Duke Announces CR3 Plant to Close

This morning we received the news that many in Citrus County have worried and dreaded, Duke Energy announced that CR3 (known commonly as the Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant) is to close permanently.

In a press release Duke Energy stated, “Following a comprehensive analysis, Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, announced today that it will retire the Crystal River Nuclear Plant (CR3) in Citrus County, Fla.” (Click here to read the full press release)

The press release went on to say, “The energy complex’s four coal plants remain in service in Citrus County.”  Duke went on to say, “The coal-fired units and employees are not affected by today’s announcement.” Duke however explained that, “the company expects to retire the two older coal-fired plants (units 1 and 2) in the coming years – most likely in the 2015-2018 time frame – due to changing federal regulations, but there is no specific retirement plan for the units today.”

The press release explained that approximately 600 full-time employees work at the Nuclear Plant.   Duke said that many will remain onsite to work through the closing and decommissioning of the unit.

As to the future of Crystal River and Citrus County Duke said, “the company is evaluating the potential to build a new, state-of-the-art, natural gas-fueled power plant, which could come online as early as 2018. There is no definitive plan for new generating capacity at this time.”  Duke further said, “The company has invested more than $1 billion in recent years in adding advanced emission controls on the newer coal-fired plants (Crystal River units 4 and 5) and plans to continue to operate those units for many years to meet customer electricity demands.”

Comments Off on Duke Announces CR3 Plant to Close
Filed under: News & Updates

LHS/CF Student Wins Leadership 4 Life Fellowship Scholarship

I had the great honor of attending a surprise announcement and celebration for Wade McDonald who was selected one out of only five students in Florida for the Leadership 4 Life Fellowship through the Take Stock in Children program.

I encourage you if you haven’t already to read Chronicle reporter, Mike Wright’s article, “Leader for life”.  Click here to read story.

From Take Stock in Children – Wade McDonald, posted by Citrus County School District on 1/31/2013 (12 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


(Take Stock in Children – Wade McDonald)

Comments Off on LHS/CF Student Wins Leadership 4 Life Fellowship Scholarship
Filed under: News & Updates

Galaxy of Stars 2013

Last Thursday we attended the annual Galaxy of Stars to recognize our 2014 Teachers of the Year and the 2013 School-Related Employees of the Year.  This annual event is presented by the Citrus County Educational Foundation with sponsored support of the Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, Bright House Networks and Crystal Automotive.

This event is about honoring these special people who have been selected by their peers and schools.  These Honorees often express how they are not just there for themselves but are their representing their peers in their respective professions.  It is challenging times for all those that work in and around public education.  This evening was a time when the worries and stresses of education could be set aside to give tribute and praise for the work they do each day for the students of Citrus County public schools.

We thank each of the honorees for all the acts both big and little that they do each day.

Citrus High School 12th-grade English/language arts teacher Nancy Smith displays her Teacher of the Year and Rock Crusher Elementary School data/guidance secretary Jamie Lewis is hugged Thursday night as she is named School-Related Employee of the Year. Congratulations as you continue on to represent Citrus County in your respective state competitions.

Below are some of the wonderful pictures taken by Citrus School District, Chris Gangler.

From Galaxy of Stars 2013, posted by Citrus County School District on 1/28/2013 (166 items)

Generated by Facebook Photo Fetcher 2


(Galaxy of Stars 2013)

Comments Off on Galaxy of Stars 2013
Filed under: News & Updates