Citrus County Fire Station 8 Moves to Inverness Airport

Citrus County Fire Rescue will relocate Fire Station 8 to Inverness Airport after securing $3.5 million in state funding, officials announced February 2 at Fire Station 20 in Pine Ridge.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia presented the grant as part of a regional initiative that funded seven fire departments. The new station will extend coverage to approximately 7,200 homes in Inverness Highlands and surrounding communities, reducing response times in currently underserved areas.

Fire Chief Craig Stevens said the relocation will allow crews to operate more efficiently and better protect county residents. The improved coverage may lower homeowners insurance premiums through Citrus County's upgraded ISO Public Protection Classification rating of Class 3/3Y, which measures fire protection effectiveness.

Six other departments received grants: Gilchrist County Fire Rescue, Inglis Fire Rescue, Williston Fire Rescue Station 72, Inverness Fire Department, Cross City Fire Department, and Bronson Fire Department.