Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting - 2026-04-28
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners held a regular meeting on April 28, 2026, with the most significant discussion being Sheriff Mike Prendergast's presentation on transitioning the Citrus County Detention Facility from CoreCivic (a private contractor) back to sheriff's office operation. The estimated cost is $18.8 million annually with approximately $2 million in transition costs. The board also reviewed the 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Program totaling $113.5 million, with concerns about an $8 million shortfall in road resurfacing funding. Two PUD applications were heard: Hampton Hills' 5-acre residential addition was approved 4-0, while Longhorn Steakhouse and Sprouts' request for increased wall signage was denied 3-1.
Key Decisions (5)
Agenda Approval with Modifications
Board approved the agenda with corrections to item C3 (changing January billing month to March) and removal of item E11 (amended water and wastewater agreement for LeCanto Preserve LLC Phase 1).
Proclamations B1 through B6
Board approved six proclamations including National Volunteer Week, Public Service Week, National Photography Month, Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, and Keep Citrus County Beautiful Pride Award.
Consent Agenda Items
Board approved all consent agenda items including E1A through D, E2, E3 A and B, E4 A and B, E5, E6 A and B, E7, E8 A B and C, E9 A and B, E10, and E12.
Hampton Hills PUD Amendment - PUD202600001
Approved rezoning of approximately 5 acres on North O'Brien Point to be added to the Hampton Hills DRI development for single-family residential use. Access will be through Citrus Hills, not O'Brien Point (emergency only). Standards mirror existing DRI including setbacks and density.
Longhorn Steakhouse and Sprouts Wall Signage - PUD 2025-00013
Denied request to increase wall signage for Longhorn Steakhouse and Sprouts Farmers Market at the commercial center on Norvell Bryant Highway. Both businesses requested more than twice the allowable square footage for wall signs. Planning and Development Commission had recommended denial.
Zoning Changes (1)
North O'Brien Point, adjacent to Hampton Hills DRI
Hampton Hills LLC
Development Activity (4)
Hampton Hills DRI Expansion
5-acre addition to existing DRI for single-family residential development, mirroring DRI terms including setbacks and density. Part of phase one development starting later in 2026.
Longhorn Steakhouse
Restaurant outparcel in new commercial development, seeking additional wall signage on all four building elevations.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Grocery store in rear of commercial development, seeking additional wall signage including pasture gate signs with organic, fresh, local, wellness branding.
Chase Bank
Bank currently in permitting for outparcel location.
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
Hampton Hills LLC is actively expanding their DRI development, purchasing adjacent parcels and seeking to add them to phase one development starting in 2026.
Commercial Demand
New commercial center on Norvell Bryant Highway attracting national brands including Longhorn Steakhouse, Sprouts Farmers Market, Chase Bank, Target, and Aldi.
Infrastructure
County faces $750 million backlog in road resurfacing with current funding at approximately $11 million annually against a need of $30-35 million; board discussed potential MSTU to address shortfall.
Sentiment
Board expressed preference for maintaining nature coast character by limiting commercial signage, with Commissioner Bays noting desire to keep development tucked away and hidden.
Infrastructure
Sheriff presented plan to transition detention facility from CoreCivic to county operation, citing potential for $2.8 million annual revenue from federal marshal contracts once stabilized.