Joe Meek

Crystal River Mayor

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Happy Easter!

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Crystal River in December

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Happy Thanksgiving from Crystal River! This morning’s beautiful sunrise from the Kings Bay bridge. Today, I am thankful for such a wonderful community, resilient and brave in the face of storms, yet still positive and hopeful for an awesome future. Crystal River, a magical place!

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

We learned today that Governor DeSantis vetoed funding for our City Hall. While I’m disappointed in the news, this was something that we knew was a possibility. This was an item that had a higher possibility of a veto; a single funding for a specific city. The Governor vetoed close to $1 billion off the state budget. Obviously I wish we would have received the funding, and it definitely would have been an easier path forward for us, but I understand the decision. Let me say this; the state and Governor @RonDeSantis have been great to deal with, and have helped Crystal River in many different ways, and I am very appreciative. The Governor just signed millions of dollars of funding for continued Crystal River Kings Bay cleanup. I am also especially appreciative to Representative @RalphMassullo , Senator @GovGoneWild and the state legislature for getting this in the budget.

City Council has some decisions to make on how we are going to move forward regarding a new city hall, and we have options. Our city is blessed to be financially strong, and our current flooded City Hall building has insurance. In addition, we have already been awarded by the state $1.3 million for the planning, design and engineering of a new City Hall, which we have already started that process. In addition, we are working with FEMA and state agencies on options of funding that we may qualify for.

Going forward, we will have a discussion on options regarding our City Hall building. Regardless of the news today, we are dedicated to moving forward and finding ways to make Crystal River better, while being financially responsible with citizens money.

We will keep moving forward.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

From our family to yours, wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Another one! Crystal River gets #1 on this list as the most beautiful place in Florida! We are truly blessed to live in such a special place.

https://t.co/TFi5ywXthc

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Happy Thanksgiving! Today I am thankful for such a wonderful community we are living in. Over the last few months we have dealt with hurricanes, floods and tornadoes bringing destruction to Crystal River. The tragic news of losing one of our own young men, Chandler Stalcup to senseless violence while away at college. Through it all, it has brought out the best in us. People helping people, businesses stepping up, churches and community groups supporting one another, a beautiful picture of a great city. I am thankful for the foundation of Crystal River; a magical place blessed by Gods natural beauty, a stunning environment, filled with people who care for one another, support and love each other, and show through actions what it means to be a community. Happy Thanksgiving.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

This is Crystal River, a magical place!

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Great to welcome Florida @LtGovNunez to Crystal River! She visited some of our local businesses that have been working so hard to recover from the flood. Here we are at Fishhook Outfitters with owner Amy and @GovGoneWild. Special thanks to the State of Florida for all they are doing for Crystal River.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Great to welcome Florida First Lady @CaseyDeSantis to our community. The State of Florida has awarded the city of Crystal River with a bridge loan of $5,000,000.00 This will enable the city to continue funding storm clean up operations and city services without pulling money from our reserves, until we are reimbursed by FEMA. Thank you! @RonDeSantis @GovGoneWild @RalphMassullo

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Our current City Hall has now flooded multiple times. The building is currently unusable and will require substantial renovations. Now is the opportunity to build a building that sets the example for how to operate in a flood zone, enjoy the benefits of being on the water, and at the same time mitigate and protect from flooding. It can be done, and City Hall should set the example. This past year, Crystal River created a civic master plan, which guides our future growth. Hundreds of local citizens participated. Check out the plan for City Hall. It’s exactly what we need to do. Now is the opportunity to build a new elevated City Hall, a building that our citizens can be proud of, and that will serve this city for generations to come!

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Governor Ron DeSantis spent almost 2 hours today touring Crystal River with me. He saw and understands first hand the issues Crystal River is going through, and I’m grateful for his time and help in rebuilding our great city. Our citizens were energized by his visit. We will be stronger than ever, let’s get to work! Thank you @GovRonDeSantis

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Update from Crystal River

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Time to act is now. Be safe and smart, do the right thing.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Crystal River, now is the opportunity to prepare.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

Great to welcome @SenRickScott to Crystal River and bring him to one of our great local establishments, Seafood Seller and Cafe.

[Joe Meek @joecmeek3]

A great night in Crystal River, kicking off our centennial celebrations. Our city celebrates 100 years July 3, 2023. Look for exciting events over the next few months.