#CitrusCounty
LightNews LightNews
ruesphotography.bsky.social
Standing out against the Gulf Coast waters

ruephotography.substack.com/p/the-bones-...

#FortIslandGulfBeach #HurricaneHelene #FloridaPhotography #GulfCoast #NaturePhotography #VisualStorytelling #CitrusCounty #FloridaLife #StormRecovery #CoastalVibes
The Bones of the Pier
RuePhotography Substack is a reader-supported publication.
ruephotography.substack.com
September 26, 2026 at 4:54 PM
authenticflorida.bsky.social
Happy 106th Birthday, Inverness! 🎂🎁 🎉

#DYK: The historic Citrus County Courthouse, built in 1912, serves as a museum & home to the #CitrusCounty Historical Society.

#DiscoverCR #LoveAF #InvernessFL #AuthenticFlorida #TBT
March 6, 2025 at 1:50 PM
willisauthor.bsky.social
🌟 Join Fantasy Romance Author Valerie Willis at Booth 46 this July 27 at the Inverness Oddities Market! 🦇✨

#FantasyRomance #ValerieWillis #InvernessOddities #BookSigning #AuthorEvent #CitrusCounty #UniqueFinds #Taxidermy #Crystals #MarketDay
July 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
authenticflorida.bsky.social
Happy 138th Anniversary to Pasco & Citrus Counties.

We’ve uncovered a lot of hidden gems in both counties on AuthenticFlorida.com.

#PascoCounty #CitrusCounty #ManateeMonday #June2025 #AuthenticFlorida #Florida
June 2, 2025 at 12:15 PM
ruesphotography.bsky.social
Exploring the beauty of Citrus County — where nature flourishes and wildlife roams free. 🌿🦋🦌

#CitrusCounty #FloridaNature #WildlifePhotography #Manatees #BirdWatching #NatureLovers #OutdoorAdventures #ScenicViews #Photography
March 20, 2025 at 2:33 PM
britotmove.bsky.social
Shopping addict alert: I love Howard's Flea Market — Homosassa’s 800+ booth, 55-acre treasure trove for antiques, fresh produce & handmade crafts.

britonthemove.com/howards-flea...

#HowardsFleaMarket #Homosassa #CitrusCounty #FleaMarketFinds #Vintage #Handmade #ShopLocal #MarketTreasures
September 17, 2026 at 11:01 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County is set to transform Fort Island Trail Park with a proposed $5.37 million expansion to tackle congestion and boost safety for the 40,000 boat launches seen in the last 18 months!

Learn more here

#CitrusCounty #FL #EnvironmentalReview #CitizenPortal #RecreationEconomy
Commissioners approve design work for Fort Island Trail boat‑ramp expansion using launch fees
After a months‑long feasibility study, commissioners voted 4–1 to fund design and permitting for the largest option to expand Fort Island Trail Park boat launches and trailer parking, directing staff to spend up to $500,000 from boat‑launch fee revenues to ready the project for grants.
citizenportal.ai
September 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County's proposed budget of $540 million for 2026–27 reveals tight funding limits and a crucial 3.5% pay raise for employees amidst rising costs.

Learn more here!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EmployeeSupport #CitrusCountyBudget #FiscalResponsibility #PublicFunding
Citrus County proposes $540 million FY2026–27 budget, highlights funding limits and employee raise
County staff presented a proposed $540,000,000 county budget with a $176,000,000 general fund, a 3.5% cost-of-living increase for employees and targeted investments in roads and capital projects; a motion to adopt an amending resolution was moved but no vote is recorded in the transcript.
citizenportal.ai
September 25, 2026 at 3:22 AM
britotmove.bsky.social
Bargain hunters — Howard’s Flea Market in Homosassa: 800+ booths across 55 acres of antiques, crafts & fresh produce.

britonthemove.com/howards-flea...

#HowardsFleaMarket #Homosassa #CitrusCounty #FleaMarketFinds #Antiques #Vintage #ShopLocal #BargainHunting #MarketDay
September 13, 2026 at 3:00 AM
ruesphotography.bsky.social
Crystal River’s charm standing tall 💧 A quiet piece of Florida history beneath the sky.
#CrystalRiver #WaterTower #FloridaViews #CitrusCounty #TravelPhotography #NatureCoast #ExploreFlorida #UrbanNature #PhotoOfTheDay #ScenicFlorida
April 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Hurricane Helene has left a wave of homelessness in Citrus County, igniting urgent discussions among local leaders about how to support affected residents.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #HousingSolutions #DisasterResponse #CommunitySupport #CitizenPortal #CitrusCountyHomelessness
Hurricane Helene leaves many rapidly unhoused prompting urgent community response
Hurricane Helene causes rapid increase in homelessness, prompting urgent community response and support efforts.
citizenportal.ai
January 26, 2025 at 2:06 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County is taking bold steps to secure $800,000 in state funding to restore the storm-damaged Chassahowitzka River Campground, with additional local revenue and grants in play!

