Floral City residents are living in fear due to recent incidents of crime, including robberies and carjackings. A homeowner in the community has started a petition calling for action, and the sheriff’s department has scheduled a meeting to address the issue. Chronicle Online reported
Floral City residents are growing increasingly fearful and angry due to a recent increase in crime in their community. The residents, particularly those living in the Derby Oaks section of Floral City, have been experiencing a rise in home break-ins and criminal mischief. Susyn Stecchi, a resident of Derby Oaks, has taken matters into her own hands by starting a petition to call for action against the criminals. In just two weeks, she has collected 33 signatures from concerned neighbors.
Sheriff Mike Prendergast has acknowledged the community’s concerns and has scheduled a meeting between his department and the community on November 18th. While the sheriff’s office is aware of some problem areas in the county, they are working with code enforcement to address those issues. Additionally, the sheriff’s detectives are actively searching for trespassers in areas where they shouldn’t be.
The increase in crime has prompted many residents to take extra precautions to protect themselves and their homes. People who have never felt the need to lock their gates or install security systems are now doing so out of fear for their safety.
One incident that has particularly shaken the community occurred on November 3rd. Deputies responded to a call for a well-being check on a man who was acting erratically. As they tried to de-escalate the situation, the man set his house and yard on fire using gasoline. He then began shooting at the responding deputies, who fired back and ultimately killed the man. This incident, along with other similar ones, has only intensified the fear and concern among Floral City residents.
In other news, Crystal River High School’s head football coach, Cliff Lohrey, has been let go after six seasons. Lohrey, a graduate of the school, expressed his disappointment but also stated that he has no regrets about his dedication to the program. He acknowledged the rarity of head football coaches staying at the same high school for an extended period of time and expressed gratitude for his tenure at Crystal River High School.
On a more positive note, the Tourist Development Council is considering investing in promoting turkey hunting as a way to attract more visitors to the Inverness area. Great Days Outdoors Media has presented two options to the council, both of which aim to increase awareness of turkey hunting season in Citrus County. While turkey hunting may not receive as much attention as other outdoor activities in the area, it is a beloved pastime for many enthusiasts.
Finally, County Administrator Steve Howard is seeking a salary increase. Since being hired in 2022, Howard has already received a 4 percent cost-of-living raise. Now, he is requesting a 5 percent increase, which would bring his annual salary to $215,670. Despite the contentious budget and rising prices faced by citizens, Howard has received praise from county commissioners for his communication skills and ability to get projects moving.
Overall, the residents of Floral City are living in fear and demanding action to address the increase in crime. The community is anxiously awaiting the upcoming meeting with the sheriff’s department in hopes of finding solutions to restore their sense of safety and security..