Citrus County votes to sue Lecanto Sand over alleged unpermitted mining

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to direct County Attorney Denise A. Dimon Lynn to initiate litigation against Lecanto Sand LLC to enjoin continued activity the county says is unpermitted. County Attorney Dimon Lynn opened the special meeting by asking the board to “seek approval to initiate litigation against Lecanto Sand LLC.”

Dimon Lynn told commissioners the action follows an August hearing and multiple code-enforcement notices alleging ongoing mining and debris disposal on several parcels, including a Henley parcel with a September 4 cure date. She said staff had received community-supplied aerial imagery and a video (posted Aug. 14) that indicate operations have resumed. On the timeline and costs, the county attorney estimated “$800 for a filing fee” and said, “I would say, 6 months to get some initial reaction from the court.” The board voted to authorize the chair to sign necessary documents to institute the litigation.

Residents told the commission they continue to see loaded trucks, hauling and debris on shared roads. Megan Horrock told the board, “They are operating without a permit. They have admitted to it, and they have said they're gonna keep doing it.” Lecanto Sand’s counsel, Kyle Benda, and owner Chris Corolla urged the board to allow the company time to present its evidence. Benda said parts of the property have extractive future land use and “They have applied for a mining permit to do that.” Corolla said his team would present documentation by the notice’s due date.

By the vote the board formally directed staff to pursue circuit-court injunctive relief while code-compliance proceedings continue before a special master. The motion was moved by Commissioner Jeff Kennard, seconded by Commissioner Holly Davis, and recorded as carrying 5-0.