Citrus County Thompson “We’Re Getting Close to the Novel Corona- Struction,” School Plete Schooling All Online

Project1:Layout 1 6/10/2014 1:13 PM Page 1 Flair for Food: Food fit for family mornings /B1 THURSDAY TODAY CITRUSCOUNTY & next morning HIGH 87 Mostly sunny and LOW breezy. 62 PAGE A4 www.chronicleonline.com MAY 14, 2020 Florida’s Best Community Newspaper Serving Florida’s Best Community 50¢ VOL. 125 ISSUE 219 NEWS BRIEFS Schools face hazy future Citrus COVID-19 information Two new positive Officials studying options for summer, fall — including distance learning COVID-19 cases were re- BUSTER May 18 how that’ll be done. March because of reimagine the in- in-person lessons; or com- ported in Citrus County THOMPSON “We’re getting close to the novel corona- struction,” school plete schooling all online. since the latest FDOH up- Staff writer that point ... when final de- virus, but school district Chief Aca- Mullen said district staff date. No new deaths cisions are going to made,” district staff is demic Officer Dr. is exploring how their were reported. To date in Citrus County School Assistant Superintendent looking at each Scott Hebert said summer camps could op- the county, 109 people District administrators are of Schools Mike Mullen scenario. Tuesday. erate, but the likelihood of have tested positive and getting a new framework told school board mem- That includes Depending on them all opening is slim. 11 have died. in place to show what bers at a Tuesday evening creating an entire guidance from the Before the start of next For more information, classes will look like meeting. virtual program Dr. Scott CDC and DeSan- school year in August, the during the summer and see Sunday’s edition. It’s still unclear what the for Citrus County Hebert tis, Hebert said school district wants to next school year amid Centers of Disease Control schools. chief academic there are three op- bring a complete virtual Human remains COVID-19. and Prevention (CDC) and “We’re planning officer for tions on the table schooling program online Superintendent of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for change ... we Citrus County for schools: face- with standard instruction have been Schools Sandra “Sam” will recommend for stu- need to think schools. to-face teaching and a single learning identified Himmel is expected to an- dents returning to cam- about innovation in our with social distancing; a nounce early the week of Skeletal human re- puses, which closed in work ... and we need to mix of online and See SCHOOLS/Page A2 mains recovered on April 26 have been identified as 42-year-old Mar- ion County resident Kevin Buonocore. According to a Citrus Exercise options slowly expand County Sheriff’s Office press release, an autopsy showed no signs of trauma, and the cause of death is undetermined. Buonocore’s last known contact was in 2017, and he was not reported as missing to law enforcement. Those with information about acquaintances of Buonocore or why Buonocore may have been in Citrus County, should call the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 352- 726-1121, or contact the Citrus County Crime Stoppers at 1-888-ANY- TIPS to remain anonymous. Vacant mobile home destroyed by fire Fire destroyed a vacant mobile home Tues- day afternoon on East Mars Street in Inverness. When firefighters ar- rived at 1:08 p.m., the mobile home was 25% in- volved with fire coming from a wooden porch at the rear of the building. MATTHEW BECK/Chronicle By 1:25 p.m., firefighters The Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA reopened its pool Wednesday morning. Wednesday morning marked the first phase in the had the fire under control. opening of the Citrus Memorial Health Foundation YMCA. The Y’s pool and outdoor exercise areas are open, with some restrictions. The structure was un- occupied, a total loss, and no injuries were Crystal River, Inverness reopen parks; reported. Man charged Bicentennial pool to allow lap swimming with starting Chronicle distancing of 6 feet is necessary to 343-acre wildfire help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Crystal River and Inverness on For more information call, 352-726- SANTA ROSA BEACH Wednesday announced the expanded 3913 or 352-726-1995 or visit https://bit. — A Florida Panhandle reopening of their parks. ly/2WQ16C4. man who set up an illegal Inverness’ expansion includes disc Crystal River has reopened all burn barrel on his prop- golf and the tennis, racquetball, pick- parks and facilities, including Hunter erty caused a wildfire that leball and basketball courts at Whis- Springs Park. torched approximately pering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive. People will be allowed to visit 343 acres of wild lands It also includes the shuffleboard Hunter Springs Park to walk, swim, and damaged or de- courts at Wallace Brooks Park, 399 E. play and picnic until sunset. Everyone stroyed about 59 