Residents urge Citrus County board to choose narrower 20.1 airport approach to spare trees
July 10, 2026 | Citrus County, Florida
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
At its July 9, 2026 meeting, the Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board heard residents urge planners to adopt a less destructive airport approach that would remove fewer trees.
A resident who spelled her last name G‑A‑T‑T‑I told the board the initial notice for the approach showed a "massive amount of trees being removed" and that removal language included a clause about doing the work "if funding is available." The resident said the community favors the 20.1 approach as a better alternative and warned that trees "are more than just a beautiful place to live, they really do help the environment" by absorbing pollutants and supporting wildlife.
Todd Regan, the county aviation project manager, confirmed the board had received comment forms and encouraged residents to file comments; he said the board will have a second public-comment opportunity later in the meeting and that staff will gather and share additional input with project partners. Regan also noted the draft environmental assessment (phase 2) will be the subject of a public involvement meeting on July 16 at the Discovery Crystal River Visitor Center from 4–7 p.m.
Why it matters: selection of an instrument approach determines required obstacle clearance and can drive vegetation removal and property impacts; language tying tree removal to future funding raised residents’ concern that a larger footprint could be authorized if money becomes available.
Board response and next steps: staff said it will take resident comments and project alternatives into account, continue public outreach, and confirm procedural steps with FAA and county partners. The board did not take a formal vote on the approach at the July 9 meeting; the draft EA public involvement meeting is the next scheduled public milestone.
The board scheduled a follow-up opportunity for public input later in the meeting and listed further project details on the public portal; the Crystal River draft EA public meeting is July 16, 2026.
A resident who spelled her last name G‑A‑T‑T‑I told the board the initial notice for the approach showed a "massive amount of trees being removed" and that removal language included a clause about doing the work "if funding is available." The resident said the community favors the 20.1 approach as a better alternative and warned that trees "are more than just a beautiful place to live, they really do help the environment" by absorbing pollutants and supporting wildlife.
Todd Regan, the county aviation project manager, confirmed the board had received comment forms and encouraged residents to file comments; he said the board will have a second public-comment opportunity later in the meeting and that staff will gather and share additional input with project partners. Regan also noted the draft environmental assessment (phase 2) will be the subject of a public involvement meeting on July 16 at the Discovery Crystal River Visitor Center from 4–7 p.m.
Why it matters: selection of an instrument approach determines required obstacle clearance and can drive vegetation removal and property impacts; language tying tree removal to future funding raised residents’ concern that a larger footprint could be authorized if money becomes available.
Board response and next steps: staff said it will take resident comments and project alternatives into account, continue public outreach, and confirm procedural steps with FAA and county partners. The board did not take a formal vote on the approach at the July 9 meeting; the draft EA public involvement meeting is the next scheduled public milestone.
The board scheduled a follow-up opportunity for public input later in the meeting and listed further project details on the public portal; the Crystal River draft EA public meeting is July 16, 2026.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
