Residents voice concerns over proposed sand mine during Citrus County BOCC meeting

The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of Citrus County, Florida, convened on May 27, 2025, to address several pressing issues, primarily focused on community concerns regarding a proposed sand mine and its potential environmental impacts.

The meeting began with public comments, where residents expressed significant apprehension about the sand mine application. Sue Warner, a resident of Pine Ridge Estates, emphasized the need for the BOCC to prioritize environmental protection and infrastructure development. She raised concerns about the health risks associated with the sand mine, particularly its proximity to agricultural land treated with fertilizers and other chemicals. Warner questioned the validity of studies supporting the mine, urging the commissioners to take their time in reviewing the application rather than rushing through the process.

Several residents echoed Warner's sentiments, highlighting fears about water quality, noise pollution, and the potential for sinkholes resulting from the mining operations. Kathy Davis, another Pine Ridge resident, expressed relief that no zoning changes would be voted on during the meeting, but she reiterated her opposition to the sand mine, citing its detrimental effects on the local environment and community.

The BOCC clarified that the application for the sand mine had not yet been approved and that public hearings would take place on June 27, 2025, allowing residents to voice their concerns formally. The commissioners assured attendees that they had not made any decisions behind closed doors and that transparency would be maintained throughout the process.

In addition to the sand mine discussions, the meeting included a review of previously adopted minutes, with a minor correction from "confident" to "competent." Residents questioned the necessity of this change, seeking clarity on its implications.

The meeting also featured updates on various county projects, including road resurfacing efforts, which are nearing completion, and improvements in fire department ratings, which are expected to lower insurance costs for residents living within five miles of fire stations.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners encouraged continued public engagement, reminding residents that their input is vital in shaping county policies and decisions. The next steps regarding the sand mine application will be addressed in the upcoming public hearing, where residents will have the opportunity to present their views directly to the BOCC.