County Commission Reviews Major Rezoning Near Parkway Today

Lecanto, FL · May 13, 2026

The scent of jasmine is heavy in the air this morning, though the humidity is starting to push back. It is a busy day at the government center, so expect the parking lot to be tighter than usual if you are heading in for mid-week errands.

📰 The Lead

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners is set to review a significant rezoning request today that could reshape the landscape near the Suncoast Parkway terminus. The proposal involves converting nearly 40 acres of rural land into a mixed-use commercial hub. Proponents argue the move will bring much-needed retail and professional offices to our doorstep, reducing the drive to Inverness or Crystal River for basic services.

However, neighbors in the surrounding acreage have raised concerns about increased traffic and the preservation of the area's quiet, wooded character. The board will hear public testimony this afternoon before deciding whether to move the project into the final planning stages. A vote today would signal a major shift in how the county manages the "gateway" into our community as the parkway expansion continues to draw new interest from developers.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • CR 491 Utility Relocation — Crews are moving water lines near the Gulf-to-Lake Highway intersection today; expect intermittent lane shifts through 4 PM.

  • Library Device Drop-in — The Central Ridge Library is hosting a tech help session at 10 AM for anyone struggling with new tablets.

  • Hydrant Maintenance Alert — Citrus County Utilities is flushing hydrants near Black Diamond today; residents may notice temporary low water pressure or slight discoloration.

🌦️ Today's Outlook

  • High 80°F · Low 71°F — Rain showers (20% chance of precipitation)
    • Keep a small umbrella handy for a stray afternoon sprinkle, but otherwise, it is a warm one.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • Master Gardener Plant Clinic — UF/IFAS Extension, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM Bring your struggling shrubs for a free diagnosis from local horticultural experts.

  • Inverness: Farmers Market Mid-Week Pop-up — Liberty Park, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM A short drive east for fresh local honey, seasonal produce, and handmade soaps.

  • Crystal River: Sunset Kayak Tour — Hunter Springs Park, 6:30 PM A guided paddle through the springs as the day cools down—reservations are recommended.

  • Homosassa: Wednesday Night Trivia — The Shed at MacRae’s, 7:00 PM Test your knowledge by the river; arrive early to snag a table near the water.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Citrus County Archives
    • Tucked away within the government complex, the archives house a meticulously preserved collection of pioneer-era maps and photographs. It is the only place where you can still see the original hand-drawn plats of the town from the late 1800s. The climate-controlled room protects fragile documents that survived decades of Florida humidity before modern preservation existed.

Lecanto Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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