Citrus County Wins Regional Planning & Economic Awards

Citrus County received two regional awards this week for its work in planning and economic development marketing.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council presented the county with the Future of the Region Award at its 2026 Resiliency Summit. Citrus County earned the honor for its Interactive Growth Model, which uses data to forecast future growth, measure infrastructure impact, and identify needed investments.

County Administrator Steve Howard said the model helps prioritize capital improvements, transportation planning, and public facilities including fire and emergency services.

The Florida Economic Development Council gave Citrus County Economic Development an Innovation in Marketing Award for Best Website at the IGNITE Conference earlier this month. The award recognizes citrusadvantage.com, which launched in February.

Steven Baham, the county's economic development director, said the website aims to tell Citrus County's story, attract business, and communicate the community's value.