In a decisive move, the Citrus County Planning and Development Commission unanimously recommended the denial of a controversial development application during their January 2, 2025 meeting. The application, identified as AA PUD-2024-499, was deemed inconsistent with the county's comprehensive plan and land development code, primarily due to concerns over density.

Commissioner Stone led the charge against the proposal, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established standards for impervious surface ratios (ISR) and densities. "To change those merely because the project would not be profitable, I don't see as a reason," he stated, warning that deviating from these guidelines could lead Citrus County down a path similar to that of Pasco and Sumter counties, which have faced challenges due to overdevelopment.

Commissioner Facemeyer and Commissioner Schaerra echoed these sentiments, highlighting the area's low-density character and the need for consistency in development applications. Schaerra raised concerns about the long-term growth plan, particularly regarding infrastructure and school capacity, reinforcing the notion that the proposed project did not align with the community's needs.

The commission's recommendation will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners, where it will be discussed further on February 11, 2025. As the meeting concluded, the commissioners reflected on their collaborative efforts and expressed gratitude for their time together, marking a poignant moment as they welcomed the new year.