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Tag: Calvin Lewis

  • Crystal River named among HGTV’s 50 ‘Most Charming’ small towns list in the U.S.

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — This small town has been declared one of the “Most Charming” in America.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River has been recognized by HGTV as one of the “Most Charming” small towns in America

    • The new designation is bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, along with the best in what it has to offer
    • According to Crystal River officials, Citrus County sees more than 1.6 million visitors a year
    • It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton


    Recently, HGTV released a list of the 50 Most Charming Small Towns in America. One Florida small town, located along the Nature Coast, made the list.

    The new designation is making waves for Crystal River and the Nature Coast.

    Along the shores of Hunter Springs Park, dozens can be seen enjoying nature.

    “This is one of the prettiest small towns I’ve ever lived in, and I love it very much,” said Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts.

    “A designation like this just puts our name out nationwide,” Curts added. “More people from the United States, more people from outside our country will come here and visit and see the wonders of Crystal River. It’s just a wonderful thing for supporting the local economy here.”

    It’s a designation that comes as no surprise to Curts and tourism director Auvis Cole. They get to enjoy what this small town has to offer every day.

    “The cool thing about it: This was something that was not voted on,” said Cole. “We were selected.”

    In their eyes, it’s bringing some much-needed attention to the Nature Coast, and brings out the best it has to offer.

    “People want to relax,” said Cole. “People want to enjoy the nature — the natural and original beauty of Florida. And when they come here, they’re able to unwind a little bit and get away from the hustle and bustle.”

    It has been a stark contrast from where Crystal River was only a matter of months ago, with businesses and areas damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. But now, with spring in the air, tourist season is in full-swing.

    “We welcome over 1.6 million people a year annually,” said Cole. “To some, that may be a lot, but the cool thing about it is it pumps a lot of financial benefits into our local economy and our businesses, our tour operators, our restaurants, our hotels — our residents. We can all take part in that.”

    And as more flock to the area, Cole says he hopes it will open travelers’ eyes to what else this small town has to offer.

    “You talk about the culinary scene, you talk about the shops,” Cole said. “Again, the people, the parks — we have things like different centers, like the refuge wildlife centers, which are amazing.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Money being raised to research Wesley Chapel incorporation

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    WESLEY CHAPEL, Fla. — It’s a question being raised by some Pasco County businesses: should Wesley Chapel become a city?

    The North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce is raising money to research the pros and cons.

    What You Need To Know

    • Wesley Chapel is the focus of a potential research study being performed by the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce

    • Wesley Chapel is an unincorporated census designated place or CDP, making it part of Pasco County and Pasco County government

    • The study is a way to see if Wesley Chapel becoming a city makes financial sense

    • The hope is to have the first study funded in the next 2 to 3 months, with another few months to complete it


    “The timing is right,” said Hope Kennedy, President & CEO of the North Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce. “The business community came to the chamber and said, ‘Hey, we want to look into incorporation of Wesley Chapel.’ Not for right now, but for the future.”

    Wesley Chapel, as Kennedy explains, is an unincorporated census-designated place, or CDP, and is governed by the Pasco County government.

    “The business community has come to us because, at a certain point, the growth is outpacing the infrastructure and the different services within our community,” said Kennedy. “The business community sees it as an opportunity to keep the tax dollars here in this area.”

    She says the study is a way to see if Wesley Chapel becoming a city makes financial sense.

    It’s not the first time this has been discussed, with talk going back more than 10 years.

    “Back then, it was being driven by the residents, ironically,” Kennedy said. “The business community wasn’t as engaged in that process. Now the business community is engaged in the process and so we want to make sure that, again, it’s data driven and it’s done right.”

    There will be two separate studies, an economic impact study and a feasibility study. It will show what a municipality would look like and what sort of structure the city would have.

    One potential outcome, Kennedy says, could involve taxes.

    “There might be a redistribution of those taxes,” she said. “Again, we won’t know those dollar amounts or what that looks like. What we’re hoping to get out of this study is here’s what you get now for your taxes at this amount and here’s what you’re going to get for your taxes at this amount.”

    She says the goal is for the study is to show the impact becoming a city may have on local residents.

    “It’ll be a very good look at what Wesley Chapel is and what Wesley Chapel can be,” she said.

    Kennedy says they hope to have the first study funded in the next 2 to 3 months. It’ll then take another few months to complete it.

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  • Innovative traffic tech now monitors some Pasco roads

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    PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A new form of technology is being used by Pasco County Transportation engineers to better gauge traffic volumes.

    What You Need To Know

    • New technology is being used by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization to better gauge traffic volumes on busy roads

    • It’s part of a new grant with Marlin Engineering, monitoring traffic so that engineers and planners can learn how to make roads safer

    • Intersections along the U.S. 19 corridor are being monitored, helping hone in on near misses

    • The county is also using AI to distinguish between scooters, e-bikes and pedestrians with data used to count how many pass through an intersection


    It’s also helping hone in on near misses on some key roads, leading the way to safer roadways.

    At a busy intersection on U.S. 19 stands a new cutting-edge camera looking down on traffic below.

    “It’s making our intersections safer for our citizens to cross,” said Tania Gorman, executive director of the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization.

    A camera looks down on an intersection on U.S. 19. (Spectrum News)

    It’s part of a new grant with Marlin Engineering, monitoring traffic so that engineers and planners can learn how to make roads safer.

    “We are now entering into a micromobility area looking at behavior of those that are driving at our most dangerous intersections,” said Gorman.

    Right now, the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization is monitoring intersections along the U.S. 19 corridor.

