Community Comes Together for Citrus County’s First Water Safety Day for Autism

This past Saturday, March 14, the Lecanto branch of the YMCA of the Suncoast became the center of a powerful community effort as Citrus County hosted its first-ever Water Safety Day for Autism. Families, educators, and local organizations came together for this landmark event, united by a shared mission to address one of the most critical safety concerns facing individuals with autism in our community.

In a county surrounded by lakes, rivers, and springs, water safety is not simply a helpful skill. It is an essential part of protecting the well-being of our children and adults. For families raising individuals with autism, the importance of water awareness and safety can be even greater. This event represented an important step forward in providing families with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to keep their loved ones safe.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who worked to make this day a reality. In particular, I want to recognize Callie Haynes and Matt McCraine, along with the Citrus County Schools Autism Team. Their leadership and coordination were the driving forces behind this event. They understand that meaningful advocacy requires more than conversation. It requires action. Because of their efforts, many families now have clearer access to safety resources and ongoing support.

The collaboration between our schools and community organizations was inspiring. The Citrus County Schools Autism Team partnered with the YMCA of the Suncoast in Lecanto to host an informative and welcoming morning for families. YMCA staff provided a comprehensive presentation on water safety techniques designed specifically for children and adults with autism. These practical lessons offer families tools that can truly save lives.

One of the key contributors to this effort was Jessica Barnes, founder of Cayla’s Coats, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to drowning prevention and awareness. The organization provides coats for children and adults both on and off the water, and offers swim scholarships for children in need throughout Citrus County. Barnes shared a sobering but powerful message: “Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children with autism. Our goal is to educate both parents and children so that they know the importance of water safety. Together we can work to make each person water safer.” Her words highlighted why events like this are so vital and underscored the importance of continued education and outreach to protect the community.

A key outcome of this event is that swim lessons will be provided on an individual basis, ensuring that each participant receives personalized instruction tailored to their needs, comfort level, and learning style. This individualized approach is especially important in building both confidence and safety skills in the water.

We were also fortunate to have representatives from the University of Florida and the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) in attendance. In addition to supporting families with scholarship applications, CARD generously contributed $1,000 to help fund individual swim lessons. We are also incredibly grateful to the Citrus County Fire Rescue, whose fundraising efforts raised $2,000 to support these same life-saving opportunities. Their commitment directly expands access for families and removes financial barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.

Events like this only succeed when the broader community rallies behind them. We were grateful for the support and participation of Citrus County Fire Rescue, Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System, Cayla’s Coats, Inc., Family Star, Key Training Center, Center for Independent Living, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Family and Friends Reaching for Abilities, and YMCA of the Suncoast.

Seeing so many organizations gathered in one place was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community. When families are able to access multiple resources in a single location, it makes support more accessible and more effective. That kind of coordination ultimately helps us serve our students, adults, and families better.

Looking ahead, I hope this event becomes a tradition in Citrus County. Our goal must always be to ensure that every individual, regardless of their needs, has the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of our community safely.

I am grateful for the trust our families place in us and for the dedication of the educators, staff, and community partners who work every day to support individuals with autism and their families.

Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of this important day. Your commitment to our community is deeply appreciated.

If you happened to miss this year’s event, I encourage you to reach out to the organizations and agencies listed above directly. Each of them offers valuable resources that can help families access the support and safety tools they need.

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When the Classroom Meets the Market: Citrus Students Visit Raymond James HQ

The most powerful learning often happens when classroom lessons meet the real world. Recently, 28 students from Citrus High School and Crystal River High School experienced exactly that during a remarkable visit to the headquarters of Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg. The trip was part of the Nature Coast Investment Practicum (NCIP), an innovative program that brings real-world investing and financial literacy into Citrus County classrooms.

The students who participated are enrolled in Accounting 1 or Accounting 2 at Citrus High School, taught by Mr. Russell Wilson, and the entrepreneurship class at Crystal River High School, taught by Ms. Carol Dumas. Through the NCIP program, students do far more than learn about economics in theory. They actively research companies, track industries, and manage real investments through a student-run portfolio fund.

This unique opportunity exists through a partnership with the Citrus County Education Foundation, which helps ensure Citrus County students gain exposure to real-world career pathways and financial decision-making.

The success of the program is remarkable. Just six years ago, the student-managed Manatee Investment Fund (MIF) began with a modest $25,000 seed investment. Today, that fund has grown to exceed $1 million in total value. The growth reflects both market performance and the dedication of the students who carefully manage their share of the portfolio each year.

