As we mark the first 36 months of pursuing our shared vision, I am proud to present this snapshot of what Citrus County has accomplished utilizing a team approach
This progress report highlights the tangible progress we’ve made from technology enhancements and infrastructure investments to stronger public safety, environmental protections, and enhanced financial resilience.
In 2023, we committed to the Year of Make It Happen, laying the foundation for long-term success through process improvements, strategic planning, and a renewed focus on accountability.
In 2024, we were Soaring to New Heights, advancing transformative projects, expanding public engagement efforts, and strengthening our financial position culminating in the affirmation and upgrade of the County’s bond ratings due to sound fiscal stewardship and responsible long-term planning. In 2025, we Charted Our Course guided by a clear mission, a bold vision, and our core values of integrity, service, excellence, and innovation.
This commitment to progress is reflected in outcomes across our organization We have expanded capacity and critical operational support with 39 new public safety positions, improved our ISO fire rating to enhance community protection and lower insurance costs for residents, implemented environmental safeguards, and took action to protect Citrus County’s treasured natural resources and amenities.
Additionally, we have secured historic funding for rehabilitation of over 180 miles of local roads and received almost $95 million in grants/appropriations for various strategic initiatives and infrastructure projects all in the span of 36 months.
Our efforts have also been recognized across the region, state, and nation. Citrus County has earned multiple awards for innovation, public service, and strategic leadership including being one of only three in the nation and the only county in Florida to receive the Award for Excellence in Strategic Planning from the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Transparency remains a cornerstone of our approach Every initiative, project status, and performance measure is documented and shared publicly online to ensure accountability, build trust, and keep our residents fully informed
What you’ll find in the pages ahead is more than a list of projects or statistics it is a reflection of an organization striving to be forward-thinking, results-driven, and rooted in service to our citizens. All told, the County has completed 84 projects and 568 distinct action steps over the last three years.
This progress is a direct result of your support and the dedication of our employees, who continue to demonstrate what’s possible when we work together as Team Citrus. Today, staff are proud to support the Board’s continued commitment to progress, with over 500 activities under management across 98 ongoing projects each tied to your priorities, our Strategic Plan, and the promise of greater transparency and accountability to our community.
I remain committed to fostering a high-performance organization one that embraces collaboration, drives innovation, and stays true to the principles that make Citrus County a great place to live, work, and play By proactively planning today, Citrus County will be better prepared for tomorrow’s challenges I am honored to serve as your County Administrator
Let’s Keep Moving Citrus Forward!
Steve L. Howard, MPA, ICMA-CM, CPM Citrus County Administrator
ACCOMPLISHMENTS Organizational
Personal Livability: Creating a high quality of life for residents by ensuring access to essential services, safe and attractive public spaces, and supportive infrastructure.
Expanded segment of CR-491 corridor
Resurfaced over 180 miles of road
Scanned all 1,900+ miles in road network
Developed Interactive Growth Model
Fire Services ISO ratings upgraded
Added 39 new public safety positions
Community Building: Strengthening civic connections, cultural identity, and public participation through shared improvements and social infrastructure.
Local Mitigation Strategy approved Kicked off Beautify Citrus programs
Implemented new Building software
Began Comp Plan refresh process
Conserved Pirate’s Cove property
Saved Chassahowitzka Campground
Environmental Stewardship: Protecting and enhancing natural resources while incorporating sustainable practices in development and county operations
Strengthened Code protections
Enacted fertilizer ordinance
Enhanced tree removal ordinance
Completed Offshore Reef enhancement
Addressed lake flooding impacts
Partnered with DOT for wildflower sites
Economic Opportunity: Fostering a diverse and resilient economy by expanding infrastructure, encouraging business development, and creating jobs
Bond rating affirmed and upgraded
Phase I of Business Park completed Phase II of Business Park underway
Launched Industrial Dev. Authority
Widened CR-491 (Opens Jan. 2026)
Grant awarded for Holder utilities
Excellence in Financial
MANAGEMENT
Nationally recognized, fiscally strong. Proving that accountability and excellence go hand in hand.
