The Shields Painting Difference: Perfection with Every Brush Stroke
Many painting companies in Florida rely on flashy marketing and big promises to try and attract new clients. But when it comes time to work, they fall short of their promises. This is often due to a lack of experience, qualified painters, and a drive to overachieve. At Shields Painting, we do things a little differently than other painting companies in Citrus County. We believe that a professional paint job should be as close to perfect as possible. Our goal is to leave you 100% satisfied, whether we're touching up an old residential paint job or performing a complex commercial project. It might sound simple, but we achieve that goal through honesty, hard work, beautiful results, and reasonable pricing.
As a family-owned and operated painting company in Lecanto, FL, we strive to provide personalized, professional, and friendly service. Shields Painting has been in business since 1968 for a good reason. Whenever possible, we go the extra mile to make sure our customers are happy. Unlike some of our competition, we want to know all about your house or business painting project: your vision, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. When we understand your needs, we can present you with a fantastic final product - one that you're proud to show off to friends and neighbors.
At Shields Painting, we combine our extensive experience with time-tested, meticulous painting processes, resulting in the highest quality painting results around. As a painting contractor in Citrus County, we can take on a variety of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Florida.
A few of our most popular painting services include:
- Interior Painting
- Exterior Painting
- Residential Painting
- Commercial Painting
- Cabinet Painting
- Ceiling Painting
- Fence Painting
- Sign Painting
- MUCH More!
Our commercial, industrial, and residential painting contractors take the proper steps to protect your property and belongings while we work. Our team will clean up after ourselves, so your property is left clean and free of debris when we're done. After all, we think there's only one way to do a job, and that's the right way.
Painting Services

Eco-friendly & clean work area.

PDCA Certified Member.

Your Go-To House Painting Company in Lecanto, FL
Your home is a haven of relaxation and solitude. It is uniquely you - a place where you can express who you are through style and design. Whether you need interior touch-ups for your crown molding or a new exterior coat of paint, hiring a reliable painting contractor is the best way to get quality results.
At Shields Painting, we know how important it is to have a home that highlights your tastes and personality. That's why we offer an extensive array of residential painting services in Citrus County. As tempting as it might be to try a DIY paint job, without the proper skills and experience, there is a good chance that the results will turn out less than satisfactory.
High-quality painting requires skill, experience, and patience. If you're a homeowner who needs residential painting services but doesn't have the time, patience, or skills to handle the job, look no further than Shields Painting. We offer accuracy, precision, and longevity with each paint job we perform. Our customers choose Shields Painting for their home because they receive:
- Free Quotes with Detailed Project Breakdowns
- Affordable Pricing
- Expert Painting Contractors
- High-Quality Paint Products
- Combo of Traditional and Modern Techniques
- Well-Maintained Tools
- Unmatched Craftsmanship
- Friendly, Personalized Service
- Good Old-Fashioned Hard Work!
The majority of our house painting services come in two forms: interior and exterior.
Interior Residential Painting
As an interior painting contractor with decades of experience, our expert technicians have developed an interior painting process that maximizes quality and emphasizes customer satisfaction. We understand that interior painting goes beyond aesthetics. It protects your ceilings and walls and helps you sustain a healthier place to live for your family. When only the finest craftsmanship will do inside your home, Shields Painting is here for you.
Our seasoned team of painting experts and craftsmen is dedicated to respecting your space and providing you with the look and feel you're craving inside your home. Whether you bought a new house and want to make it your own or need minor touch-ups but have no time, Shields Painting is ready to tackle the job, no matter how small or large.
Unlike some painting companies, our interior house painters take the time to get the details right, every time. For instance, color is only one aspect of your interior paint job. The paint sheen or finish is just as important. Certain finishes are better for living rooms and bedrooms than in kitchens and bathrooms. We'll help you find the right finish and paint colors for your home, so you don't have to worry about touch-ups or repainting.
Some of our most popular interior house painting services include:
- Ceiling Painting
- Popcorn Ceiling Removal
- Living Room Painting
- Bathroom Painting
- Basement Painting
- Color Consultations
- More

Cabinet Painting
Citrus County cabinet painting deserves its own section on this page because it requires more time, skill, and quality paint than most sections of your home. If your home's cabinets are built into its woodwork, replacing them can be obnoxiously expensive. Compared to the cost of installing new cabinets, painting your kitchen cabinets is much more affordable.
At Shields Painting, we specialize in transforming old cabinets into new, gorgeous features that are just as usable as they are beautiful. Each step of our cabinet painting process is meticulous and thorough. And we'll take care of the entire job, from cleaning, prep, and sanding to priming, painting, and reassembly. This unique service lets you enjoy a brand-new look in your kitchen without having to go into debt by replacing your cabinets.
Whether your cabinets are new, but you want to change their color or you'd like to transition wood cabinets to a painted finish, Shields Painting has the expertise and experience to give you a new look you'll love.

