Public urges Charlie Kirk library display; advisory board says policy is under county review

At a Citrus County Special Library System Advisory Board meeting, several members of the public urged the advisory board to press for a Charlie Kirk book display or a commemorative observance. Margaret Perry of Crystal River said she supported the earlier motion by Mr. Campbell and called Kirk a martyr who should be honored. "Was honoring the life of Charlie too political?" Perry asked, saying the board had promised a policy review eight months ago but had seen no results.

John Labriola, representing the Christian Family Coalition, told the board the group had lobbied at the state level in favor of a Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance and said other counties had adopted similar displays or resolutions. "What happened here actually inspired other counties," Labriola said, and he encouraged the board to reconsider the earlier action.

Other speakers echoed support; Jennifer Holly Grogan of Inverness said Kirk "died for our First Amendment rights" and urged the board to honor him. Lala Sanders and D.J. Boone also spoke in favor of a display. By contrast, attendees including Gordon Meyer of Floral City said they were unfamiliar with Kirk and described his views critically, calling him "like David Duke with better financing and social media," and urging the board to focus on library business rather than commemorative displays.

Chair Mr. Strickland thanked speakers for maintaining decorum and said his views on Kirk were already on record. He asked for an update on the county's display policy. Staff reported the draft display policy is currently under review with Community Services Director Eric Head; it will next be reviewed by County Legal and then be taken to the Board of County Commissioners for discussion and potential approval. The advisory board clarified its role is advisory to the county commission, noting the board can submit recommendations but does not have final policymaking authority.

The advisory board made no formal decision on the display at the meeting. The board and staff said they would await the formal policy review and expected to see the draft policy routed to county legal and then to the Board of County Commissioners. The advisory board asked staff to share updates when the review reaches the board and reminded the public that members should state name and residence when addressing the board during public comment.

The board closed the public-comment period and moved on to regular business; no vote or formal change to display practice occurred at this meeting.