    A view from one of Pasco County’s traffic volume monitoring cameras. (Courtesy: Pasco County MPO)

    “We’ve actually just started monitoring over the last month,” Gorman said. “We’ve just taken down the data for collection results. So we’ll get that data and review it and that will give us more insight to the behaviors going on at that intersection.”

    The county is also using AI to distinguish between scooters, e-bikes and pedestrians, using different colors to identify them. That data can then be used to count how many pass through that intersection.

    “There’s darting across the street and you’re just like, ‘Oh man, I wish I knew what happened’ because in the past, that’s what we’d say,” said Gorman. “A lot of our reports come from the on-scene officer or highway patrol or whoever is on scene. Now we’re able to see the crash in real time and see what exactly transpired in that moment.”

    AI technology being used by the Pasco County Metropolitan Planning Organization can distinguish between different modes of mobility. (Courtesy: Pasco County MPO)

    Right now, the tech is being used at three different intersections, including U.S. 19 and Sea Ranch Drive. If successful, more intersections throughout the county may see the cameras.

    “That way we can have a comprehensive, cooperative and collaborative process of planning on how we’re going to identify and address these intersections that have these issues with safety concerns,” said Gorman.

    It’s all paving the way for safer roads throughout the county.

    Gorman says the next step will be to have a micromobility plan, allowing the county to expand where cameras are placed.

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  • Recent manatee deaths have Homosassa homeowners concerned about wildlife

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    HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A few homeowners are growing concerned after a string of manatee deaths in their own backyard.

    What You Need To Know

    • Homosassa residents are growing concerned after a recent string of manatee deaths in their own backyard

    • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is currently investigating the deaths, with some locals becoming vocal over the issue
    • One strong belief from locals is that the construction on US-19 has something to do with the recent deaths
    • According to a statement from FWC, staff have not found any evidence to suggest the manatee deaths and fish kills are related


    The recent deaths have sparked an investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), with some locals becoming vocal over the issue.

    Nestled in a quiet habitat along the Halls River, Sally Krasny looks out on her backyard. A view she’s been enjoying for 27 years and counting.

    “We used to have crabs all over the place. We’d see the kids and the shells hunting for crabs. We’d have lots of birds in the winter,” she said. “We’re known as the Nature Coast and our resources need to be protected.”

    But recently, there’s been an issue on the water. A recent string of deaths involving manatees and catfish. Something, Krasny says, that has not happened before.

    “We have never seen a kill off the way we’re experiencing right now,” Krasny said. “We’re not seeing the wildlife here. There is no eel grass left in the Halls River.”

    It’s for this reason that has Krasny and other homeowners, like Laura King, concerned.

    “It’s quite shocking,” said King. “The first one I cried. I know people think that’s silly to cry over wildlife, but I spend so much time out here. They’re like my pets — we name them and I know them by their scars.”

    One strong belief from Krasny and a few others is that the cause is nearby, believing the construction on US-19 has something to do with the recent deaths.

    “It started when they started the highway project and started digging the retention ponds,” says Krasny. “We objected to them and they convinced us that the ponds would not affect our rivers at all.”

    Whatever the cause may be, locals like King and Krasny say they will remain vocal for the wildlife.

    “This is our passion — is nature,” said Krasny. “And so I’m going to protect it the best way I can. It’s my backyard.”

    A backyard worth protecting.

    Spectrum News did reach out for comment from the FWC. A spokesperson with the FWC provided the following statement:

    The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is investigating a fish kill in the Homosassa River, which primarily affected hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis), and was first reported to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline on March 9th relaying dead fish had been observed for one week prior to the call. On March 15, FWC staff visited the site, collected three water samples, all of which were associated with normal water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, temperature). Due to decomposition, staff could not collect fish samples for necropsy. Analysis of water samples for harmful algal blooms is pending.   

    FWC is also monitoring an increase in manatee deaths from the Homosassa River. Since January, FWC has confirmed ten manatee carcasses in the Homosassa River, and four additional carcasses in its tributaries. At least five of the manatee deaths are attributed to an acute natural gut infection from a dietary change to macroalgae, which has been documented before when colder weather restricts manatee movements to areas with seagrass.  

    At this time, staff have found no evidence to suggest the manatee mortality and fish kill events are related. 

    We urge the public to continue to report any sightings of sick, injured, or dead manatees or other wildlife to FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).  
     
    To report a fish kill, diseased fish, or a fish with other abnormalities to FWC’s Fish Kill Hotline you can call: 800-636-0511 or submit a report online at MyFWC.com/ReportFishKill.

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  • Citrus County and Inverness working collaboratively on courthouse makeover

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A historic courthouse in Citrus County is getting a big makeover.

    What You Need To Know

    • A renovation has been approved for the Old Citrus County Courthouse in downtown Inverness

    • Inverness City Council approved a bid to refurbish the historic courthouse in a cooperative effort with Citrus County
    • The last time the courthouse saw any upgrades was 20 years ago
    • Work is expected to be done in June at a cost of about $1 million


    Inverness City Council approved a bid to refurbish the historic downtown courthouse in a cooperative effort with Citrus County. It’s bringing some much-needed revitalization to a downtown gem.

    “It’s an iconic building,” said Eric Williams, city manager for the City of Inverness. “It’s probably the most significant, historic building in Citrus County.”

    At the corner of US-41 and Courthouse Square proudly stands the Old Citrus County Courthouse: a centerpiece of downtown Inverness.

