The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners held a meeting on November 19, 2024, where several key issues were discussed, including manatee protection measures, housing regulations, and tourism development.

During the public comment section, resident Mike Ingalls expressed concerns regarding an agenda item related to manatee zones, which was tabled until December. He noted that the legal language in the agenda was difficult to understand and questioned whether the proposed changes were necessary, given the recent decline in manatee mortality from boat strikes. He emphasized the importance of clarity in the proposed changes, which he hoped would not create unnecessary complications.

Commissioners responded to Ingalls' comments, clarifying that the agenda item was primarily about replacing signs that had been moved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). They assured the public that the changes would not alter existing zones but would restore previous signage for better clarity.

The meeting also addressed the issue of short-term rentals, with commissioners noting that state law limits local control over these properties. Only the city of Crystal River has protections against short-term rentals, leaving other areas of the county without similar regulations.

Commissioner Finnegan highlighted recent changes to housing regulations, allowing accessory dwelling units on larger properties, which aims to address housing needs in the county. Additionally, discussions included ongoing efforts to improve tourism marketing, particularly focusing on diversifying attractions beyond manatees to enhance visitor distribution across the county.

The meeting concluded with a reminder for residents to report code compliance issues, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in addressing local concerns. Overall, the discussions reflected the board's commitment to transparency and responsiveness to community needs while navigating state regulations.