Meet Jeff
After living my younger years in New Port Richey, I headed to Florida State University where I majored in Chemical Science and graduated with my bachelor’s in science in 1989. From there it was off to graduate school at Palmer College of Chiropractic, where I graduated with honors in 1993 with my Doctor of Chiropractic degree. A short two months later Renee, my high school sweetheart, and I married and began our life together. In 1995 we decided to make Citrus County our home; it is here where our children were born and raised, where we opened our Chiropractic office, and involved ourselves in the community.
Renee and I decided to make Citrus County our home nearly 28 years ago! It is here where our children were born and raised, where we opened our business and involved ourselves in the community.
I spent years involved in local youth sports, from a supporting parent in the stands to a board member, and eventually multiple years as president of our youth football league. As an avid outdoorsman, I quickly became involved with our local chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association and eventually in the president position for multiple years. During the years we’ve lived in Citrus County, I’ve been a member of local civic clubs, and continue to sponsor many local organizations and nonprofit events.
It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to serve as one of your County Commissioners since my election in 2016. When first running for office I made two promises: we will never agree on everything (nobody does), and I will always do what I believe is in the best interest of our community. I am proud of my record over the past seven years. As a board, we have saved millions where we could and budgeted appropriate revenue where we should.
Citrus County taxes remain low, our reserves are near the maximum allowed, our expenses per capita are low, our debt per capita is very low, and our credit rating is very high. The county has 100’s millions of dollars in funded infrastructure projects in the works as we equip our community to handle the growth that’s happening and coming. We have partnered with Lifestream, Hernando County, and the State of Florida to construct a comprehensive mental health care campus right here in Citrus County! We have updated lightning prediction devices at our youth athletic fields and helped to fund SROs and Guardians in our schools. The Sheriff’s office is fully funded, fire rescue squads are now fully funded with advanced life-saving personnel on every truck, and our EMS service is now second to none in trained personnel and equipment. You and your loved ones, friends, and neighbors now have a much better chance than ever before of surviving a life-threatening emergency. We have a lot to be proud of!
While our children have left for college and a career, Citrus County is our home! It is where Renee and I will one day retire. I have been a doctor, business owner, and resident for over 27 years. These reasons are why I am so proud to have been a part of a combined effort to strengthen relationships with other local governing bodies and advocate cooperative efforts, which better serve our entire community.
My vision for our county remains to expand our economic base, keep our taxes low, preserve what makes Citrus County so special, and continue the restoration of what’s been neglected for many years. I hope to continue our work with your support on the County Commission. If I can ever be of assistance, please do not hesitate to call me at 352-400-0946.
Education
- Florida State University - Bachelor of Science (Chemical Science)
- Palmer College of Chiropractic – Doctor of Chiropractic (Honors in Research)
- Florida Association of Counties Certified County Commissioner
- MPOAC Transportation Planning Institute
- Small County Coalition & Florida Association of Counties Conferences
- Licensed USCG Captain
Experience
- 8 years on the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners
- Served as board liaison to Rep. Massullo
- Served as board liaison to Sen. Simpson
- Served as board liaison to Sen. Scott
- Served and currently serve on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
- Serve on the Keep Citrus County Beautiful board
Leadership
- Multiple years President of our local youth football/cheer organization
- Multiple years President of Coastal Conservation Association
- Served on two M-CORES Task Forces – Only commissioner from Citrus County to serve on both
- Nominated to serve as Chairman of the BOCC twice. Served once and graciously declined the second so that my two colleagues who were elected in 2020 would have the opportunity to serve as Chair during their first (4) year term.
- Chair of Hernando/Citrus MPO (regional transportation planning board) twice
- Chair of Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority twice
Track Record
- Residential and commercial growth is occurring where it’s been planned for decades
- County Reserves at maximum level allowed by state statute
- County debt is low
- Moody’s bond rating Aa3, which is very high for a county our size.
- County staff is smaller than 2008
- Voted against last year’s tax increase
- Smart Asset (March 2024) rated Citrus County 12th lowest taxes in state (67 counties), 82nd in country (3,244 counties)
- Property values are up
- Economy is growing/diversifying which means more job opportunities from entry to career class!
- Emergency Medical Service is fully funded and second to none!
- Fire Service is fully funded with ALS on every truck
- Major infrastructure projects moving forward (roads, water, sewer, stormwater, boat ramps)
Vision
- Protect our natural resources, continue restoration efforts of our rivers and lakes
- Continue to expand and diversify our economy
- Reduce our dependance on residential property taxes
- Grow our healthcare community, from primary care physicians and specialists to healthcare facilities
Governing Philosophy
- Conservative values
- Small government
- Low taxes
- Focus on public infrastructure and public safety
