Meanwhile, we return to real life

And another thing about the barge canal.

Ha! Just kidding. I think we’ve punched that bag plenty.

Fun, wasn’t it? The county managed to create and expel a controversy, all in one week. Talk about efficiency!

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But, as many people pointed out, we have better things to occupy our time. I’ll just touch on a few today:

— Check out the new sign for the Old Schoolhouse Community Center in Hernando. I stopped by on Wednesday, and workers (most, if not all, are volunteers) are going to town preparing this old building for community use.

Club Recovery of Citrus County has a five-year lease to operate 12-step meetings and similar events at the historic schoolhouse. We should start seeing some public activity there in March.

I can’t stress enough the significance of this arrangement. Seriously. Just about everyone knows someone close to them who’s an active drunk, addict, or in a mental fog. Employers, parents, and teachers are extremely aware of the problem.

I read about the zoning change in Crystal River to allow for a Beautiful Beginnings mental health/substance abuse rehab. Citizens had gripping stories of how mental illness or addiction had barged into their lives. Even the council members and mayor were moved emotionally.

The deal: Either we ignore the problem, or we address it. Very simple. I realize the answers are not simple, but our dedication to the cause is.

I love and cherish my sobriety. I want that for everyone who seeks an escape from addiction or mental illness. The last thing we should tell someone in that situation is, “Sorry, no room at the inn. Hang in there!”

Addiction and mental illness are burdens none of us want to carry. The least we can do is help those who seek a way out.

I’ll be writing about the Old Schoolhouse Community Center (disclosure: I’m a Club Recovery member and trustee) this year as it takes shape. What’s so cool is knowing someone like me will find the answers they seek in those rooms.

— Remember the developer who bought the Pine Ridge Golf Course and wanted to build 85 houses? The County Commission turned him down and he responded by threatening a lawsuit.

Well, we’re a year later and nothing happened. County folks told me Tuesday that the time to file the action has expired, so that’s a done deal. It will remain a golf course on the Pine Ridge master plan. Pine Ridgers can breathe easy on this one, at least.

Semi-related, this is the same developer who wants to buy Betz Farm from the county and build houses. That situation is in limbo. The county is awaiting the developer's plan so it can go through the public hearing process. So far, no plan.

You know my thoughts on Betz Farm, so no need to go there today. I’m watching that one like a hawk.

— The monthly “Look What’s Coming” email came out this week from Joanna Coutu, the county’s Land Development director.

This thing is chock full of interesting tidbits. Building permits, development plans, and related info are included in the monthly report.

This month’s report includes:

• Building permit to remodel the previous Neffer’s Bowling Alley in Homosassa to a “state-of-the-art bowling and entertainment facility.”
• VFW Post 7122 in Floral City building permit for a wood shed to collect clothing donations; First Assembly of God in Crystal River, same thing; Community Congregational Christian Church in Citrus Springs, same thing. That’s three storage sheds for clothing to help those in need.
• Site development permit for a new shopping center with 10 retail tenants on C.R. 486 in Lecanto. Just what we need. That area is kinda sparse.
• Tuscany Ranch in Beverly Hills proposes 3,687 homes, 1,415 multi-family units and 330,524 square feet of commercial/office space. It is scheduled Feb. 20 before the Planning and Development Commission.
• Citrus Hills wants to add a helicopter pad for a proposed hospital. It goes to the PDC on March 6.

You get the idea. Plenty is still taking place.

This report, by the way, is not currently available on the county’s website. I expect that to change soon, and when it does, I’ll have the link.

That’s it for today. Have an awesome Thursday, friends.

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