Sound financial stewardship is the foundation of a high-performing government and Citrus County has consistently delivered. Over the past three years, staff has demonstrated professionalism and accountability when handling taxpayer funds. We have consistently earned clean independent audits (the highest possible audit opinion), validating the accuracy and integrity of our financial reporting.
Our ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability was further recognized by the Government Financial Officers Association (GFOA) with their Distinguished Budget Presentation Award, a national honor that reflects our efforts to clearly communicate budget priorities and fiscal policies to the public, awarded to our Budget Department for 20 years running. Receipt of this award represents a significant achievement, reflecting the Citrus County’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting. It also makes Citrus County and the Clerk of Courts eligible for the GFOA's Triple Crown, which recognizes governments who have received GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award, and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
Citrus County's financial health remains strong, with bond ratings affirmed and upgraded by independent agencies (such as Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P) during this period ensuring favorable borrowing terms and reinforcing our capacity to invest in long-term infrastructure, services, and resilience.
Together, these achievements reflect a culture of fiscal discipline and a forward-thinking approach to managing public resources
The Year of “Make It Happen” 2023
In 2023, we focused on building momentum through operational improvements, strategic planning, and streamlined service delivery.
Targets for Action & Projects Achieved:
Communications Plan
CRRSAA Airport Projects (KCGC)
CRRSAA Airport Projects (KINF)
Employee Class & Pay Study
Evaluate Transportation Concurrency
Evaluate Water District Membership
Implement Strategic Planning
Infrastructure Master Plan
Inverness Villages 4 Engineering Study
Inverness Villages 4 Permit Hold
Phases Completed:
Behavioral Health Facility
Funding Phase
Cambridge Greens Septic to Sewer
Preconstruction Phase
CR-491 Expansion
Preconstruction Phase
Fort Island Trail Septic to Sewer
Preconstruction Phase
Total Milestones Completed: 94
"A leader’s job is to look into the future and see the organization, not as it is, but as it should be." – Jack Welch
Soaring to New Heights 2024
A period of visible growth, innovation, and investment as Citrus County expanded its reach and refined its processes.
Targets for Action & Projects Achieved:
Beautify Citrus Anti-Litter Campaign
Beautify Citrus Tree Mitigation Fund
Evaluate Funding Sources
Evaluate Model Shoreline Ordinance
Fort Island Trail Septic to Sewer
Historic Courthouse ADA Ramp
Inverness Airport Business Park Phase I
Land Development Code (LDC) Review
Law Enforcement MSTU Ordinance
Localized Pavement Repairs
Private Road Debris Removal Ordinance
Recycling Flow Configuration
Shining STARS Employee Program
Total Milestones Completed: 173
Phases Completed:
BH/CR Parks Nature Trail
Preconstruction Phase
BH/CR Pickleball Courts
Preconstruction Phase
CR-491 Alignment Study
Funding Phase
Development Forecast Tool
Funding Phase
Procurement Phase
FY23/24 Residential Resurfacing
Preconstruction Phase
FY24/25 Residential Resurfacing
Preconstruction Phase
Space Needs Analysis
Funding Phase
Procurement Phase
Strategic Financial Analysis
Funding Phase
Procurement Phase
Charting Our Course 2025
A year focused on building momentum through operational improvements, strategic planning, and streamlined service delivery.
It takes a united effort to turn plans into progress. The following ongoing initiatives are the result of strong interdepartmental teamwork.
