PAGE 2 - March 2, 2011
The Newscaster - Nature Coast News
Citrus County receives grant for extra firefighters
Citrus County Fire Chief Larry Morabito told the commission at the Feb. 22 meet-
ing he had just received word that the county had been awarded a $3.86 million Staffing for
Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) for up to 39 firefighters.
The grant would pay salaries and benefits of firefighters for two years, but can
not be used for equipment. SAFER grants were created to provide funding directly to fire
departments to help them increase the number of trained, “front line” firefighters available
in their communities.
The county recently hired nine firefighters to man a new station at Kensington
on State Road 44 west of Inverness. Morabito said there are some conditions, including a
requirement for at least four firefighters per station. The county now has three per shift.
Morabito said he will have details and answers to commissioners’ questions about
the grant ready for the March 8 meeting.
Water Conservation program to offer rebates
The Citrus county commission approved implementation of the 2011 Water Smart
Rebate Program that will use up to $50,000 of a Water Conservation and Public Outreach
Program grant matching fund to supply residents with rebates on certain water conserv-
ing appliances. Such items will include ultra low flow toilets, rain sensors, high efficiency
clothes and dish washers, and tankless water heaters.
Initial Budget Workshop set for March 8
The Citrus county commission has March 8 as the date for a special budget work-
Nick Caballero, Carol Evans, Lora Caballero and Bill Evans from Tyrone NY took advantage of the
shop for the fiscal year 2011/2012 budget. The county s fiscal year runs from October 1 to
beautiful weather Saturday to take the last tour of the season of the open house at 3 Sisters
September 30. The workshop will be held in the county commission chamber at the Citrus
Springs in Crystal River. Volunteer John Hogan walked the couples around the springs that attract
County Courthouse and will begin at 9 a.m.
$1 million grant for neighborhood stabilization
hundreds of manatee in cold weather giving history and future plans on the newly acquired 54
acre park which will eventually be open to the public. This was the 4th open house this season
in Beverly Hills Approved
and was well attended by humans even if the gorgeous weather had the manatee off searching
for food. Kayakers and swimmers still flock to the spring by water for the clear beautiful waters
The Citrus county commission approved the county’s Housing Services Division
even if the manatee are out. The property and springs are over seen by Mike Lusk, U S Fish and
to apply for a $1 million federal neighborhood stabilization grant that would be used to buy
Wildlife Service refuge manager at the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge.
about nine bank-owned foreclosed homes in Beverly Hills.
As in previous Neighborhood Stabilization programs that Housing Services has
NAPA Auto &
administered, the homes would be bought, rehabbed and sold. The measure creates work for
local businesses, affordable housing for low to moderate income families, and counters the
neighborhood blight caused by foreclosures.
Truck Parts
In conjunction with the federal grant, the Citrus County Economic Development
Council will apply for a $300,000 weatherization grant and, using some of the federal hous-
Fax: 352-447-6099
ing grant, will be able to leverage the additional money for weatherizing homes.
(352) 447-6000
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Veterinary Care including:
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