Inverness City Council Chambers were a buzz with excitement after the big reveal of capital investment projects that interconnect and will dramatically transform the City in the next three to five years. City Manager Frank DiGiovanni opened with the phrase, “make no little plans” and outlined previous capital projects that brought about today’s success stories such downtown restoration, City Hall, and the Valerie Theatre, which was restored from shambles to a growing cultural center in Citrus County.

DiGiovanni unveiled 17 large photo realistic architectural renderings of capital projects in the development planning phase that will further define the City as a destination with an appreciation for history and attributes of a small town, but designed for an energetic and progressive community.

Project Highlights:

The Depot will transform the lakefront and Withlacoochee State Trail with an open-air market, iconic water tower, retail space, bike parking, stage, trail access and outdoor seating.

Both parks on Lake Henderson will be redesigned. Wallace Brooks will house a boater-friendly dock for motorized and non-motor vessels, and pavilion. Liberty Park will include a floating stage, enhanced landscaping and restrooms. A community center is slated to serve a growing population and become home to the Boys and Girls Club.

Inverness Visitor Center will be in the heart of downtown, walking distance from the parks and Courthouse Square. This will include the relocation of a historic home and additional parking.

Whispering Pines Park looks to the Big Apple for inspiration in its rebranding effort. The largest park in the County is situated on the west side of the City, just as Central Park is in the middle of Manhattan, West Side Park will brand the City Park in a similar manner. West Side City Park will have more visible and accessible entries and connect to the bike trail from a new trail link.

Highland Boulevard will transform into a bike-friendly boulevard with a bike lane and enhanced medians leading into Inverness’ medical corridor.