    “These buildings create such an iconic destination,” Williams said. “Being a ‘small town done right,’ you need the old courthouse. Blending that in with the city’s approach to redevelopment over the last 20 years has just really been something we’ve been dying to have happen.”

    Officials recently approved a refurbishment project for the courthouse, including exterior painting, new windows, and improved landscaping. Work has already gotten underway.

    “An amazing asset that we have is an opportunity to leverage it,” says Steve Howard, county administrator with the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. “Again, keep the history that’s here — we never want to forget the history. We have an opportunity to share this with the next generation and that’s exciting.”

    It’s a major overhaul for a building that has witnessed so much throughout the years, including serving as a backdrop to the movie, “Follow That Dream,” starring Elvis Presley.

    The last time the courthouse saw any upgrades was 20 years ago.

    “We serve all the same citizens, but what an opportunity to leverage assets all together — look at this together — but also have some thought put into future planning,” said Howard.

    Work on the courthouse may also be the first step in a wider-reaching partnership between city and county with future projects down the road.

    “I think there’s some opportunities for the future as we look to maximize things like our tourist development council and the relationships with the city’s park and rec and cultural arts program,” says Williams. “I see those things really being huge, because the more that we work together, I think there’s a brighter day and a high tide for the community.”

    A big step for the self-proclaimed, “small city done right.”

    Workers have already begun work on the courthouse and expect to finish in June. The project’s estimated cost is about $1 million.

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  • Dedicated group of veterans coming together as Citrus County Veterans Coalition

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A dedicated group of veterans in Citrus County is coming together to help their community. 

    For more than 20 years, the Citrus County Veterans Coalition has brought aid to their brothers and sisters. The group is helping other veterans when they are at their most vulnerable.

    “We’re veterans helping veterans,” said Chairman of the Citrus County Veterans Coalition Richard Floyd.

    What You Need To Know

    • For more than 20 years, the Citrus County Veterans Coalition has been helping fellow vets in their community

    • Volunteers with the group are bringing aid to their brothers and sisters primarily through the coalition’s food pantry
    • Help comes in a variety of forms, from food and electric bills to yard work and building handicap ramps
    • The Citrus County Veterans Coalition is open on Tuesdays starting at 10 o’clock


    Inside a small building off North Paul Drive, Richard Floyd helps run the Citrus County Veterans Coalition with a team of vets from throughout Citrus County.

    “We have a full range that we give out and we normally give out anywhere between 35 and 40 lbs. of food, usually,” Floyd said.

    Floyd has been with the group for more than 20 years, nearly as long as they have existed. It’s a special bond that unites volunteers to help out their fellow vets.

    “They kind of become your brothers and sisters, so they become family,” said Brenda Wingate, treasurer and food manager of the Citrus County Veterans Coalition. “Anything you can do to help family, I love to do.”

    Help primarily comes through the food pantry that Wingate runs. But it also comes in other forms, like offering a lending hand at home.

    “If any veteran comes in, whether it’s food, electric bills,” Wingate said. “If they need help with yard work, if they need help with a ramp, anything we can help them with, we will go out of our way to help them or find them somebody who can help them.”

    It’s work that is making a meaningful impact not only on their community, but on themselves. 

    “You know you’re doing something right and you’re making yourself feel good about what you do,” said Floyd.

    The Citrus County Veterans Coalition is open on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. 

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  • Zephyrhills helps residents reconnect with nature at new Hercules Park

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    ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — A new park has opened in the city of Zephyrhills, marking the city’s first public park to open in 40 years.

    Underneath a patch of green shade, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe takes in the view of the city’s newest addition.

    “I think that this is the best park in east Pasco,” he said.

    What You Need To Know

    • Hercules Park is the first public park in 40 years to open in the city of Zephyrhills

    • Opened in mid-February, the 12-acre park is designed to help meet the recreational needs of its residents while paving the way for other future developments
    • Costing $7.5 million to build, Hercules Park is now one of nine parks located throughout Zephyrhills
    • Plans for more parks and recreation are on the way, with a parks master plan workshop taking place Wednesday, March 19


    Hercules Park was opened in mid-February after five years of planning by the city. The 12-acre park is designed to help meet the recreational needs of its residents while paving the way for other future developments.

    From walking trails to a splash pad area for kids along with a jungle gym, there is plenty to offer for families.

    “There are other things that we hadn’t thought of that citizens ranked high,” Poe said. “So we used that information to build a park that we’re standing in today.”

    Hercules Park is now one of nine parks located throughout Zephyrhills. It cost $7.5 million to build. Poe said the city had been looking at building the park for the last five years.

    “It’s all about creating amenities so that our residents want to stay here,” he said. “They want to stay and enjoy Zephyrhills, specifically, and so to be able to have a park like this so they don’t have to drive to Lakeland or Tampa to experience — a lot of families are just able to walk here.”

    The park is also honoring the city’s history, including elements inspired by the Hercules Powder Company, which once operated on the site more than 70 years ago.

    “It’s just a great place with a lot of different opportunities for families to be able to come out and enjoy each other, and it’s all free,” Poe said.

    It is also inspiring talks for what else can be done, recreationally, throughout the city.

    “Now we’re looking at our entire park system and how we improve each of those parks to add that many more amenities for our citizens,” Poe said.

    There are more plans on the way for parks throughout Zephyrhills. A parks master plan workshop will take place to discuss improving the city’s park system. That meeting will take place on March 19.

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  • Pasco County Schools adding walls to 700 open classrooms

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    LAND O’ LAKES, Fla. — A few changes are coming soon to hundreds of Pasco County classrooms.

