Prepared to make a state-ment [Times photo: Steve Hasel] INVERNESS -- In what are expected to be the most intense, competitive races of their high school careers, Citrus' Brent Mobley and Cory Presnick have a little something that may give each an edge in Saturday's Class 2A Florida Track and Field Finals. Pirate's career at unusual height CRYSTAL RIVER -- At the beginning of track season, William Milian was a freshman walking around on the Crystal River track trying to find something he could try. Panthers prepared for the spectacle LECANTO -- Seven days ago, Mike Perrino had never run the 4x400 relay. Saturday, he will line up with Lecanto teammates Marcus Parrish, Jimmy Moore and K.J. Atkins to compete for a state title in the event.

Sowell at home in Mini Stocks and at Speedway When Mini Stock veteran Mark Sowell faced off with long-time division rival George Neumann, he knew what kind of battle it was likely to be. With Neumann leading the way around Citrus County Speedway's tight quarter-mile oval, the two dueled bumper-to-bumper for 20 laps. Tainted evidence frees defendant A man accused of dealing crack cocaine walks away from his trial in a rare dismissal. County reviews steps to protect water Citrus officials, concerned by two state Senate bills that died in committee, want to ensure that privatization doesn't drain the county's supply. State may lock Citrus into its old impact fees Pending legislation would prevent the county from raising the school impact fees on new homes. Some officials are concerned. Other shrug it off.

Wal-Mart plan revival gets no hallelujahs
CRYSTAL RIVER -- The Citrus County Planning and Development Review Board heard some passionate opposition Thursday to a revived plan for a Wal-Mart supercenter on a 37-acre parcel in environmentally sensitive lands west of U.S. 19.

Bush chooses 3 for the county's hospital board
INVERNESS -- Gov. Jeb Bush on Thursday appointed three people to serve on the Citrus County Hospital Board. That board levies the ad valorem tax that is used to support indigent care at Citrus Memorial Hospital.

From 'Sloopy' to blues, Derringer shows many sides
Rock veteran Rick Derringer is still performing and producing across the musical spectrum. He comes to town this weekend.