafood and breakfast staples into legit crave fuel. Think crisp tacos, beachy flavors, and made-to-order goodness that actually tastes like today, then treat yourself this week.

The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as "normal wear and tear," and they're 100% on you. American Home Shield can help fill that gap for ~$1/day (even if your appliances and systems are really old).*See what it covers →

Selling your house doesn't have to take months: If you need to sell quickly — because you're downsizing, relocating, or just ready to close this chapter — Liz helps seniors sell their houses fast. As-is. No repairs, no showings, no drawn-out back-and-forth. You pick the closing date. *See how it works →

Unknown-number calls aren't random: Scammers don't just pick numbers out of a hat. They pay data brokers a few bucks and get everything they need to harass you, trick you, rob you, or steal your identity outright. Incogni removes all of your personal info from these data broker sites and keeps an eye out to make sure it stays gone for good. *Get protected →

For women who've been feeling off for years: The fatigue, the weight creeping up, the mood swings, the sleep that won't hold. Turns out most of those "it's just aging" problems are actually caused by hormones, and proper HRT can get you back to feeling like yourself. The catch? You can't get it without a full hormone panel and a doctor who understands what those numbers mean. Most women never get either, but Hone Health gives you both. *See how it works →

✂ Card Making @ Coastal Region Library (Crystal River) | Monday (4/27) at 10:30 AM – Trade your inbox for actual paper and make a wedding card with those wispy dandelions we all tried to blow into next week. Simple, classy, and surprisingly therapeutic, with zero glitter blowback. Bring your steady hand, bad puns, and someone who appreciates handmade.

🎨 Seniors Acrylic Tuesdays @ Inverness Art Co-Op | Tuesday (4/28) at 10:00 AM – Whether your last masterpiece was a refrigerator-worthy sunflower or you have a closet full of canvases, this seniors acrylic class with Marci Yocum is good stuff. Learn techniques, work on canvas, talk color and composition, and leave with paint on your sleeves, not your carpet.

🍞 Sourdough Starter Class @ First Christian Church of Chassahowitzka | Wednesday (4/29) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been keeping a mason jar of flour, guilt, and mystery bubbles in the fridge, this sourdough starter class sets you straight with a fresh culture, real techniques, and bread worth sharing. RSVP by 4/22, then prepare to flex at the next potluck.

☯ Beyond the Basics Tai Chi @ Floral City Public Library | Thursday (4/30) at 9:30 AM – If you've already got your cloud hands and golden rooster down, this tai chi class is for seasoned folks who want more. Slow, precise, quietly intense, it trades stress for balance and coordination, and your knees, back, and patience will all send nice thank-you notes.

🎺 The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band @ Crystal River Village, Crystal River | Friday (5/1) at 5:00 PM – First Friday at Crystal River Town Square means The Mudds Jazz & Blues Band holding court, plus vendors, food trucks, and games for everyone. Pack a lawn chair or blanket, claim a patch of grass, and pretend the couch will survive a night without you.

🏷 Recovery Community Yard Sale @ Erik's Place (Lecanto) | Saturday (5/2) at 7:00 AM – Erik's Place is hosting a Recovery Community Yard Sale with bargains and neighborly chatter. Have donations? Call 352-765-4943. Swing by May 2 to hunt for gems, back folks doing the work, and leave proud of that lamp you didn't know you needed.

🎨 Spring Fling Craft Show @ Crystal River Armory | Saturday (5/2) at 9:00 AM – Skip the big-box decor and wander the Armory for the Spring Fling craft show, where local makers and fresh designs take over. Expect cheerful buzz, gift-worthy finds, and the satisfying excuse to buy another handmade mug, just in case the others feel lonely.

This elevated 5-bed, 4-bath waterfront escape spans nearly 2 acres on Mason Creek with direct Gulf access in 10 minutes. Fully remodeled in 2019 and sold furnished, it shines with a quartz-clad chef’s kitchen and an elevator. A screened balcony crowns it. A lighted path leads to a dock with two covered lifts, kayak launches, and a fish cleaning station.