Two new Citrus County commissioners took their place on the commission on Monday, and leadership positions also changed.

Taking the oath of office, administered by Clerk of Courts Betty Strifler, were Rebecca Bays, District 4, which includes Floral City, and John J. ("JJ") Kenney, District 2, which includes Homosassa.

Bays replaces former commissioner John Thrumston, and Kenney replaces former commissioner Gary Bartell.

Also at the meeting, Commissioner Dennis Damato was selected as commission chairman. Commissioner Joe Meek was selected as 1st vice chairman. Commissioner Winn Webb was selected as 2nd vice chairman.

The new commissioners were greeted to their first county commission meeting with a number of challenging issues, ranging from a proposed low-income housing project in Beverly Hills to a speedo-clad resident at the Bicentennial Park pool (don't ask).

A number of other serious issues were also weighed by commissioners as well, to include:

• Hearing the logic behind the designation of a portion of Kings Bay as a manatee sanctuary, as seen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
• Floral City fire protection shortfalls voiced by residents there, and a future plan for better fire protection countywide on Dec. 7
• Out-of county travel requests by county staffers
• An ordinance that would give property tax breaks for targeted businesses that would serve as incentives for "under-served" businesses approved by the Economic Development Council and Chamber of Commerce
• Efforts to keep Pro-Line Boats in Citrus County, rather than re-locating to North Carolina. The company has told the EDC and Chamber that it hasn't yet made up its mind what it will do.