Unlike simulations used in many classrooms, the Manatee Investment Fund invests real money in actual financial markets. Students operate within strict guidelines designed to teach discipline and diversification. At least 98 percent of their portfolio must remain invested in the market, and no more than five percent can be placed in a single stock. In addition, every company they invest in must be rated a “buy” according to research from Edward Jones. If that rating changes to “hold” or “sell,” students must evaluate the position and move their investment elsewhere.

Each investment decision requires research and justification. Students must understand the company’s business model, analyze financial metrics, and explain why they believe the stock will perform well. In doing so, they develop critical thinking skills that go far beyond a traditional classroom assignment.

The program was originally conceived by Scott Lee of Edward Jones in Inverness, whose goal was to provide students with authentic exposure to financial markets. The initiative has also been supported by Amy McLaughlin of Raymond James in Crystal River, who serves on the executive board of the Citrus County Education Foundation. Together, Lee and McLaughlin bring more than 50 years of industry experience to this local educational partnership.

McLaughlin helped arrange the behind-the-scenes experience at Raymond James headquarters, giving students an opportunity most people never get to see. They toured trading floors, operational centers, and the firm’s Cyber Threat Center. They also stepped inside the Chairman’s Board Room and met professionals responsible for investments, operations, security, and executive leadership.

The experience provided more than just a look at how financial markets operate. Students also learned about the wide range of careers within the financial industry, from analysts and cybersecurity specialists to portfolio managers and operations leaders.

One company that generated discussion during the visit was SpaceX. Raymond James professionals used the company as an example while explaining how private investments may eventually transition into publicly traded companies. These conversations helped students understand the journey many companies take from private investment to potential public offerings.

Perhaps the most impressive part of the day was the way Citrus County students demonstrated their knowledge. Each NCIP student follows not only an individual company but also a broader industry sector. When asked questions by Raymond James professionals, they confidently discussed valuation metrics, industry trends, and their own portfolio decisions.

Students talked about their buy and sell decisions with detailed explanations. They understood financial ratios, market trends, and the economic forces shaping the companies they follow. Several of the Raymond James presenters commented on how impressed they were with the level of preparation and knowledge these high school students displayed.

Lee reminded students that stock values ultimately reflect expectations about the future. Current events, economic shifts, and technological change all influence how investors evaluate companies.

Students also asked about the possibility of an artificial intelligence investment bubble. Lee noted that some technology stocks tied to AI may be priced with very high expectations, but he also acknowledged the enormous potential of the technology. Several Raymond James professionals explained that artificial intelligence is already helping them work more efficiently by improving research and analysis. Rather than replacing people, these tools are helping professionals perform their jobs with greater speed and accuracy.

McLaughlin shared her perspective when students asked about timing markets during bull and bear cycles. She explained that consistently predicting short-term market movements is extremely difficult. Investors may occasionally get lucky, but long-term success typically comes from focusing on fundamentals such as earnings growth, free cash flow, and strong business models.

Students also had the opportunity to spend time with Patrick O’Connor of Raymond James & Associates Private Client Group. A former basketball player at the University of Florida, O’Connor spoke about the human side of finance.

He explained that successful investing is not just about charts and data. Financial advisors must understand the personal stories behind their clients’ decisions. Family goals, retirement plans, charitable interests, and life events all shape how people approach investing. The most valuable role an advisor plays is helping clients navigate those decisions with confidence and discipline.

When students asked what industry would see the biggest change in the next decade, O’Connor did not hesitate. His answer was artificial intelligence. AI, he explained, is already improving client service and strengthening oversight of accounts and securities. Reviews that once required long manual processes can now be analyzed instantly. Raymond James invests roughly one billion dollars each year in technology to support both clients and employees.

For NCIP students, the visit connected classroom lessons with the real-world financial industry. They saw firsthand how investment decisions are analyzed, monitored, and implemented inside a major financial institution.

Experiences like this only happen because of strong community partnerships. Raymond James generously shared its time and expertise with local students. Teachers Russell Wilson and Carol Dumas continue to bring innovative financial education into their classrooms. Scott Lee’s vision created the foundation for the program, and Amy McLaughlin helped make this extraordinary day possible.

The program’s success also benefits students directly. Because the Manatee Investment Fund has grown so significantly, its earnings now help support scholarships for students. At the NCIP awards ceremony on April 2 at the College of Central Florida, more than $55,000 in scholarships will be awarded to students in the program.