Strategic Initiatives In-Progress:
Beautify Citrus
BH/CR Parks Enhancements
Cardinal Corridor Alignment Study
CR-491 Corridor Alignment Study
CR-491 Expansion (SR-44 to CR-486)
Crystal River Airport Runway Extension
Development Forecast Tool
Discretionary Sales Tax
Holder Industrial Forcemain Extension
Inverness Airport Business Park Phase II
Judicial & Government Expansion
Modernize Land Development Code
New Animal Services Facility
Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Other Special Projects In-Progress:
Crystal River Connector Trail
Deltona SCOP Resurfacing
Fort Island Trail Park Feasibility Study
Halls River Multi-Use Path
Homosassa Phase V Septic to Sewer
Inshore Reef Placement
New Building Division Software
New Fire Station #8
New Landfill Citizen Service Area
Pavement Mgmt. Program (FY26)
Port Citrus Development Plan
Regional Evacuation Shelter
Sale of Betz Farm Property
US-41 Access to Inverness Airport
Project Milestones
ANTI-LITTER CAMPAIGN
Beautify Citrus Beautification & Wayfinding
Citrus County, renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and vibrant communities, seeks to enhance its public spaces through the installation of monument signage These signs will serve as welcoming landmarks, reflecting the unique character and identity of the Citrus County community. Current Phase: Preconstruction
36-Month Performance Report
1. Jan. 2023: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2. Jun. 2023: Received FDOT sign guidelines
3. Jun. 2023: Developed anti-litter PR campaign plan
4. Aug. 2023: Selected five sign locations
5. Oct. 2023: Implemented load enforcement
LITTER CREW EXPANSION
TREE MITIGATION FUND
WAYFINDING SIGNAGE
WILDFLOWER PROGRAM
Strategic Planning Elements:
Community Building
Environmental Stewardship
6. Nov. 2023: Enacted covered load fines
7 Apr. 2024: Executed purchase order for design
8. Aug. 2024: Received first draft design options
9. Aug. 2024: Launched anti-litter PR campaign
10. Oct. 2024: Selected preferred design options
11 Nov. 2024: Drafted new tree mitigation AR
12. Dec. 2024: Approved new tree mitigation AR
13. Feb. 2025: Received preliminary design estimates
14. Apr. 2025: Conducted wildflower survey
15. May 2025: Received wildflower survey report
16. Jun. 2025: Wildflower seed order placed by KCCB
17. Jul. 2025: Secured required balance of sign funding
18 Jul. 2025: Determine sign procurement method
19. Aug. 2025: Received delivery confirmation for seeds
20. Sep. 2025: Received BOCC consensus on design
Next Steps:
1. Receive engineered sign plans
2. Complete procurement process
3. Begin sign construction
Project Milestones
NATURE TRAIL
NEW RESTROOMS
Beverly Hills/Central Ridge Park Enhancements
Improvements to the facilities at the Beverly Hills and Central Ridge parks will include infilling the pool (completed in 2023), installing pickleball courts, building a nature trail connector, and constructing an outdoor event venue and new restrooms
The purpose of this project is to continue the widening of CR-491 from a two-lane rural to a four-lane urban roadway This expansion project will widen a 1 9-mile section of CR-491/Lecanto Highway (between Audubon Park Path to Horace Allen Street in Lecanto) to a fourlane divided roadway, connecting to the alreadyexpanded sections to the north and south.
