News

What we conserve, we preserve

Sept. 12, 2021 |Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

Growing up, we must have been told many times to not waste water. I remember my parents telling me to “get out of the shower, you are taking too long”, “turn the water off while you are brushing your teeth” or “quit wasting water” sometimes daily. My parents were practical people who believed the adage waste not, what not and they had a way of making it difficult for me and my siblings when we were not compliant. Looking back, I’m glad they persisted instilling in us the value of water and conserving it.

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Parkway with a Purpose

July 18, 2021 |Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

One of the many things that have always impressed me about Citrus County is the involvement of its residents in important issues and their strong advocacy in having their concerns heard.

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Seeing through the fog

October. 18, 2020 |Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

Navigating in fog is extremely difficult because fog reduces our ability to see things clearly, even when they may be right in front of us. Literal fog is caused by moisture in the atmosphere near the ground at certain temperatures; however, we often use the term “fog” allegorically to describe any situation that prevents us from seeing or understanding clearly.

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Massullo deserves third term in Florida House

October 16, 2020 | Citrus County Chronicle

Ralph Massullo, who runs a successful dermatology practice in Citrus County, has represented Citrus County well in the Florida House of Representatives and should be returned for a third term.

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Happy anniversary to Save Our Waters Week

Sept. 11, 2020 |Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

We humans celebrate anniversaries because they mark a period of time, a milestone if you will, where much has transpired from both our efforts and experiences through life and the achievements thereof.

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DeSantis creates first state preserve in 32 years

Citrus County Chronicle | Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, created the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve, the first of its kind in the state in 32 years. The preserve, which includes Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties coastal waters, will span about 800 square miles.

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The Answer Begins with Each of Us

Guest Column by Ralph Massullo |  Citrus County Chronicle We often wonder what possesses people to do some of the things they do. Things that would make any reasonable person shudder. Things like a police officer placing his knee on a handcuffed man’s neck and holding...

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Key Florida lawmaker wants student-athletes safer in school sports

October 22, 2019 | The death of a Hillsborough County teen who collapsed during summer football conditioning drills has drawn heightened attention to the health needs of Florida’s high school student-athletes. And after a September discussion with FHSAA officials revealed that many interventions — such as coach CPR training — are not required, a key state lawmaker is focusing on possible legislation to better protect teens on the field.

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Rep. Massullo files bill to criminalize verbal threats

October 11, 2019 | Citrus County Chronicle

A local state lawmaker’s recently-filed bill wants to make uttering verbal threats of harm a crime, creating a new mechanism to punish potential attackers before they strike. Rep. Ralph Massullo, R-Lecanto, submitted HB 311, the “Verbal Threats Bill,” on Tuesday.

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Citrus County School board recognizes state rep, Duke Energy

October 10, 2019 | Citrus County Chronicle

Citrus County School Board members spotlighted a local power company and state lawmaker for empowering their school district with volunteers, legislation and money. But before school officials at their Tuesday meeting recognized Rep. Dr. Ralph Massullo, R-District 34, and Duke Energy for their efforts, they first expressed gratitude to the swim and dive teams of Crystal River and Lecanto high schools.

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Massullo: Citrus has friends in legislature

Sept. 13, 2019 | Citrus County Chronicle

State Rep. Ralph Massullo called the most recent legislative session productive and Citrus County benefited by receiving money for needed projects. Massullo, R-Lecanto, was the guest speaker at Friday’s Citrus County Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Plantation on Crystal River. “We did not raise taxes at all this year,” Massullo said to applause.

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With our water, we can make a difference

Sept. 13, 2019 | Citrus County Chronicle

Perhaps the most common desire that weaves through each of us as humans is the desire to make some difference in this life. All of us want to be special and accomplish something that will leave a lasting impression on our world. We often fail to realize that it isn’t necessarily the monumental things in life we attempt that define us, but rather the compilation of all the little things that we do that actually make the biggest differences. I can think of no better place where we all can start to make those lasting differences than with Florida’s water

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The Florida Legislature works for you

May 24, 2019 | Citrus County Chronicle

All of us want our government to be functional. We want it to work, but what exactly does that mean practically? Well, functionality can be defined as “the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well.”

In this day and age where civility and cooperation between our political parties nationally seems to be decreasing, it’s refreshing to know that in Florida things are being accomplished to improve our state and the lives of its citizens through the discourse and debate our founders envisioned occurring in a truly functional government.

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Massullo has earned re-election

October 16, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

THE ISSUE: State representative District 34 race. OUR OPINION: Ralph Massullo Jr. is the clear choice. A graduate of the West Virginia University School of Medicine and a practicing physician, Republican incumbent Ralph Massullo Jr. is the founder and president of Suncoast Dermatology, which has served patients locally for over 25 years.

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Trudging through the sludge issue

October 8, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

Citrus County is known for its natural beauty, its lush landscapes, its natural first-magnitude springs, its clear water rivers and its clean fresh air. Our economy depends in part on the ever-increasing number of tourists who visit our homey small towns and natural attractions.

