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Linking Citrus County Government with Citizens March 2017
Lights, Camera, Action!
The Citrus County Housing Services Division and For-est Ridge Senior Residences in Hernando will be part of a state-wide video produced in partnership with the Florida Realtors Association. The video will highlight community development projects around the state that have received State Housing Initiative Partnership funding.
The professional film crew from Orlando spent the day on March 21 in Citrus County. Among those inter-viewed for the video were Forest Ridge residents, Sue Fagan, Karen Ledford and Pat Wadsworth. Each told their personal
story and spoke about how much they enjoyed living at Forest Ridge. “My husband and I were determined to volunteer our time when we moved to Forest Ridge.” said Sue Fagan who serves as activities director for the complex. “We have taken this place on like family, our lives have purpose here.”
Citrus County Housing Services worked directly with the Realtors Association Public Policy Com-munications Director to provide valuable infor-mation, through the eyes and voices of the fund-ing recipients, to educate legislators on the im-portance of State and Local Government Hous-ing Trust Funds. The video will be broadcast in Tallahassee during legislative session to discuss the importance of fully funding affordable hous-ing projects through the Sadowski Trust Fund.
Forest Ridge Senior Residences was built in 2015, with 119 units, and is locat-ed in Hernan-do, Florida. For more information on Citrus County Hous-ing Services visit: http://www.citrusbocc.com/
commserv/housing/housing-services.htm
Contact Us Give us a call for more information or if you have questions Cynthia Oswald, Public Information Officer [email protected]
(352) 527-5484 Visit us on the web at www.citrusbocc.com www.facebook.com/CitrusCountyBOCC twitter@citrusbocc Mission Statement Citrus County Government will be a value-driven organi-zation dedicated to respon-sive citizen service by provid-ing quality programs, ser-vices and facilities to build a strong community and pro-mote the best quality of life for our citizens.
www.facebook.com/citruscountybocc
1,425 LIKES as of 3/29/17
Left to Right: Pat Wadsworth,
Karen Ledford and Sue Fagan.
Forest Ridge resident, Sue Fagan completes
a successful video interview.
Forest Ridge resident, Karen Ledford prepar-
ing for her video interview.
Forest Ridge resident, Pat Wadsworth getting
direction from the video producer.
Citrus County Government offices will be closed Friday, April, 14 in observance of
Good Friday and Easter.
Have You Heard the Latest? Citrus County Transit Orange Line interconnects with the Crystal River Trolley Hub to serve residents and
visitors! Citrus County Transit Service Orange Line picks up and drops off multiple times during daytime hours, Monday through Friday at Crystal River City Hall on Route 19, which is the 2017 designated Trolley Hub.
The Crystal River Orange Line has multiple scheduled stops that would be of interest to visitors and residents including the Crystal River Mall/Movie Theatre. Riders can also request a deviated drop off along the route. All Orange Line buses are equipped with bike racks and are ADA, wheelchair accessible. For additional information please call Citrus County Transit at 352-527-7630.
FREE TIRE DISPOSAL EVENT! This event is a part of the Department of Health Zika Response Plan. Citrus
County residents, in assessed and non-assessed properties can dispose of tire sizes including passenger and pick-up tires, without rims, at the Citrus County Central Landfill, free of charge. This event is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2017, from 8:00 A.M. until 2:30 P.M.
Mosquito Control will assist the Landfill if necessary by spraying collected tires to prevent mosquito breeding until tires are properly disposed of and recycled. This does not apply to commercial entities. Residents needing further information about this, or any other Solid Waste Management program, may call at (352) 527-7670 or by email at [email protected] .
Become a Powerful Voice for an Abused & Neglected Child in your Area - Become a Guardian ad Litem: Free Training April 28 & 29
More than six hundred (600) children are current-ly involved with our Citrus and Hernando County courts. Most of these children are below twelve years of age and have been removed from their parents due to alcohol or drug addiction.
A Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is a trained volunteer appointed by the court to advo-cate on behalf of the child. The GAL be-comes familiar with the child’s case and makes recommendations to the Judge to ensure they grow up in a safe, stable, and permanent home. Research has shown that when a dependent child is assigned to a GAL volunteer, they spend
less time in foster care and do better in school. They’re more likely to re-ceive the services they need to overcome their circumstances and they’re more likely to acquire the skills to succeed in life. Pam Gary is a Guardian ad Litem volunteer in Citrus County and states, “My life is full and complete because of the program. I started 26 years ago as one of the very first GALs in Citrus County. Lots of people ask me how I can do this kind of work. My response is always the same, how can I not?" Eligible volunteers must be at least 21 years of age, complete a 30 hour pre-service training program and be cleared of any serious criminal history via a level II criminal background check. Volunteers should expect to spend an average of 10-15 hours a month on a case and most cases last 10-12 months. Support and guidance are provided by an assigned men-tor, a volunteer supervisor and a program attorney. The next GAL training will be held in Lecanto, Citrus County on April 28th & 29th, 2017. The training is open to Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Lake and Sumter County citizens. Participants must complete an application and interview process prior to training. Contact Diana Hollwedel at 352-812-6971 or email [email protected].
