The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners convened on November 19, 2024, to discuss various topics related to tourism, budget allocations, and community support initiatives. The meeting highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Tourist Development Council (TDC) and addressed the current state of tourism in the region.

The TDC announced a new advertising campaign with a budget of $50,000, set to run for approximately six weeks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance local tourism, which has faced challenges over the past year. The TDC will also participate in the 2025 Board Leadership Symposium in Orlando, an MBA-style program aimed at sharing best practices in destination marketing.

A significant focus of the meeting was the launch of Phase 1 of the "My Love Language" strategic plan, which aims to create a three to five-year roadmap for supporting local tourism efforts. Despite a reported 5% decline in tourism revenue year-over-year, the TDC expressed relief at maintaining a positive financial standing compared to other counties in Florida. Visitors accounted for 24% of total spending in local businesses, with the majority coming from nearby cities such as Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville.

In addition to tourism discussions, the meeting included expressions of condolences from Commissioner Bays to Commissioner Kennard for the recent passing of his father. The meeting concluded with a brief mention of a quarterly report from the medical examiner board, emphasizing the importance of community health and safety.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to revitalizing its tourism sector while addressing the emotional and social needs of its community members. The TDC's proactive measures and strategic planning are positioned to support local businesses and enhance the overall visitor experience in Citrus County.