Summertime Hustle: A Glimpse into Citrus County Schools’ Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance Departments

Summer is a season of transformation, not just for students enjoying their break, but also for the Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance departments of Citrus County Schools. Led by seasoned expert Director Eric Stokes, these departments work tirelessly to ensure our schools are ready for the upcoming academic year. With over 30 years of experience in the construction and facilities industry, Mr. Stokes brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to his role. His career is split evenly between the private sector and Citrus County Schools, giving him a unique perspective on both worlds.

Major Projects of Summer 2024

This summer has been exceptionally busy for Mr. Stokes, his team, and the external contractors they oversee. Let’s dive into some of the major projects that have been keeping them on their toes:

Lecanto Middle School HVAC Upgrades

One of the most significant undertakings has been the HVAC upgrades at Lecanto Middle School (LMS). The project involves upgrading the air conditioning system across approximately half the school. This $2.5 million endeavor is slated to be completed in just 60 days, with the remaining upgrades scheduled for next summer. Remarkably, the current units, which were designed to last 15 years, have been operational for 24 years, underscoring the talent of the team that has been maintaining these units, but also highlighting the urgent need for this upgrade.

Citrus High School Fire Alarm System Replacement

At Citrus High School (CHS), the entire fire alarm system is being replaced campus-wide. This $600,000 project will significantly enhance safety and reliability, providing peace of mind for students, staff, and parents alike.

Floral City Elementary Kitchen Renovation and Expansion

One of the most challenging projects has been the kitchen renovation and expansion at Floral City Elementary (FCE). This project, which is nearing completion, has involved remodeling and expanding both the kitchen and cafeteria, adding outdoor dining areas, upgrading the electrical service, and implementing multiple security enhancements. Despite the challenges, the improvements promise to enhance the dining experience and overall safety for students and staff.

Floral City Elementary New Classroom Wing

In addition to the kitchen renovation, FCE is also set to receive a new classroom wing. Demolition is expected to begin this week, pending final permitting approvals. This exciting project is anticipated to be ready for the 2025-2026 school year, providing much-needed space and modern facilities for future students.

Notable Maintenance Projects

The summer schedule also includes several significant maintenance projects:

• Reroofing: Homosassa Elementary and Crystal River High School (CRHS) are undergoing extensive reroofing to address wear and tear and ensure the buildings are protected from the elements.
• Annual Upgrades: The yearly carpet replacement, painting, and floor refinishing program is in full swing, ensuring that our schools are refreshed and ready for the new academic year.

Smaller Projects and Continuous Improvement

Beyond the headline projects, many of our schools are undergoing smaller but equally important upgrades. These include reflooring, painting, general maintenance, and various repairs. These efforts are crucial in maintaining the overall quality and functionality of our school facilities.

The Unsung Heroes: Custodians

Amidst all the construction and maintenance activities, our custodians play a vital role. These quiet heroes work long hours on tight timelines to maintain construction areas and refresh the floors, buildings, and facilities both inside and out. Their dedication ensures that our schools remain safe, comfortable, and clean environments conducive to learning.

Custodians’ work does not go unnoticed, as their contributions are invaluable. They tackle the monumental task of cleaning and maintaining the facilities, ensuring that every classroom is ready for students and teachers to return. From scrubbing floors to managing waste, their work is essential to the smooth operation of our schools.

Summertime is Going Fast

Summertime is a period of intense activity for Citrus County Schools’ Facilities, Construction, and Maintenance departments. Under the expert leadership of Director Eric Stokes, these teams are making significant strides in improving our school infrastructure. From major HVAC and fire alarm upgrades to kitchen renovations and new classroom wings, their efforts are paving the way for a better, safer, and more efficient learning environment.

The dedication of our maintenance staff and custodians further enhances these efforts, ensuring that every corner of our schools is ready for the new academic year. As we look forward to the start of school, let’s take a moment to appreciate the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in these projects. Their contributions are laying the foundation for a successful and productive school year ahead.

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A Morning with Citrus County Blessings: Combatting Hunger One Meal at a Time

This morning, I had the privilege of participating as one of the Board of Directors of Citrus County Harvest, also known as Citrus County Blessings. This local non-profit organization is dedicated to silencing the weekend, holiday, and summer hunger of local children in need. Each week during the school year, and as part of the Summer Feeding Program, participants in the program receive a bag of food to take home, ensuring they have the nourishment they need outside of school hours.

