Resilience and Unity: Citrus County Rises Stronger in the Face of Adversity

Photo taken one morning from the Salt River Bridge by Marine Science Station supervisor and marine biologist Earnie Olsen. The MSS is on the left.

Over the past few weeks, our Citrus County community has faced challenges that few could have anticipated. On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall at Big Bend, leaving a path of destruction in its wake and seriously affecting Citrus County and the Nature Coast. Yet, despite the obstacles, the strength and resilience of our community have shone brighter than ever. Now, as we prepare for the approach of Hurricane Milton, which is heading toward the Tampa Bay area and Nature Coast, it’s time to reflect on the extraordinary efforts of our educators, staff members, administrators, and community leaders who have come together to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and families.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the educators of Citrus County School District. The last few weeks have been incredibly challenging, but you have shown unwavering dedication to our students. In the face of your own personal struggles, you’ve remained a constant source of stability for the children in our community. Whether by creating innovative learning solutions, organizing food drives, or simply checking in on families, you’ve gone above and beyond to ensure our students continue to feel connected, safe, and supported. Thank you for your tireless work and for always prioritizing our children’s well-being. Many of our educators who were not directly impacted by the storm have stepped up to support their colleagues and students in countless ways, proving that our unity as a district is stronger than ever.

Our school staff members, bus drivers, maintenance and custodial teams, family services teams, and district leaders have also played an instrumental role in the recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. From ensuring transportation for displaced families to organizing supplies for those in need, your contributions have been invaluable. Many of you have worked long hours, balancing the demands of your jobs with the needs of your own families. Your dedication to this community is deeply appreciated, and your efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Special recognition must go to our recovery, insurance, and construction teams within Citrus Schools. Your efforts have been nothing short of heroic. Working around the clock to assess damage, manage repairs, and rebuild our schools, you’ve ensured that our students can return to safe learning environments as quickly as possible. Your expertise, hard work, and commitment have been essential in helping us navigate this challenging time. I’d like to especially commend Executive Director and Risk Manager Steven Baumer for his behind-the-scenes work coordinating critical insurance and recovery efforts—his role has been monumental in our recovery process.

I also want to take a moment to recognize Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek. His proactive leadership and deep love for this community have been evident in his support for our students and residents. Mayor Meek has worked closely with local leaders, volunteers, and emergency personnel to ensure that Crystal River is not only recovering from Helene but also prepared for the potential impacts of Hurricane Milton. His commitment to the people of Crystal River is a shining example of the spirit that makes our community so special.

As we watch the next few days unfold, I have no doubt that we will persevere. We are a resilient people, and when we come together as a community, there is nothing we cannot overcome. Whether through recovery efforts, mutual support, or simply being there for one another, we will emerge from this stronger and more united.

Together, as a school system and a community, we will face the challenges ahead, grow collectively, and demonstrate that our resilience, compassion, and teamwork will see us through this difficult time. I am proud to be a part of such an incredible community.

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Post-Hurricane Hellene Recovery – First Day Back for Students, Educators, and Staff

Today marked the first day back for students, educators, and staff following the devastating impact of Hurricane Hellene. I spent the day visiting several schools across the district to assess recovery efforts and observe the resilience of our educational community as students returned to the classroom.

At Crystal River High School (CRHS), Lecanto Primary School (LPS), Crystal River Middle School (CRMS), and Crystal River Primary School (CRP), I witnessed firsthand the tremendous work being done to restore learning environments. Recovery teams were hard at work assessing damage, cleaning, drying, and sanitizing facilities to ensure a safe return for both students and staff.

To maintain a learning environment and begin the recovery process, it was necessary to temporarily relocate students from CRMS to CRHS, and about half of CRP students to LPS. This was no small endeavor, and something we had largely never done before.

A Community Coming Together

The collaboration and support among our educators, administrators, staff, district leaders, and volunteers have been truly inspiring. This unified effort will help our students and community thrive. A heartwarming example occurred at LPS, where CRP students, temporarily relocated due to storm damage, were greeted with high-fives from the Lecanto High School cheerleaders and the mascots of both LPS and CRP as they arrived by bus. This welcoming gesture created an atmosphere of warmth and comfort for the displaced students.

Thanks to our district’s robust digital integration of the curriculum, CRP teachers were able to continue their lessons seamlessly in the unfamiliar classrooms at LPS. LPS Principal Mollie Chandler and Chief Academic Officer Amy Crowell ensured that Teacher Edition curriculum sets and classroom supplies were ready for CRP teachers in their temporary classrooms, allowing them to focus on teaching without missing a beat.

Leadership Amidst Challenges

At CRHS, Principal Brian Lancaster and his team quickly adapted to meet the needs of the displaced CRMS students. They converted three large spaces—the gym, cafeteria, and field house—into temporary learning environments. Even the CRHS JROTC gun range was repurposed as a support room for CRMS staff. These unprecedented solutions highlight the district’s ability to face logistical challenges with creativity and resourcefulness. CRHS students, staff, and leaders also had to adjust their environments to collaborate effectively.