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Local docs discuss use, legality of medical marijuana

September 18, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

Citrus County doctors and other citizens got professional opinions on medical marijuana from of a trio of doctors at the conference, which was hosted by the Citrus County Medical Society Inc. and the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education Inc. at CF.

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SOWW: Clean water is worth our efforts

September 9, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to speak with many Citrus County natives. It’s enlightening to hear their perspective on how things have changed and their vision for the future of our community. We often talk about how just a few decades ago the rivers were crystal clear — and wouldn’t it be wonderful if they could be that way again.

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Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast Endorses Dr. Ralph for Re-Election

August 29, 2018 | Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast

I strongly endorse the reelection of Representative and Dr. Ralph Massullo, MD as the candidate for the 34thDistrict in the Florida House of Representatives. The main goal and aim of Representative Massullo is to bring principled leadership with a common sense approach to the mission of representing our district in Tallahassee. He has delivered significantly for us throughout his first term in office, and he stands ready to continue the hard work of representing all of his constituents in our state capitol in the years ahead.

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Florida one of worst among nation for health care

August 13, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

Florida ranks among the worst states for health care, ranking 50th for percent of adults with health insurance, 47th for percent of children insured, and 38th for adults who have not visited a dentist during the past year.

An analysis sponsored by WalletHub, a personal finance website, reviewed 40 health care and financial metrics and scored Florida 42nd among its 2018’s Best & Worst States for Health Care. The study compared all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

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Small business announces 2018 legislative endorsements in Florida

July 30, 2018  |  NFIB.com

NFIB, Florida’s leading small business association, today announced its state legislative endorsements for the 2018 election cycle. The endorsements were made by the NFIB Florida PAC, which is comprised exclusively of NFIB members. The NFIB Florida PAC is making endorsements in 17 Senate races and 59 House races.

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Lawmakers rise to the ‘Challenge’

July 21, 2018  |  Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Amy Meek

Our Rapid Rehousing Program is funded through multiple grants as well as private funds from individual donors. One of the largest grants we rely on, The Challenge Grant, is provided through state dollars provided to the Department of Children and Families (DCF). These dollars were in jeopardy this year through a little snafu. The state Legislature provided spending authority to DCF for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 but did not actually provide the dollars to fund this important work. This oversight threatened to negatively impact thousands of Floridians who face the challenge of homelessness.

Upon hearing this news, homeless coalitions, continuums of care, and other advocacy groups banned together to contact our state representatives to help remedy the issue. I reached out to state Rep. Ralph Massullo, M.D., and state Sen. Wilton Simpson. They both jumped into action immediately.

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Go West – Then North

July 13, 2018  |  Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

Americans have always had a pioneering spirit, always being the first to explore a new area.

Many of the original settlers to our great country came from more developed lands in hopes to start a new life. That same spirit fostered the movement of people throughout our country.

In the process, transportation systems developed that facilitated the movement of people. Early trials, railways, and roads were built to promote commerce and open new territories. In some cases they even defined borders. In fact if it were not for the Canadian Pacific Railroad a portion of British Columbia might be part of the United States, but that is a discussion for another time. Suffice it to say that well-planned and developed routes of transportation have always been and will continue to be very important to all of us.

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Florida Chamber is Proud to Endorse Ralph Massullo Pro-Business, Pro-Jobs Candidate for House District 34

May 13, 2018 | The Florida Chamber of Commerce

“Representative Ralph Massullo continually placed Florida families and businesses first. As an A-grade legislator, we know he will continue to be a leader in the Florida House,” Marian Johnson, Senior Vice President of Political Strategy at the Florida Chamber of Commerce, said. “The Florida Chamber is proud to endorse Representative Ralph Massullo for the Florida House.”

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Representative Government: A Wonderful Thing

March 3, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo, MD

When our founders framed the Constitution they could not have imagined issues like self-driving cars, privatized space programs, net neutrality, clean air and water initiatives, high school graduation requirements, utility right-a-ways, or even Medicaid managed care funding.  However, one thing they did realize is if a population of responsible people, who desire to govern themselves in a free society, elect competent individuals who will represent them in a democratic republic, then those elected individuals should be able to debate and craft laws that serve the best interest of those they serve and the greater good no matter what future issues they might address.  That form of government is somewhat unique in all the world and the “experiment” of the United States of America has enabled us to become the envy of the world.

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We cannot even imagine

February 26, 2018   |  Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

As a parent of four children, I have received phone calls that have literally brought me to my knees regarding unfortunate incidences in their lives, but I could not even begin to imagine what a parent might think or experience if they received a call informing them that their child was shot and killed at school. Tragically, on Valentine’s Day 2018, a day that usually represents love in America, that is exactly what happened to 17 families of children and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Broward County Florida. Nineteen-year-old Nikolas Cruz, who was a former expelled student, entered the building, pulled a fire alarm and proceeded to indiscriminately shoot and kill 17 people and wound several others. That community, our state and nation are asking how does this happen and how can we better protect those innocent people in our schools, our churches, and where ever else these evil acts of violence are perpetrated going forward?