On Saturday, March 4th members of the Citrus
County Shooting Sports 4-H Team competed at
the State Air Rifle Match in Hernando County:
*Jackson Jones Intermediate Individual 4th
place Overall.
*Brandon Smoczynski Intermediate Individual
1st place Overall.
*Randal Smoczynski Intermediate Individual 3rd
place Overall.
*Amanda Schnettler Senior Individual 4th place
Overall. She has also earned a spot at the
National Competition, June 2017 in Nebraska.
Upcoming Town Hall Meetings
Commissioner Scott Carnahan
April 6th, Homosassa Library
5:30pm—7pm
Commissioner Jeff Kinnard
April 27th, Coastal Region Library,
Crystal River
11am—12:30pm
Commissioner Brian Coleman
May 1st, Hernando Historic School
5:30pm—7:00pm
BOCC Recognitions, Honors & EventsBOCC Recognitions, Honors & EventsBOCC Recognitions, Honors & Events
Newspaper in Education Week
The Board of County Commissioners
is pictured with representatives from
some of the local newspapers.
Commissioner Jimmie T. Smith had the honor of being a
judge at the Hernando Crossroads Car Show and BBQ.
Women Veterans Recognition Week
The Board of County Commissioners is
pictured with representatives of local Wom-
en Veterans Organizations.
Career & Technical Education Week
The Board of County Commissioners is pictured
with Withlacoochee Technical College Director
Gloria Bishop.
Commissioner Brian Coleman attended the
Grand Opening of the American Legion
237’s new location at 6726 N. Lecanto Hwy.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
The Board of County Commissioners is pictured
with representatives of the Key Center.
The Board of County Commission-
ers recognizes outgoing Planning
and Development Commission
member Mr. Todd Nelson.
Commissioner Ron Kitchen spent a
morning this month delivering Meals
on Wheels with volunteer John Ed-
munds for the March for Meals nation-
al campaign.
To view monthly calendar of events, please visit www.citrusbocc.com
Starting a Home-based Food Business?
Are you interested in selling food products that you make in your own home? Do
you want to sell your home-made baked goods, candies, preserves, and more to
the general public? If so, you don’t want to miss this workshop! This workshop
will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on
Monday, May 1st and will run every Mon-
day until May 15th, at the UF/IFAS Exten-
sion Citrus County office, 3650 W. Sover-
eign Path, Suite 1, Lecanto, FL 34461.
The cottage food bill allows individuals to
manufacture, sell and store certain types
of “cottage food” products in an unlicensed
home kitchen. Cottage food operations are
NOT required to obtain a license or permit from the Florida Department of Agri-
culture and Consumer Services (FDACS) or subject to inspection by any state
government entity.
Topics will include: Florida Cottage Food Law, Social Media and advertising your
business, is your kitchen safe for cottage food operation and Cottage Food at
farmers’ markets.
Pre-registration is required and the fee of $25 is due by April 26th. Registration
fee includes materials and light refreshments and is payable by check, cash, or
online. To register and pay on-line:
https://cottagefoodworkshop.eventbrite.com.
Make checks payable to “The University of Florida” and mail or pay in person at:
UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County office, 3650 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 1,
Lecanto, FL 34461. For more information contact Stephanie Clamer at sclam-
[email protected] or call 352-527-5700.
Scholarship Deadline Approaches for Online High School Diploma Program
Individuals 19 years of age or older seeking to earn a high school diploma are en-couraged to take advantage of Career Online High School, a program offered through the Citrus County Library System. Scholarships are being awarded to quali-fied residents looking to earn an accredited private high school diploma and ad-vance their careers. The library has a limited number of scholarships available and all must be awarded by May 30, 2017.
Each student enrolled in Career Online High School is paired with an academic coach who offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material.
The program is specifically designed to reengage adults and prepare them for entry into the workforce or post-secondary education. Classes are supported by state board certified instructors, and students have 24/7 access to the online learning platform. Computers and Internet access are available through the library if needed and can be scheduled to meet the course requirements. Many students are able to graduate in as little as four months by trans-ferring in previously earned high school credits. All participants will also have the opportunity to earn a career certifi-cate.
The Citrus Libraries Career Online High School project is funded by the State of Florida and is administered by Smart Horizons Career Online Education through a partnership with Gale Cengage Learning. To apply, visit www.citruslibraries.org/cohs for details and access the online self-assessment available at the bottom of the page. For more information on the program and available scholarships contact Julie Hill at 352-765-4785 or email [email protected].
ADOPTION SPECIAL Find Your New Pet Today! Animal Services continues to offer free adoption of dogs and cats that have been at the Shelter for over 30 days. Please visit the Shelter, located at 4030 S. Airport Road in Inverness, to find your new pet today! For more information, please call 746-8400 or visit www.citruscritters.com
FREE Florida Friendly Gardening Workshops
Right Plant, Right Place!
