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The county is updating its Comprehensive Plan, the document that guides decisions about future land use, housing, roads, infrastructure, economic development and environmental protection.

The current plan dates back to 1990. Citrus County had 93,515 residents at the time, compared with an estimated 171,666 in 2025, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures.

County Growth Management Director Eric Landon told Bay News 9 that the updated plan is intended to encourage development in areas where infrastructure already exists while discouraging it in rural or environmentally sensitive areas.

That could mean directing more development toward the county's central corridor, where the Suncoast Parkway and existing utilities provide opportunities for growth, rather than spreading development into areas that may lack the infrastructure to support it.

The plan also looks beyond housing. County officials have identified economic development opportunities involving Port Citrus and industrial property near the Inverness airport.

The county reports collecting more than 1,400 surveys during its public engagement process, along with feedback from workshops, community events and online activities.

The final scheduled public open house was set for Monday, October 19, in Lecanto, where residents could review proposed changes and speak with the planning team.

For residents concerned about development, traffic, water quality or preserving the character of Citrus County, this is one of the bigger long-term planning efforts worth following.

Sources: Citrus County 2050 Comprehensive Plan project · Spectrum Bay News 9 · U.S. Census Bureau · Florida demographic records

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners was scheduled to consider the proposed Betts Farm development during its October 13 meeting, but the hearing ended without a vote after two commissioners abstained and another was absent.

One commissioner cited previous comments about using proceeds from the sale of county property to purchase conservation land. Another cited the county's contract with Bravo and a provision tied to land-use approval.

With a third commissioner absent, the county attorney advised that the board no longer had enough participating members to conduct the hearing.

The meeting was adjourned without commissioners approving or denying the development.

The proposal has drawn opposition from residents concerned about wetlands, flooding, wildlife, traffic and the effects of additional development.

Source: Citrus County Board of County Commissioners — October 13, 2026 meeting records

Hernando County commissioners voted 5–0 on October 13 to approve two measures advancing South Brooksville redevelopment efforts, including the establishment of a trust fund to help finance future improvements.

The plan identifies housing, infrastructure, stormwater improvements and economic development as priorities for the South Brooksville redevelopment area.

The trust fund uses a financing method known as tax increment financing. As property values increase within the designated area, a portion of the additional property tax revenue can be directed toward redevelopment projects rather than going entirely into general government funds.

Source: Hernando County BOCC meeting records — October 13, 2026 meeting transcript and South Brooksville redevelopment plan.

The Halls River Multi-Use Path is a proposed 3.2-mile paved trail along Halls River Road in Homosassa, running from South Riverview Circle to U.S. 19. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the path would be separated from the roadway and connect residential neighborhoods with local restaurants, shops and businesses. It would also connect to the existing multi-use trail along U.S. 19.

During the October 13 County Commission meeting, officials reported that the project's estimated cost has increased from approximately $7.3 million in 2023 to about $12 million today, leaving a funding gap of roughly $5.7 million.

The project has received state funding through several legislative appropriations, although an additional $2 million approved by lawmakers in 2024 was vetoed by the governor.

Design work through the Florida Department of Transportation is approximately 90% complete, but the county still needs to determine how to cover the remaining construction costs.

Commissioners discussed several possibilities, including seeking local funding, completing portions of the project or reconsidering how existing funds might be used. No final funding decision was made during the meeting.

Sources: Citrus County capital improvement plan · Florida Senate funding request · Citrus County Commission meeting records

During an October 6 budget workshop, Citrus County staff estimated that Amendment 3 could reduce local property-tax revenue by $32.8 million in fiscal year 2027–28 and $46.8 million in 2028–29.

The proposal would increase the homestead exemption for non-school property taxes to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028. County staff estimated that an average qualifying Citrus County homeowner could save approximately $1,242 annually.

For the county, the projected reductions would affect funding for services including roads, fire rescue, libraries and public health. Staff outlined possible responses such as reducing services, postponing projects or adjusting taxes and fees.

Commissioners also discussed whether new construction and population growth could offset some of the projected losses.

Amendment 3 requires at least 60% voter approval to pass. The expanded homestead exemption would not apply to school district property taxes.

Sources: Citrus County Commission meeting records — October 6, 2026 budget workshop · Florida Department of State — Amendment 3

Cedar Key is working to attract a grocery store, with city officials seeking proposals from businesses interested in establishing a location in the community.

The city published a request for proposals in September as part of its efforts to restore local grocery-shopping options.

Sources: Cedar Key News · City of Cedar Key meeting records

Plans for a new Waffle House on Williams Street, across from Walmart in Dunnellon, are continuing to move forward.

