Citrus County commissioners back Railroad Street extension but decline support for proposed Whispering Pines RV campground

Citrus County commissioners voted Jan. 21 to send a county letter supporting the City of Inverness’ request for state funding to extend Railroad Street, but they did not approve backing a separate city proposal to add an RV-style campground at Whispering Pines Park.

City Manager Eric Williams told the board the two items were part of Inverness’ legislative priorities and framed both as efforts to address park funding and local traffic. “What we're here this afternoon to talk to you all about is garnering, cooperative support, not only for two specific projects outlined in our legislative priorities,” Williams said when he introduced the items.

The Railroad Street request involves completing a platted city right-of-way that currently is paved only partway from Turner Camp Road toward U.S. 41. City officials said the extension would create an alternate route north of the Withlacoochee State Trail to relieve congestion at the Zephyr/Ella signal and reduce traffic through neighborhood streets. Commissioners and city staff cautioned the connection to U.S. 41 would require coordination with the Florida Department of Transportation and likely follow the highway widening and bridge work now planned for the corridor.

Support for the Railroad Street request…