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Articles by Mike Arnold
Crystal River’s best bet: Build a new treatment plant
For Crystal River city leaders, the choices presented Tuesday was becoming increasingly clear: Put the money toward a new wastewater treatment plant at the city’s sprayfield property and pursue additional grants to help pay for it. A new treatment plant outside the floodplain offered roughly 75 years of useful life and technology that could produce cleaner treated water for expanded reuse.
Inverness council to finalize $18 million budget amendment
The Inverness City Council will meet Wednesday, Nov. 4, at a different location than usual to finalize amendments to the city’s current budget, including $18 million in previously unspent funds being carried into the new fiscal year. The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Valerie Theatre, 207 Courthouse Square. The council’s regular meeting date fell on Election Day, prompting the change. The proposed amendment increases the city’s fiscal 2027 budget by just over $18 million.
DeSantis says tax relief is affordable, Brandes warns of cuts
This month, two Florida leaders offered contrasting views of the proposed Amendment 3, which will go before Florida voters Nov. 3. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis making his case Wednesday at the Crystal River Wildlife Refuge Center and former state Sen. Jeff Brandes spoke earlier this month at the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce's Salute to Business Luncheon. Amendment 3 would give homeowners meaningful property tax relief without crippling local services. Former state Sen.
Meek gives Crystal River residents more room to be heard
Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek wants residents to do more than deliver three-minute speeches at the beginning of City Council meetings. He wants them to be part of the conversation as the city considers what to do. That can mean allowing residents to respond to a discussion already underway, giving someone a chance to explain a concern as council members debate an issue, or letting people across the table work through a disagreement before a decision is made.
Crystal River ready to sacrifice boat ramp to finish Riverwalk
Crystal River's decades-long effort to build a continuous Riverwalk along Kings Bay reached a turning point Wednesday, when council members agreed to move forward with a plan that means giving up a longtime public boat ramp. The consensus came only after a contentious discussion over whether the city was getting a fair deal in property exchanges with High Sodium Holdings, the new owners of the former Pete's Pier dockside shops.
DeSantis announces $7 million for Citrus County springs restoration
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday from the banks of Crystal River that he is awarding another $50 million in springs restoration dollars with $7 million going to projects and programs in Citrus County. According to documents obtained by the Chronicle, the County Housing Division will receive $3 million in septic upgrade incentives. director Michele Alford, was excited about the windfall. “We really needed that money,” she said.
Slattery takes the reins with 27 projects ahead
The Crystal River City Council on Monday unanimously approved a three-year contract at an annual salary of $120,000 per year for new city manager Troy Slattery. Last week, council spent about 30 minutes at a workshop discussing its next steps for hiring a new city manager when Council Member Gabrielle Satchell suggested Slattery. After a short discussion, Slattery was unanimously approved. All that remained was agreeing to a contract, which council finalized Monday.
Pleasant Grove student imagines a day as mayor
Better street lighting, repaired sidewalks, safer streets and more opportunities for young people. Those are among the changes Logan River Sumlin would make if she were mayor of Inverness for a day. The Pleasant Grove Elementary School fifth-grader put those ideas into an essay that won the city's Florida Cities Week contest, which asked fourth- and fifth-graders living within Inverness city limits what they would do if they were mayor for a day. Sumlin was recognized during the Oct.
Crystal River starts search for new city attorney
Crystal River City Council began its search for a new attorney two days after his resignation. Council on Wednesday, during its special meeting to name a new city manager, directed Clerk Mia Fink to post a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for 30 days, seeking a new attorney. City Attorney Robert Batsel last week emailed his resignation letter to council saying he would serve until Dec. 31. He cited ethical concerns he had for his reasoning.
People targets seniors, veterans, rural needs
Robert People wants to take his Army experience to Congress, where he says he would fight for seniors, veterans and rural communities that too often get overlooked. The Democrat is challenging Republican incumbent Laurel Lee in Florida's 15th Congressional District, which stretches from Citrus County south into Hillsborough County. People lives in Tampa and moved to Florida in 2019 after retiring from the Army, where he served 21 years.