    What You Need To Know

    • Permanent walls are being built in 700 open classrooms throughout Pasco County Schools

    • District officials say the idea came from teachers throughout the district who noticed an uptick in student distractions

    • Each classroom repair will run about $3,000, with their cost being covered by the district’s budget

    • Repairs will take place over the next 18 to 24 months, covering the span of a two-year budget cycle


    Walls are being built in open classrooms throughout the district as part of a move designed to help students concentrate, while also keeping them safe.

    “They’re a majority of our elementary classrooms and they’re all throughout the county,” said Pasco County Schools Superintendent John Legg.

    At schools throughout Pasco County, classrooms are getting a facelift — permanent dividing walls are being constructed in what the county calls “open classrooms.”

    “While that concept was well intended back in the 70s and 80s, it just doesn’t meet with today’s day and age,” Legg said. “What we’re looking at doing is providing some structure and walls to those classrooms in order to make them distraction free so students and teachers can focus on academics.”

    District officials say the idea came from teachers throughout the district who noticed an uptick in student distractions. Since the district has come back from COVID about five years ago, Legg said they’ve seen an increase in behavior issues. 

    “Kindergarten students were getting very distracted,” said Fox Hollow Elementary School principal Jessica Pitkoff. “They hear what the other teachers are doing. They see what the other kids are doing. Sometimes we pull small groups into the middle and they saw that kids were doing something in a small group and, by nature, they have a lot of curiosity and they would start wondering toward the middle.”

    Legg said the walls will also add a depth of security to the classroom.

    “Under the open floor plan concept, if someone were to get in one classroom, they’re in all classrooms,” he said. “What this will do is isolate it to a single classroom, so it enhances our security in all of our schools.”

    A total of 700 classrooms will have new walls constructed. The cost is being covered by the district’s budget.

    “Each classroom repair is going to run about $3,000,” Legg said. “We’re looking at doing these repairs over the next 18 to 24 months, which would be about a two-year budget cycle. We believe we have enough money in our existing budget right now to take care of most of these classrooms.”

    And he said the reception has been positive.

    “So far, with the kindergarten teachers, they’re loving it,” said Pitkoff. “I walk into the classrooms and the kids are all in their groups, they’re doing their thing and the teacher is teaching. It’s already made a huge impact at my school.”

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  • Federal cuts being felt at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Concerns are mounting when it comes to job security at a Citrus County wildlife refuge.

    What You Need To Know

    • Staff and employees with the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are fearing the elimination of their jobs amid federal spending cuts

    • Two positions, a visitor services specialist and volunteer coordinator, were eliminated last week

    • In 2015, there were 12 employees on staff at the refuge, but following funding cuts in 2018, 2020 and now, only six remain


    Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge employees are fearing the elimination of jobs amid federal spending cuts. This isn’t the first time they’ve gone through staff and funding cuts and now are doing what they can to be prepared.

    At the water’s edge of King’s Bay, proudly stands the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

    For years, the hub has operated as a window to nature for visitors of all ages. But recently, some forceful changes had to be made. 

    “Historically, anytime there are governmental cuts, unfortunately, U.S. Fish and Wildlife is one of the most vulnerable agencies, so we tend to feel the blow a little bit more than some of the other agencies in federal government,” said K.C. Nayfield, president of Friends of Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge.

    Funding and jobs are being cut at the federal level, and the wildlife refuge and its visitor’s center were included, with two positions being eliminated last week.

    “We lost our visitor services specialist and our volunteer coordinator,” Nayfield said. “These were two positions that were vital to make sure this refuge funs smoothly, efficiently and effectively. It’s going to be very difficult to function without them.”

    The visitor center coordinator is responsible for education programs, and he said it’s a significant loss that will impact their operation, including field trips.

    “These volunteers put in between 25 and 30,000 hours per year and they save U.S. Fish and Wildlife hundreds of thousands of dollars per year with the work they do out here in Three Sisters and in King’s Bay,” said Nayfield.

    While the impact from those cuts is being felt immediately, Nayfield said he is remaining optimistic.

    “It’s just going to take a little while to adapt and hopefully, maybe, we can get these guys back and fill these positions at some time in the future,” he said.

    And he is hopeful that the refuge will be able to continue educating people for years to come.

    This is not the first time the refuge has had to deal with cuts. In 2015, there were 12 employees on staff, but following cuts in 2018, 2020 and now, only six remain.

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  • New ‘Boater Freedom Initiative’ would end vessel safety inspections

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    HOLIDAY, Fla. — A new proposal is making waves when it comes to boating in the state.

    What You Need To Know

    • Gov. Ron DeSantis introduced the Boater Freedom Initiative earlier this week

    • Part of the proposal looks to end random vessel safety inspections without probable cause
    • The proposal would also prevent local governments from banning the sale or use of boats based on fuel sources
    • Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration


    It’s part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Boater Freedom Initiative announced earlier this week. Part of that effort includes an end to random vessel safety inspections without probable cause.

    One local marina is taking a dive into the potential impact these proposals could have on the boating industry.

    Resting at the mouth of the Anclote River sits the Anclote Village Marina.

    Recently reopened after back-to-back hurricanes, marina staff are on standby, like general manager Noah Rouse, ready to welcome back visitors to the water.

    “It can be a pretty big inconvenience when you’re trying to get out on the water for the day and you’ve made sure you’ve done everything right and now you’ve got to stop and prove to someone that you have,” said Rouse.

    But that may be changing, after DeSantis announced what he calls a Boater Freedom Initiative this week. Part of that effort would eliminate law enforcement use of safety inspection as a probable cause to pull over a boater.

