When most people think about Florida, fishing immediately comes to mind – right after sunshine. Fishing is one of the most important industries in the state. According to the University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service, in 1998 commercial fishing offered close to 10,000 jobs for Floridians, and another 7,000 jobs were associated with the cleaning and preparation of seafood in Florida.

The Hollinswood Area Plan includes a commercial fishing district that will provide a place for shrimpers, stone crabbers, fishermen and others to process and sell their catch on the wholesale and retail markets.

The commercial fishing industry is being squeezed out of coastal markets with high-priced land costs and related challenges. Making a place for them in Citrus County creates a space to preserve an important part of Florida’s culture and history. We think this will be a place of economic opportunity and another unique selling point for our tourism industry.