Deputies can now ticket e-bike riders on trail
Citrus County sheriff’s deputies can now issue citations for e-bike violations along the Withlacoochee State Trail, expanding enforcement beyond Inverness city limits as complaints about young riders continue. Lt. Ed Blair, the sheriff’s office’s East Side commander, told Inverness City Council on Oct. 20 that the agency had signed an agreement with the state of Florida granting deputies additional enforcement authority along the entire trail. The agreement, which Blair said was signed Oct.
Slattery’s $120,000 contract sets three-year term
Troy Slattery’s path to becoming Crystal River’s next city manager includes a three-year employment contract with a $120,000 annual salary, four weeks of paid annual leave and provisions for severance if the city terminates him without cause. The proposed agreement outlines the terms and conditions of employment for Slattery, the city’s assistant city manager and public works director, whom City Council selected last week to succeed Audra Curts.
Baker wants to wrestle control from Tallahassee
Mark Baker came to Citrus County to build a family, run a business and become part of the community. He did not plan to enter politics. Now, the Crystal River sign shop owner is challenging Republican incumbent JJ Grow for Florida House District 23, arguing that the state government has become too removed from the people affected by its decisions. Baker, a Democrat, says restoring local control, slowing development and addressing the rising cost of living are central to his campaign.
Phyllis Dixon wants foundation connected to community needs
Phyllis Dixon has spent much of her life looking for ways to help people who need someone in their corner. She now wants to bring that commitment to the Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation, where she sees opportunities to strengthen community outreach, improve access to health care and help nonprofits work together. Dixon Dixon is running for Seat 2, one of two citizen-elected positions on the foundation’s board. The winner will be elected Nov. 3.
Sculpture finds a permanent home at City Hall
The turtle that has greeted visitors outside Inverness City Hall for several years now belongs to the city. City Manager Eric Williams told the City Council Tuesday that artist Paul Hertensen has formally donated the large painted turtle, along with another smaller turtle, to Inverness. The donation makes permanent a piece of public art dear to the city’s identity.
Phyllis Dixon wants nonprofits connected to community needs
Phyllis Dixon has spent much of her life looking for ways to help people who need someone in their corner. She now wants to bring that commitment to the Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation, where she sees opportunities to strengthen community outreach, improve access to health care and help nonprofits work together. Dixon Dixon is running for Seat 2, one of two citizen-elected positions on the foundation’s board. The winner will be elected Nov. 3.
Heather Haendiges wants struggling families heard
Heather Haendiges knows what it feels like to need help and wonder how the bills will get paid. Now she wants to help ensure other Citrus County families have access to the same kind of support that helped her get back on her feet. Haendiges Haendiges is running for Seat 2, one of two citizen-elected positions on the Citrus County Community Charitable Foundation. The winner will be elected Nov. 3.
Two foreclosure lawsuits name House candidate Mark Baker
Public court records show two mortgage foreclosure lawsuits filed against Mark Baker, the Democratic candidate challenging Republican incumbent JJ Grow for Florida House District 23. The complaints, filed in September and October, involve separate properties and different lenders. Baker said the disputes stem from his real estate business and should be resolved within weeks.
Reynolds brings banking experience to council race
Jack Reynolds has spent nearly four decades watching Crystal River grow, working in its business community and volunteering for causes he believes have made the city stronger. Now the longtime banker is asking voters on Nov. 3 to give him a different role: Crystal River City Council member. Reynolds, who is running for Seat 2, has never held elected office. But he said his decades in banking and community organizations have taught him how to work with people who do not always agree.
Hastings wants to finish what’s unfinished
Mindi Hastings did not set out to become the Crystal River City Council member who asks the uncomfortable questions. But that is the role she has found herself playing since being appointed to Seat 2 in January. “I didn’t intend to do that, but that’s kind of the way I am already,” Hastings said.
