Citrus County Fire Rescue Gets $3.5M for New Station

Citrus County Fire Rescue will relocate Fire Station 8 to Inverness Airport with $3.5 million in state funding, reducing response times for approximately 7,200 homes in Inverness Highlands and surrounding areas.

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia presented the funding check February 2 at Fire Station 20 in Pine Ridge. Fire Chief Craig Stevens said the relocated station will position crews closer to residents and improve emergency medical services coverage.

The new station may lower homeowners insurance premiums in the area. Citrus County's ISO Public Protection Classification rating of Class 3/3Y measures fire protection effectiveness and influences insurance rates.

The state also awarded grants to six other regional fire departments: Gilchrist County Fire Rescue, Inglis Fire Rescue, Williston Fire Rescue Station 72, Inverness Fire Department, Cross City Fire Department, and Bronson Fire Department.