What began with a $25,000 investment has grown into a million-dollar educational initiative that is preparing Citrus County students for careers in business, finance, and beyond. Just as importantly, it demonstrates what can happen when educators, community leaders, and industry professionals work together to give students meaningful real-world experiences.

The results speak for themselves, and the future for these students looks even brighter.

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Learning Beyond the Classroom: Lecanto High IB Students Showcase TOK and CAS Excellence

Each year there are a few events on the school calendar that I make every effort to attend, and one of my favorites took place again this week at Lecanto High School. The 2026 Junior and Senior candidates in the school’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) exhibitions. It is always an inspiring experience and a powerful reminder of the intellectual curiosity and character development taking place in our classrooms.

The exhibition highlights two defining pillars of the IB Diploma Programme. Theory of Knowledge challenges students to examine how knowledge is created and understood. Rather than simply learning facts, students analyze real world objects and connect them to broader questions about truth, perspective, and evidence.

CAS, which stands for Creativity, Activity, and Service, complements that academic reflection with meaningful real world engagement. Students design and carry out projects that combine creativity, physical activity, and service to others. These initiatives require planning, teamwork, perseverance, and reflection, and many of them make a lasting impact in our community.

One of the things I enjoy most about attending this event each year is the opportunity to listen and learn from the students about their projects and their future plans. Hearing them describe their work and the challenges they overcame is always inspiring.

This year’s projects once again reflected the creativity, compassion, and initiative of Lecanto’s IB students.

Ella Cripe combined art and literacy in a project inspired by a request from the principal at Citrus Springs Elementary School. Ella organized a project to paint decorative bricks that resemble classic children’s book covers. These colorful pieces will decorate the campus and encourage younger students to develop a love of reading.

Aedan Ellis-Morris addressed a practical need for his peers through “The Rental Closet.” The program provides professional clothing for students who need appropriate attire for interviews and other opportunities. His project recognizes that confidence often begins with preparation. Aedan has also been accepted to the highly respected Culinary Institute of America in New York.

Madison Brought demonstrated the power of community partnerships through her project Splash n’ Dash. She organized a fundraiser night at Culver’s to support the Lecanto High School swim and dive team. The event raised funds for equipment and travel while strengthening connections between the school and the local community. Madison will attend Florida Gulf Coast University.

Branden Neveau blended technology and storytelling in his project As I Fade. He developed a visual novel gaming application centered on a teenage girl in hospice care while teaching himself a new coding language and working through technical challenges. The experience helped prepare him for his future studies in computer science at the University of Florida.

Cole Tobias created a meaningful tribute with “LHS Connections to Veterans.” His remembrance display honors veterans connected to Lecanto High School and recognizes several branches of the military, including the Navy, Coast Guard, and Space Force. Cole will continue his education at University of South Florida.

Jenna Ramsey presented a collaborative service project called Easter Goodie Bags. Working with several partners, Jenna helped organize and assemble holiday bags for children in a hospital. The project required coordination among multiple organizations and highlighted the importance of teamwork and service. Jenna will attend Florida State University.

I also had the opportunity to speak with Devin Pulham, who shared the exciting news that she has received an appointment to the highly competitive United States Coast Guard Academy. Achievements like this reflect both the dedication of the student and the support of the educators guiding them.

While each project was unique, the broader message of the evening was clear. These students demonstrated curiosity, empathy, determination, and a willingness to turn ideas into meaningful action.

I also want to recognize the educators who guide students through these important parts of the IB program and thank the many IB and general education teachers who attended the exhibition and support their students every day. The junior TOK teachers, Celeste Rausch and Anna Buettner, and the senior TOK teachers, John Weil and Stephanie Smith, play a vital role in helping students develop the analytical and reflective skills that define the Theory of Knowledge course.

CAS projects also require strong support and coordination. Angela Rausch serves as the CAS coordinator, helping students develop meaningful projects and guiding them through the program’s learning outcomes.

A special thank you also goes to Dr. Ashley Shidner for organizing another outstanding event and for her leadership of the IB program at Lecanto High School.

The Lecanto High School IB program is one of several choice magnet opportunities offered by Citrus County Schools. Students apply during eighth grade for the opportunity to participate beginning their freshman year. Those who commit to the program take on rigorous coursework while also developing leadership, service, and critical thinking skills.

Events like the TOK and CAS exhibition offer a glimpse of that growth. Students enter the program curious and motivated, and they leave prepared to lead, serve, and make a difference in their communities.

Congratulations to the Lecanto High School IB students on another outstanding exhibition. I look forward to seeing the many ways they will make a difference in the years ahead.

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