    “It really seems no different from what we’ve got going on out on the roadways,” said Rouse. “If we don’t have a reasonable reason for a stop, then there shouldn’t be one implied. Obviously, people have the freedom to travel along the waterways as they please and if they’re not doing anything that is against written law, I don’t think there should be any reason for a stop.”

    The proposal would also prevent bans on gas-powered boats.

    “They are pushing the battery-powered and operated boats pretty heavily,” Rouse said. “Not everyone should have to go eco-friendly, which we do understand. We all love the environment, just as everyone else. We’ve got people fishing every day and if the fish are dying, then we won’t have any fish to catch.”

    While the bill may not have a direct impact on his marina’s day-to-day operations, Rouse says he believes it will improve boating experiences.

    “Obviously, if someone is doing something they shouldn’t be, they need to be addressed by the FWC. But if we’re out there complying with the law, I think everyone should be able to have a good time,” he said.

    Ensuring a more relaxed time out on the water.

    Under the Boater Freedom Initiative, the bill will direct the Florida Fish and wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to work with tax collectors to provide a “Florida Freedom Boater” decal at registration. The decal will indicate to law enforcement that the boater is maintaining proper safety requirements.

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  • Dade City residents working to restore properties months after Milton

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Homeowners in Dade City are still feeling the repercussions from Hurricane Milton four months on.

    What You Need To Know

    • Four months after Hurricane Milton, homeowners in Dade City are still feeling the repercussions of the storm

    • Residential areas were submerged under water, leaving homeowners stranded and unable to get to their homes

    • Pasco County says following the hurricanes and heavy rain, the state provided pumps and trucks to help relieve flooding in some areas

    • Pumps were redeployed outside of the county in early December, however, the county says if homeowners applied for FEMA assistance to follow up with them


    The hurricane left residential areas completely under water, leaving homeowners stranded and unable to get to their homes. Residents are wondering what to do next.

    “We’re not able to access our property because we can’t get to it, because it’s wet,” Kim Barnes said.

    For the last 20 years, Barnes and her husband have been living on their property. But nothing would prepare them for what they witnessed last fall.

    “Luckily, my son has a canoe, and we had to rescue the people that lived here and the people that were here who had a toddler,” said Barnes. “We had to keep going back and forth because we still had a cat in our house to feed and to take care of. We got the pumps here Nov. 1. It took probably about mid-December for the waters to recede a little bit.”

    Their home and surrounding property was submerged under water after flooding of a nearby retention pond from Hurricane Milton. Something that could have been avoided, Barnes says, had the county listened to their previous concerns.

    “We’ve been to so many meetings, fighting it and contesting it,” Barnes said. “Everything on record saying, ‘if you build this development, it’s going to make things worse.’ Not only does it make it worse for us, it makes it worse for everybody downstream. It makes it worse because the water comes from here, from Happy Hill, it comes down, and, actually, affects the people down in Hickory Hill and Fort King.”

    With water now receded, the couple’s attention is working on bringing back their home while remaining hopeful of a solution from the county.

    “I have no idea what they can do to fix this,” said Michael Barnes. “Even if they brought the level up here, which, you can see, would take a ton of dirt, it would displace insane amounts of water on other people.”

    The Barnes say they plan to stay on their property knowing full well what can potentially happen again.

    “It’s just scary because we’ve lost our vehicles,” said Kim. “We had a total loss of our vehicles. I don’t want to lose our vehicles again, I don’t want to be out of our home again.”

    A Pasco County spokesperson says following the hurricanes and heavy rain, the state provided pumps and trucks to help relieve flooding in some areas. However, those pumps were redeployed outside of the county in early December. The county also says if homeowners applied for FEMA assistance, they suggest following up with them.

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  • Reconstruction efforts underway on Fort Island Gulf Beach and boat ramp

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A popular beaching spot in Citrus County is remaining closed months after Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Fort Island Gulf Beach is undergoing a major facelift, after storm surge from Hurricane Helene wiped out the tiny beach and its facilities

    • Efforts to restore the beach for visitors and residents alike are ongoing
    • Focus has been on getting the beach area open first and then the park’s boat ramp
    • The county anticipates reopening Fort Island Gulf Beach on or before Feb. 21


    Fort Island Gulf Beach is undergoing a major facelift, after storm surge wiped out the tiny beach and its facilities. Efforts to restore the beach for visitors and residents alike are ongoing.

    “It’s all the way out on the Gulf, so this is one of the few areas where you can spend time right on the Gulf,” said Eric Head, Community Services Director for Citrus County. 

    The beach park was one of Hurricane Helene’s victims last September. With storm surge wiping out the beach and forcing the county to demolish existing restroom facilities that were there.

    “We were already recovering from Idalia the year before,” said Head. “The beach was still open and the pier had been damaged, but Helene pretty much finished it off. It did an extensive amount of damage to this little island. It took out our restrooms, it took out the pier and took out the boat ramp dock.”

    It’s been a trying time, as Head says. But county staff have been hard at work. Striving to get the beach back open quickly and safely.

    “Staff have already cleared the parking lots. They’ve redone the parking areas, the signage is going back into place, and we’ve made the area safe for folks to come back,” Head said.

    With the beach close to being back, attention turns to other areas in the park. Including the damaged fishing pier and tidying up the boat ramp.

    “That’s going to take a little more time,” Head said. “As soon as we get this finished, our attention has been and is going to get more prioritized on the pier and the boardwalk so we’ll get that restored.” 

    With the aim of getting the park back and better than what it was before.

