Citrus County, FL

Citrus County is part of “Florida’s Nature Coast,” occupying a land area of 582 square miles on the west-central coast of Florida off the Gulf of Mexico. It is more laid-back as compared to its neighbors Tampa to the north and Orlando towards northwest.

This county was founded in 1887, and as its name suggests, it initially thrived on citrus farms. These bread-and-butter plantations, however, virtually ended in 1894‒1895 because of a great freeze in Florida. Phosphate mining then became the county’s main industry, but this too fizzled out at the start of World War I, and the county stagnated for 50 years into a rural economy based on farming, cattle-raising, fishing, and timber.

Fit for Quiet Retirement

Today, Citrus County still retains much of its small-town charm, a come-on for many retirees and seniors which were estimated to constitute approximately a third of its population of 145,671 as of 2017. As to be expected, health care services is one of the top sources of employment in this county.

The largest industry in Citrus now is the electric power-generating complex that Florida Power Corporation built near the county’s Crystal River in the 1970s. A new natural gas-based power plant of Duke Energy Florida is likewise set in this area.

Its waterways, as seen in Crystal River, are assets vital to Citrus County, which is why it is called “The Water Lover’s Florida.” All in all, the county has seven pristine waterways running through its territory.

Top Tourist Draw

Besides its being host to power-generating capacities, Crystal River is a habitat for the largest congregation of wintering manatees in the country. The seasonal visits of this herd count as a major local tourist attraction, as visitors are allowed to swim and interact with the manatees in Crystal River, the only U.S. spot where it is legal to do so.

Ecological and environmental protection is high on the priorities of Citrus County. With its status as part of Florida’s Nature Coast, the county is committed to protect more than 98,000 acres of its territory.

Because of its pristine natural setting of rolling hills and crystal clear warm waters and its commitment to protect the natural environment, Citrus County has become a magnet not only for baby boomers but also for households seeking a laid-back lifestyle. It also helps that the cost of living is relatively lower in this county compared with its more urbanized neighboring counties like Orlando and Tampa.

Home Buying Favorites

One of the leading destinations for home buying in Citrus County is Inverness, the county seat. This incorporated city exudes charms with its many lakes which serve as scenic setting for waterfront homes in Inverness communities like the Moorings, Wyld Palms Condominiums, Pritchard Island, and Gospel Island.

A rustic county atmosphere, on the other hand, is the ace that wins new residents for Beverly Hills, one of Citrus County’s the census designated places. The prime residential choices in this area include Laurel Ridge which charms prospective home buyers with its proximity to the golf links of Twisted Oaks. Another popular Beverly Hills choice is the equestrienne community of Pine Ridge Estates with large and lushly wooded lots that are an epitome of the refreshing lifestyle Citrus County so generously offers.

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Florida’s unique geology makes it a hotspot for sinkholes, with Citrus County being a high-risk area. The limestone bedrock dissolves over time due to groundwater flow. This creates unstable voids that collapse under pressure.

From 2008 to now, the Florida Geological Survey has recorded over 400 subsidence events. These range from minor depressions to major collapses.

Karst formations are common underground in this area, forming natural drainage systems. These systems make the area more unstable. Recent data shows clusters near Beverly Hills and Hernando are linked to porous limestone layers.

These zones experience frequent shifts, whether from natural erosion or human activities like poorly maintained septic systems.

While most incidents cause little damage, some can disrupt daily life a lot. A 2023 collapse near Crystal River swallowed a commercial truck. This shows how unpredictable sinkholes can be.

Such cases stress the need to watch ground shifts and understand local geology.

The Florida Geological Survey categorizes incidents to tell natural processes from human-induced risks. Their interactive maps give important insights for residents and planners. With proactive monitoring, communities can lessen dangers from this changing terrain.

Recent & Notable Sinkhole Incidents / Case Studies

Citrus County has seen 12 big sinkholes over 15 feet wide in the last 15 years. Human actions have made these sinkholes more common. The Florida Geological Survey says three main things cause these sinkholes:

Natural limestone erosion from acidic groundwater
Unregulated residential well drilling
Commercial water extraction operations

In 2023, a sinkhole near Lecanto showed how dangerous these can be. A work truck was pulled into a 22-foot-wide sinkhole after drilling hit a limestone cavity. Foundation Professionals of Florida used 84 cubic yards of grout to fill the void. This stopped nearby homes from being damaged.

Looking back, we see patterns in sinkhole formation:

Year	Location	Cause	Response
2015	Crystal River	Roadway water main leak	3-week road closure
2020	Beverly Hills	Pond over-excavation	Compaction grouting
2023	Lecanto	Well drilling	Void filling

Geologists say 40% of big sinkholes in Citrus County were caused by humans. Sinkhole repair solutions like polymer injections and underpinning work 92% of the time. This is if they are done quickly, engineering reports show.

These stories show why we need experts to check the land before we build. The 2023 case shows how new engineering can fix problems even after a sinkhole forms.

Risk Factors & What Homeowners Should Do

Residents in Citrus County, FL, face unique risks due to the area’s karst terrain. Signs of sinkholes include sudden cracks in foundations, doors or windows that won’t close, and circular depressions in yards. Foundation Professionals lists 15 key signs, like sloping floors and chimney separations, urging quick action and expert advice.

Professional methods like polyurethane foam stabilization are effective. This involves injecting polymers to fill voids and stabilize soil. Early use of compaction grouting can stop further damage in 98% of cases. Yet, homeowners should avoid quick fixes like dumping organic fillers, as they can harm groundwater.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s sinkhole guide suggests checking the FGS public sinkhole map before buying land. In Citrus County, FL, it’s important to avoid risky activities like unregulated well drilling. Regular inspections and quick reporting of issues are key to reducing risks.

Preventive steps include installing moisture systems and keeping irrigation consistent to prevent soil erosion. Homeowners near sinkhole zones should watch local surveys and get annual structural checks. Early detection and engineered solutions are the best defense against sinkholes in Florida’s limestone areas.

FAQ

Why is Citrus County particularlly prone to sinkholes?

Citrus County’s geology has karst topography and soluble limestone bedrock. This bedrock dissolves with groundwater. The Florida Geological Survey’s map shows over 400 sinkhole events, mainly in Beverly Hills and Hernando.

What distinguishes natural sinkholes from human-induced collapses in Citrus County?

The Florida Geological Survey classifies sinkholes as natural or human-induced. Human causes include groundwater extraction, failed septic systems, or improper pond construction. For example, a 2023 collapse near Lecanto was caused by a residential well.

How can homeowners identify early signs of sinkhole activity?

Look for foundation cracks, sudden ponding in yards, and door/window misalignment. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection suggests a professional inspection if you notice subsidence or soil shifts in neighboring properties.

What professional methods stabilize sinkhole-affected properties?

Foundation Professionals of Florida uses compaction grouting and void filling with a 98% success rate. These methods strengthen unstable soil and prevent further damage.

Are specific areas in Citrus County higher-risk for sinkholes?

Yes. FGS maps highlight areas near Crystal River, Beverly Hills, and Hernando. Homebuyers should check the FGS map and avoid unpermitted drilling or excavation in these zones.

Have recent sinkholes caused significant property damage in Citrus County?

While most incidents are minor, 12 major collapses over 15 feet in diameter happened between 2008–2023. A 2015 event near Crystal River required road closure. The 2023 Lecanto collapse, caused by drilling, did not result in injuries.

Sinkholes in Citrus County, FL | Florida Sinkholes