Region posts strong jobs gains before impact of COVID-19 hits

OCALA, Fla. (March 27, 2020) – The unemployment rate in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region was 3.9 percent in February, down 0.2 percentage point over the month and 0.5 percentage point lower than the region’s rate a year ago.

The labor force was 203,400, up 2,417 over the year. There were 195,387 employed, an increase of 3,153 compared to February 2019, and 8,013 unemployed, a drop of 736, when the region’s jobless rate was 4.4 percent. Compared to January’s numbers, there were 1,192 more jobs and 283 fewer jobless.

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Update on Citrus County essential services as of Friday

New information in RED below:

Citrus County Government remains open to serve our citizens. There may be limited access to building lobbies for the protection of citizens and employees. Services continue to be available by phone, email or mail.

Animal Services – mandating all volunteers to not come to the shelter beginning Wednesday, March 25 until further notice. We are currently delaying the intake of owner-surrendered animals to ensure we have kennel space. For more information phone (352)746-8400 or visit: www.citruscritters.com. For those who need to renew or purchase a County Pet License, we ask for you to either do so online at https://www.petdata.com/.

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First Citrus County death from COVID-19 announced

An 80-year-old Citrus County resident diagnosed with COVID-19 passed away today.

This is the first COVID-19 death in Citrus County.

We are expressing our condolences to the person’s family and will continue to work with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and our community partners to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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CCSO updates its app with COVID-19 link

Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast on March 19 announced a major upgrade to the Citrus County Sheriff’s App, offering broadcasts of COVID-19 alerts from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is offering this feature as an additional measure to protect public health and assist the public in receiving timely and accurate information regarding COVID-19.

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County government buildings remain open

Citrus County Government buildings remain open at this time, although services may be altered, modified or temporarily unavailable.

Please note all library branches have shifted to limited access, with drop-off of library materials and pick-up of pre-requested materials ONLY.

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CFWI draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan available for review, comment

The Central Florida Water Initiative (CFWI) Draft 2020 Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) is now available on the CFWI website for review and comment by stakeholders and the public.

The plan identifies existing and projected water needs as well as projects and funding sources to meet those needs in the CFWI Planning Area over the next 20 years.

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Bicentennial Pool, Fort Island Gulf and Hernando beaches closed until further notice – boat ramp remains open

File photo of Fort Idsland Gulf Beach being renovated in 2015 (PHOTO: Cynthia Oswald)

Due to the COVID-19 virus, in an abundance of caution, Citrus County Parks and Recreation has announced Bicentennial Pool, Fort Island Gulf and Hernando Beaches will be closed until further notice.

The Fort Island Gulf and Hernando Beach Boat Ramp will remain open to the public. Signage will be posted at all locations and all restrooms are locked.

For more about Parks and Recreation information, phone 352-527-7540.

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Citrus County Transit Service available in response to COVID-19

Citrus County Transit paratransit service is available to accommodate grocery shopping, medical prescription access, and medical appointment needs for seniors, as well as the general public.

The goal will be same-day or next-day service to meet the needs of the community. Social distancing will be practiced on all transit vehicles.

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COVID-19 update: Bars, beaches, restaurants

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order that will reduce density and crowds in restaurants, bars, nightclubs and beaches to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

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Water, sewer services to continue operations

BOCC Seal The Citrus County Department of Water Resources is taking steps to ensure its water and sewer systems will remain in service and unaffected throughout the COVID-19 situation.

However, in order to limit face-to-face contact and safeguard customers and employees, non-essential preventive maintenance and customer service calls will be limited until such time as normal operations can resume.

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