COVID-19 Services Update - April 30

Citrus County Government remains open to serve our citizens. There may be limited access to building lobbies for the protection of citizens and employees. Services continue to be available by phone, email or mail.

Animal Services – We are open seven days a week by appointment only for adoption, owners reclaiming their pets, fosters, medication, and food. Free pet food is available to those who are in need by appointment only.

Normal sanitation protocols are being followed that keep our pets healthy and have always exceeded the recommended guidelines for disinfecting for Covid-19. to keep our staff, guests and animals protected. A protocol is in place to handle any pets that have or are suspected to have been exposed to Covid-19.

Research about Covid-19 is rapidly changing and at this time there is no recommendation from experts to test domestic animals with no known exposure. However, we are staying abreast and following all recommendations pertaining to animals as they are released.

Animal Services has mandated all volunteers to not come to the shelter until further notice. We are currently delaying the intake of owner-surrendered animals to ensure we have kennel space. For more information phone (352)746-8400 or visit: www.citruscritters.com. For those who need to renew or purchase a County Pet License, we ask for you to either do so online at https://www.petdata.com/.

Building Department – The Lecanto Government Building (LGB) lobby remains open to accept building permits, subject to the limitations in the attached link: https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/growth_management/building_division/index.php.

Citrus County Community Resource Center (CCCRC) - remains open at this time, although following the direction of the Executive Order 20-91 “Safer at Home” issued by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 2, 2020, limiting movement and activities to only those deemed essential, we encourage all citizens to call 352-527-5900 for services.

Extension (UF/IFAS) - is not taking any walk in clients. Extension has started a pick up and go on our porch in front of the building. Folks can pick up soil sample forms, then drop them back off here in the same bucket. (see attached photo) We are also leaving materials for immediate pick up on the same bench. Samples can be left there with contact information and we will call/email identification of weeds, insects, plant identification. Staff is available by phone (352-527-5700) and email (citrus@ifas.ufl.edu).

Fire Rescue - the countywide burn has been lifted.

Housing Services - Staff continues to assist low-income residents with their utility bill payments by phone only. For more information, please call 352-527-7520 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.

Growth Management – The May 7 and 21, 2020, 9am Planning and Development Council (PDC) hearings have been moved to County Courthouse at 110 N. Apopka Ave., Inverness. All citizens entering the courthouse for the meeting will be screened. If your body temperature is equal to or above 100.4 Fahrenheit you will be denied entry to the courthouse. We are asking all residents to stay at home and view the meeting live on Spectrum channel 643. There will be a Public Input opportunity by email, and for people who do not have access to email, a phone number is available below.

For Public Input by email: · Visit https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/commissioners/public_commenting_system.php for instructions and to submit your comment in writing.

· Please include your name, town or city, and agenda item or subject you are emailing regarding in your message.

For Public Input by phone:

· The Chairman will announce times for Public Comment.

· Call 352-341-8795 during the PDC Meeting. You will be placed in a queue, on hold, to wait your turn. Have your T.V. or computer on; volume must be turned DOWN when you speak on the phone.

· Callers will be asked for their identifying information including name and town or city. All calls will be recorded.

· Please only call during discussion for the issue you wish to speak to, or during open to the public other calls will be holding.

All comments (by email and phone) are limited to the normal 3 minute per individual, 5 minute per organization rules will apply.

The public is reminded they can view PDC meetings, minutes and video by visiting the Citrus County BOCC meeting portal at: http://citruscountyfl.iqm2.com/Citizens/Media.aspx

The Lecanto Government (LGB) guest seating has been removed from the front lobby. Building and planning applicants are encouraged to utilize the existing online application process or drop their building permit applications at the front counter. Staff will retrieve the applications and process them as usual. Questions can be answered by phone at 352-527-5310.

Library - Beginning Monday, May 4, Citrus Libraries will resume curbside pick-up of pre-requested materials only. Printed copies of the DEO Reemployment Assistance Application will also be made available. The Floral City branch will remain closed at this time, but all other locations will be providing this service Monday-Friday, 10am-6pm. Items may be requested online through the library catalog and you will receive an automated call, email, or text when it is available. Floral City patrons will be able to pick up their requested items at the Lakes Region branch in Inverness. All drop-off of materials must be directed to the book drop at each location. The library will also resume accepting book donations, please call ahead. For more information and access to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and additional digital resources please visit citruslibraries.org or call the branch nearest to you.

Meals on Wheels – continues to be operational.

Parks and Recreation – Citrus County to reopen all parks on Friday, May 1, 2020, for recreational activities following CDC guidelines and direction from the Citrus County Health Department. Fort Island Gulf Beach and Hernando Beach remain closed, in an abundance of caution, pending water quality results. The Boxers a Tribute to the Legacy of Simon and Garfunkel has been rescheduled to Sunday, August 2, 2020. For tickets or more information call 352-527-7540.

Public Works - The Citrus Springs MSBU Advisory Council has cancelled its May 6, 2020 public meeting. The next Citrus Springs MSBU Advisory Council meeting will be the regular meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. For more information, you may contact Mr. Larry Brock at (352) 527-5466.

Solid Waste and Landfill - The Landfill will remain open on a normal schedule until further notice. The household hazardous waste collection day scheduled for Saturday April 18, 2020 has been cancelled. For the safety of our citizens and staff the Landfill Administration building will be closed to the general public for the duration of the County’s declared state of emergency.

Tourism (VCB) – Tourism Development Council (TDC) scheduled for Wednesday May 13, 2020 at 9:00 AM. The physical meeting for those that want to attend will be held in the Board Chamber’s at the Courthouse in Inverness. Social distancing will be practiced for those wishing to attend. The use of the Board Chambers will permit the meeting to be televised and the public can participate by email or telephone. Members of the public who attend will only be able to sit in every other row and every third seat unless they are related.

The public call in line is (352) 341-8795. The same rules apply as at the meeting. Alternatively the public can use the following link for written comments: https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/commissioners/public_commenting_system.php.

Transit –Fixed Route (Orange) is temporarily discontinued. Paratransit service is available, to accommodate grocery shopping, medical prescription access, and medical appointment needs for seniors as well as the general public. Social distancing will be practiced on all transit vehicles. please call (352) 527-7630 between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm.

Water Utilities - will not accept water and sewer utility payments in the Lecanto Government Building (LGB) lobby. Customers can either pay their bill electronically, by mail, or place payments and service requests in one of the drop boxes outside the Lecanto or Meadowcrest locations.

 In addition, customers who have other business to conduct with the Utility can utilize the County’s website at https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/water_resources/utility_business_services/index.php.

For more news and resources related to COVID-19, visit https://www.citrusbocc.com/departments/public_information/covid-19_news_and_resources/index.php.