Citrus County Hurricane News

01/09/2024

🌪️ Tornado Watch Alert for Citrus County! 🌪️

Citrus, be ready to act! We are officially under a Tornado Watch until 9 p.m. tonight.


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01/09/2024

CITRUS COUNTY ANNOUNCES SELF-SERVE SANDBAG SITES

Citrus County will open two self-serve sandbag sites at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Citizens wishing to take advantage of the self-serve sites will need to bring a shovel.

- Homosassa Community Park, 4210 S Grandmarch Ave, Homosassa

- Bicentennial Park, 501 N Baseball Pt, Crystal River

For more information, contact Citrus County Road Maintenance at 352-527-7610.



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01/08/2024

🌀STORM ALERT 🌀
Based on the latest update from the National Weather Service, a storm is expected to impact our area tomorrow afternoon. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we will be on a half day schedule for Tuesday, January 9th. The dismissal times are as follows:
Elementary: 12:35pm
Middle School: 11:20am
High Schools: 11:40am
All after-school programs and extra-curricular activities are cancelled as well on Tuesday. YMCA programs will continue to operate until 6pm at all elementary schools.
We encourage you to stay up to date with local news reports; we will continue to update you through Skyward emails, texts, and phone calls, as well as our district social media pages.

01/08/2024

12/18/2023

The Citrus Cold Weather Shelter will be open tonight, Monday, December 18 and Tuesday, December 19 from 6pm to 7am. Overnight temperatures in Citrus County are predicted to reach upper 30s.

The Cold Weather Shelter is located at the Nature Coast Community Church (5113 South Suncoast Boulevard, Homosassa, Florida 34446). Hot meals, showers, and a warm sleeping area will be provided.

Free transportation is available to and from the shelter, courtesy of Citrus County Transit. All in need are welcome! If you need transportation to the shelter, visit any Orange Line bus stop during its final loop to be picked up.

If you have any questions, call 352-234-3099 for more information.
Details about the Orange Line bus schedules can be located at www.citrusbocc.com.

12/18/2023

Although water levels have subsided, the US National Weather Service has advised that a Small Craft Advisory will continue over coastal water through 7AM Monday, with winds around 20 knots. Small Craft should remain in port until conditions improve.

Tuesday into Wednesday cool high pressure will build into the area with temperatures dipping into 30’s across the Nature Coast.


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12/17/2023

📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/d1r4fnoJcQAVNLXx/?mibextid=0TepDJ

12/14/2023

Our Emergency Management Team is providing an update regarding the approaching storm system.

Now through the weekend, you can expect:
•Dangerous to life-threatening marine conditions with Gale conditions possible offshore.
•Deep draft vessels may be impacted by low water levels due to strong offshore winds and low tides.

Boating, especially for small crafts, should be avoided on all waterways.

These life-threatening marine conditions will continue through the weekend. There is still a lot of uncertainty in terms of impacts and timing, but Citrus County could see coastal flooding Saturday into Sunday. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), heavy rainfall (2-4 inches), localized flooding, severe storms, and tornado threats are possible.

We will provide further updates if necessary.



S401
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10/12/2023

10/12/2023

A Local State of Emergency has been declared. Citrus County Fire Rescue, Citrus County Public Works, and Growth Management staff continue to assist the City of Crystal River-Government with damage assessments and recovery.

Most Citrus County facilities are open regular hours today, with the following exceptions:

🚫 Citrus County Library System: Coastal Region Branch
🚫 Citrus County Parks and Recreation: Bicentennial Pool
🚫 Discover Crystal River Florida: Visitor Center

More information will be shared as it becomes available.

10/12/2023

UPDATE: Hwy 19 and 44 are both back open but are still experiencing debris in the roadway. Please avoid the area if possible and drive cautiously as workers are still present in many areas.

ROAD CLOSURE UPDATE

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently with Duke Energy, County and City Public Works Departments, and the City of Crystal River to get roadways open.