Slattery gets unanimous support to lead Crystal River
Thirty-four minutes. That’s how long it took for Crystal River City Council to hire its next city manager. In a positive, yet bittersweet, special meeting Wednesday morning council coalesced around a single name – Troy Slattery. The city’s assistant city manager and public works director, who ran the city for 9 1/2 months between Doug Baber’s departure and the hiring of Audra Curts, received unanimous support from council, staff and Curts.
Dengue fever symptoms and what they mean
Dengue symptoms can resemble those of other illnesses, making it difficult to identify based on symptoms alone. Fever is the most commonly reported symptom, Dr. Microbiologist Teresa Karre said. Other symptoms may include severe muscle and joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting and sometimes a rash. She said the illness is sometimes called “breakbone fever” because the muscle and joint pain can be intense.
Batsel to leave Crystal River attorney post
Crystal River’s longtime city attorney, Robert Batsel Jr., will step down at the end of the year, saying the city’s expanding opposition to development projects outside its boundaries has created conflicts with his law firm’s private clients that he can no longer ethically manage. Batsel, a partner with Gooding, Batsel, Hartley & MacKay, has served as the city’s primary attorney since May 25, 2020.
Citrus dengue cases rise to three, but no outbreak declared
Citrus County has confirmed two additional cases of locally acquired dengue fever, bringing the county’s total to three since its first case was reported Aug. 24. But health officials have not declared an outbreak here, and mosquito surveillance, as of late last week, has not detected dengue in the mosquito samples tested by Citrus County Mosquito Control. The new cases were announced Oct.
After 53 years, they still choose each other
When Master Chief Rachael “Ray” Hand began singing Elvis' “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Steven Helm found himself fighting back tears. His wife, JoAnn, reached out to console him. The song was one of Steven’s favorites. He had no idea it would be part of the surprise waiting for him and JoAnn at Camp E-Nini-Hassee, where they had married 53 years earlier. Joann and Steven Helm pause for a photo during their wedding at Camp E-Nini-Hassee in 1973.
Crystal River gains ground in its fight over Kings Bay traffic
Crystal River is taking its first major step toward regulating commercial vessel rentals on Kings Bay, requiring businesses to obtain city permits and meet new operating standards intended to improve safety and protect the area's sensitive waterways. The City Council on Oct. 12 unanimously approved the ordinance, creating a new Waterway Rental Vessel Vendor Safety program.
Holmes calls out lawmakers over property tax amendment
Crystal River City Council member Robert Holmes has a message for Florida lawmakers pushing a proposed constitutional amendment to cut property taxes: Do your job instead of passing the responsibility to voters. Holmes delivered that criticism Oct. 12 after the League of Women Voters presented an overview of Amendment 3 to an overflowing crowd at City Hall. The PowerPoint outlined the proposal’s potential effects on homeowners and local governments.
Inverness wants control of Whispering Pines Park
Inverness is asking residents to help bring Whispering Pines Park under city ownership, a move officials say could protect public investments, open doors to grant funding and resolve a complicated land-title issue. The city council will hear an update Tuesday on a public outreach campaign encouraging residents, park users and community organizations to support a local bill that would transfer ownership of the park from the state to the city.
Crystal River has a decade of suggestions. Now what?
Crystal River has spent more than a decade studying problems in Kings Bay. Now, city officials want to make sure another round of work produces a clear path from recommendations to results. The city council discussed hiring a subject matter expert to help sort through years of proposals addressing overcrowding, manatee protection, waterway access and commercial tourism operations during its Oct. 12 meeting.
Crystal River has a decade of suggestions. Now what?
Crystal River has spent more than a decade studying problems in Kings Bay. Now, city officials want to make sure another round of work produces a clear path from recommendations to results. The city council discussed hiring a subject matter expert to help sort through years of proposals addressing overcrowding, manatee protection, waterway access and commercial tourism operations during its Oct. 12 meeting.
