All county government offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2013 in observance of Memorial Day. Offices will hold normal business hours starting Tuesday, May 28, 2013.

For more information on landfill hours, call 527-7670 during office hours or go to the county’s Web site at www.bocc.citrus.fl.us.

The June 10th meeting for the Citrus County Water and Wastewater Authority has been canceled. The next Authority meeting will be held on Monday, July 8, 2013 at 9 a.m. at the Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Room #166, Lecanto. Members of the Board will discuss and review customer complaint surveys, rate case updates, along with other items on the agenda.

All persons wishing to speak on any agenda item must register prior to speaking. Requests to address the Authority on subjects which are not on this agenda must be submitted in writing with explanation to the County Attorney, 110 N. Apopka Avenue, Inverness, Florida 34450, at least 10 days prior to the date of the meeting and will be heard under the “Open to the Public” portion of the meeting.

The Citrus County Water and Wastewater Authority is a board of appointees that provides for the regulation of private water, bulk water, and wastewater utilities in the unincorporated areas of Citrus County. For more information, call #419-6520.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners is seeking applications for one vacant position on the Citrus County Tourist Development Council. The council is responsible for overseeing the spending of bed tax revenue, providing operational oversight for the Citrus County Visitors & Convention Bureau, implementing a Tourist Development Plan, and making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on tourism-related issues.

Six members of the council are persons who are involved in the tourism industry and who have demonstrated an interest in tourist development. Of those six, not less than three or more than four are owners or operators of tourist accommodations in the county and subject to the Tourist Development Tax. One member is a representative from the Board of County Commissioners. Two members are elected municipal officials. The Tourist Development Council meets at 9:00 A.M. on the second Wednesday of every month at the Lecanto Government Building in Lecanto.

The regular member position expires January 31, 2017. Applicants may be either the owner or operator of a hotel, motel, campground or other property which collects the 3 percent bed tax or an individual interested in tourism development. (Applicants are required to be Citrus County residents and registered to vote in Citrus County.)

Applications will be accepted until June 6, 2013. Applications which meet the eligibility requirements will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners for evaluation, nomination and selection. Interested persons should contact Marti Spewock at (352) 628-9305 of the Citrus County Visitors and Convention Bureau for more information.

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation at their regular meeting on May 14 proclaiming the month of May 2013 as “Older Americans Month” in Citrus County and encourages every citizen of Citrus County to take time this month to engage with our older citizens through enjoyable social interactions such as sports, games, contests, and other forms of play.

Citrus County is a community that includes 56,480 citizens aged 60 and older, and is committed to helping all individuals maintain their health and independence in later life. Our older adults in Citrus County play an important role by continuing to contribute experience, knowledge, wisdom, and accomplishments in our community.

Our community can provide opportunities to enrich citizens young and old by emphasizing the value of including elders in public and family life; creating opportunities for older Americans to interact with people of different generations and providing services, technologies, and support systems that allow older adults to participate in social activities in the community.

(Attached picture: JJ Kenney, Commissioner; Dennis Damato, Commissioner; Kelly Chisman, Court Alternative Supervisor; Rebecca Bays, Commissioner; Samantha Shephard, Drug Court Coordinator; Tim Zub, Program Assistant; Scott Adams, Commissioner; Joe Meek, Commissioner)

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation at their regular meeting on May 14, 2013 proclaiming the month May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in Citrus County. Mental Health illness is a serious public health concern, but together we can raise awareness about mental health and lend strength to all of those in need. The complex mental health needs of our citizens are fundamental to the future of our community.

Mental Health Court is an essential component of our justice system which save vast criminal justice resources and keep individuals out of jail and engaged with their communities. Through its unique approach to serve our citizens is effectively caring for the mental health needs of our community.

