Citrus County Wins State Awards for Growth & Development

Citrus County received two statewide awards this month for planning and marketing tools that guide development and attract business.

The Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council presented the Future of the Region Award to Citrus County at its 2026 Resiliency Summit, recognizing the Interactive Growth Model. The tool projects where growth will occur and identifies infrastructure needs required to serve a growing population.

County Administrator Steve Howard said the model helps planners "strategically prioritize capital improvements, optimize transportation, and plan critical public facilities, including fire and emergency services."

Citrus County Economic Development received a second honor at the IGNITE Conference, where the Florida Economic Development Council awarded the department's website an Innovation in Marketing Award for Best Website.

The website, citrusadvantage.com, launched in February and promotes business recruitment and community assets. Economic Development Director Steven Baham said the goal was "to create a stronger platform to tell Citrus County's story and communicate the unique value of our community."