Today’s board meeting was another great opportunity to dive into the vital work this organization is doing. Under the leadership of Executive Director Christina Reed and Operations Director Rachelle Garrett, and supported by Gail Bockiaro, Board Chairperson, along with the entire Executive Board and Board of Directors, Citrus County Blessings continues to make a significant impact in our community.

The meeting began with an inspiring impact story shared by one of the high school student representatives, Eli Langston from Crystal River High School. Eli recounted his experience volunteering in the Summer Feeding Program, highlighting the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping others. Eli is one of approximately eight student representatives from various schools including CRHS, LHS, CHS, Seven Rivers Christian Schools, and Inverness Christian Academy. These students not only volunteer in Blessings programs and fundraisers but also provide an important perspective on the Board of Directors, contributing to policy development and strategic planning.

Following Eli’s story, Rachelle Garrett provided an update on the Summer Feeding Program, “Feed the Kids.” Rachelle shared that the program is currently averaging the feeding of about 275 students and 200 adults weekly, spanning around 100 families. Participants in the summer feeding program receive fresh produce once a week during the ten weeks of summer break. This effort ensures that families have access to nutritious food during the summer months when school meals are not readily available.

A special mention goes to our local Wawa and their team members, facilitated by Wawa director manager and Blessings board member Nancy Delaney. Each week, Wawa provides special meals and snacks, which have been a big hit with the kids. This collaboration exemplifies how local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting community initiatives.

In addition to our ongoing programs, we are excited about an upcoming fundraiser. On July 18, 2024, from 5 to 8 pm, the Lecanto Culver’s will host its 40th Birthday fundraiser, where 10% of the earnings will go to Blessings. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to enjoy a great meal while supporting a worthy cause. We encourage everyone to stop by Culver’s, enjoy some delicious food, and help benefit the children of Citrus County Blessings.

As I reflect on today’s meeting, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the work being done by Citrus County Blessings. The dedication of our leadership, the hard work of our volunteers, and the generosity of our community partners all contribute to our mission of ensuring that no child goes hungry. Together, we are making a difference, one meal at a time.

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July 4^th: Our Independence Day

Celebrating Independence Day: Honoring Our Heritage and Community in Citrus County

Today, in Citrus County, we celebrate our great nation’s 248th Independence Day. Reflecting on the storied history of Massachusetts, where pivotal moments of our fight for independence took place, I am filled with nostalgia and pride. My childhood was marked by visits to the hallowed grounds of the battles of Lexington and Concord, walking the historic Freedom Trail, and stepping aboard the Navy’s oldest commissioned ship, the USS Constitution, affectionately known as “Old Ironsides.”

Although Citrus County is geographically distant from these iconic landmarks, our community, families, and students take immense pride in our shared American heritage. This day serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values and freedoms we cherish. While most students in Citrus County Schools are on summer break, many are actively honoring our country in various meaningful ways.

We have students participating in Boys State and Girls State in Tallahassee, engaging in civic education and leadership development. Our JROTC cadets and other student volunteers are dedicating their time to community events, embodying the spirit of service and patriotism. The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are also actively involved in numerous events and activities, demonstrating their commitment to community and country.

Today, as I stand in this great nation, I am profoundly grateful. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who have sacrificed and continue to serve to keep our nation safe and free. Their dedication and bravery ensure that the principles upon which our country was founded remain strong.

Our celebration today is not just about fireworks and parades but a reflection on the core values that define us as a nation. It is about remembering the sacrifices made by countless individuals to secure our freedoms and recognizing the ongoing efforts of those who serve and protect our nation today.

In Citrus County, we may be far from the historical battlefields of the American Revolution, but the spirit of independence and patriotism thrives within our community. Our students, families, and residents embody the essence of what it means to be American. They honor our past while actively contributing to our future, ensuring that the legacy of our forebears continues to inspire and guide us.

On this Independence Day, I feel privileged to be part of such a vibrant and dedicated community. God bless our United States of America, and may we continue to uphold the ideals of freedom, justice, and unity for generations to come.

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