The Citrus County Legislative Delegation meeting held on February 7, 2025, focused on various community initiatives and funding requests aimed at addressing mental health, homelessness, and local infrastructure needs.

The meeting commenced with Cindy Fine from NAMI Citrus, who highlighted the organization’s 25-year anniversary and its appropriation request to support mental health initiatives. Fine emphasized the growing mental health crisis, noting that over 20% of adults and 25% of youth in the U.S. are affected. She urged the delegation to support their funding request, which aims to enhance mental health education and reduce stigma in workplaces and schools. The proposed programs include training for healthcare professionals and initiatives to help students recognize mental health issues early.

Following Fine, Gerry Mulligan and David Reed from the YMCA of Citrus presented their case for an additional $1.2 million in funding to complete an expansion project at their facility. They reported that the YMCA has seen significant growth since its opening in 2016, serving over 12,000 members and providing essential services, including swim lessons for second graders. The expansion is deemed necessary to accommodate the increasing population in Citrus County.

Barbara Venditto, Executive Director of the Mid Florida Homeless Coalition, addressed the delegation next, providing insights into the local homeless population. She requested the continuation of staffing grants and funding for the Base Challenge Grant, which aids in securing permanent housing for the homeless. Venditto emphasized that many individuals experiencing homelessness in Citrus County are new to the situation and do not suffer from mental health or substance abuse issues.

Keith Poulias from the Academy of Environmental Science sought $240,000 to complete critical repairs to their facility, which has undergone significant upgrades over the years. He stressed the urgency of securing these funds to ensure the safety and certification of the building.

The meeting concluded with Jabar Bugs from Goodwill Industries Suncoast, who provided an update on their community efforts and expressed interest in further discussions with the delegation regarding their initiatives.

Overall, the meeting underscored the pressing needs within Citrus County, particularly in mental health support, homelessness solutions, and infrastructure improvements, as community leaders sought legislative backing for their respective projects.