Another touching show of support came from CRHS Culinary Arts teacher Autumn Crabtree. After hearing that CRMS staff had been working tirelessly, she and her students prepared fresh chicken salad meals for them. This gesture exemplifies the district’s commitment to supporting one another during difficult times.

Unsung Heroes: Staff, Volunteers, and Technology Teams

We owe deep gratitude to the administration teams at CRHS, LPS, CRMS, and CRP, as well as the departments that have been instrumental in keeping our schools running. From food services and custodial staff to school resource officers and guardians, their dedication has been unwavering. Our technology department has also played a critical role in meeting the digital needs of students and teachers, proving themselves to be essential workers in this recovery process.

District Executive Director for Risk Management, Steven Baumer, has done an outstanding job leading recovery efforts, coordinating with the Florida School Board Insurance Trust (FSBIT) to ensure that repairs and restoration are progressing swiftly. We are also grateful for the many volunteers and local organizations that have stepped in to offer support wherever it’s needed.

Looking Ahead

While there is still much to be done, the strength and unity of our community are undeniable. There will be more challenges to navigate, but by continuing to work together and extending grace to one another, we will overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger. Though we may not have all the answers immediately, our collective efforts will ensure that our schools and students not only recover but thrive.

Everyone is working together to minimize the amount of time it will take to restore these learning environments. Let’s continue to support each other and work collaboratively toward a full recovery. Together, we will succeed.

Check Out Photos

Check out these great photos from the Citrus County School District Facebook page, capturing the excitement of welcoming back staff and students for the new school year: Citrus County School District Facebook Page.

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Preparing for Hurricane Helene: Citrus County Schools Open as Shelters

Schools Serving as Shelters and Staff Working Tirelessly to Protect Our Community Ahead of hurricane

As Hurricane Helene approaches, our Citrus County School System is responding with remarkable efficiency and dedication. Several schools have been designated as evacuation shelters, and our facility and administrative teams have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and comfort of our community during this critical time.

Our Crystal River High School, Crystal River Middle School, Crystal River Primary School, and Homosassa Elementary School—located west of Highway 19—have been preparing all day for the potential storm surge. These schools are positioned in vulnerable areas, and we are grateful to our dedicated staff for their efforts to better prepare these schools for the storm ahead.

In addition to these schools, we have two other critical facilities west of Highway 19—the Academy of Environmental Science and the Marine Science Station. Ernie Hopper and his team at the Academy of Environmental Science have been diligently preparing for the storm’s impact. Meanwhile, the Marine Science Station team, led by Supervisor Earnie Olsen, alongside Bryan Brooks, Sheryl Janecek, Tonya Capp Briggs, and Josh O’Leary, has been working hard to ensure the facility is secure. While this team is no stranger to hurricane preparation, Hurricane Helene presents a particularly concerning challenge, given the potential for significant storm surge and flooding.

Four of our other schools in the district have officially opened as evacuation shelters, and they are being staffed around the clock by members of our school administrative teams, food service workers, and other school personnel, all in coordination with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and County Government. These shelters are essential for ensuring that residents have a safe place to stay during the storm. Our Director of Food Services, Roy Pistone, and his team have been working tirelessly to ensure that each shelter is fully stocked with food and supplies to meet the needs of both evacuees and staff.

As our facility teams transform these schools into shelters, they have shown extraordinary resilience and commitment. Once the storm passes, they will begin the difficult process of reversing the conversion, cleaning the shelters, and preparing the schools to reopen for normal operations. This process requires a great deal of coordination, but our teams have proven time and again that they are up to the task.

Our school system is more than just a place of learning—it’s a pillar of strength in times of crisis. Our community is strong, and we will face the storm together, united in our resolve to protect each other and our homes. We ask for prayers for our community, our leaders, and our state as Hurricane Helene draws nearer. Together, we will weather this storm, and in its aftermath, we will rebuild and restore.

In preparation for the storm, we want to remind residents that the following shelters are open now as of Wednesday, September 25, at 2 PM:

General Population Shelters:

• Citrus High School (cafeteria): 600 West Highland Blvd, Inverness, Florida 34452
• Central Ridge Elementary School: 185 West Citrus Springs Blvd, Citrus Springs, Florida 34434

Special Needs Shelters:

• Forest Ridge Elementary School: 2927 N Forest Ridge Blvd, Hernando, FL 34442

Pet-Friendly Shelters:

• Renaissance Center: 3630 West Educational Path, Lecanto, Florida 34461

For further assistance, please contact the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Citizen Information Line at 352-249-2775, open from Wednesday, September 25, 8 AM-10 PM. They will reopen on Thursday, September 26, at 8 AM and remain open until 4 PM.

We are incredibly grateful to all the staff and volunteers who have worked around the clock to prepare our schools, shelters, and resources in anticipation of this storm. God bless our Citrus County, and stay safe as we navigate this challenge together.

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