Residents ask board to name district services center for Sam Himel; caller raises recruiting‑violation concerns

During the public‑comment portion of the meeting, several residents urged the Citrus County School Board to formally name the district services center for Sam Himel (transcript contains variations in spelling: Himel/Hemmel/Hemel). Pastor Daryl, speaking for a community group, described Sam Himel’s decades of service and leadership and urged the board to act while she is alive. "For 3 decades, Sam gave her heart and energy and leadership to students and families in Citrus County," Pastor Daryl said, asking the board to consider naming the current district building the "Sam Himel District Services Center." Ken Hinkle and other speakers offered supporting remarks and said there is precedent for honoring living community leaders.

Separately, Amanda Brown addressed a recent controversy involving an allegation of recruiting violations involving a Lecanto High School coach. Brown said the student won a unanimous appeal and the coach prevailed on a modified appeal, and she questioned the timing and motivation of a complaint she said was made by a rival athletic director after a dominant football victory. "I think you guys need to pay attention to this because the community is still very divided on this issue," Brown said, urging the board to investigate who made the accusation and why.

Board rules announced at the meeting emphasize that public comment is informational only: the board will not discuss or take official action on public‑comment items during the meeting. Members thanked speakers for their comments but did not take immediate action on the naming request or the recruiting concerns during this session.

The board did note that requests with financial implications (such as signage) typically fall under capital funding rules and would be handled administratively if the board chooses to proceed with naming.