Hernando-Citrus

Metropolitan Planning Organization

Regular Meeting

Minutes - Final

November 6, 2025

CALL TO ORDER

MPO Board Chair, Rebecca Bays, called the meeting to order at 1:31 p.m on Thursday,

November 6, 2025, at the Lecanto Government Building, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Room 166,

Lecanto, Florida. The meeting was publicly noticed on the Hernando County, Citrus County,

and Hernando-Citrus MPO websites.

MEMBERS PRESENT

Rebecca Bays, MPO Chair, Citrus County Commissioner

Diana Finegan, MPO Board Alternate Member, Citrus County Commissioner

Steve Champion, Hernando County Commissioner

Jerry Campbell, Hernando County Commissioner

Ryan Amsler, MPO Board Alternate Member, Hernando County Commissioner

Gene Davis, Councilman, City of Inverness

Joe Meek, Mayor, City of Crystal River

Louis Hallal, MPO Board Alternate Member, Brooksville City Council

Elisa Joyner, Non-Voting Advisor, Florida Department of Transportation, District 7

MEMBERS ABSENT

John Allocco, Hernando County Commissioner

Brian Hawkins, MPO Vice Chair, Hernando County Commissioner

Jeff Kinnard, Citrus County Commissioner

Christa Tanner, Mayor, City of Brooksville

OTHERS PRESENT

Bob Esposito, MPO Executive Director

Mary Elwin, MPO Coordinator

Joy Turner, MPO Executive Assistant

Suzanne Ziegler, Florida Department of Transportation, District 7

Invocation

Pledge of Allegiance

MPO Board & Staff Introductions

The Pledge of Allegiance and the introductions of the Board and staff followed the Invocation.

Enter Proof of Publication into the Record

A quorum was declared, and Ms. Turner noted for the record that the public notice for the

meeting was posted in accordance with the adopted policies.

APPROVAL/MODIFICATION OF AGENDA (Limited to Board and Staff)

Motion

A motion was made by Commissioner Champion to approve the agenda. The motion was

seconded by Commissioner Campbell and the motion passed 7-0.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED AS AMENDED

Steve Champion

Jerry Campbell

Rebecca Bays, Jerry Campbell, Gene Davis, Steve Champion,

Ryan Amsler, Louis Hallal, and Diana Finegan

Christa Tanner, Brian Hawkins, Jeff Kinnard, and John Allocco

ABSENT:

CONSENT ITEMS

[It is noted for the record that MPO Board member, Mayor Joe Meek, representing the City of

Crystal River, arrived at the meeting.]

Mr. Esposito provided an overview of the four items on the Consent Agenda which were:

Review and Approval of the September 4, 2025, Meeting Minutes of the

Hernando-Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board

16608

Review and Approval of Revision 4 of the Hernando-Citrus MPO’s Unified

Planning Work Program (UPWP) for FY2025-FY2026 by Adoption of Resolution

2025-5 Amending PL Contract #G2V07 to Recognize Additional Funding

16607

Review and Approval of the Proposed 2026 Meeting Schedule for the

Hernando-Citrus Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Board and

Committees

16265

16177

Review and Approval of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) Bylaws to

Update Membership

Motion

A motion was made by Commissioner Champion to approve Consent Agenda Items 1 through

4. The motion was seconded by Mayor Meek and the motion passed 8-0.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Joe Meek

Rebecca Bays, Jerry Campbell, Gene Davis, Steve Champion,

Joe Meek, Ryan Amsler, Louis Hallal, and Diana Finegan

Christa Tanner, Brian Hawkins, Jeff Kinnard, and John Allocco

ABSENT:

SPACE

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation on the Strategic

Intermodal System (SIS) 2050 Multi-Modal Unfunded Needs Plan

16609

Mr. Esposito reviewed the agenda item and staff recommendation, followed by the Board’s

review of a recorded presentation from Lori Kent, SIS Coordinator for the Florida Department

of Transportation District 7, regarding the SIS 2050 Multi-Modal Unfunded Needs Plan. Chair

Bays inquired as to how funding was impacted by the government shutdown. Ms. Ziegler

clarified that federal monies are affected, but this initiative is funded with state dollars and

should not be impacted.

