The Crystal River City Council voted to approve a land use change for a new hotel on Monday night, March 18, at their regular meeting held at 301 NE US-19, Crystal River, Florida.
The council’s decision allows for the construction of a hotel on a 2.5-acre parcel of land located near the intersection of Northeast U.S. Highway 19 and Northwest State Road 44. The property is currently zoned for commercial use, but the land use change will permit the development of a 120-room hotel. The project has been in the works for several months, with city staff working closely with the developer to ensure that the proposal aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan.
In other local news, the Citrus County School Board voted unanimously on Tuesday, March 19, to begin the process of deactivating its police force. The decision comes after a review of the school district’s safety protocols and a recommendation from the superintendent to explore alternative options for school security. The Citrus County School Board consists of five members, including Chairman Tom Wheat, Vice Chairman Jennifer Gensac, and members Gregg Seifert, Marina Taylor, and Wayne McGowan.
The deactivation of the police force is expected to be a phased process, with the district working to transition security responsibilities to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. The move is expected to save the district approximately $1.2 million annually.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