At this time, State Road 44 is still dealing with severe damage to the power line infrastructure from U.S. HWY 19 to Turkey Oak Drive, making it impassable.

Public safety is a top priority, so due to a SIGNIFICANT potential for flood waters to rise onto U.S. Hwy 19, the roadway from West Venable Street to Turkey Oak Drive is remaining closed until further notice.

Deputies are consistently monitoring the water levels, and the roadways will be opened when we feel it is safe to do so. Thank you for your understanding as we work to recover from this storm.



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10/12/2023

𝐍𝐎𝐎𝐍 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝟏𝟎/𝟏𝟐/𝟐𝟑:

The Coastal Region Library in Crystal River will remain closed for the remainder of today, Thursday, 10/12. It is uncertain at this time if the library will reopen tomorrow, Friday, 10/13.

***

9:00 AM Update, 10/12/23:

Due to the current weather conditions and road closures we are still waiting to assess the Coastal Region Library in Crystal River. At this time the branch will have a delayed opening until it is deemed safe.

All other library locations will be open for regular hours, starting at 9:00 AM.

10/12/2023

𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 - 𝗖𝗥𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 - 𝟲:𝟰𝟬𝗔𝗠

The Citrus County Sheriff's Office and emergency response teams are still assessing storm damage throughout Crystal River. As crews work to clear the area, deputies are redirecting traffic at the following locations:

🚧 Northbound traffic on Highway 19 will be rerouted down W Venable St., to N Dunkenfield Ave., to Highway 44.

🚧 Westbound traffic on Highway 44 will be rerouted north onto Turkey Oak Dr., onto Highway 19.

𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿, 𝗶𝗳 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲.

𝘾𝙐𝙍𝙍𝙀𝙉𝙏 𝙍𝙊𝘼𝘿 𝘾𝙇𝙊𝙎𝙐𝙍𝙀𝙎:

🚧 Fort Island Trail and Three Sisters Springs Trail intersection

🚧 NE 9th St., 8th St., and 1st St., in the Copeland Park area

🚧 Crystal Street near the intersection of W Balloon Lane

🚧 SE 8th Terrace

🚧 Ozello Trail and Winterset Avenue intersection

🚧 Whitewater Terrace and Turkey Oak intersection

Please continue to follow our social media pages and download our app for the latest updates.


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10/12/2023

Praying everyone is ok.🙏

From Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek:
Significant damage throughout Crystal River. Major structural damage and power lines down. Do not attempt to go through roads. Unofficially it looks like the tornado traveled somewhere off of Fort Island Trail, and went north east, crossing US 19, and heading through the Copeland Park area. This picture is from an office building off of Fort Island Trail next to the Plantation resort. Similar scenes throughout the city. Use extreme caution. We will continue to keep you updated.

10/12/2023

Tornado chances remain this AM with a new watch likely coming here. www.spaghettimodels.com

10/12/2023

Weather related

10/12/2023

Weather related

IMPORTANT MESSAGE:
The west side of Citrus County has experienced significant damage from an unconfirmed tornado(s) which hit the area overnight.

ALL SCHOOL IS CANCELED for today, Thursday, October 12th.

Right now, we have teams assessing damage at schools and will get more insight into the full scope of damage to buildings once the sun comes up. Please continue to monitor our website and social media channels for further information.

08/31/2023

🌀After the storm UPDATE:
After receiving the latest update from Emergency Management officials and having assessed the damages in our facilities sustained from Hurricane Idalia, we are pleased to share that schools will be reopen tomorrow Friday, September 1st.
Obviously, there is some debris cleanup, but thankfully, no impact to our school structures.
Should you have any issues or concerns, please contact the administration at your school. As always, thank you for your flexibility, understanding, and patience during these uncertain times.

08/31/2023

Coastal residents: Need Wi-Fi access?

Free Wi-Fi 💻 is available for you to use at the Citrus County Library System's branches in Crystal River and Homosassa.

