Citrus: Citrus Digest

INVERNESS -- Buoyed by construction and a competitive real estate market, the Citrus County tax base grew to $5.9-billion this year, a 6.65 percent increase over last year, according to Deputy Property Appraiser Melanie Hensley. The increase included $165-million in construction, due in large part to the new gated communities in the Central Ridge area, she said. The larger tax base is good news for taxing authorities, who could pull in more revenue next year even if they keep their tax rates the same. Citrus County government, for example, could hold the line on its millage rate and still net an extra $3-million in taxes next year from the larger tax base, management and budget director Cathy Taylor said.

Crystal River teen charged in burglaries

CRYSTAL RIVER -- A Crystal River teen was arrested Thursday in connection with three local burglaries. The 17-year-old, whose name is being withheld by Crystal River police because of his age, was charged with two counts each of burglary and grand theft and one count of armed burglary, among other charges. Detective Brian Coleman spotted the teen walking on NE First Street on Thursday afternoon and asked if he could search him for fireworks. The teen agreed, and Coleman found a knife similar to one that had been stolen the night before from Linda's Military. The boy was placed under arrest and later told Coleman he was also responsible for breaking into Crystal Paradise restaurant and Wally's Amoco Station on Wednesday night, authorities said. He was transported to the Marion County juvenile detention center.

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