 Citrus County Chronicle photo Hey it’s Wednesday so let’s talk about former Commissioner Scott Carnahan.
Where to begin. Oh, I guess with the news: Kristin Demers, the former county budget director who sued the county in 2021 over Carnahan’s alleged offensive behavior, is settling for $60,000.  Some of my more gut-wrenching Chronicle stories took place during boom times.
These were about people who paid builders tens of thousands of dollars for their new homes, only to learn they were on the hook because builders didn’t pay subcontractors or suppliers.  It wasn’t exactly a promise but the sheriff took it that way.
Back in late summer, county commissioners were looking for ways to trim Sheriff Mike Prendergast’s $40 million budget and they zeroed in on the request for more deputies.  And then this happened.
Some days, being truthful, I wonder whether the whole blog thing makes any sense. I sit quietly in the Just Wright Citrus World Headquarters on the shores of Big Lake Henderson and question the sanity of investing so much time writing on the internet.  Write about Citrus County local government for 35 years, you’d think I’ve seen it all.
Then I have Cindi Guy and Ken Frink sitting across the table at Cattle Dog, and realize the learning never stops. Cindi is a Crystal River city councilwoman. Ken is the Crystal River city manager.  It’s the worst feeling when writing about the government. Reviewing my notes, typing out a paragraph or two but then reaching a chilling conclusion:
I wouldn't even read this.  A chamber of commerce luncheon is the last place to find deep discussion on the community’s social ills. But there we were, 200 or so, packed into the Citrus Hills banquet hall at noontime Friday, listening intently as a sheriff’s Sgt. Rachel Montgomery explained in sobering detail why Citrus County has a problem with mental illness and drug addiction.  Good morning and happy Monday.
It’s happy for most of us. We might not like starting the work week and we’re a little off balance adjusting to Daylight Savings Time but, overall, it’s another day. Not for everyone.  Let me tell you a little about Rodney MacRae.
If Homosassa had a mayor, it’d be Rodney. Easygoing, quick with a smile, pure Homosassa in every way. Just look at today’s selfie. That’s Rodney all the time.  Today’s topic: the vanishing left turn.
Not just any left turn. The left turn onto practically any major roadway in Citrus County and a lot of the minor ones. Or left turns at some signalized intersections that don’t have the red/yellow/green arrow. Been through Holder lately on C.R. 491 to turn left at U.S. 41? With no turn arrow and a constant stream of cars coming from the opposite direction, it could be a long wait. |
AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 35 years. Archives
March 2023
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