Learn more here

#CitrusCounty #FL #LocalGovernment #CommunityFunding #CitrusCountyCampgrounds #CitizenPortal
Board elevates Chassahowitzka Campground repair request, seeks $800,000 state appropriation
The commission unanimously moved an $800,000 state appropriation request to repair storm-damaged Chassahowitzka River Campground, noting a SWFWMD grant of $200,000 and roughly $500,000 in local campground revenues as potential match toward an estimated $1.4 million total repair need.
citizenportal.ai
January 9, 2026 at 2:25 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County residents are raising concerns over a new solid-waste fee increase, questioning double charges and demanding transparency about how their money is spent.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #EnvironmentalSustainability #CitizenPortal #PublicEngagement #CitrusCountySolidWaste
Board okays modest solid‑waste fee increase after heavy public comment
After public concern about perceived double charges and transparency, commissioners and staff explained landfill costs, recycling program losses and capital needs; the board adopted the planned MSBU adjustment (moving toward $35) by a unanimous vote.
citizenportal.ai
August 1, 2026 at 1:53 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County's Planning Commission has unanimously rejected a controversial drive-through oil-change proposal due to environmental concerns and safety risks in a high-hazard area.

Learn more here

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitrusCountyEnvironment #CitizenPortal #DevelopmentRegulations #CoastalHazards
Planning commission recommends denial of drive-through oil‑change plan in coastal high‑hazard area
The Citrus County Planning & Development Commission voted unanimously June 4 to recommend denial of PUB-2025-00009, a proposed Take Five drive-through oil‑change and subdivision on US 19, citing self-imposed nonconformities and environmental risks tied to coastal flood hazards and uncertain oil-handling safeguards.
citizenportal.ai
June 9, 2026 at 4:13 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County is set to unveil a groundbreaking 40,000-square-foot Behavioral Health Facility in 2027, promising local mental health services and a new economic boost for the community!

Learn more here!

#CitrusCounty #FL #LocalEconomicDevelopment #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthCare
Speakers announce new Citrus Behavioral Health Facility; counties, state pledge $2 million each
Presenters announced plans for a Citrus Behavioral Health Facility in Citrus County: a more-than-40,000-square-foot campus with 60 beds (40 acute, 20 residential), with Citrus County, Hernando County and the state contributing $2 million each and LifeStream covering remaining construction costs; opening targeted for 2027.
citizenportal.ai
February 12, 2026 at 6:20 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
A new Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic is set to triple in size, bringing vital services closer to the 17,400 veterans living in Citrus County.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #VeteranServices #CommunitySupport #CitrusCountyVeterans
Groundbreaking launched for Citrus County VA outpatient clinic; facility to expand to about 55,000 sq ft
A ceremonial groundbreaking marked the start of a project to expand the Citrus County VA outpatient clinic from roughly 17,000 to 55,000 square feet; officials said the larger facility will bring a broader range of services closer to the county’s roughly 17,400 veterans.
citizenportal.ai
August 4, 2026 at 11:41 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
The Planning and Development Commission is pressing for crucial safety details before greenlighting a proposed drive-through oil-change facility in a flood-prone area—what's at stake?

Get the details!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CitrusCountyOilChange #PublicSafety #EnvironmentalSafeguards
Take 5 drive‑through at US‑98 in coastal high‑hazard area continued so applicant can supply containment and operational details
The Planning and Development Commission continued the proposed Take 5 drive‑through oil‑change PUD in a coastal high‑hazard area to allow the applicant to provide technical details on oil containment, pit design, finished floor elevation and emergency/evacuation safeguards; the continuance passed 7–0.
citizenportal.ai
February 21, 2026 at 7:30 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County's housing staff reveal alarming shortfalls in voucher programs as rising rents leave residents struggling for affordable options.

