The Citrus County Aviation Advisory Board on Nov. 2025 discussed a string of airport infrastructure projects affecting Crystal River and Inverness airports, highlighting a newly approved state grant, recent repairs and lingering questions about schedule and funding.

Todd Regan, the county’s aviation project manager, told the board FDOT approved an 80/20 grant totaling $200,000 to replace Crystal River taxiway and runway lighting. “That’s gonna help us purchase new taxiway, and runway lighting,” Regan said, noting some fixtures are obsolete and that runway/taxiway lighting is the priority. He added that PAPI units and pedestal lighting are more expensive: “Those are about $20,000 a pair.”

Why it matters: Regan said replacing lights will improve safety and reliability at Crystal River but could compete for funds with larger projects. The board pressed on maintenance and liability when lights or AWOS units are out; Regan said NOTAMs are useful but repairs must be made “ASAP” for safe operations.

The board also reviewed a completed sinkhole repair on Runway 9 at Crystal River. Regan said the runway is now fully operational and the county is awaiting a final invoice, which he estimated as “north of $130,000.”

Runway-extension funding and schedule
Regan updated the board on the Runway 27 extension, saying environmental and planning documents were submitted to the FAA Nov. 6 and the agency would likely take 30–45 days to review. He said the project’s grant was about $7.1 million and that the environmental assessment has cost roughly $600,000 so far. “If we can pull some of these projects, like taking care of some lights…that’s gonna give us a better buffer room for construction,” Regan said, noting FDOT indicated it is not in a position to provide additional funds beyond the current appropriation.

Fuel tank and AWOS procurement
Board members asked about the replacement fuel tank schedule; Regan said a new Notice to Proceed will be issued “ASAP” and the contractor must supply a revised schedule. On AWOS (automated weather-observing system) replacements, Regan said the county will send a budget resolution to the Board of County Commissioners on Nov. 18, seek work authorization Dec. 9 and advertise bids in January for a combined project serving both airports.

Hangars, utilities and a completed corporate event
Regan reported three vacant hangars with an active wait list, and cited quotes for gang-meter electric retrofits to remove tenant billing responsibility; the county is evaluating whether rents should be adjusted to reflect the change. He also reported a well-attended groundbreaking at a county business park.

Votes at a glance
• Approval of previous meeting minutes — mover: Jean Davis; second: Charles Carr; outcome: approved by voice vote.
• Motion to adjourn — outcome: approved by voice vote.

Next steps: The board will continue preparing project schedules and will monitor FAA and FDOT reviews. Regan said he will run updated budget projections and report back if additional local funding or re-scoped work is required.