    Head says they are focused on getting the beach area open first and then the boat ramp. Portable restrooms will be placed at the beach as new ones are built.

    The county anticipates re-opening Fort Island Gulf Beach on or before February 21.

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  • Proposed RV resort near Withlacoochee River facing backlash from community

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    CITRUS SPRINGS, Fla. — A proposed RV resort is making waves across the Nature Coast community.

    Named the Paradise Meadows RV Resort, it would sit along a portion of the Withlacoochee River, but not everyone is onboard with the proposal.

    What You Need To Know

    • Plans are being proposed for an 18-acre RV resort near the Withlacoochee River called Paradise Meadows RV Resort

    • The owners and developers of the land say they plan to keep the area as natural as possible, with an emphasis on protecting the Withlacoochee and keeping many of the surrounding trees
    • Pushback from local residents, however, has been forming
    • If approved, developers say the resort would take about two years to complete


    Those behind the resort say they plan to preserve the area with their development.

    “So there’ll be sites on each side,” said Micheal Smith, owner and CEO of Paradise Meadows RV Resort. “All these trees are staying.”

    Driving through a 50-acre wooded property, Smith has a vision for an RV resort with a unique twist.

    “Just trying to be a good neighbor, trying to listen to everybody’s concerns and we understand their concerns, but it’s not your typical RV park,” he said. “This is a park that’s never been done before in a forest.”

    Smith and his wife are the owners of the property, and have proposed a plan to develop 18 acres of it into the Paradise Meadows RV Resort, which would sit just a stone’s throw from the Withlacoochee River.

    “This’ll be a beautiful property, all the trees will stay, and, like I’ve said over and over again, it’s going to be a Mother Nature masterpiece when we’re done with it,” said Smith.

    There has been some pushback from local residents, however — including an online group that has formed with members opposed to any more development in the area.

    “Just seeing how it’s developed from my childhood is a little concerning, because we’re named the Nature Coast for a reason,” said Courtney Tucker, who is a member of “Save Our Withlacoochee River From RV Rezoning.”

    One of the main concerns the group has is the area losing its natural beauty and the habitat it possesses.

    “A lot of people are concerned, because what exactly is going to happen with that environmental impact?” said Tucker. “We just want to make sure that whatever does happen, it’s going to be minimal.”

    But Smith said the plan is to keep the area as natural as possible, with an emphasis on protecting the Withlacoochee River.

    “The Withlacoochee River will be super safe, and we’re making sure of that,” he said. “We love the river just as much as anybody. With us having this as a legacy, of course, we want that to be super safe.”

    The RV resort still needs approval from the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners. If approved, Smith said the resort would take about two years to complete.

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  • Ozello Keys Marina celebrates grand reopening, months after Hurricane Helene

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    OZELLO, Fla. — An area business is celebrating its grand reopening after having to make repairs from damage sustained during Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Ozello Keys Marina is open again after being damaged during Hurricane Helene
    • The marina celebrated a grand reopening Saturday to mark the occasion

    • During Helene, water from a nearby canal rose up about 11.5 feet, washing through the parking lot and into the store
    • Meanwhile, recovery throughout Ozello is ongoing


    It required months of work to get back on their feet, but Ozello Keys Marina is back open for business, with recovery in the area ongoing.

    The Ozello Keys Marina sits on the outskirts of Ozello Key. Just a few months ago, the building looked entirely different.

    “When it happens again, we’re not tearing this store apart next time,” said owner Capt. Gary Bartell.

    The marina — and surrounding area — was hit hard by Hurricane Helene last September.

    “We had just rebuilt from Hurricane Idalia, so we knew that insurance was going to take some time,” said Bartell. “It was spread out through the southeast of the United States, so it was a lot different than Idalia where it was just a certain area impacted. This was spread out.”

    During Helene, water from a nearby canal rose up about 11.5 feet. It washed through the parking lot and into the store, where about five feet of water rested.

    “It was really the last three weeks until we opened on Feb. 1, where you couldn’t move through here because we had all of our sub-contractors here,” Bartell said. “They were amazing. I mean, they went to town and they got this place done, and they got it done right.”

    A special, grand reopening was celebrated Saturday. It marked not only the return of the business, but recovery in Ozello.

    “It was a special moment, it really was,” Bartell said. “To see all of our regulars that were always coming in here all at one time, plus we saw hundreds of new faces that had been following our story along the way.”

    It’s a recovery that Bartell said he is optimistic will spread throughout the keys.

    “It’s how you recover from this stuff and getting ready for the next storm, whether it’s going up in the air or making it more water-resistant inside,” he said. “We’ll make a full recovery.”

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  • Crystal River business reacts as US-19 widening project nears completion

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A popular roadway in Citrus County is getting a major facelift.

    What You Need To Know

    • The widening of US-19 near Crystal River is entering its final stages, going from two travel lanes to three

    • The project stretches a little more than 4.5-miles, which should help, as city officials say, during severe weather events
    • It’s a major project that will have big implications for Crystal River and local businesses
    • Two more projects will begin after this one finishes, with the state repaving a 1.2-mile stretch from south of northeast First Terrace to south of Snug Harbor Road


    The widening of US-19 is entering its final stages, going from two travel lanes to three. It’s a major project that will have big implications for Crystal River and local businesses.

    Just a stone’s throw from the roadway, Ryan Delarco arranges a few bicycles outside his shop Sparky’s Green Rides.

    “It’s changed a lot,” says Delarco.

    Delarco has had the shop since 2013. He’s experienced it all, from hurricanes and tornadoes to the most recent widening of US-19.