36-Month Performance Report
FDOT APPROVALS
LAND ACQUISITION
VENDOR SELECTION
GROUNDBREAKING
CONSTRUCTION
Strategic Planning Element:
Personal Livability
1. Jan. 2023: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2 Jan. 2023: Received approved plans from FDOT
3. Mar. 2023: Complete final land acquisition
4. Mar. 2023: Submitted ROW certification to FDOT
5. Mar. 2023: Received approval to bid from FDOT
6 May 2023: Issued ITB for construction
7. Jun. 2023: Held non-mandatory pre-bid meeting
8. Jul. 2023: Closed construction bid period
9. Aug. 2023: Completed bid review/recommendation
10 Aug. 2023: Received bid concurrence from FDOT
11. Sept. 2023: Received bid approval from BOCC
12. Sept. 2023: Set date for ceremonial groundbreaking
13. Nov. 2023: Hosted ceremonial groundbreaking 14 Dec. 2023: Began construction on CR-491
Next Steps:
1. Finalize punch list items
2. Complete construction
3. Host ribbon cutting
Project Milestones
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Phase I completed 8/2024
Phase II in-progress
WILDLIFE HAZARD MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT
Completed January 2024
DESIGN, PERMITTING, & MITIGATION
Began December 2024
LAND ACQUISITION
Begins March 2025
AGIS SURVEY
Included in EA Phase II
Strategic Planning Elements:
Economic Opportunity
Personal Livability
Crystal River Airport Runway Extension
Crystal River Airport Runway Extension is a faceted project with many elements. Initiation of onstruction phase is contingent on the completion Environmental Assessment (EA), which is broken two phases. EA Phase II (formal EA) is currently in ress and is expected to be complete in 2025.
Current
36-Month Performance Report
1 Jan. 2023: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2 Mar. 2023: Issued work authorization for EA Phase I
3. Apr. 2023: Received FDOT finance agreement
4. May 2023: Approved budget resolution
5. Jul. 2023: Advertised RFQ for design services
6. Jul. 2023: Consultant begins Phase I EA process
7 Aug. 2023: Selected design vendor
8 Sep. 2023: Held EA Phase I kickoff meeting with FAA
9 Oct. 2023: Received protest from competing bidder
10. Oct. 2023: Completed EA Runway Validation Report
11. Oct. 2023: Completed EA Aviation Activity Forecast
15 Mar. 2024: Submitted draft EA Alternatives Analysis
16. Mar. 2024: Submitted draft EA Wetland Evaluation Report
17. Mar. 2024: Submitted draft Cultural Resource Assessment
18. Mar. 2024: Submitted draft EA Biological Assessment
19. Mar. 2024: State amended CCNA requirements
20 Apr. 2024: Received approval of Alternatives Analysis
21 May 2024: Received approval of Wetland Evaluation Report
22 May 2024: Received approval of CRA
23. May 2024: Received approval of Biological Assessment
24. Jul. 2024: Submitted revised EA Alternatives Analysis
25. Jul. 2024: Submitted revised EA Wetland Evaluation Report
26. Jul. 2024: Submitted revised EA Biological Assessment
27 Jul. 2024: New CCNA threshold took effect
28 Aug. 2024: Received FDOT approval of AGIS Survey grant
29. Sep. 2024: Formal Environmental Assessment began
Next Steps:
1. Complete formal EA process
2. Begin engineering/design
3. Receive necessary permits
Phase II Milestones
TAXIWAY EXTENSION
Connects aeronautical operations with taxiway
SCREENING WALL
Required by FDOT
ROAD REHABILITATION
Prepares Airport Road for business park traffic
CORPORATE HANGAR
30% design complete, design and construction fully funded
Inverness Airport Business Park
Citrus County’s objective is to build a stronger and more balanced economy that will provide better paying skilled- and professional-level jobs and diversify the tax base to lessen the burden on homeowners The Inverness Airport Business Park (IABP) represents an opportunity to begin working to fulfill these goals through completion of a key economic initiative.