Crystal River confronts legal blind spot over Betz Farm
As Citrus County considers changes to the development plan for Betz Farm, Crystal River officials want independent legal advice to understand their options and protect the city's interests. The City Council discussed Oct. 12 how to obtain outside counsel because its current law firm, Gooding and Batsel, has a conflict of interest involving Betz Farm and cannot advise the city on the matter.
Inverness packs more into its Art Festival weekend
The Inverness Art Festival is expanding this year, adding new art exhibits, hands-on activities and a Saturday evening experience designed to keep people downtown after the sun goes down. Programs Director Kristi Brown unveiled plans for the Nov. 7-8 festival Tuesday during the Inverness City Council meeting, describing what she called the biggest and most exciting festival yet. “We have new experiences, familiar favorites and plenty of opportunities to celebrate art,” Brown said.
Who can lead Crystal River through its next chapter?
With City Manager Audra Curts set to leave Dec. 12, Crystal River City Council members began discussing Monday how to keep city government running and choose her successor. Curts offered to help with the transition, telling council members, “I'm willing to stay till December 12th and help you transition properly.” The council has not decided who will serve as interim manager or established a hiring timeline.
Another manager is out, Crystal River's troubles remain
City Manager Audra Curts began her term as Crystal River city manager Sept. 24, 2024. Two days later Helene bore down on Crystal River causing extensive damage and plunged the city into recovery mode. Thirteen days later, Milton followed suit and battered the storm-weary city again. It's been a storm ever since for Curts who has battled internal and external interference in the agenda she has set for the city.
Crystal River City Manager Curts resigns; Council members, public cite outside pressure
Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts resigned Monday night, effective Dec. 12. She thanked the council for the opportunity and said she would stay an additional 60 days to smooth the transition to the next city manager. Council members Gabrielle Satchell and Robert Holmes were visibly upset with her decision and blamed outside interference with her decision to leave. Holmes said this is the 26th city manager he has had in 23 years on the council. “It irritates the hell out of me,” he said.
A new place to skate, shoot hoops moves closer
Inverness is moving closer to building a skate park and basketball court at Wallace Brooks Park, with city officials looking to stretch the project budget by hiring specialized contractors rather than one general contractor. City Council on Oct. 6 gave staff unanimous consensus to pursue the approach after Assistant City Manager Aidan Marshall presented completed construction plans for the two recreational amenities.
Inverness gets a website makeover, and a trail advocate
Inverness has a new point of contact for one of Florida’s signature outdoor recreation routes, along with a refreshed website designed to make it easier for residents to connect with their city. At its Oct. 6 meeting, the Inverness City Council heard from Sean Amidon, the new executive director of the Florida Trail Association, and got a preview of the city’s redesigned website, which officials said will provide a more accessible, modern experience without additional cost.
After years of complaints, Kings Bay could get new rules
Crystal River City Council will vote Monday on proposed rules for businesses renting boats and other vessels on Kings Bay, with a vote that could establish new permitting and safety requirements for commercial waterway operators. The council meets at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, at the Citrus County Welcome Center, 915 S. Suncoast Blvd. The public hearing addresses a newly written ordinance that would establish a local permitting and safety program for livery vessel rental businesses and operators.
Crystal River’s Scarecrow festival postponed to Oct. 31
Due to the weather forecast for Saturday, Scarecrow Fest has been cancelled for this weekend and rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31. Organizers hope vendors and the community will still be able to join the celebration on the new date. The event now falls on Halloween. Participating vendors are encouraged to bring candy to make the festival extra festive. Vendors who are unable to participate Oct. 31 can instead apply their Scarecrow Fest payment toward the Tree Lighting Festival on Dec. 4.
Hydrilla is choking Lake Rousseau
Lake Rousseau is under attack. The invasive plant Hydrilla has taken hold, carpeting the bottom of the lake floor, outcompeting desired plant life, while turning the roughly 3,700-acre lake into a yellow and green quagmire. Boat owners have not been able to leave their slips in six months for fear of damaging their vessels. The quality of life for hundreds of residents who live on the lake has been compromised. While there are vocal opponents to spraying, the battle has become a standoff.