    “Hopefully, when everything’s done, it causes economic growth and better traffic flow through here.”

    The project, Delarco said, has its pros and cons. With the road running right outside his shop, construction drew away potential customers. But with road work now dwindling down, better access to trails is just around the corner.

    “We’re going to be connecting the trails for the bicycles, the pedestrians and walkways and miscellaneous things to get us around even more conveniently than we can now,” said Delarco.

    US-19’s widening project stretches a little more than 4.5-miles. Improving from two travel lanes to three. Which should help, as city manager Audra Curts says, during severe weather events.

    “Those types of things and those events where our traffic is higher than normal, it’ll make it flow so much better as folks are heading north if they ever have to evacuate during another disaster,” said Curts.

    And with businesses flanking either side of the major roadway, business owners, like Delarco, are excited to see what new business may come with the improved road.

    “When it’s completed and finished, I think the three lanes will help get the seniors be able to turn off the highway easier with the extra lane,” Delarco said. “I mean, three lanes is a big difference from two, for sure.”

    Two more US-19 projects will begin after this one finishes. The state will begin repaving the 1.2-mile stretch from south of northeast First Terrace to south of Snug Harbor Road. The project will also include pedestrian improvements with new crossing buttons.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County’s Marine Science Station re-opens after Hurricane Helene

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — Citrus County students are finally able to return to a popular field trip location that was closed for months after being damaged during Hurricane Helene.

    What You Need To Know

    • Marine Science Station, a popular field trip location for Citrus County students, was closed for months after being damaged by Hurricane Helene

    • The station was closed from September until January, but the outdoor areas have since been reopened
    • Efforts to repair classrooms at the station are on-going, with the hopes of having indoor learning available again soon


    The Marine Science Station, a well-known learning center for students to observe and learn about marine life, was closed after being damaged during Hurricane Helene. Now, months after the storm, the station is welcoming back eager students.

    “It’s a way to bring alive the standards that the teachers are teaching these kids in the classroom,” said station supervisor Earnie Olsen.

    The station is a popular field trip destination for elementary students and even high schoolers enrolled in life science courses.  

    Storm damage kept the station closed from September until January.

    “There was marsh debris logs everywhere,” said Olsen. “When that water comes in from the Gulf, your marshes and your mangrove swamps help buffer some of that impact from the storm, but it still raises up vegetation that’s buoyant and that floats in here. When the water recedes, all of that material stays behind.”

    While indoor areas have suffered, the outdoor areas have rebounded.

    “Do you see all the land out here?” Olsen asked a group of fourth-grade students from Central Ridge Elementary. “And all the wetlands out here? We call those parts of our watershed. Because what does the water do when it hits the land? It sheds.”

    Olsen said the center supplies fantastic views of the surrounding ecosystem for students.

    “Until you get out in it and experience all the ways to experience it, that’s probably going to be the best way for a kid to learn,” Olsen said. “We’re very fortunate to be able to have that opportunity to serve our kids in that way.”

    Olsen said efforts to repair indoor classrooms at the station are ongoing, and he hoped the work would be completed soon.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Dade City readies to celebrate 28th annual Kumquat Festival despite cold temps

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    DADE CITY, Fla. — Gasparilla isn’t the only festival taking place in the Tampa Bay area this weekend.

    While the pirate-themed spectacle take over Tampa, another festival will take place celebrating a certain fruit.

    Dade City will be celebrating its 28th annual Kumquat Festival, a significant event that plays a large role in the local economy.

    What You Need To Know

    • While Gasparilla is taking place this weekend, another festival is taking place celebrating a certain fruit

    • Dade City will celebrate its 28th annual Kumquat Festival, a significant event that plays a large role in the local economy
    • Farmers with Kumquat Growers Inc. say the tiny orange fruit is in its peak season
    • The festival is free to attend, with festivities getting underway at 9 a.m. Saturday


    On a chilly Friday afternoon, a special open house took shape at the farm of Kumquat Growers Inc., with general manager and kumquat grower Greg Gude leading the tour.

    “It’s a unique fruit, because you do eat the peeling and all,” he said. “Normally, because the citric acid is down, this would normally have sprayed out. But you can see how it brings the sweetness to the peel, and then all you do is pop that in your mouth and chew it up.”

    Gude said the fruit has been made sweeter thanks to chilly temps. A universal fruit, he said it can be made into just about anything.

    “There’s kumquat jelly — we have kumquat strawberry marmalade,” he said. “We have kumquat barbecue sauce, kumquat vinaigrette, we have kumquat honey.”

    Right now, kumquats are in their peak season.

    “You’ll come and visit to go to the festival and you’ll see some of the shops,” said Vicki Wiggins, president and CEO of the East Pasco Chamber of Commerce. “They might be super busy, so, a lot of times, people will come back so that they can go through the shops and really explore what we have to offer.”

    Gude said his farm managed to avoid losing any crops from this past hurricane season. He said disease has been a minor setback for the growers, but things have started to rebound.

    “The trees are getting better,” Gude said. “We’re making some headway with disease. Hopefully, next year we’ll have more of the Meiwa round kumquat to take to the festival.”

    Dade City’s 28th Annual Kumquat Festival is free to attend, with festivities getting underway at 9 a.m. Saturday.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Let’s Feed Citrus ministry holds special food distribution after winter weather

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    INVERNESS, Fla. — A special food distribution took place in Citrus County on Thursday, after a one-day delay due to the cold winter weather.