Current Phase: Construction
36-Month Performance Report
1. Jan. 2023: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2. Feb. 2023: Received bid approval from BOCC
3. Mar. 2023: Issued PO for Phase I construction
4. Apr. 2023: Received grant agreement from DEO
5. Apr. 2023: Hosted preconstruction meeting
6. Apr. 2023: Issued NTP for Phase I construction
7. Jun. 2023: Received $9m Phase II appropriation
8. Aug. 2023: Hosted ceremonial groundbreaking
9. Nov. 2023: Approved gopher tortoise relocation
10. Dec. 2023: Reached Phase I substantial completion
11. Jan. 2024: Approved Phase I contract extension
12. Apr. 2024: Approved SECO utility easement
13. Apr. 2024: Approved second contract extension
14. May 2024: Approved maintenance easement
15. May 2024: Approved third contract extension
16. Jun. 2024: Approved WA for vegetative buffer
17. Jul. 2024: Approved Phase II grant agreement
18. Jul. 2024: Approved fourth contract extension
19 Aug. 2024: Hosted Phase I closeout meeting
20 Jan. 2025: Completed swale stabilization
21 Feb. 2025: Completed sodding operations
22 Apr. 2025: Completed SWFWMD inspection
PROJECT COMPLETION
Extends infrastructure to remaining sites
Strategic Planning Element: Economic Opportunity
23. May 2025: Received all design documentation
24. Aug. 2025: Completed Phase II permitting
25. Sept. 2025: Prepared Phase II solicitation
26. Nov. 2025: Hosted ceremonial groundbreaking
Next Steps:
1. Begin Phase II construction
2. Complete Phase II construction
w Animal Services Facility
us County Board of County Commissioners has ted to build a new, centrally located shelter in This facility will replace the current shelter, as reached the end of its useful life It will be over sq. ft. and house up to 110 dogs and 75 cats. It will office space, cat condos, isolation kennels, and menities.
Milestones Achieved
$986,737.35 ENCUMBERED FOR DESIGN
SECURED VENDORS
Contracted with MLMMartin & Tocoi for design
ENGINEERING REPORTS
Received all engineering reports for site plan
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET
Total building & program totals defined by BOCC
100% DESIGN COMPLETE
Currently awaiting close of construction bid
Strategic Planning Elements:
Community Building
Current Phase: Preconstruction
36-Month Performance Report
1. Jan. 2023: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2. Apr. 2023: BOCC approved $9M conceptual design
3. Apr. 2023: County issued Notice to Proceed (NTP)
4 Jul. 2023: Received 30% design from MLM-Martin
5. Aug. 2023: Held internal pre-application meeting
6. Aug. 2023: PDC approved zoning change
7. Oct. 2023: BOCC approved zoning change
8. Oct. 2023: Hosted site dedication ceremony
9. Nov. 2023: Received 60% design from MLM-Martin
10. Dec. 2023: Completed internal plans review
11. Feb. 2024: Completed site/civil permit review
12 Apr. 2024: Presented design progress to BOCC
13 Jun. 2024: Received 90% design from MLM-Martin
14. Aug. 2024: Completed internal plans review
15. Dec. 2024: Received 100% design from MLM-Martin
16. Jan. 2025: Received BOCC consensus to issue bid
17. Jan. 2025: Applied for SWFWMD ERP
18. Feb. 2025: Began development of bid documents
19. Oct. 2025: Received signed/sealed final design
20. Oct. 2025: Prepared construction bid documents
21 Oct. 2025: Advertised construction bid
Next Steps:
1. Select construction vendor
2. Host ceremonial groundbreaking
3. Complete construction
Project Milestones
FUNDING PROCUREMENT
VENDOR SELECTION Strategic Planning Element:
The Master Corridor Study focuses on analyzing transportation infrastructure along key corridors, starting with the seven-mile stretch between CR-491 and SR-200 The project aims to provide the information necessary to enhance connectivity, improve traffic flow, and promote smart growth strategies to benefit residents and businesses.
Development Forecast Tool
The Citrus County Interactive Growth Model (IGM) is an accurate, complex, and powerful growth management tool which can be used for long-range planning and budgeting Data from multiple sources is cross-referenced for accuracy using real-time satellite images at the parcel level. The IGM demonstrates when and where future development is likely to occur.
Project Milestones
Discretionary Sales Tax
In their 2023 revenue analysis, the Local Government Infrastructure Surtax and Emergency Fire Rescue Services and Facilities Surtax were identified as potential opportunities for Citrus County Each of these options has its own statutory limitations on uses of the revenue, requirements for levying, and requirements for sharing the revenue with other entities.
