A proposed RV park in Citrus County is stirring significant concern among local residents, who fear the development could disrupt the area's natural beauty and wildlife. During a Planning and Development Commission meeting on November 7, 2024, board members discussed a comprehensive plan amendment for the new park, which would feature 196 RV spaces on a heavily wooded site that includes wetlands.

Residents voiced their worries about the potential environmental impact, particularly regarding the displacement of wildlife such as gopher tortoises and bobcats. Many expressed that the park's construction would lead to increased traffic and noise, disrupting the tranquility of their neighborhood. One resident, Andrew Paliuca, emphasized the need for "smart development" that respects the natural environment, while others echoed concerns about the visual impact of the RVs and the potential for increased litter and trespassing.

A key point of contention was the absence of a bathhouse in the park's design, which some board members noted is not a FEMA requirement for RV parks. This deviation from traditional standards has been a recurring theme in recent applications, with officials considering whether to remove the bathhouse requirement altogether from the land development code.

Commissioners also discussed the implications of the park being located in a flood zone, raising questions about the adequacy of existing infrastructure to handle increased traffic and stormwater runoff. The board acknowledged that Atlas Road, the proposed access route, is a private road and that the applicant would be responsible for any necessary improvements.

As the meeting concluded, residents remained apprehensive about the project's potential effects on their community. The board is expected to continue reviewing the proposal, weighing the need for development against the preservation of Citrus County's natural landscape.