Congratulations to Senator Blaise Ingoglia on His Appointment as Florida’s Chief Financial Officer

It’s with genuine excitement and pride that we congratulate Senator Blaise Ingoglia on his appointment by Governor Ron DeSantis to serve as Florida’s next Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is a significant and well-earned opportunity, and we are confident that Senator Ingoglia will bring the same energy, dedication, and sharp focus to this new role that he has shown throughout his years of public service.

The responsibilities of Florida’s CFO are wide-ranging and vital to our state’s well-being. They include financial management, insurance regulation and consumer services, treasury and investment functions, workers’ compensation oversight, and fraud prevention. In addition, the CFO serves as Florida’s State Fire Marshal, overseeing fire safety standards, investigations, and firefighter training.

It’s that final responsibility—State Fire Marshal—that especially excites me because of its potential to strengthen an already growing connection between CFO Ingoglia and our local students.

Thanks in part to this year’s legislative appropriations, which Senator Ingoglia spent several years championing, Citrus County is expanding its educational and workforce offerings at the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. This year’s funding begins laying the groundwork for a future “Firefighter I” course offering, integrated into our EMT/EMS pathway. This program will give students a head start in emergency services and first responder training and open doors to lifelong public safety careers.

And let’s be honest—there may be no stronger way to fight a blaze than with a Blaise.

Senator Ingoglia’s support of our students and programs has been anything but distant or symbolic. He’s shown up—in the classrooms, in the labs, and in the lives of our students. He knows many of them by name, even giving a few memorable nicknames. Who can forget the now locally famous weightlifting challenge where Senator Ingoglia went toe-to-toe with some of our state champion student-athletes? Or the visit to the Florida Senate chambers, where our students met with him and—yes—threw a football under the Capitol dome?

We are deeply grateful to Senator Ingoglia for his service in the Florida Senate and for the unwavering support he has shown to our students and programs. His focus on expanding opportunities, improving access, and showing up—both figuratively and literally—has made a lasting impact in Citrus County.

While his new duties as CFO will be substantial, I have no doubt that Blaise will continue to carry the hearts, hopes, and dreams of our students with him. His leadership, vision, and genuine connection with young people will be an asset to all Floridians—and especially to those seeking opportunities in public service careers.

Godspeed, Blaise!

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Transforming Health Careers in Citrus County: TGH and CRHS Health Academy Forge Powerful New Partnership

At the July 8, 2025 meeting, your Citrus County School Board unanimously approved a transformative memorandum of understanding with Tampa General Hospital to support the Academy of Health Careers (AHC) at Crystal River High School. This partnership marks a pivotal step in elevating health sciences education and expanding workforce pathways for students across Citrus County.

Under this three-year title partnership agreement, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Crystal River will provide approximately $300,000 in both direct and in-kind support to the AHC and its associated programs. Of that generous funding, $150,000 will be direct contributions to Crystal River High School to support AHC operations and founded through the Citrus County Education Foundation (CCEF) through an “A+ Partnership” aligned with CCEF’s mission to connect community resources and enhance educational opportunities. An additional $150,000 in estimated in-kind contributions—including clinical learning tools, mentorship programs, site visits, and professional development—rounds out this comprehensive investment.

Established over 30 years ago, the Academy of Health Careers is Citrus County’s longest-running academy program and the district’s first magnet academy. From its modest beginning as a single pathway, the program has grown to include: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assisting, Certified Veterinary Assisting, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and Biomedical Science.

This wide range of offerings has allowed AHC to become a hub for high school students pursuing rigorous, hands-on training in real-world health professions.

The AHC, uniquely housed on the Crystal River High School campus, is one of only a few comprehensive health career academies located on a high school campus in Florida—and among an elite group nationally. The program features:

• A multi-station patient care simulation lab
• A six-station full-service dental suite
• Multiple chemistry and biology labs
• Varied classroom environments
• A veterinary sciences lab
• Plans for a radiology suite

The breadth and scope of this academy reflect a forward-thinking vision to prepare students not only for traditional clinical roles but also for the wide array of professions that make modern healthcare systems thrive.

This partnership with Tampa General Hospital—a leading nonprofit academic medical center affiliated with USF Health—is more than just an infusion of funding. It represents a shared commitment to the future. By engaging students early, investing in their training, and giving them hands-on experience, we can better prepare them to fill in-demand roles in our region’s growing healthcare sector. Whether students are interested in nursing, administration, culinary services, hospital engineering, information technology, or public safety, this collaboration ensures they have a strong local pathway toward meaningful careers.

The leadership behind this effort deserves recognition. Tampa General Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer John Couris championed this vision personally, supported by senior team members including Jennifer Siem, Senior Director of Strategic Growth and Governmental Affairs, and Linda Stockton, Senior Vice President and President of TGH Crystal River. Working in close coordination with Citrus County Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert and his team—led by Director of Special Academic Programs Darrick Buettner, Deb Stanley, Director of CTE, Phil Mcleod, principal CRHS, Stacie Lewis, AP CRHS—and CCEF Executive Director Shaunda Burdette and Amy McLaughlin, this group brought to life a bold new partnership grounded in shared values of education, service, and excellence.

