Citrus County commissioners review illegal gun range and commercial nursery application

The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission convened on December 5, 2024, to discuss a contentious application for a commercial nursery on a property that has raised concerns regarding its current use. The property, located at 9582 North Timber Creek Terrace in Dunnellon, is owned by Zeekland LLC and is approximately 4.89 acres in size.

During the meeting, the applicant, Daniel Mathena, defended his operations, stating that he had sought guidance from various officials and believed he was following the correct procedures. Mathena expressed frustration over the lack of clarity in the permitting process, emphasizing that he had invested significant funds into the property, including over $3,500 for improvements related to the nursery. He insisted that he was not attempting to conceal any activities and was simply trying to comply with regulations.

However, county planners presented findings that contradicted Mathena's claims. Frankie Piland, a planner with Citrus County, reported that the property was officially classified as vacant and that there were no permits on record for the structures present, which included a gun range and other outbuildings. Piland noted that the area is designated as rural residential, which does not align with the commercial nature of the proposed nursery.

Further investigation revealed that the property was being used for a registered business known as the Tactical Defense Training Center, affiliated with a local firearms store. This discovery raised additional questions about the legitimacy of the current operations on the site, as the application for the nursery was based on the premise that the property was vacant.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of zoning regulations and the challenges faced by property owners in navigating the permitting process. The commission's decision on Mathena's application remains pending, as they weigh the implications of the current use against the proposed nursery operations. The outcome could set a precedent for similar cases in the future, emphasizing the importance of compliance with local zoning laws.