A new voting map has been implemented in Florida, sparking criticism from residents in Citrus County. The map, which was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis and his cabinet, has been accused of gerrymandering and is expected to cost taxpayers millions of dollars statewide. In Tampa Bay alone, the cost is estimated to be around $1.6 million.
The new map changes the majority of the state’s congressional districts, with 21 out of 28 districts being affected. In Citrus County, residents will be receiving updated voter information cards due to changes in their congressional districts and local voting areas. The county election officials are scrambling to notify voters of the changes, which will affect the way residents vote in future elections.
Some residents are expressing frustration with the changes, citing the cost to taxpayers and the potential impact on local elections. One resident, in a letter to the editor of the Citrus County Chronicle, criticized the map as “a bunch of nonsense” and accused Blaise Ingoglia, a local representative, of not managing the state’s money effectively. Another resident expressed concern about the impact on Citrus County, which is now included with parts of Tampa or Ybor City.
The new voting map is just one of several issues affecting Citrus County, including a controversy over a sign at the Crystal River Preserve State Park. The sign, which reads “Gulf of America,” has been criticized as an embarrassment to the county and city officials.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
