Students' cars are searched for drugs [Times photo: Ron Thompson] The random searches were part of a countywide effort. Civil libertarians worry the searches may violate students' rights.

City closes Hunter Springs Park due to high fecal coliform levels
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The city has closed Hunter Springs Park after tests indicated high levels of fecal coliform in the water. Found in human and animal waste, fecal coliforms generally do not pose a danger on their own.

Hernando man charged with sexual battery of girl
The girl, now 12, says the man had sex with her when she was 11.

New shop on U.S. 19 draws some questions
Officials question whether the store should be in Crystal River, but the owner says it is perfectly legal, if not to everyone's taste.

'Embarrassed' candidate leaves race
Don Bates won't run for School Board because of his 1994 arrest on a sex charge, which was later dropped.

The lure of the deep
Fishing for exotic species near the edge of the continental shelf is tempting, but a strong wind and high seas make getting there a challenge.

'Super slam' requires a bit of planning
The water temperature is a little warm for midday flats fishing, but mornings and evenings offer some opportunities.

Cottage comfort
Whether through serendipity or divine plan, a home for neglected and abused children begins to become a reality.

Appraiser to mail notices of proposed tax on Monday
The annual Proposed Notice of Property Taxes will be mailed on Monday, Citrus County property appraiser Ron Schultz announced. Property owners should note that the Non Ad Valorem $5 solid waste assessment will appear on the Proposed Notice. As a result of the Board of County Commissioners' vote on Tuesday, that assessment will not be levied this year.