Summer 2025: Citrus County Schools Construction and Maintenance in Full Swing

Summertime might bring a break in the school calendar, but for Citrus County Schools’ Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance departments, it’s one of the busiest times of the year. With students and teachers away, campuses across the district become hubs of construction, renovation, and deep maintenance work. At the helm of these summer efforts is Director Eric Stokes, a seasoned professional with over 30 years in the construction and facilities industry.

The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the department’s most active in recent memory. With dozens of major projects underway and many more in planning stages, Mr. Stokes and his teams—alongside outside contractors—are executing a wide-ranging slate of work across the district.

Major Projects Currently Under Construction

• Floral City Elementary Front Office Relocation
  A significant safety upgrade is underway with the relocation of the front office. This project, partially funded by a federal COPS grant, enhances campus security by creating a more secure and accessible entry point.
• Floral City Elementary New Classroom Wing
  A brand-new classroom wing is being added and is on track to open for the upcoming school year. This expansion will increase capacity and modernize instructional space for students and staff.
• Lecanto Middle School HVAC Upgrade – Phase II
  The second half of the Lecanto Middle School campus is receiving a much-needed HVAC overhaul. This update ensures improved climate control and energy efficiency throughout the facility.
• Lecanto Middle School First Floor Remodel
  A previously outdated space is being transformed into new classrooms. This important remodel will provide additional instructional space just in time for the fall semester.
• Hernando Elementary School Fire Alarm System Upgrade
  An outdated fire alarm system is being replaced with a modern and more reliable system, increasing the safety of students and staff throughout the campus.
• Crystal River High School Gym Reroofing Project
  A new roof is being installed on the gymnasium building. The Facilities team is working in tandem with Maintenance, which is simultaneously upgrading the building’s air conditioning systems.
• Homosassa Elementary School Intercom System Upgrade
  The original intercom system is being replaced with a more advanced communication system, improving day-to-day operations and emergency communications.
• Citrus High School Construction Academy Storage Building
  A new storage building for the Construction Academy at CHS is being erected. This grant-funded project (through a CTE grant) supports hands-on learning opportunities in skilled trades.
• Welding Program Upgrades at CHS, LHS, and CRHS
  Welding programs across Citrus, Lecanto, and Crystal River High Schools are receiving substantial facility and equipment upgrades. These improvements strengthen career and technical education offerings across the district.
• Marine Science Station Preliminary Concept Planning
  Early-stage planning is underway for future improvements at the district’s Marine Science Station, ensuring this unique learning environment continues to thrive and grow.
• Additional Grant-Funded Projects in Progress
  Several other facility improvement projects—funded through local, state, and federal grants—are underway, adding further capacity, safety, and modernization to school infrastructure across the district.

The Unsung Heroes: Custodial and Maintenance Teams

While construction crews and contractors handle the big projects, a great deal of the summer workload is shouldered by our district’s custodians and maintenance staff. These dedicated teams are working tirelessly to support ongoing construction, refresh buildings, and ensure every school is clean, safe, and ready for the return of students and teachers.

From reflooring and painting to deep cleaning and landscaping, their work is both visible and behind-the-scenes. The floors get waxed, the walls are touched up, and playgrounds, athletic fields, and outdoor spaces are maintained—all within a compressed summer timeline.

These quiet heroes work long hours, often behind the scenes and without recognition. But their contributions are essential. They are a vital part of the team that ensures our schools are more than just buildings—they are safe, comfortable, and welcoming environments for learning and growth.

Moving Forward

With so much happening in such a short period, the coordination, planning, and expertise behind these efforts cannot be overstated. Director Eric Stokes and his team continue to show a deep commitment to Citrus County Schools, ensuring that our facilities reflect the high standards we hold for education in our community.

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, students and staff will return to buildings that are not just refreshed—but reimagined for the future.

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Empowering Future Engineers — A Visit to the Peer Leaders Engineering Camp

This week I had the opportunity to visit the Peer Leaders Engineering camp, a powerful local initiative that blends real-world trades experience with mentorship and career exploration. The camp is a grassroots effort created by local plumbing contractor Tim Herndon and his wife, Dr. Holli Herndon, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) specialist with the Citrus County School District and a board member at the Academy of Environmental Science. Together, the Herndons have created something truly special for our community’s youth.

Now in its second year, the camp has doubled in size since its launch. It’s clear why—this program fills a real need. For one week, middle and high school students immerse themselves in hands-on learning experiences centered on engineering, building, construction trades, and more. From design to production to problem-solving, the camp fosters critical thinking and practical skills. Students not only use industry-standard tools but also work alongside seasoned professionals and peer mentors who model expertise, leadership, and encouragement.

As I toured the camp, I couldn’t help but be inspired by what I witnessed: students deeply engaged, laughter mixed with concentration, and a sense of purpose echoing throughout the workshop. It wasn’t just about hammers and blueprints; it was about discovery, growth, and confidence-building.

Each day during the lunch hour, the Herndons bring in guest speakers—community leaders, professionals, and mentors—to share their stories and life lessons. This week kicked off with retired Citrus County Judge Mark Yerman. Judge Yerman didn’t just talk about the legal system—he shared his personal journey, emphasizing humility, kindness, and striving to be your best self. His message resonated far beyond the courtroom and into the hearts of the young people listening.

One camper’s parent later told Dr. Herndon, “He is really enjoying this, Holli. Thank you! He said he has learned more in the last two days than he has his entire life, lol.” That kind of feedback speaks volumes. In just a few days, students are not only gaining technical know-how, but they’re also finding inspiration, new pathways, and perhaps even glimpses of their future selves.