Citrus County Utilities Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program is offering a free gardening workshop on April 4, 2017 from 2:00-3:30 pm. Once estab-lished the right plant is often sustaina-ble without additional supplemental watering. Choosing appropriate plant materials, planting them correctly and managing them wisely, ensures a gar-
dens success. Classes are held at the Citrus County Extension Service building located at 3650 W Sovereign Path in Lecanto. Please contact Steven Davis at (352) 527-5708 to confirm your participation.
Creating a Florida-friendly Landscape
Citrus County Utilities Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program is offering a free gardening workshop on April 18, 2017 from 2:00-3:30 pm. Plan before you plant is an important concept when developing sustainable garden ideas. Basic principles of landscape design include: site evaluation, selec-tion and placement of the proper materials and establishment practices for newly installed sustainable gardens. “What is and how to create a Florida-friendly Landscape” is the theme of this workshop. Classes are held at the Citrus County Extension Service building located at 3650 W Sovereign Path in Lecanto. Please contact Steven Davis at (352) 527-5708 to con-firm your participation.
Kudos & Thanks Corner
Great Job Tom! “Thomas McConnell (Water Resources) inspected my irrigation system on Febru-ary 23rd. He did a good job and he was professional and courteous. He saved me $60 on a service call for an irrigation company to do the same thing. I only had to pay $40 to correct issues. I hope others will take advantage of this program.” John Fitzpatrick
Good Work Guys! “I am very happy with the service provided by technicians, Jeff Miller and Jeff Wilson (Citrus County Utilities). I was having a pressure issue and the two techs showed up in a timely manner and were very po-lite and helpful. They answered all my questions and really helped me out. These days it’s hard to find good people to give you honest help but the two techs did just that.” Anonymous Customer
Inmate Dog Training Program Holds First Graduation
Citrus County Detention Facility held its first graduation ceremo-
ny for K-9 graduates of its Inmate Dog Training Program on
Friday, March 24 at Citrus County Detention Facility in Lecanto.
The Inmate Dog Training Program is a partnership between
Citrus County Detention Facility and the Citrus County Animal
Shelter to assist in preparing rescued dogs for adoption.
K-9 “Amy”, receives diplo-
ma for successfully com-
pleting the 8-week course.
K-9 “Fry” receives diploma
for successfully completing
the 8-week course.
Animal Services Director
Morgan Woodward con-
gratulates the graduates.
Commissioner Brian
Coleman meets the
pups in training.
Look What’s Coming...
Crystal River Quarries has requested a building permit (2017-01934)
to relocate an existing aggregate processing plant on their existing mine
property at 2961 S Lecanto Highway (CR-491) in Lecanto.
Dadda Holdings LLC has requested a site improvement permit (2017-
02092) for an additional parking area and drainage facilities at their site
at 2012 W. Norvell Bryant Highway (CR-486) in Lecanto.
Spin City Laundry has requested a building permit (2017-02340) for a
new laundromat in the Park Plaza at 3531 N. Lecanto Highway (CR-
491) in Beverly Hills.
Karen and Craig Alesci have requested a building permit (2017-
02489) to repair fire damage at their retail center at 1023 E. Norvell Bry-
ant Highway (CR-486) in Hernando.
Gator Shop LLC has requested a building permit (2017-01858) and an
interior remodel permit (2017-01952) for an existing office building at
Plantation Village Building #8A at 9030 W. Ft. Island Trail in Crystal Riv-
er.
Michael Anthony’s Pizza has requested a permit (2017-01885) to reo-
pen a business (new ownership) at 3938 S. Suncoast Blvd (US-19) in
Homosassa.
Calvary Christian Center has requested a building permit (2017-
02015) to remove and replace 20 windows at their site at 2728 E. Har-
ley St. in Inverness.
Crystal Isles RV Resort has requested an interior remodel permit
(2017-02040) for the bathrooms at 11419 W. Ft. Island Trail in Crystal
River.
Who do I call?
Job Opportunities
527-5370
Public Records Request
527-5235
Planner of the Day
527-5239
Road Maintenance
527-5477
Flood Management
527-5264
Utility Customer Service
527-7650
Building Permit Status
527-5310
We’re here to help!
Instant permitting allows a licensed contractor to obtain certain permits online 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
More information at www.citrusbocc.com
Commissioner Ronald Kitchen Jr. appointed chairman of Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization Citrus County Commissioner Ronald Kitchen Jr. was appointed Hernando/Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organ-ization (MPO) chairman for 2017, replacing Brooksville Mayor Robert Battista. Each year, the chairman rotates between a board member from Hernando and Citrus County. Commissioner Kitchen also serves currently on the Citrus County Tourist Development Council (TDC) as chairman, Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA), Tampa Bay Regional Planning
Council (TBRPC) as secretary/treasurer, Tampa Bay Transportation Management Area Leadership Group (TMA), TBARTA -MPO Chairs Coordinating Committee (CCC), Citrus County Joint Governmental Group (BOCC, Inverness, Crystal River, School Board) and the Florida Association of Counties Board of Directors District 10 (Pasco-Hernando-Citrus). For more infor-mation on the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners visit: http://www.citrusbocc.com/commissioners/commissioners.htm