24-Month Performance Report
PROJECT TIMELINE ALLOWABLE USES DEFINE PRIORITIES BOCC APPROVAL BALLOT REFERENDUM 1. Jan. 2024: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
2. Apr. 2024: Determined implementation timeline
3. Jul. 2024: Researched potential uses of tax
4. Sept. 2024: Discussed commissioner priorities v 5. Jan. 2025: Received sales tax presentation
6 Feb. 2025: Presented sales tax options for consensus
Mar. 2025: Presented timeline for implementation
Jul. 2025: Solicit input from community stakeholders
Oct. 2025: Received direction on draft resolution
Project Milestones
FUNDING
VENDOR SELECTION
KICK-OFF
The Master Corridor Study focuses on analyzing transportation infrastructure along key corridors. The project aims to provide the information necessary to enhance connectivity, improve traffic flow, and promote smart growth strategies to benefit residents and businesses.
12-Month Performance Report
Project Milestones
GRANT FUNDING
ENGINEERING/DESIGN
PERMITTING
VENDOR SELECTION
Strategic Planning Element:
Holder Industrial Park Utilities Expansion
Planned improvements at Holder Industrial Park include extending central water and wastewater service to the site, upgrading utility capacity to support future commercial and light-industrial tenants, and installing the necessary mains, valves, and lift-station infrastructure to open the area for long-term economic development. Current Phase: Construction
12-Month Performance Report
1. Aug. 2024: Receive grant funding for expansion
Project Milestones
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
PERMITTING
PROCUREMENT
VENDOR SELECTION
Judicial & Government Space Expansion
Planned improvements for the courthouse expansion include constructing three new courtrooms, adding judicial and attorney support spaces, upgrading security and circulation pathways, and modernizing critical building systems to accommodate growing caseloads and ensure efficient, safe court operations.
Current Phase: Construction
12-Month Performance Report
1. Jan. 2025: Identified as BOCC Target for Action
3 Mar. 2025: Determined all project elements/facilities
4. Mar. 2025: Continued design for courthouse expansion
5. Apr. 2025: Received final design for Utilities Building
6. May 2025: Opened bid period for Utilities construction
7. Sept. 2025: Closed bid period for Utilities construction
8. Sept. 2025: Began construction on Utilities Building
9. Oct. 2025: Received 60% design for Coke Building
10. Oct. 2025: Received 60% design for Courthouse CONSTRUCTION
Strategic Planning Element:
Personal Livability
Next Steps:
3. Open construction bids
Project Milestones
ASSESSMENT
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
DRAFT FRAMEWORK
REVIEW & REVISION
Planned improvements include updating the Land Development Code and Comprehensive Plan, streamlining development standards, enhancing walkability and community character guidelines, and aligning growth policies with modern best practices to support vibrant, connected, and resilient neighborhoods.
