The Citrus County Legislative Delegation meeting on October 30, 2023, focused on significant environmental restoration efforts in Kings Bay, particularly the ongoing work by the Save Crystal River organization. The group reported substantial progress in restoring the Kings Bay Estuary, having removed 600 million pounds of harmful blue-green algae and planted over half a million balcinaria plants across 300 acres. This initiative, supported by approximately $4 million annually from state funding over the past eight years, aims to ensure the sustainability of the bay for future generations.

During the meeting, representatives highlighted the importance of continued funding, requesting an additional $4 million to further their restoration efforts. They emphasized the collaboration with state agencies, including the Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which have been instrumental in the project's success.

In addition to the ongoing restoration, the delegation discussed a new pilot project aimed at protecting four barrier islands in Kings Bay that are rapidly deteriorating due to storm action and other environmental factors. The proposed project involves dredging and the installation of wave attenuation devices to stabilize and restore these islands, which are crucial for habitat protection and community safety against storm surges.

The meeting underscored the potential of these restoration projects to serve as models for similar efforts across Florida, with the hope that successful outcomes in Crystal River could lead to broader applications in other vulnerable coastal areas. The delegation expressed strong support for these initiatives, recognizing their significance for both local ecosystems and community resilience.