What sets this program apart is its holistic approach. Tim Herndon emphasizes hands-on exploration as a cornerstone of the experience. His passion for the trades and his belief in the power of craftsmanship is contagious. His goal isn’t just to cultivate future builders, plumbers, or engineers—it’s to help young people recognize they have job-ready skills that can open doors to any number of pathways: workforce, military, or higher education.

This camp is more than a workshop—it’s a family mission. Dr. Holli Herndon’s role in our district as a leader in career readiness and technical education is central to its success. She understands the importance of preparing students not just for tests, but for life after graduation. Her commitment, alongside her husband’s, is evident in every nail driven, every conversation encouraged, and every student uplifted.

It’s important to note that this opportunity is entirely community-powered. The Herndons have personally funded and organized this camp. They are also consistent champions of education through their work with the Citrus County Education Foundation. Each year, they sponsor special awards at the Citrus Regional Science and Engineering Fair, further demonstrating their long-term investment in the success of local students.

In a world where too many young people feel uncertain about their futures, initiatives like the Peer Leaders Engineering camp are a beacon. They give students tools, both literal and figurative, to build something lasting—confidence, direction, and opportunity.

To Tim and Holli Herndon: thank you for creating a space where students can dream big and get their hands dirty while doing it. Your generosity, leadership, and vision are transforming lives and helping build the foundation for a stronger community.

Programs like this remind us of what’s possible when passionate people come together with purpose. Here’s to the future engineers, builders, and leaders being shaped this week—and to the inspiring people making it happen.

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Florida’s 2025 Legislative Session Ends with Big Wins for Citrus County Schools

In the very late hours of Monday evening, the Florida Legislature adjourned sine die, marking the official end of the 2025 Regular Session. But before the ceremonial dropping of the handkerchief, both chambers—the Florida House and Senate—passed the 2025 state budget. We’re proud to share that this year’s budget includes full approval of all Citrus County School Board legislative appropriation requests. These hard-won victories are a testament to persistent advocacy, strong partnerships, and a unified commitment to educational excellence.

If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, this budget will bring significant investments to Citrus County Schools, fueling innovation, safety, and expanded educational opportunities for our students. Here’s a breakdown of what this means for our community.

Crystal River High School Health Academy Expansion

$1,046,090
This appropriation is a major leap forward for our health science education efforts. The expansion will enhance the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School by increasing programming and updating state-of-the-art training facilities, including, among other additions, a simulated mini fire station. This addition will allow our Phil Royal EMT Pathway to grow by offering a Firefighter I course, broadening our reach in the public safety field.

The significance of this expansion cannot be overstated. These enhancements will be transformative, allowing more students to pursue meaningful careers in healthcare and emergency response. As workforce demands in health and public safety continue to rise across Citrus County and Florida, Citrus County Schools will be better positioned to help meet these challenges and lead by example.

Hurricane and Coastal Mitigation

$641,841
This allocation will fund essential capital improvements aimed at increasing resiliency to hurricanes and flooding at several of our school facilities. These upgrades are crucial in a coastal county like ours, where extreme weather events are not a matter of “if,” but “when.”

By investing in proactive mitigation now, we are helping to protect the continuity of learning, the safety of our students and staff, and the integrity of school infrastructure in the years ahead. This funding reflects a long-term commitment to safety, sustainability, and strategic preparedness.

Public Safety Training Annex (Including Indoor Range)

$250,000
The budget also includes initial planning and development funds for a new public safety training annex in Lecanto. This facility will help replace the county’s aging and decommissioned law enforcement training range. The vision for this annex is to provide a modern, purpose-built space to train the next generation of law enforcement professionals, first responders, and public safety leaders.

A well-equipped, accessible training space supports not just local law enforcement readiness but also creates opportunities for partnerships with schools and career academies to introduce students to careers in public safety.

Academy of Environmental Science – Building Safety Enhancements

$120,000
As a charter school operated in partnership with the district, the Academy of Environmental Science plays a unique and valued role in our local education ecosystem. This funding will go toward important safety improvements to its facilities, ensuring that students and staff can continue their hands-on, environmentally focused learning in a secure and modern setting.

Gratitude and Acknowledgements

None of this would have been possible without steadfast leadership and tireless collaboration. A special thank you goes to Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert and his leadership cabinet for their vision and strategic focus. Their dedication to student opportunity and school safety is reflected in every one of these projects.

The Citrus County School Board also deserves recognition for championing these priorities throughout the legislative session. Their commitment to forward-thinking, student-centered planning has set Citrus County apart.

We are especially grateful to Senator Blaise Ingoglia and Representative J.J. Grow for sponsoring and advancing these critical requests in Tallahassee. Senator Ingoglia, in particular, has made the Academy of Health Careers a personal legislative priority for two years running, showing what true advocacy for education can look like.

And behind every appropriation are countless hours of preparation, follow-up, and relationship-building. To the staff members, community advocates, and local leaders who supported these efforts behind the scenes, thank you. Your persistence and dedication have made a real difference.

What’s Next

In the coming days, the 2025 budget will head to Governor DeSantis’s desk for final review and signature. As with every budget cycle, the Governor has the ability to approve or veto individual line items. We remain hopeful and optimistic that the Governor will recognize the merit and impact of these requests for Citrus County and approve them in full.

We ask that you keep our students, our district, our community, and our state leaders, especially our legislators and Governor DeSantis, in your thoughts and prayers as this process moves forward.

Together, we are shaping a brighter, safer, and more opportunity-filled future for Citrus County. This legislative session was a powerful step in that journey, and we’re just getting started.

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