4. Feb. 2025: Strategized approach to public input
5. Feb. 2025: Identified industry best practices
6. Aug. 2025: Hosted BOCC workshop
7. Sept. 2025: Procured consultant for update process
8. Oct. 2025: Kicked off placemaking process FORMAL ADOPTION
Strategic Planning Elements:
Personal Livability
Environmental Stewardship
and analysis
Award-Winning Government 2023 - 2025
Recognized for excellence, driven by service. Citrus County’s commitment to innovation continues to set the standard for other local governments. 25 25 NACo AWARDS
Programs Recognized:
Be a Smart Irrigator Campaign
Building Enterprise Interface
C4 Comics & Cosplay Convention
Can I Read to You? Program
Citizenship @ Your Library
Citrus County: In Focus Series
Citrus County Stories
Compassionate Care Kits
Community Paramedicine
Customer Service Call Center
Disaster Assistance Strategy
Enhanced Understanding of Water
Fire Hose Recycling Initiative
Fire Services Run Books
First Time Homebuyers Program
Fossils @ Your Library
Future Heroes Summer Camp
Major Development Story Map
Medical Pet Retention Program
Owner-Builder Concierge Service
Reader of the Week Program
Roadway to Safety Campaign
Scripting for Security & Savings
Step Into Awesome Brand Campaign
The WIN COLUMN
Added 39 New Public Safety Positions
Addressed Lake Flooding Impacts
Agenda Memo Training
Alternative Employee Benefits
Aquatics Remodel
Beautify Citrus
Anti-Litter Campaign, Litter Crew Expansion, Monument Signage (Preconstruction), State Road 44 Beautification, Tree Mitigation Fund, Wildflower Program
Behavioral Health Facility (Funding)
Beverly Hills/Central Ridge Parks
Enhancements
Nature Trail, Pickleball Courts
Bicentennial Park Sewer
Bicentennial Pool Renovation
Bond Ratings Affirmed/Upgraded by Independent Agencies
Cambridge Greens Septic to Sewer Cardinal Street Alignment Study (Evaluation & Funding)
Central Citrus Resource Center Roof Coating
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Admin Improvements
Elevator Refurbishment, Windows Refurbishment, Window Replacement
CCRC Reroof
Communications Plan
Conserved Pirate’s Cove Property
CR-491 Expansion (Opens Jan 2026!)
FDOT Approvals, Groundbreaking, Land Acquisition, Vendor Selection
Crystal River Airport Runway Expansion (Preconstruction)
Environmental Assessment Phase I, Wildlife Hazard Management Assessment
CRRSAA Airport Projects (Crystal River)
CRRSAA Airport Projects (Inverness)
Development Forecast Tool
Baseline Database
Buildout Database
Population Model
Sub-Models
Detention Center HVAC Replacements
Discretionary Sales Tax (Evaluation)
Allowable
Earned Clean Independent Audits
EOC Chiller Replacement
Evaluated Funding Sources
Evaluated Transportation Concurrency
Evaluated Water District Membership
Fire Safety House Replacement
Fire Services Municipal MOUs
Floral Park Play Structure Replacement
Fort Island Gulf Beach Reopening
Fort Island Trail Septic to Sewer
Historic Courthouse Improvements
ADA Ramp, Exterior Paint, Landscaping, New Windows
Holder Industrial Park Utilities Expansion (Funding/Preconstruction)
Engineering/Design, Grant Funding, Permitting, Vendor Selection
Homosassa Park Soccer Field 5 Lighting
Homosassa Sports Complex Design (Funding)
Impact Fee Study
Improved Community Engagement
Administrator Listening Tour, Citizens Academy, Citrus County: In Focus Videos, Citrus County Stories, Speaking Engagements, Sunday Commentary, Town Halls, WWXB 99 9 FM
Improved Employee Engagement
Employee Appreciation BBQ, Employee of the Month, Employee of the Year, New Employee Orientation, Pay & Classification Study, Professional Development, Quarterly Anniversary Breakfast, Shining S.T.A.R.S. Program
Improved ISO Rating
Infrastructure Master Plan
Inshore Reef Design (Funding)
Inverness Airport Business Park Phase I
Inverness Airport Business Park Phase II (Funding/Preconstruction)
Corporate Hangar Design, Groundbreaking
Judicial & Government Space Expansion (Evaluation)
Land Development Code Review
Land Development Code Modernization (Evaluation & Funding)
Landfill Compactor Purchase
Landfill Expansion Phase 4A
Landfill Land Acquisition
Landfill Recycling Flow Configuration
Launched Industrial Dev Authority
Law Enforcement MSTU Ordinance
LED Lighting Conversion
LGB Improvements
Exterior Painting/Stucco, Flooring
Replacement, Roof Coating
Library Remodels & Renovations
Coastal Region Library Remodel, Lakes Region Library Remodel, Lakes Region
24 Achievement Awards (NACo), Best Tasting Drinking Water in Florida (AWWA), Distinguished Budget Presentation Award (GFOA), Excellence in Strategic Planning Award (NACo EDGE), Future of the Region Award (TBRPC), Risk Mgmt
Professional of the Year (PRU)
Residential Road Resurfacing
Secured Historic Resurfacing Funds
Resurfaced Over 180 Miles of Road
Saved Chassahowitzka Campground
SCOP Resurfacing
Dunkenfield, Mustang, Turner Camp
Space Needs Analysis
Sportsman’s Park Playground
SR-44 Interchange Management Area
Strategic Five-Year Financial Analysis
Strategic Planning Implementation
Strengthened Code Protections
TBRPC Resiliency Initiatives
Evaluated Model Shoreline Ordinance, Local Mitigation Strategy Approved
US-19 Resurfacing (Hernando/Green Acres)
Withlacoochee Watershed Mgmt. Plan
Grant Awards & APPROPRIATIONS
Since 2023, Citrus County has received almost $95 million in grant funding to support key community initiatives and critical infrastructure projects.
Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative
Assistance to Firefighters
Community Care for the Elderly
Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR)
CDBG-DR Housing Rehabilitation
Crystal River Airport Electric Vault Emergency Rehabilitation
Crystal River Airport Geographic Information System (AGIS) Survey
Crystal River Airport Runway 9/27 Extension
Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly
Federal Emergency Management Agency - Hurricane Irma Repairs
Florida Arts License Plate
Fort Island Gulf Beach Trailhead Improvements
Halls River Multi-Use Path
Hazardous Material Planning & Prevention
Help America Vote Act - Elections Security Enhancements
Holder Industrial Park Sewer & Utilities Extension
Home Care for the Elderly
Inverness Airport Automated Weather Observation System Replacement
Inverness Airport Box Hangar Design & Construction
Inverness Airport Business Park - Phase II Construction
Inverness Airport Master Plan Update
Local Services Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
“A government closest to its citizens makes for a better government.”
- County Administrator Steve L. Howard
Employee Engagement:
Community Engagement:
Quarterly Anniversary Breakfast
Employee of the Month
Employee of the Year
Employee Appreciation BBQ
Pay & Class Study
Professional Development
Shining S.T.A.R.S. Program
New Employee Orientation
Citizens Academy
Citrus County: In Focus
WWXB 99.9 FM
Speaking Engagements
Town Halls
Sunday Commentary
Citrus County Stories
Administrator Listening Tour
Project Dashboards
Citrus County’s project dashboards, which can be accessed directly from the organization’s home page, provide a transparent, data-driven view into the progress of key county initiatives. Developed to align with our mission of service, integrity, and accountability, these interactive dashboards allow staff, leadership, and the public to monitor performance, track goals, and make informed decisions in real time.
Using AchieveIt’s project management software as the central platform, departments can visualize progress across major focus areas, including capital projects, budget execution, community engagement, and operational efficiency.
These dashboards not only improve internal alignment but also empower departments to identify roadblocks early, celebrate wins, and adjust course when needed.
By integrating performance tracking with strategic planning, Citrus County is building a culture of continuous improvement where transparency drives trust and data drives results.
www.citrusbocc.com/strategy
“What doesn’t get measured doesn’t get done.”
-
County Administrator Steve L. Howard
Where Nature & Community Thrive
Core Values
The vision statement is an aspirational statement that communicates what the county wants to be and what it wants to be known for in the future.
Respect Transparency Stewardship
Our vision is to become a welcoming, economically vibrant community where people and nature live in harmony.
The mission statement is an action statement that communicates how the county intends to achieve our vision.
The core values are intended to guide stakeholders in terms of what values they will use in achieving the county’s mission and the strategic goals that support it Our values are:
Integrity Accountability Innovation
Our mission is to manage growth and foster prosperity by prioritizing the protection of environmental assets, the development and maintenance of infrastructure, and the health, safety, and well-being of our citizens
