Citrus County begins phase two of Inverness Airport Business Park; officials tout job creation potential

Phase two of the Inverness Airport Business Park began April 6, 2026, as the county advances long-running plans to develop airport-adjacent industrial space, the program reported.

Steve Howard, presenter of Citrus County in Focus, said fill from phase one—"over 200,000 cubic yards worth of fill"—is being spread for future development south of the current T-hangars, with space planned for additional hangars and aviation-dependent facilities. "What this is allowing us to do is ... attract businesses to come here that require airport access via a taxiway," he said.

Why it matters: The presenter framed the project as an economic-development initiative designed to bring higher-paying, skilled jobs to the county by creating direct runway access for businesses that depend on aircraft movements. He said the runway is 5,000 feet, which limits the category of aircraft but fits the county's plan to target manufacturing and aviation-related firms.

Project details cited on-air included a construction start date of April 6, 2026, anticipated completion before the following summer, the use of phase-one fill, and placement of new hangar areas on the south side of the airport. The program did not provide budget figures, developer names, contract details, or permitting timelines on-air.

What comes next: The presenter said construction is underway and framed the project as a potential long-term economic driver; the program did not include statements from county economic-development staff, developers, or aviation tenants during the segment.