The Citrus County Planning and Development Commission convened on December 5, 2024, to address a contentious application for a wholesale nursery and the associated issues surrounding a commercial shooting range operating in a residential area. The meeting highlighted significant concerns regarding zoning regulations and community impact.

The discussion began with staff outlining the applicant's request for a wholesale nursery, which necessitated electric permitting from the county. However, staff noted that the property in question was vacant, and without established agricultural use, permits could not be granted. The applicant, Mr. Mathena, was informed that to qualify for agricultural tax relief, he would need to establish agricultural use first, which included obtaining necessary permits for residential structures.

A key point of contention arose regarding the commercial shooting range, which was not permitted under current zoning laws. Staff emphasized that while private shooting on residential property is allowed, commercial operations are not. This distinction raised concerns about the legality of the shooting range and its impact on the surrounding residential community.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, neighbor Christine Mestrovich expressed her frustrations regarding the noise and safety concerns associated with the shooting range. She highlighted that the range's operations disrupted the residential nature of the neighborhood and raised questions about the condition of local roads, which were deteriorating due to increased traffic.

In response, Mr. Mathena defended his operations, stating that he had taken measures to improve access to the property and that shooting activities were limited to specific times. However, the board members expressed skepticism about the appropriateness of a commercial shooting range in a residential area, with several commissioners indicating their disapproval of the application.

Commissioner Bramble articulated the board's concerns, stating that approving the conditional use for the nursery while allowing the shooting range to continue would be unfair to other local businesses that complied with zoning regulations. The consensus among board members was clear: the shooting range was incompatible with the residential zoning of the area.

As the meeting concluded, the board faced a decision on whether to approve the nursery application with conditions that would require the cessation of the shooting range. The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for both the applicant and the surrounding community, as the board deliberates on maintaining the integrity of residential zoning in Citrus County.