Commissioner Rebecca Bays

06/01/2026

It was an honor to introduce Congresswoman Laurel Lee to a group of local business leaders today.

With the newly formed congressional districts, Congresswoman Lee will become our new US Representative pending her successful election.

05/30/2026

Honored to accept the Florida Planning and Zoning Association’s Outstanding Study/Plan Award on behalf of Citrus County for our Fire Station Analysis.

As our community grows, planning for public safety has never been more critical. This study ensures future fire stations are strategically located to best serve residents, improve response times, and support the long-term safety of our community.

Grateful for the incredible work of our Fire Rescue team, county staff, and Metro Forecasting Models. Planning for tomorrow starts today.

05/29/2026

ARTICLE: Bays pushes county hiring freeze

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County commissioners will weigh a hiring freeze on all ad valorem-funded county positions as they brace for another tight budget season.

Commissioner Rebecca Bays pitched the idea at Tuesday’s commission meeting, saying the county needs “to try to bring our budget in line and see where we’re headed.”

Commissioners Jeff Kinnard, Diana Finegan and Janet Barek said they would support that idea and the board suggested it be placed formally on a future County Commission agenda for discussion.

“I think it’s wonderful that we’re trying to do something positive,” Barek said.

She made the suggestion after discussing the exit of County Economic Development Director Steve Baham, whose last day is Friday. Baham is taking another job in economic development in the Panhandle.

Rather than fill the position now, Bays advocated waiting.

“Considering the budget season that’s upon us, I would like to make a recommendation to this board to leave that position open,” she said.

She said County Administrator Steve Howard could fill the position because of his background.

“(He) would be a great person to fill in in the interim for that, and we just tighten our belts up a little bit and see where we go from there,” she said. “Considering that we’ve got a lot of things on the forefront of what’s going on in Citrus County as far as economic development and see where that goes.”

Baham, whose last day is May 29, was hired in May 2024.

During his time with the county, Baham helped lead efforts to bring more manufacturing and aviation-related jobs to Citrus County through several major development projects.

One of the biggest was the planned Holder Industrial Park near Inverness, where the county has invested in utility and wastewater upgrades to prepare the site for future industrial development.

He also helped advance expansion plans for the Inverness Airport Business Park and supported creation of a Citrus County Industrial Development Authority to help finance future economic projects.

“He did some good work on behalf of Citrus County,” Bays said of the departing Baham. “So, I want to wish him and his family well in his new endeavor.”

County commissioners will weigh a hiring freeze on all ad valorem-funded county positions as they brace for another tight budget season.

05/25/2026

Today, we remember that freedom is never free.

We honor the brave men and women who gave their lives defending this nation, protecting the liberties we often take for granted, and standing in the gap for future generations.

As Scripture reminds us:

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13

On this Memorial Day, may we pause not only to remember their sacrifice, but to live lives worthy of it — with gratitude, humility, faith, and a renewed commitment to one another and to this great country.

Please join me in praying for the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every single day.

May God continue to bless them, our veterans, and the United States of America. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

We will be out and about putting up signs this weekend. Message us if you would like one!

05/18/2026

When you vote for me, you are not starting from scratch. I already know the people making decisions, the agencies involved, and the process it takes to move forward for Citrus County.

Leadership is not just about ideas. It is about knowing how to turn those ideas into action.

Let’s keep moving Citrus County forward together.

05/12/2026

Finally South Apopka is getting repaired and resurfaced.🛣️⚠️

Stay tuned for more collector road improvements coming soon.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, bonus moms, and mother figures who pour so much love into the lives of others every single day.

I lost my mother many years ago, but not a day goes by that I don’t reflect on the values she taught me faith, hard work, kindness, resilience, and the importance of loving people well. Those lessons helped shape who I am today.

Wishing each of you a beautiful and blessed Mother’s Day filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. ❤️

05/09/2026

I’m incredibly thankful to everyone who came out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with us! I always appreciate the opportunity to have open conversations with our community, hear your thoughts, and spend time together outside of meetings and agendas.

A special thank you to Kemper and Lou Ann at The Cove for hosting us at such an incredible place with amazing food and hospitality. We’re lucky to have local businesses and community partners who care so deeply about bringing people together. 🌮🎉

05/07/2026

A huge thank you to Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative for hosting and sponsoring the Citrus County Employee Luncheon!

Their generosity, community spirit, and continued partnership with Citrus County never go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for organizations like WREC that consistently step up to support not only our employees, but our community as a whole.

Thank you for your kindness, your leadership, and for always being such a wonderful community partner. Citrus County is better because of businesses and organizations that truly care about the people they serve.