Coastal Region: 8619 W Crystal St, Crystal River

Homosassa: 4100 S Grandmarch Ave (off W Grover Cleveland Blvd)

📲 Signal can be used inside during regular library hours or picked up in the parking lot during off hours.

08/31/2023

US Hwy 19 is OPEN for travel.

There are still roadways along US Hwy 19 that are flooded including:
- Yulee to West Fishbowl in Homosassa
- Citrus Avenue from 11th Avenue to US Hwy 19 in Crystal River (You CANNOT cross Citrus Avenue on Turkey Oak)
- Fort Island Trail after mile marker 7

Please continue to drive with caution, as not all the lights along US Hwy 19 are operable at this time.


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08/31/2023

08/31/2023

𝐇𝐔𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐔𝐏𝐃𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝟎𝟖/𝟑𝟎/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑 𝟖 𝐩.𝐦.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Division of Emergency Management plans to return to normal operation (routine monitoring) once all sheltered citizens are returned home tomorrow. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝘽𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙝𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙖 𝙈𝘼𝙉𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 𝘾𝙐𝙍𝙁𝙀𝙒 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 10 𝙥.𝙢.-6 𝙖.𝙢. 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙝𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙕𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝘼.

Citizens who live in this area will not be permitted to return until this curfew is lifted and conditions have been deemed safe. More than likely, those in the affected area are without power as well. Restoration efforts have begun and will continue for an unknown period of time.

Road closures are still in place for the west side of the county and will not be reopened until safe to do so. US HWY 19 from CR 488 (West Dunnellon Road) to West Venable Street in Crystal River and the portion of roadway from West Gulf to Lake HWY (SR 44) to US HWY 19 is still CLOSED.

We will continue to work along with our partners and officials at the Cities and County during this recovery phase. In the interim, please pay attention to the following information:

𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞:
The Citizen Information Line, 352-249-2775, will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 1, 2023. Until then, citizens can call for any questions or concerns relating to emergency management operations.

𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
All emergency shelters will be closing tomorrow, as we are working to return a small number of citizens to their homes via county transit services. The transit service’s after hours number is 352-527-7636.

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:
Some government offices and services will resume normal operations tomorrow, Thursday, August 31, 2023. Please check their official sites to confirm operations or call.

CCSO’s main operations in Inverness will be closed as well tomorrow, however our emergency operations center in Lecanto will be open for normal business hours, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬:
While we understand that we unarguably have the best citizens here in our county, we’d like to take this time to say with the indirect hit of Hurricane Idalia, we at this time do not need volunteer boats or assistance with water rescue. However, please reach out to Laurie Diestler at the county via email, [email protected] so contact can be made if a need does arise.

Do be encouraged to reach out to our neighbors in those affected areas – northwest counties – to offer help.

𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞:
Please use extreme caution when venturing back out. There is an abundance of wildlife that has been displaced as a result of this storm and citizens should be attentive when traveling out – especially in those areas with standing water. Do not walk or drive through standing water. There is no way to know what dangers are hidden beneath the surface, not to mention possible contamination.

In addition, be cautious of the potential for overhead debris. Tree limbs can become weakened during a storm but not fall until several hours or days later. The same can be true for damaged power lines or poles. Also, don't drive or walk over downed power lines as they pose a serious risk. DO NOT APPROACH A DOWNED LINE, instead report it to our CILs at 352-249-2775.

Lastly, remember to hydrate. The temperatures will remain high during this time and heat stroke and dehydration become two consequential concerns during any sort of recovery efforts.

𝙊𝙪𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙞𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙬𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙣𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙃𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙚 𝙄𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙖.

Stay safe, Citrus and thank you for following our updates.

Citrus County Citrus County Fire Rescue Citrus County School District Fifth Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office Bravera Health Seven Rivers City of Inverness, Florida Government City of Crystal River-Government Spectrum Bay News 9 10 Tampa Bay NBC News CNN WFLA News Channel 8 HCA Florida Citrus Hospital

08/30/2023

Water levels are continuing to recede throughout town despite the high tide.