Learn more here

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #AffordableHousing #HousingVouchers #CitrusCountyHousing #RentalAssistance
Citrus County housing staff warn of voucher shortfall as rents rise
Housing staff reported a rising shortfall in housing choice vouchers and HUD‑VASH vouchers amid increasing rents: 153 HCV vouchers filled, 93 VASH vouchers filled and 84 on a waiting list; staff said they've requested HUD shortfall funding and expect to be out of shortfall by early next year with a shortfall team and action plan.
citizenportal.ai
September 18, 2026 at 1:21 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
The Florida Housing Coalition has unveiled an ambitious plan to tackle the housing crisis in Citrus County, proposing innovative policies aimed at boosting affordable options for workers and families.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #CitrusCountyWorkforceHousing
Florida Housing Coalition outlines workforce housing action plan and policy options for Citrus County
A Florida Housing Coalition presentation to Citrus County’s AHAC highlighted data showing low rental supply, proposed ten action ideas (from zoning flexibility to public land strategies), and recommended several policy levers—like allowing small-scale home types and tiered impact fees—to expand workforce housing.
citizenportal.ai
September 18, 2026 at 9:29 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
A major expansion for Jenkins Auto Group in Homosassa is on the horizon, promising to preserve 15 of 17 specimen trees while enhancing the community's landscape.

Learn more here!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalPreservation #CommunityInvolvement #UrbanPlanning
Planning commission recommends PUD for Jenkins Auto Group expansion in Homosassa
The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission voted to recommend approval of a PUD for Jenkins Auto Group to the Board of County Commissioners, contingent on conditions including preservation of mature trees, a landscaping master plan and a 6‑foot opaque fence. The item goes to the BCC on Oct. 26.
citizenportal.ai
September 18, 2026 at 9:32 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County's board just approved a dramatic expansion of commercial space in Clearview Estates, raising eyebrows and sparking concerns about future development plans and community impact.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #UrbanDevelopment #CitizenPortal #CitrusCountyCommercial
Commissioners approve Clearview Estates DRI commercial expansion after residents raise access and planning concerns
The board approved an increase to allowable commercial square footage in the Clearview Estates DRI on State Road 44, raising the GNC cap to about 808,600 sq. ft. The move drew public concern about approving greater buildable area without a developer plan; vote 5‑0.
citizenportal.ai
September 11, 2026 at 3:25 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Residents demand immediate action to curb surveillance from automated license-plate readers, warning that private companies could exploit our travel patterns despite state restrictions.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CitrusCountyLaw #SurveillanceReform
Residents urge Citrus County to ban or tightly regulate automated license‑plate readers on county rights‑of‑way
Residents asked the board to publish the sheriff’s Motorola ALPR contract, require board approval for ALPR placement on county property, and consider a county ordinance banning ALPRs on county rights‑of‑way after state actions limited their use on state highways.
citizenportal.ai
September 10, 2026 at 9:44 PM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County is opening the floor for public input on a new data-center ordinance, giving residents 30 days to voice their thoughts before it heads to formal hearings.

Get the details!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation #RegulatoryTransparency #CommunityInput
County to post draft data-center ordinance for 30 days of public comment
County staff said a draft data-center ordinance will be posted online for 30 days for public comment before returning for public hearings to the Planning & Development Commission; staff cited a standing moratorium and said outside technical input guided the draft.
citizenportal.ai
September 9, 2026 at 12:15 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Allegations of conflicts of interest and questionable transparency are raising eyebrows in Citrus County as the commission debates a controversial developer appeal.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #CitrusCountyTransparency #PublicTrust
Transparency and conflict-of-interest concerns surface as commission debates Pine Ridge appeal
Several public commenters alleged close ties between commissioners and the developer and questioned the optics of joining a developer-funded appeal; the board and county attorney noted the seriousness of such allegations but no formal recusal or evidentiary showing was entered into the record.
citizenportal.ai
September 9, 2026 at 12:30 AM
citizenptnewsfl.bsky.social
Citrus County faces a pivotal decision as a developer's attorney offers to appeal a controversial court ruling, raising questions about legal risks and taxpayer costs.

Click to read more!

#CitrusCounty #FL #CitizenPortal #TaxpayerInterests #CitrusCountyLegal #RegulatoryReform
Developer counsel offers to pursue appeal; outside counsel tells county judge erred
An email from the applicant's attorney offering to pursue an appeal and to allow the county to join as a co-petitioner was read into the record; outside counsel for the county argued the circuit court's ruling was legally unsupportable, estimating appeal costs and outlining possible legal risks to county regulatory authority.
citizenportal.ai
September 9, 2026 at 12:29 AM