A proposal to develop a 12.5-acre property in Citrus County has sparked debate among residents and officials about whether the land should be used for green space or drainage purposes. The property, located at 1001 S. Pine Ave. in Inverness, was the subject of a public hearing on January 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Citrus County Board of Commissioners meeting.
The proposal, submitted by developer James Johnson, aims to construct a mixed-use development featuring 200 residential units, 20,000 square feet of commercial space, and 10 acres of green space. However, some residents have expressed concerns that the development could exacerbate drainage issues in the area, which have been a problem for years. “We need to prioritize drainage and infrastructure over development,” said resident Sarah Lee during the public hearing. “This development could make flooding worse in our community.”
Citrus County Commissioner, John Smith, stated that the county is working to balance growth with infrastructure needs. “We want to ensure that new developments do not compromise our drainage systems or create new problems for residents,” he said. The county has allocated $1.2 million in its 2026 budget to improve drainage infrastructure in the area.
The proposal is still under review, and a decision is expected to be made by the Citrus County Board of Commissioners in the coming weeks. Residents can provide feedback on the proposal by visiting the Citrus County website or attending a future public hearing.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness
