Michael Bates

Southbury

Reporter at Citrus County Chronicle

Articles

Big Lots to reopen May 15 in Crystal River

1 week ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

Big Lots is making a comeback – at least in Crystal River. The store, located at 146 SE U.S. 19, is set to reopen on May 15 as part of a nationwide effort by Variety Wholesalers, which recently acquired about 220 Big Lots locations. The Crystal River store is undergoing renovations and is currently hiring staff in preparation for its reopening. However, it’s not all good news for eastside shoppers. The Inverness Big Lots, at 445 E. Highland Blvd., is still expected to remain permanently closed.
Couple seeks OK to transform old CVS into fitness center

1 week ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

The old CVS at 3506 County Road 491 in Beverly Hills has been vacant since December 2023, a result of the chain’s nationwide consolidation. But if Jesse and Caitlyn Navarro have their way, it won’t remain empty for much longer. As franchisees of Epic Health and Fitness in Crystal River, the Navarros plan to open a second location inside the building, which sits on 2.4 acres.
Planners on Thursday to discuss Tuscany Ranch proposal

1 week ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

Thursday is showtime once again for the developers of Tuscany Ranch, a large planned community proposed for County Road 491, near Forest Ridge Boulevard. Metro Development’s attorney, Robert Batsel, is set to return to the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission (PDC) to present a revised developer’s agreement. In February, Batsel requested a continuance to clarify language in the original proposal. The overall development spans 2,233 acres and already includes 2,400 homes.
FDOT boss talks road expansions and golf carts

1 week ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

Citrus County’s roads — and the future of how residents travel them — were front and center Friday as Justin Hall, the Florida Department of Transportation’s newly appointed District 7 secretary, delivered the keynote address at the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce luncheon. Held at the Citrus Springs Golf and Country Club, the event drew a packed house of business owners, elected officials and community leaders eager to hear updates on some of the region’s most pressing road projects.
County approves Tampa General’s new 400-bed hospital

1 week ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

County commissioners Tuesday gave enthusiastic and unanimous approval to Tampa General Hospital’s proposal to build a new 400-bed facility in Lecanto. According to Tampa General’s application, the project will unfold in two phases. The first phase includes a 120,000-square-foot medical office building, a 120-bed hospital tower, a central energy plant, a helicopter pad and the existing freestanding emergency department.
Commissioner Barek asks for respect from her colleagues

2 weeks ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

County Commissioner Janet Barek made it clear to her colleagues during Tuesday’s meeting that she feels neither respected nor taken seriously when proposing ideas. “I am an elected commissioner and, as such, need to be treated with (the) respect I give to the four of you,” said Barek, who has been in office for four-and-a-half months.
Fallout from controversial state request continues

2 weeks ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

The fallout from a controversial legislative allocation request continued to unfold on Wednesday as Citrus County Commissioner Diane Finegan raised concerns about transparency, lobbying issues and public trust. At the center of the controversy is former County Commissioner Ruthie Schlabach, who played a key role in the controversial $3 million request for state funding to design County Road 491 in Lecanto.
Firestorm erupts at Citrus County Commission meeting; Bays, Howard taken to task for the handling of a legislative appropriation request

2 weeks ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

A $1.5 million state appropriations request to design the widening of County Road 491 ignited a political firestorm at Tuesday’s Citrus County Commission meeting — not over the money itself, but how the request process was handled. Because of the controversy, the board ultimately voted 5-0 to turn down the request, which means the county doesn't get the money for County Road 491.
Citrus Hope discussion gets off the ground at county

2 weeks ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

County commissioners Tuesday opened the door to an early conversation about addressing homelessness, with Commissioner Holly Davis leading the charge to bring the topic onto the agenda. The board heard a presentation about Citrus Hope, a proposed homeless shelter initiative for Citrus County. Catholic Charities Executive Director Maggie Rogers gave the highlights on the initiative, modeled after successful Hope communities such as Pinellas Hope and Tampa Hope.
Citrus County holds off on fire assessment hike

2 weeks ago | chronicleonline.com | Michael Bates

Fire Chief Craig Stevens at a Tuesday workshop urged Citrus County commissioners to boost funding for his department, pointing to a $5.86 million shortfall. Although commissioners were sympathetic, they voiced concerns about raising rates amid uncertainty over the 2025–26 budget and opted not to take any action. “I’m very cautious to what we commit to this early in the game,” Commission Chairwoman Rebecca Bays said.