This agreement arrives during a period of remarkable growth for Tampa General Hospital in Citrus County. Already operating a 128-bed acute care facility in Crystal River, TGH is expanding through its “TGH North” initiative, which includes a state-of-the-art, approximately 400-bed medical campus now under development in Citrus Hills. Built in phases on a 53-acre parcel at County Road 486 and Forest Ridge Boulevard, the project will begin with a 120-bed hospital tower, medical office buildings, and a helipad. A second phase will expand capacity to the full 400 beds, alongside additional infrastructure. This development signals both greater access to high-quality care for local residents as well as a major new source of healthcare-related employment and career training for generations to come.

This private investment by Tampa General builds on strong momentum from the public sector. Earlier this year, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Legislature approved $1,046,090 in legislative funding to support the expansion of the Academy of Health Careers at Crystal River High School. These combined public-private contributions are making it possible to upgrade facilities, expand programming, and increase access to advanced training for students. It’s an alignment of mission and opportunity that few districts in Florida—or across the country—can replicate.

The significance of this partnership cannot be overstated. It positions Citrus County as a statewide leader in career and technical education, demonstrating what’s possible when schools, hospitals, and community organizations work together to invest in students. As the demand for skilled healthcare workers grows—especially in rural and underserved areas—programs like AHC provide a scalable, sustainable solution to workforce development. Most importantly, they give students real choices and real futures, right here at home.

As a school district, we are proud of what this partnership means for our students and community—but this is only the beginning. We encourage every student, parent, and educator to explore the opportunities being created. With continued support from leaders like John Couris, Dr. Scott Hebert, Darrick Buettner, Jennifer Siem, Linda Stockton, Shaunda Burdette, and the many others who helped make this vision a reality, our schools are now positioned not only to prepare students for college and careers, but to help anchor a healthier, more prosperous future for all of Citrus County.

To the students of AHC and beyond: we hope you’ll take full advantage of what’s being built for you. The future of healthcare in Citrus County is not just being shaped by hospitals and government—it’s being shaped by you.

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Summer at Our Schools: A Season of Preparation, Planning, and Purpose

It’s always invigorating and insightful to visit our schools during the academic year—but there’s something uniquely energizing about being on campus during the summer. While students are enjoying their well-earned break, the heart of our school district continues to beat strong. Across Citrus County, summer is a time of focused preparation—from our dedicated facilities and custodial teams to our school leaders, who are laying the groundwork for the upcoming year.

Today, I had the pleasure of visiting Lecanto High School and spending time with their new principal, Troy LaBarbara. I was instantly struck by a contagious sense of momentum and positivity—a feeling of excitement and purpose already humming through the halls. Mr. LaBarbara greeted me in the lobby and quickly led me to what he calls the “Principal’s Classroom,” located right at the front of the school.

As I stepped into the room, I was struck by the environment—it felt more like a strategy hub than a typical classroom or office. The walls were lined with whiteboards covered in detailed, student-focused academic planning. Themes like creating optimal learning environments, increasing student outcomes and engagement, empowering parents, and supporting educators and school teams were all thoughtfully mapped out.

Lecanto High is an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, and it was evident that Mr. LaBarbara’s vision extends far beyond just strengthening the IB program—though he is clearly laser-focused on that as well. His goal is to bring that same level of excellence and opportunity to all students. As he walked me through the plans, he wasn’t just presenting information—he was modeling what academic leadership at LHS will look like. He shared his vision, laid out expectations, and pointed toward the incredible opportunities ahead. Before I knew it, I found myself sitting down, completely drawn in—like a student in a class I didn’t want to leave.

While I was there, I also had the pleasure of spending time with new Assistant Principal and proud LHS alumna Elizabeth Moran, who entered the room full of energy and enthusiasm for the year ahead. She was soon joined by Assistant Principal Richard Crowley and the ever-enthusiastic Athletic and Activities Director, Coach Peter Rausch. It was clear that this leadership team is aligned and working closely together to shape a strong direction for Lecanto High.

Mr. LaBarbara, a graduate of Springstead High School, began his education career in Hernando County, where he also served as principal of Weeki Wachee High School. He later advanced his leadership journey in Martin County, serving as Assistant Superintendent of Academic and Instructional Services. His return to the Nature Coast brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student success—along with a desire to be closer to family. He’s already making a significant impact.

What’s happening at LHS is not the exception—it’s a reflection of the broader work being done across Citrus County. I’ve recently spent time at Crystal River High School and Citrus Springs Middle School, and I’ll continue visiting more schools as they develop their School Improvement Plans and strategies for the upcoming year.

Education can often feel like a roller coaster—with discussions around budgets, staffing, curriculum, and policy—but what always keeps me grounded and hopeful is seeing the year-round dedication of our educators. Whether in offices, classrooms, or even at kitchen tables at home, these professionals are constantly thinking, planning, and working to make each day a meaningful and personalized learning opportunity for every student.

The summer may be quiet in the halls, but it is far from idle. It is a season of building—not just buildings, but dreams.

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