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County approves letter supporting Inverness’ Whispering Pines park appropriation; council’s RV campground idea sparks divided reaction
Summary
Citrus County commissioners voted to send a letter of support for City of Inverness legislative funding requests for Whispering Pines Park, including campground and fence repairs; commissioners and public debated the campground proposal, with the board approving the letter 4–1.
The Board of County Commissioners voted to approve a letter of support to state legislators for the City of Inverness’ 2026 appropriation requests tied to Whispering Pines Park, including funds for fence replacement, trail connections and a proposed campground or RV camping area.
Representatives from the City of Inverness — including Mayor Bob Placeted, council members Tom Craig and Crystal Azanich, council president Jean Davis and Eric (city staff) — presented three specific funding requests: (1) an RV-style campground to support park operations and visitor lodging similar to state-park campgrounds, (2) replacement of remaining boundary fencing at Whispering Pines Park, and (3) funding for the West Inverness Trail to connect the Withlacoochee State Trail to the park and nearby trail improvements.
City representatives said the state has offered to move the park to a long-term lease structure akin to state-park arrangements, and the campground concept is part of a strategy to generate revenue to maintain park facilities. Several commissioners and members of the public supported the county issuing a support letter to help secure state funding for trail connections and fence replacement. The campground concept drew the most discussion: Commissioner Diana Finnegan said she could not support campground development at that park location because of its historical and community value; Commissioner Janet Barrick also expressed caution about introducing an RV campground into a publicly subsidized park; Commissioners Jeff Kennard and Holly Davis supported the city’s plan and said a modest campground could help finance park upkeep.
Commissioner Rebecca Bays moved to approve the county’s letter of support for the City of Inverness’ appropriation request to Representative J. J. (JJ) Groves; Commissioner Janet Barrick seconded. The motion carried 4–1. Commissioner Finnegan was the lone recorded no vote in the discussion because she said she opposed the campground proposal while supporting other elements of the request.
Why it matters: The support letter boosts the city’s case for state appropriations for trail connectivity and park improvements; the campground proposal, if funded and approved by the city and state, could change how Whispering Pines Park is used and financed.
What's next: The city will pursue state appropriations. If the campground concept advances, the city will lead design and permitting; county staff said they would consider partnering on grants or other technical support as appropriate.
