Citrus County Gets $3.5M State Grant for New Fire Station

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia presented $3.5 million in state funding to Citrus County on February 2 for a new fire station at Inverness Airport.

The money will relocate Fire Station 8 to the airport, extending fire and emergency medical coverage to approximately 7,200 additional homes in Inverness Highlands and surrounding areas. Response times will drop significantly in those neighborhoods.

The improved coverage qualifies more residents for better homeowners insurance rates through Citrus County's Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification rating of Class 3/3Y, which evaluates how effectively fire departments protect communities.

"The new fire station will place our crews in a stronger strategic position and allow us to operate more efficiently," Fire Chief Craig Stevens said.

Citrus County received the largest share of $5.5 million distributed at the ceremony. Gilchrist County, Cross City, the City of Inverness, the City of Williston, the Town of Bronson, and the Town of Inglis also received funding for fire safety improvements.