She further noted that data from the Hernando-Citrus Long-Range Transportation Plan

(LRTP) was used in developing the first draft of the SIS plan. Ms. Kent will present the draft

plan at a future MPO Board meeting, likely in January or February 2026.

Presentation by the Florida Department of Transportation on the Tentative

Five-Year Work Program (FY 2027-FY 2031)

16611

Suzanne Ziegler, Government Liaison Manager for the Florida Department of Transportation

District 7, delivered a presentation outlining programming strategies and the proposed FDOT

Tentative Five-Year Work Program for FY 2027-FY 2031. A flyer detailing the public hearing

process, provided by FDOT, was included in the meeting packets and is also available on the

MPO’s website. Ms. Ziegler also shared the public comment webpage, which was open from

October 20 through November 3, 2025, and noted that she would be happy to relay any

comments from the Board.

She explained that resurfacing projects are illustrated on a map within the presentation, with a

detailed list included in the meeting packets. In addition, Ms. Ziegler addressed the capacity

project for SR 50/Cortez Boulevard, from W of Buck Hope Road to W of Jefferson which has

been deferred to FY 2032. She emphasized that FDOT recognizes the need to rehabilitate

this section prior to the lane addition project, and it is scheduled for resurfacing in FY 2027 to

maintain roadway conditions until the larger project begins. Following the presentation, the

Board had no questions or comments.

Presentation by the Florida Turnpike Enterprise on the Tentative Five-Year Work

Program (FY 2027-FY 2031)

16628

Katina Kavouklis, from Florida Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) made a presentation on the

proposed Tentative Five-Year Work Program for FY 2027-FY 2031. Her presentation

included how projects are prioritized and funded.

Commissioner Champion shared that he was recently redirected to the Suncoast Parkway

through Citrus County and commended FTE for the excellent design of the off-ramps and

nighttime lighting, noting that the project will be a significant economic benefit for both

Hernando and Citrus counties in the future.

Ms. Kavouklis responded that customer usage of the facility typically increases by 3-4% when

a new section opens. She agreed to provide Chair Bays, through the MPO staff, with data on

facility usage in Citrus County, specifically capturing customers at the facility’s entrances and

exits, in response to her inquiry.

Presentation by the General Planning Consultant, Benesch & Associates, on the

Status of the Congestion Management Process (CMP)

16629

Rob Cursey, the MPO’s General Planning Consultant with Benesch & Associates, delivered a

presentation detailing the upcoming activities, strategies, and objectives for updating the

Congestion Management Process (CMP). He shared that a stakeholder group, primarily

composed of members from the Henando-Citrus MPO’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC),

is being assembled and there will be a workshop to gather initial input, coordination, and

collaboration with this group on November 20, 2025, at the Hernando County Building Training

Facility, 1661 Blaise Drive, Brooksville, Florida. The workshop will be publicly noticed, and

members of the public are encouraged to attend.

Mr. Cursey stated that the CMP study focuses on smaller, quick-fix solutions such as

intersection improvements, rather than major capacity projects contained in the LRTP. He

further explained that existing congestion is often related to intersection-level signal timing,

phasing, or geometry. Most recommendations from the study will be operational in nature,

providing shorter-term, lower-cost, and implementable solutions that can address current

congestion, for example, adjustments to signal timing.

This discussion was in response to Commissioner Champion’s comments regarding the lack

of signal coordination along SR 50, which contributes to traffic backups. He observed that,

unlike Tampa where traffic volumes are higher, uncoordinated red lights along SR 50 can

cause vehicles to stop unnecessarily, creating congestion even with relatively minimal traffic.

Presentation by the General Planning Consultant, Benesch & Associates, on the

Status of the Complete Streets Update

16631

Chris Keller, AICP, Senior Project Manager at Benesch & Associates, delivered a presentation

outlining the goals, objectives, and current status of the Complete Streets update.

