Citrus County mourns loss of former Commissioner Gary Bartell

The weenie roast was Gary Bartell Sr.’s idea.

After one Citrus County Commissioner called him a “political weenie,” and another Commissioner blamed a “very small hole” in Homosassa for stoking division, Bartell decided on the high road.

So, in late 2002, Commissioner Bartell hosted the first and only Great Homosassa Weenie Roast, a fundraiser and toy drive for struggling families at the holidays.

And that’s why, through five terms in office, Bartell was known in Citrus County as the “people’s Commissioner.”

Friends and family will gather May 17 to pay tribute to Bartell, who died April 24 after battling dementia. He was 80.

“He set a high bar for others. I still have my ‘weenie roast’ T-shirt and wore it just the other day,” former Crystal River Councilwoman Susan Kirk said.

Bartell had served two terms on the Gulfport City Council before moving to Homosassa in 1989. In 1990, he ran against incumbent William “Skip” Hudson for Citrus County Commission District 2, forcing a Republican Primary runoff that he won with 85% of the vote.

He wouldn’t come close to losing again until his final election 20 years later. In between, Bartell earned a reputation for environmental protection and water quality. He fiercely sought to protect the Homosassa Springs.

It was his ability to connect with ordinary citizens that made Bartell one of Citrus County’s most successful politicians.

“Gary was just a good man,” Ron Thompson, a former Citrus County newspaper photographer, said. “He never put on pretenses; you could talk about county matters, area waters, or your grandkids — he would listen and more often than not have wisdom to add to the conversation.”

Former Commissioner Vicki Phillips, who served with Bartell, lauded his commitment.

“I’m blessed to have served with such a caring and commonsense man who loved family and community,” she said. “We need more like him to serve.”

Bartell’s wife, Joanne, said Gary was active.

“Gary was an amazing husband, father, and the kind of person who left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him,” she said. “We shared a truly blessed, interesting, and joyful life together. He built our home with his own hands, restored antique and classic cars — some of which are in museums — coached Little League and flag football, and caught many dinners fishing our local rivers.”

Bartell’s political career ended in 2010. Opponent John “JJ” Kenney didn’t have any specific issues with Bartell, only that it was time for a change after 20 years with the same Commissioner. Voters agreed.

Citrus County Clerk of Courts Traci Perry said Bartell led by example.

“Gary was one of a kind. An outstanding and dedicated public servant,” she said. “Agree or disagree with his views, he served our county in more ways than just as a Commissioner.”

A celebration of life for Bartell is planned for Sunday, May 17, at noon at River Adventure Park on the Halls River, 10269 W. Halls River Road, Homosassa.