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Massullo looks for funding help

February 25, 2018 | Citrus County Chronicle

Some of Citrus County’s biggest legislative priority projects are on the chopping block unless legislative leaders include them in the state budget.

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A unique gift: industrial hemp

December 24, 2017 | Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo, MD

All of us like to give and receive gifts, particularly this time of the year. Occasionally we’ll receive that unique gift that we just don’t quite know how we may make good use of it. It could be an odd oversized sweater or a piece of art that really doesn’t fit our taste. We are grateful for the gesture, but often these gifts either get quietly exchanged or put away to a place seldom to be seen again. Sometimes however we may find a use for them that we didn’t predict and very often they become more valuable than we ever imagined. Industrial hemp is such a gift, not only to our community but to all of Florida.

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State representative outlines hopes

December 22, 2017 | Citrus County Chronicle 

As 2017 comes to a close, state legislators, lobbyists and staff flee Tallahassee to spend the holidays at home — a last burst of relaxation before the 2018 legislative session begins on Jan. 9.

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Despite extra time, beware health plan ‘bait and switch’ | Opinion

December 21, 2017 | Sun Sentinel

For most of the country, Affordable Care Act open enrollment ended Dec. 15. Due to a damaging hurricane season, Florida residents have until Dec. 31 to sign up for health coverage in 2018. For Florida families, that’s extra time well spent to review their coverage and choose the plan that works best for them.

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Florida bill would help prevent drug bait and switch

December 20, 2017 | Orlando Sentinel

Mary is a 45-year-old patient in my practice with severe rheumatoid arthritis. She was incapacitated. Her illness prevented her from working, and also made it difficult to dress, cook, do housework and other everyday tasks that most of us take for granted. I treated her with three separate medications before we finally found one that worked. Just six weeks later, she was able to go off long-term disability, go back to work and begin living a more normal life again.

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Roads: Where are we, and where are we going?

October 29, 2018   |  Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to speak with one of the lifelong residents of Citrus County. His family is so entrenched in our history that a good bit of the central portion of our county bares their name. I was in awe listening to his stories about the “old days” when most of our highways were little more that dirt paths wide enough for a farm truck.

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SOWW: Clean up to be ‘cool’

September 17, 2017   |  Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

Growing up, we all had ideas of what we wanted to become. Some of us wanted to be astronauts, some chefs, some nurses, some scientists, some carpenters, some policemen, some artists, some moms and some dads. We would proudly give an account of our desires to anyone who happened to ask because we thought our ideas were “cool.” 

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Take some education; it’s good for you

May 27, 2016 | Special to the Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

When I was growing up my mother seemed to always know exactly what was needed to solve any problem in our lives. Her advice and orders were usually succinct and direct. We complied and things got better. Interestingly, I still can’t figure out what that horrible tasting Cod Liver Oil actually did that was beneficial, but that’s another story.

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A new strategy for the ‘war on poverty’

May 9, 2016 | Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo, MD

Last January marks the 52nd anniversary of the ‘War on Poverty’ that began with legislation introduced by President Lyndon B.  Johnson in 1964.  At that time the poverty rate in the United States was around 19 percent representing roughly 36 million people.  Unfortunately, since then we have made little progress in combating poverty.  In fact, while the population of our country has grown from 192 million in 1964 to over 320 million today, the real poverty rate has only modestly improved. Today, almost 15.4 percent or 48 million Americans live in poverty according the United States Census Bureau and that percentage hasn’t improved in over 40 years.   Florida’s poverty rate is slightly higher at 16.3 percent.  Citrus County’s poverty rate is roughly 17 percent which represents 24,000 individuals. These aren’t just statistics, they are our neighbors!  One could easily say that we are not winning the prolonged ‘War’.  The question is why?

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Memorial Day

May 24, 2015 | Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo

Tomorrow is Memorial Day. So often we wake up in the mornings and are so preoccupied with our own plans and issues that we fail to realize the significance of any particular day on the calendar. But this day is uniquely significant, because it is set aside as a remembrance for the men and women who gave up their lives so we have that very freedom that allows us the liberty to direct our own. 

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Citrus dermatologist plans to run for state house seat

April 1, 2015 | Tampa Bay Times

Citrus County dermatologist Ralph Massullo, 58, has prefiled paperwork to become the first announced candidate for District 34 Florida House seat, held by Jimmie T. Smith. Smith is running for the state Senate seat that will be vacated by Charlie Dean.

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Doctor files for state house

March 1, 2015 | Citrus County Chronicle

A Lecanto physician filed paperwork this week with the state Division of Elections to run for state House of Representatives District 34 in 2016.

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In face of tragedy, stand up for equality

December 20, 2014 | Citrus County Chronicle
Op-Ed by Ralph Massullo, MD

I’ve been thinking a great deal about Gerry Mulligan’s column in the Dec. 14 Chronicle about his experience at a barbecue place in Central Florida. It saddens me to think that we still have prejudice and racism in our world, particularly here in the United States, where we pride ourselves on being the most inclusive, tolerant and accepting country in the world. By the way, we are that in spades compared to the rest of the world.

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