A popular campground at a freshwater spring in Citrus County will likely stay open to the public after all. County commissioners agreed to take over the facility for the next 40 years.
The Chassahowitzka River campground had been slated to be closed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which said repairing damage from last year's hurricanes would be too costly.
But public outcry over the popular spot — dubbed Seven Sisters Springs — persuaded county commissioners to take over management of the campground. The water district will continue to own the land.
Dennis Blauer, who manages the campground, was one of dozens of people who spoke to commissioners Tuesday night.
"The Chassahowitzka is a gateway to a wilderness, just like camping is the gateway to the appreciation and conservation of nature," he said.
Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the deal. The county will pay for the daily operations and get any revenue from running the campground and kayak-canoe rentals.
The water district would pay $200,000 for repairs.
Water district board members are set to vote on the agreement at their next meeting Sept. 23.
