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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