Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on February 26, 2026, approving a 38-unit townhome development (PUD2025-00010) called Hills of Locanto on 4.77 acres off Pinecone Avenue in Locanto, with conditions including central water/sewer connection, 20-foot buffers with vegetation outside fencing, and connected driveway aprons. The board also approved a land development code amendment (OA2025-00004) adding certified recovery residence provisions as required by Florida statutes. Additionally, commissioners approved a $50,000 workforce housing action plan study with Florida Housing Coalition, with Habitat for Humanity cost-sharing up to $25,000.
Key Decisions (6)
Hills of Locanto 38-Unit Townhome PUD
Approved PUD2025-00010 for Townsley Construction to build 38 fee-simple townhome units on 4.77 acres off Pinecone Avenue at 7.97 units per acre density. Conditions include central water and sewer connection (applicant to pay for off-site sewer upgrades), 20-foot type D buffers with vegetation outside fencing on all sides, connected driveway aprons with landscaping between units, and compliance with Florida building code fire requirements.
Land Development Code Amendment for Certified Recovery Residences
Approved OA2025-00004 amending multiple sections of the Land Development Code to add certified recovery residence provisions as required by Florida statutes, including reasonable accommodation procedures if conditional use is denied by PDC.
Workforce Housing Action Plan Study
Approved $50,000 contract with Florida Housing Coalition to develop workforce housing action plan, with Habitat for Humanity cost-sharing up to $25,000. Study will recommend land development code changes, permitting modifications, and utility fee calculations for affordable/workforce housing.
Countywide Burn Ban Continuation
Fire Chief recommended continuing the countywide burn ban due to drought index at 489 with 37% of county above 500, dry vegetation conditions, and surrounding counties also under burn bans.
North Fort Island Trail Septic to Sewer Assessment Corrections
Approved corrections to assessment area removing four properties that self-funded sewer connections and adding one property that was missed but has a sewer lateral available.
Shade Meeting Scheduled for Wright Rudder Aviation Litigation
Board approved scheduling a shade meeting with county attorney to discuss ongoing litigation between the county and Wright Rudder Aviation.
Zoning Changes (1)
Off Pinecone Avenue, Locanto (4.77 acres)
Townsley Construction
Development Activity (5)
Hills of Locanto
38 fee-simple townhome units on 4.77 acres, 7.97 units per acre density, 3-bedroom 2.5-bath units approximately 1,700 sq ft with 1-car garage and 2-car driveway, central green space with pavilion amenity, HOA-maintained private road and stormwater
Withlacoochee Technical College A&P Program Expansion
Proposed FAA-certified airframe and power plant mechanic training program, seeking hangar space at airport, estimated $9.67 million for center of excellence, potential January 2029 start date or 18-24 months if existing hangar available
Fort Island Beach Fishing Pier and Boardwalk
Fishing pier and boardwalk reconstruction with pilings in water, currently in Army Corps permitting, goal completion May 2027
Fort Island Beach Restroom
New restroom facility, 60% plans delivered and reviewed, 90% plans in development, awaiting permitting
Fort Island Beach Sand Renourishment
Sand renourishment project to address lowered beach levels from tidal activity and storms, surveying and analysis complete, currently in Army Corps permitting
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Townhomes identified as fastest growing segment in new construction nationally, with highest one-year moving average share since 1985, indicating strong demand for missing middle housing products.
Housing Demand
Withlacoochee Technical College has 2-year waiting lists for HVAC, welding, and electrical programs, indicating strong workforce demand in construction trades.
Infrastructure
County wastewater system requires capacity upgrades for new development connections, with off-site collection transmission system improvements needed for Hills of Locanto project.
Sentiment
Neighbors expressed strong opposition to townhome density near single-family homes on acreage, citing traffic concerns on narrow Pinecone Avenue and incompatibility with rural character.
Housing Demand
32% of Citrus County households are in ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) category, driving need for workforce housing solutions.