homes, Dampier St. will be asked to follow social distanc- state officials said. Park hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and ing guidelines, including staying 6 feet Allen Smith, 58, was admission is free. To ensure the safety from others, not gathering in groups of of all parkgoers, federal and state so- more than 10, and practicing good hy- arrested Tuesday and cial distancing/gathering guidelines giene. The park will be monitored. charged with misde- remain in place. Groups of more than meanor counts of reck- 10 will not be permitted, and social See EXERCISE/Page A5 less burning of lands, violating open burning re- quirements and burning YMCA Lead Personal Trainer John Gibson on Wednesday conducts Boot Camp of illegal materials, the with Y member Lesley Folster as the Y reopens parts of the facility. Y members Florida Department of Ag- must reserve swim lanes and spots for workouts during Boot Camp exercise classes. For instructions on how to register, social distancing guidelines and riculture and Consumer other pertinent information go to www.ymcasuncoast.org. Services said in a news release. — From staff and wire reports INDEX Classifieds . .B5 Comics . B4. Tourism official: ‘We are Board turns aside Crossword . .B8 Editorial . A8 Entertainment . .A4 attempt to fire Lyn Horoscope . A4 turning the faucet back on’ Sports . A6 MIKE WRIGHT Lottery Numbers . .A6 MICHAEL D. BATES moving forward with those events. Staff writer Lottery Payouts . .A6 Staff writer John Pricher, executive director of the Obituaries . .A5 Citrus County Visitors Bureau, had shut Four of five Citrus County com- TV Listings . .B3 The Citrus County Tourist Develop- down marketing the last month due to missioners believe County Attor- ment Council (TDC) was in a giving mood the economic lockdown. But that’s about ney Denise Dymond Lyn is doing Wednesday, doling out $23,500 in grants to change. good work worthy of a pay raise. to help event organizers put on upcoming “In terms of marketing, we are turning Jimmie T. A fifth commissioner wanted her fired. events. the faucet back on this week,” Pricher Smith Four commissioners refused to Many of those organizers told the board told the board. commissioner they are mindful the COVID-19 pandemic unhappy with could alter plans but, for now, they are See TOURISM/Page A2 attorney. See LYN/Page A2 A2 Thursday, May 14, 2020 LocaL Citrus County (FL) ChroniCLe recommend giving the city of the manatee experi- “We don’t know what’s program would remain of Inverness $7,500 to as- ence, “visitors will be going to happen in Au- available each school year TOURISM sist officials there in its more likely to stay longer SCHOOLS gust,” Mullen said. as a better back-up plan if Continued from Page A1 out-of-county marketing. and even return to Citrus Continued from Page A1 Hebert said schools are campuses close again — if Inverness City Manager County,” according to the also working to provide ex- they’re needed for storm The marketing, he said, Eric Williams said this applicant’s write-up to the platform — like Google tensive emotional support shelters, for example. will be of a “softer” nature partnership is an example TDC. Classroom — for teachers, and therapy to students School board members — sort of a “we’re open” of synergy between the n The TDC gave the Cit- students and parents to when they return in the said the district should type. He’s also shifting city and county and the rus County Education use without much fall, including standard market their virtual class- marketing money from in- money will be used to off- Foundation $7,500 to sup- training. mental-health checks. room program as much as ternational promotion to set the city’s annual adver- port its Lake Hernando Trish Kahler, director of Schools will also assess possible. the drive market. tising budget of $80,000. Dragon Boat Festival on elementary education, students to help deter- They also urged state Hotels have also been The money will be used Nov. 7. said a committee of par- mine how their recent ac- lawmakers to consider feeling the hit. Guests are to help market such events TDC member Gene ents, teachers and school ademic progress was changing funding policies scarce. as the annual Great Amer- McGee said the event officials is researching on- affected out of a class- to help school districts stay Pricher is hoping once ican Cooter Fest, the Festi- “puts us on the map line schooling providers room, and additional tu- afloat as their coffers are Gov. Ron DeSantis val of the Arts and other internationally.” and classroom platforms. toring will be provided, strained by unforeseen ex- launches the second phase festivals. n The Homosassa Civic School district staff will Hebert said. penses because of the of the recovery process, “This partnership will Club got $1,500 to help also survey parents and Mullen said a main goal virus.

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