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Citrus County advisory board conditionally approves DRC Sports event at Crystal River Airport
Summary
The Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board approved a conditional permit for DRC Sports to hold an event at Crystal River Airport, requiring FAA approvals, insurance and detailed operational plans to protect tenants and flight operations.
The Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board voted to approve a DRC Sports event at Crystal River Airport on a condition-based permit, requiring that all FAA requirements be met, insurance boxes be checked and county staff receive detailed operational plans before the event proceeds.
A board member moved to approve DRC Sports “provided we have the proper FAA requirements met, boxes checked, that the insurance requirements are, strictly adhered to,” and another board member seconded the motion. The chair called for a voice vote; those present responded “aye,” and the chair said, “Motion carries.”
Board members framed the vote around safety and community outreach. Staff said existing event standards require a security plan and a comprehensive contingency plan covering normal operations and emergency “what ifs.” A staff member advised that the board or its designee would adjudicate each event on its individual merits rather than issuing blanket approvals.
Airport tenants and pilots urged early notification and coordination with FBOs and flight schools to avoid disrupting training flights and regular weekend users. One pilot expressed that trained staff and mitigation measures can allow an event to succeed while returning the airport to normal operations quickly.
The board required that DRC provide detailed plans to county staff (Todd) and work with on-site operators (James and the FBO) before a final permit is implemented. The chair encouraged cooperation so community outreach—such as offering discovery flights—could proceed without compromising safety.
Next steps: DRC and airport staff will deliver the requested FAA documentation, insurance certificates and detailed operational plans to county staff for verification before the event is permitted.