The bay needs order. Rules stand in the way.
Boats crowd the bay. Derelict vessels become environmental and navigational hazards. Anchors can damage the eelgrass that supports the bay’s ecosystem. And the city has limited tools to organize where boats stay. A municipal mooring field could address many of those problems. But Crystal River may face a particularly difficult obstacle if it decides to pursue one.
Residents want free access, but another option already exists
For years, Crystal River residents have asked the city to make Three Sisters Springs easier, and perhaps free, for them to visit. The request came up again Sept. 14, when resident and planning board member Charlie Kish told the City Council that it seemed strange for people who helped pay for the property to have to pay to enter it.
Hydrilla is choking Lake Rousseau
Lake Rousseau is under attack. The invasive plant Hydrilla has taken hold, carpeting the bottom of the lake floor, outcompeting desired plant life, while turning the roughly 3,700-acre lake into a yellow and green quagmire. Boat owners have not been able to leave their slips in six months for fear of damaging their vessels. The quality of life for hundreds of residents who live on the lake has been compromised. While there are vocal opponents to spraying, the battle has become a standoff.
CSCA says restrictions stand, residents doubtful
The latest fight over Citrus Springs deed restrictions is no longer just about whether they are enforceable. It is about whether residents still trust the system enforcing them. At a recent Citrus Springs Civic Association meeting, attorney William Grant told members the association's legal review had concluded the restrictions remain enforceable and that the organization should resume enforcement. But his message also put the decision squarely in residents' hands.
Mall site waiting on its next chapter
The former Crystal River Mall may look like a vacant expanse today, but the redevelopment approved for the property has not gone away. Spencer Bartram, owner of the former mall property, told Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts that his family remains committed to developing the site, but that current construction costs have made it impractical to begin work. Curts shared Bartram’s Sept. 28 email with the City Council as part of an update on development activity in Crystal River.
579 has until April to turn things around
Crystal River officials have set another deadline for the former Crystal Square Plaza at 579 S. Suncoast Blvd., but this time they have removed the extensions that previously gave its owner more time. The City Council approved an amended agreement Monday giving developer Ed O’Hanrahan until April 26, 2027, to complete the self-storage portion of the redevelopment and finish the roof and exterior facade of the southern portion planned for a grocery store.
Two projects are reshaping Kings Bay real estate
Two major construction projects along Kings Bay are moving toward key milestones, with both projects deliberately timed around the winter manatee season. At the Riverwalk, the two new bridges are complete. “The two bridges that go over the shallow end of the canal and the deep end over by the Crab Plant are both complete,” City Manager Audra Curts told the Crystal River Area Council Sept. 24. “We were doing a punch list walk through this morning, just for simple things.
Inverness puts a new spin on its arts festival
The Inverness Festival of the Arts is getting a new look this year, with the city planning to put more emphasis on interactive experiences and less on the traditional juried art show. The Inverness City Council will receive an update on the festival when it meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, in the Inverness Government Center, 212 W. Main St. The festival, which began in 1971, is the longest-running art festival in Citrus County. This year’s event is scheduled for Nov.
CCHB is gone, Citrus County takes the reins
The Citrus County Hospital Board is gone. As of Oct. 1, the special taxing district that once owned and operated Citrus Memorial Hospital has ceased to exist, leaving Citrus County with the properties, contracts, responsibilities and $3.075 million in remaining funds that belonged to the board. It is the end of a public entity that spent more than a decade overseeing the county’s former hospital, lease agreement and funds created from the lease.
The Betz Farm problem won’t stop at city limits
Crystal River may not get a vote on what happens at Betz Farm, but city officials are beginning to ask what happens to them if the 348-acre property is developed. The proposed residential development sits outside the city limits. But its roads, traffic, stormwater and environmental effects would not necessarily stop at the city line.
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