(Attached picture: JJ Kenney, Commissioner; Dennis Damato, Commissioner; Capt. Dave Decarlo, CCSO; Rebecca Bays, Commissioner; Capt. Danny Linhart, CCSO; Trooper Tod Cloud, FHP; Scott Adams, Commissioner; Joe Meek, Commissioner)

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners presented a Proclamation at their regular meeting on May 14 proclaiming May 12 through 18, 2013, “Law Enforcement Appreciation Week” and calls upon all citizens to join in commemorating law enforcement officers. The Board further proclaims May 15, 2013, “Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day” and shall direct that the flag of the United States be displayed at half-staff on all County buildings, on that day, in honor of those law enforcement officers who, through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community, or have become disabled in the performance of their duty.

The law enforcement officers of Citrus County play an essential role in safeguarding rights and freedoms, and risk their lives daily to ensure each citizen can live in a safe and secure environment. Law enforcement officers work in partnership with their community to protect life and property, solve neighborhood problems, and enhance the quality of life in this county.

Law Enforcement Officers, past and present, through their dedicated service, have established an enviable and enduring reputation for preserving the rights and security of all citizens.

(Attached picture: Lloyd Herbert, AARP member; Judy Dunlap AARP Vice-President; Dr. Julie Rosenberger, Director/Staff Veterinarian for Citrus County Animal Services; Evelyn Stonesifer, AARP member; Mindy Barone, AARP President; Gail Palmer, AARP Secretary; Sharon Warburton, AARP member.)

Adopt a Rescued Pet, Inc. recently presented Citrus County Animal Services with a check for $2,658.00 to subsidize the costs involved with the “My Furry Valentine” an adoption promotion in February. More than 110 dogs were adopted through the promotion in which each dog adoption received a discount equal to their weight in pounds.

Please visit Citrus County Animal Services, 4030 S Airport Rd, Inverness or the website: www.citruscritters.com to learn more about upcoming events and adoption promotions. Contributions to support future promotions can be made to Adopt a Rescued Pet, Inc. at www.adoptarescuedpet.com.

(Attached picture: Robyn Powell, Bob Evans General manager; and the Febo family with their new dog Little Bear.)

Five dogs now have new homes after another successful adoption event hosted by Citrus County Animal Services. On Saturday, volunteers from Animal Services were at the Bob Evans in Ocala. Animal Services staff will be back at the Bob Evans Restaurant again this Thursday, May 16 from 9.a.m to 1 p.m. with more animals available for adoption. Bob Evans is located at 11300 SW 95th Circle in Ocala, in front of Wal-Mart off SR 200. Thursday is a community fundraiser day for Bob Evans restaurant. They will donate 15% to the animal shelter, when customers present the fundraiser flyer. Flyers can be picked up on site and on www.citruscritters.com.

The new traffic signal at N. Meadowcrest Blvd. and S.R. 44 will be fully operational starting Wednesday, May 8. Meadowcrest is located east of Crystal River and is bordered by S.R. 44 and County Road 486. The light is on the south side of Meadowcrest on S.R. 44, in front of the Family Dollar store. The signal became necessary after the West Citrus Government Center opened at 1540 N. Meadowcrest Blvd. last year and with the recent Family Dollar store opposite the entrance to Meadowcrest.

For the past week, drivers may have noticed the traffic light in flash mode so workers could make sure all the electronics were in working order. County workers and contract workers will be on hand for the next couple of days monitoring the operation of the light.

The Board of County Commissioners will be meeting Tuesday, May 7 at 1pm at the Citrus County Courthouse, Room 100, in Inverness to discuss a fire assessment program. The fire services municipal services benefit unit (MSBU) would be an alternative funding source for the 2014 budget.

Government Services Group Inc. (GSG) and Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson will present the fire assessment program to the Board. This meeting is open to the public and citizens can make public comments and ask any questions after the presentation and commissioner discussion.

The agenda and back-up materials are available online at www.bocc.citrus.fl.us. The agenda is also available at the Lecanto Government Building and in the Commissioners’ suite on the second floor of the courthouse in Inverness. The meeting can be viewed live online in a small digital format at http://citruscountyfl.iqm2.com/Citizens/default.aspx. The meeting is also televised live on cable TV on Channel 622 on Bright House and Channel 9 on Comcast.