    What You Need To Know

    • The Let’s Feed Citrus ministry held a special food distribution Thursday morning

    • Those with Cavalry Church say they typically see anywhere between 200 and 300 cars during a distribution
    • The next distribution will take place the first week of February


    Droves of vehicles lined up for the mobile food distribution outside Calvary Church. An assortment of goods could be seen being handed out, from fresh fruit and vegetables to non-perishables.

    Typically, the ministry hosts the distributions twice a month. The distribution is made possible through the church’s ministry, Let’s Feed Citrus.

    Those with the church say were expecting a delivery Wednesday morning, but because of the winter weather, it was moved to Thursday.

    “When you actually come out and see the need, it touches your heart,” said Jared Burke, executive director for Let’s Feed Citrus. “For me, it’s about the people. We wouldn’t do this if it wasn’t about the people and just loving people.”

    “That’s our calling as a church. Not just to be in church but to do something and help people.”

    Burke says they typically see anywhere between 200 and 300 cars during a distribution. Their next event will take place in the first week of February.

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Crystal River KOA Journey helping showcase women in Florida tourism

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    CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — A new business opened its doors in Crystal River late last summer.

    What You Need To Know

    • Crystal River KOA Journey opened its doors late last summer to campers, welcoming them to the Nature Coast

    • The business venture is staffed entirely of women, including maintenance personnel
    • Opening in late summer meant hurricane season was right around the corner
    • Recent cold weather has both been a blessing and a curse, seeing visitors in town to see manatees


    The Crystal River KOA offers visitors a place to connect with the outdoors. This business venture, staffed entirely by women, is helping visitors grow acquainted with the Nature Coast.

    On the outskirts of downtown Crystal River, you’ll find a slice of nature in the form of campgrounds and RV sites.

    They’re part of the new Crystal River KOA Journey, which opened its doors last July. They’re now in the midst of a busy winter season.

    “A lot of people come to Crystal River to swim with the manatees and even though the water is 72° year-round, that’s the main thing to come here for,” said Lenea Myers, campground manager at Crystal River KOA. “It’s a little cold to hop in the springs right now, so we’ve had a few cancellations, but it’s not horrible.”

    Cold weather is both a blessing and a curse, Myers says. Visitors typically don’t camp when the weather drops, but it’s also a familiar sign. The sign of the arrival of manatee season.

    “The city has been amazing to work with,” said Jennifer Grissom, co-owner of Crystal River KOA. “Discover Crystal River has been amazing to work with. We feel like the local community has been extremely supportive and even other campgrounds. I don’t think we could be any happier with where we chose to open.”

    Opening in late summer meant hurricane season was right around the corner. A challenge, Grissom says, they were prepared for. They offered their 68 RV sites to government workers and stranded locals in the aftermath of the storms.

    “We were able to offer monthly rates to some of FEMA and some of the locals who had lost some of their homes,” said Grissom. “It kind of helped everyone out, right? We were able to have business in a time when, maybe, we wouldn’t have otherwise and they were able to have a place to stay at a good rate.”

    Already it’s been a busy first year. But one, Grissom says, she could not imagine having anywhere else.

    “The city does a great job in maintaining the old Florida feel and that’s what we love about Crystal River,” said Grissom. “I don’t think even though it has developed, you don’t feel that sprawl. It still feels small and quaint.”

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    Calvin Lewis

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  • Citrus County making its final push collecting hurricane debris

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    LECANTO, Fla. — Citrus County is entering its final push to finish collecting debris left behind by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    What You Need To Know

    • A final push to collect hurricane debris left over from Hurricanes Helene and Milton is being made across Citrus County

    • Close to 25,000 tons of debris has been collected since Helene hit the Nature Coast
    • With the FEMA debris pickup deadline extended to 120 days, those with the county say they are on track to have all debris cleared by the end of January
    • Crews will continue making rounds to collect until the end of the month


    Since Hurricane Helene hit the Nature Coast less than three months ago, close to 25,000 tons of debris has been collected. But there’s more to be picked up before the job is done.

    It’s down to a matter of weeks. With the FEMA debris pickup deadline extended to 120 days, those with the county say they are on track to have all debris cleared by the end of January.

    “It’s been a non-stop process, six to seven days a week with all hands-on deck,” said Citrus County Road Maintenance Director James Sterling.

    Throughout neighborhoods in Citrus County, you’ll find contractors hard at work collecting debris. Tree limbs and branches are a final memory from Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

    “We’re a little over 50, almost 60,000 cubic yards of vegetation throughout the county that’s been picked up to date,” Sterling said. “We’re in the final stages of picking it up and making our final rounds.”

    Work has taken a little longer than expected — the threat of Milton shortly after Helene delayed the cleanup. But FEMA extended their debris deadline from 90 days to 120 days since Helene hit. Sterling says it’s been a non-stop effort for more than three months to get the county back on its feet.

    “Having the storms so close back-to-back, we had to go into more of an emergency removal mode and get everything that was on the ground already because the forecast was for another high surge with Milton,” Sterling said. “And, thankfully, we didn’t receive that.”

    Debris is being placed at three dump-off sites. Vegetative debris is being burned at one location and at Inverness Airport. It’s an effective method, Sterling said, to help dispose of the unwanted mess.

    “There’s people that were just getting in town about a month ago, which is two months after the storm starting their clean-up,” he said. “It seems like it’s prolonged it a little bit, but we’re here to do what needs to be done to make sure the county is cleaned up and we can help the citizens.”

    Sterling says if there are still residents with debris to go ahead and place that at the curb of your home. Crews will continue making rounds to collect until the end of the month.

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