During the October 14 City Council meeting, city staff reported meeting with representatives of the restaurant and confirmed that the project remains active.

Meanwhile, Walmart is undergoing renovations that include updated signage, exterior painting, parking lot resurfacing and interior improvements.

No opening date was announced for the Waffle House during the meeting.

Source: Dunnellon City Council — October 14, 2026 meeting recording

More than 200 sixth-grade science students at Inverness Middle School got a hands-on lesson in protecting Citrus County's waterways during Save Our Waters Week.

Working with county water conservation and Florida-Friendly Landscaping specialists, students used a 3D landscape model to see how pollution from roads, neighborhoods and other areas can make its way into local waterways.

They also explored ways to reduce that pollution, including restoring wetlands, improving wastewater management and keeping pet waste out of runoff.

The lesson connected everyday decisions with the health of Citrus County's springs and water resources.

Source: NatureCoaster — Citrus County Students Team Up on Water-Saving Projects to Protect Local Springs

Hernando County's Veterans Community Partners committee is coordinating its annual Veterans Stand Down and Resource Fair, scheduled for November 18 at Radiant Church in Spring Hill. The event will provide free services for homeless and at-risk veterans, including medical and dental care, food, clothing, housing assistance, showers, laundry and haircuts.

The committee is also working on transportation options to help veterans who have difficulty getting to appointments and community services.

Meanwhile, local nonprofit Stella's Presence demonstrated Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses that can read printed text aloud, identify objects and provide spoken assistance to veterans with limited vision. The organization helps eligible veterans obtain the glasses and learn how to use them.

Local veterans organizations, including the American Legion, VFW and Elks Lodge, are also coordinating donations and care packages for those in need.

Source: Hernando Sun — From AI Eyewear to Annual Stand Down

A new restaurant project called Rainbow Springs Creamery is moving forward at 20225 E. Pennsylvania Avenue in Dunnellon.

Davis and Laura McKee submitted plans for the business, which went before the Dunnellon Planning Commission in September as part of the city's site-plan review process.

Rainbow Springs Creamery LLC was established in June 2025, according to Florida business records, with Wendell Davis McKee listed as an authorized member.

During the October 14 City Council meeting, city staff confirmed that the project was continuing to move forward.

An opening date and details about the restaurant's menu have not yet been announced.

Sources: Dunnellon Planning Commission — September 8 agenda · Florida Division of Corporations · Dunnellon City Council — October 14 meeting

Rainy Tuesday at Fort Island Trail Beach in Crystal River
Photos submitted by Mary Ann Gilfillan of Altered Life Photography

Rocket Launch Jellyfish
Photos submitted by Mary Ann Gilfillan of Altered Life Photography

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Thursday–Sunday, October 23–25 | Spring Hill

Rides, games, food and family fun return to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 13485 Spring Hill Drive.

Ride wristbands are $35 at the gate.

Festival details

Friday, October 23 | 4–7 p.m. | Inverness

Browse and bid on artwork donated by local artists at the Inverness Art Co-Op, 109 N. Apopka Avenue. Proceeds benefit CASA and its services for domestic violence survivors in Citrus County.

Event details

Friday, October 23 | 6–10 p.m. | Crystal River

American Idol runner-up Bo Bice brings an acoustic performance to KC Wine Bistro, 564 N. Citrus Avenue, in downtown Crystal River.

Event details

Friday, October 23 | 6 p.m. check-in, 7 p.m. show | Brooksville

Hardwired performs Metallica favorites at Sparacia Witherell Family Winery, 21509 Snow Hill Road. Tickets are required.

Event details and tickets

Saturday, October 24 | 7 a.m.–3 p.m. | Floral City

Celebrate the opening of Red Brick Coffee House at 8305 E. Orange Avenue. The new coffee shop brings espresso and a gathering spot to a historic downtown building.

Grand opening details

Saturday, October 24 | 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Inverness

Head to the Depot Pavilion at Liberty Park for chili, friendly competition and cornhole. Public chili tasting runs from 1–3 p.m. and is free while supplies last.

Event details

Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | Brooksville

Explore more than 170 years of Florida history on a guided tour of the historic Chinsegut Hill home.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6–12.

Tour details

Saturday, October 24 | 1–4 p.m. | Spring Hill

Hear from candidates in several races, including Brooksville City Council, Congressional District 15 and State House District 53. Hosted by the Hernando Sun and Brooksville Elks Lodge #2582 at 13383 County Line Road.

Forum details

Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25 | 3 p.m. each day

The Nature Coast Community Band presents a patriotic concert honoring veterans and America's 250th anniversary.

Concert details

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