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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
The Citrus County Chamber of Commerce held the second of four town hall meetings Thursday to inform residents about a proposed one-cent sales tax hike, but once again, turnout was low. Only about 30 people showed up at Redemption Point Assembly of God church in Inverness and the meeting wrapped up in just 45 minutes.The first town hall earlier this week drew around 50 people.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
When Leo and Nancy Falanga last July bought their home overlooking the 18th hole of Lakeside Golf Course, they thought they had found their dream. The view was beautiful, the neighborhood peaceful, and the golf course — despite needing some care — was still open for play. “I was really excited to finally have a home on the golf course,” Falanga said. He even set up a business nearby, planning to put down roots for good. But less than a year later, that dream has unraveled.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
If you're between the ages of 29 and 44 — commonly referred to as millennials — there’s a good chance you don’t have a set of golf clubs taking up space in your garage. This generation values speed, efficiency and flexibility. Unlike older generations, they’re less inclined to devote an entire day to a round of golf. Add in the sport’s high costs, and it's easy to see why golf course closures have become more common across the country.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Chronicle reader Cody Ewing said the game of golf is evolving, with growing interest in more casual formats such as nine-hole rounds, driving ranges and indoor entertainment venues with high-tech features. They’re drawing younger players and families, he said, who may not have the time or resources for a full 18-hole game or country club membership.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Right Rudder Aviation owner Andy Chan surprised Citrus County commissioners Tuesday by announcing he had received a letter from the county’s attorney terminating his fixed-base operator lease at Inverness Airport and ordering him to vacate by June 30, 2025. Chan said the letter — sent by Orlando attorney Christopher Wilson on the county’s behalf — directed him to clear out all equipment, property and materials. He expressed confusion over the decision and urged commissioners to reconsider.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Commissioner Jeff Kinnard on Tuesday introduced a six-point plan aimed at steering Citrus County’s future growth and development. He outlined each point and stressed the importance of gathering more information for potential board workshops. “There’s a lot more conversation to come on this, for sure,” Kinnard said. The board gave its consensus to the plan and agreed that each point likely warrants its own workshop. “We're getting started,” Kinnard said.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Andy Chan, owner of Right Rudder Aviation and the fixed-base operator at Inverness Airport, told county commissioners at their meeting Tuesday that he received a letter from an Orlando attorney informing him his lease with the county is being terminated at the end of the month and that he must vacate the premises. Chan said the letter came as a surprise and shared his concerns with commissioners during the public input portion of the meeting. He urged them to rescind the termination.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Tourism Director Auvis Cole presented his impact report for the 2024 tourist season, earning praise from Citrus County commissioners for his efforts to attract visitors to the area. When asked where improvements could be made, Cole pointed to sports tourism. He highlighted the progress being made in Pasco County and suggested Citrus County could carve out its own niche. “I think we have the natural assets to support something like that,” Cole said.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
Citrus County Economic Development Director Steve Baham opened Tuesday’s County Commission workshop with a disclaimer: the topic he was about to cover might be “boring.”But he did his best to show the board how the creation of an Industrial Development Authority (IDA) could benefit the county. “This is truly a tool for financing projects for economic development,” Baham said.
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2 weeks ago | 
chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates
County Emergency Management Director Chris Evan has submitted his resignation, effective Friday, June 13. “I have been considering a great opportunity for several weeks, and after much prayer and consideration, I have decided to formally give this two-week notice,” Evan wrote in his resignation letter, submitted to the sheriff’s office May 30. The sheriff’s office has posted the position of emergency management director on its website hiring list.