Brooksville City Councilman Louis Hallal asked when to submit a request and what data is

needed to move a sidewalk project near a school higher on the priority list. Mr. Keller noted

that any suggestions will be incorporated into the study.

Commissioner Champion asked if the Complete Streets strategy would change under the new

federal administration. Mr. Keller confirmed that while priorities may shift, the core values

remain consistent at both the state and federal levels, ensuring safe access and appropriate

facilities to provide equal transportation opportunities.

Ms. Ziegler further confirmed that the federal requirement to allocate 2.5% of the MPO

planning allotment to Complete Streets has not changed.

CITIZENS COMMENTS

Hernando County citizens Bob and Shannon Morgan, along with Susie Garfinkle, addressed

the Board to voice their concerns and opposition to the proposed Ayers Road Extension

Feasibility Study. The study is being conducted to explore options for improving connectivity

between the Nature Coast and Interstate 75.

Commissioner Champion commented that while the Ayers Road Extension may or may not be

the best solution, he emphasized the county’s need for improved access to I-75. Councilman

Hallal noted that existing roads already provide connectivity to I-75, citing the route from Ayers

Road to Hayman Road, Dan Brown Hill Road, and Spring Lake Highway, which leads directly

to the interstate.

MPO DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Mr. Esposito shared the following updates:

· MPO staff attended the regional meeting of the Florida Metropolitan Planning

Partnership (FMPP) on October 22, 2025, and Mr. Esposito attended the Florida

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPOAC) meeting on October 23, 2025.

· The traffic counts for Hernando County began the last week of October and will run

through the week of December 11th. Counts will be avoided on November 11th and

the week of November 24-28.

· All construction activities associated with the SR 50 widening project from Cobb Road

to west of Buck Hope Road have been completed ($15.8 million project).

· At the October 23rd Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting, Ron Lawson shared

a concern raised by store operators at Mountain Park Plaza, located on SR 50 west of

Cobb Road, regarding a "No U-Turn" sign at the intersection of Mobley Road and SR

50. Mr. Esposito thanked the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for

responding promptly and removing the sign. FDOT’s swift action is greatly

appreciated by the local business community.

· In accordance with the adopted UPWP, the MPO Staff completed the annual review of

the Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP). This is a safety sensitive document staff

utilizes as reference during weather events, health events, and other types of

situations that may occur.

· Mr. Esposito will attend the Sun Coast Transportation Planning Alliance (SCTPA)

regional meeting on Friday, December 12, 2025. He noted that he would need

Commissioner Kinnard to attend or Commissioner Champion as an alternate.

· Mr. Esposito continues discussions with Pasco County, Hernando County, and FDOT

on County Line Road. The next Teams call is scheduled for Monday, November 17,

2025.

BOARD COMMENTS

There were no further comments from the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

Chair Bays adjourned the meeting at 2:52 p.m.

Motion

A motion was made by Commissioner Champion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was

seconded by Commissioner Campbell and the motion passed 8-0.

RESULT:

MOVER:

SECONDER:

AYES:

ADOPTED

Steve Champion

Jerry Campbell

Rebecca Bays, Jerry Campbell, Gene Davis, Steve Champion,

Joe Meek, Ryan Amsler, Louis Hallal, and Diana Finegan

Christa Tanner, Brian Hawkins, Jeff Kinnard, and John Allocco

ABSENT:

UPCOMING MEETING:

The next regular meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Board is scheduled for

Thursday, December 4, 2025, beginning at 1:30 pm, in the Lecanto Government Building,

3600 W. Sovereign Path, Room 166, Lecanto, Florida. [It is noted for this record that the

December and January meetings were cancelled. The next meeting is on February 5, 2026,

at 1:30 p.m. in the Brooksville City Hall Council Chambers, Brooksville, Florida.]

The meeting agenda and back-up material are available online at www.hernandocounty.us