Exterior Residential Painting
Your home - it's a place that not only keeps your belongings safe. It protects your family and loved ones, too. It's one of your largest investments, and like anything else of value, it should be protected. However, Florida weather can take a toll on your home's structure and paint, lowering your home's value and even putting your family at risk.
While it's true that a beautiful exterior affects your house's value, it shouldn't take thousands of remodeling dollars to make a positive change to your home. There's a fine line between reasonable pricing and top-quality painting, and that sweet spot is what Shields Painting aims for. If you want to transform how your friends and neighbors see your home, never underestimate the power of a professional paint job.
Our exterior residential painting services are designed to boost curb appeal, give your home a fresh look, and help it stand up to Florida's unique weather. But we provide more than that. When you hire Shields Painting for your outdoor painting project, you will enjoy peace of mind in knowing that your home is in truly capable hands. Our goal is to exceed your expectations and help bring out the best in your property, whether you need to re-stain your deck or remove old, peeling paint from your siding.
If you're on the hunt for the very best exterior painting contractor in Lecanto, FL, look no further than Shields Painting.
Some of our most popular exterior house painting services include:
- Vinyl Siding Painting
- Deck Painting and Staining
- Stucco Exterior Painting
- Wood Exterior Painting
- Porch Painting and Staining
- Soffit Painting
- Fascia Painting
- Window Painting
- Front Door Painting
- Thorough Painting Prep
- More

The Premier Commercial Painting Company in Lecanto, FL
When it comes to first impressions, your businesses' appearance plays an important role. Your commercial property's paint job factors into its overall aesthetics. A great-looking, well-maintained paint job can mean the difference between a customer walking in your storefront and passing by. Conversely, an old, worn-out commercial paint job can send the wrong message to prospective customers. If you can't take the time to keep up your property's appearance, why would a customer spend their hard-earned money on your products?
The same goes for your businesses' interior paint. Would you want to do business with a company that has peeling paint or unsightly crown molding? At Shield's Painting, our goal is to create a beautiful environment that your customers and employees will love inside and out. When you work with our business painters, you can rest easy knowing we treat your business like it were our own. We always clean up after ourselves and know that operations cannot come to a halt just because we're painting. As such, we'll work with your busy schedule to ensure the job gets done right the first time without disrupting your day-to-day commitments.
With decades of commercial painting experience, we know the demands of a commercial painting project necessitate a disciplined and focused approach from the start. Our team of business painters is committed to delivering quality, on-time results on every project, every time - no excuses

We offer professional business painting services to a variety of building types, including:

01
Industrial Painting
A high level of care and finesse are required to effectively paint an industrial property. At Shields Painting, we know that industrial paint jobs involve much more than aesthetics. That's why our industrial services are customized to your specifications, using industrial-grade materials that stand up to heavy-duty operations.
02
Retail Store Painting
Our commercial painters apply effective, yet appealing interior and exterior paint that stand up to the daily rigors of busy retail environments.


03
Small Business Painting
Do you own a restaurant franchise? Have a small "mom and pop" location that needs a fresh coat of paint? Shields Painting has the resources and reliability to efficiently get the job done the first time. That way, you can focus on serving your customers, not having your business repainted.
04
Healthcare Location Painting
From walk-in clinics to long-term care facilities, Shields Painting is sensitive to your patients' needs. We know you must protect your patient's privacy while maintaining productivity. Our approach to healthcare location painting centers around your schedule to avoid disruptions in care.


05
Apartment Complex Painting
Erase signs of wear and make your apartment complex or multi-family building a more desirable place to live with a stunning, professional paint job.
Florida's Most Trusted Painting Contractor
Shields Painting has been in the business since 1968. In a world where so much has changed, we are proud to uphold the ideals that make us successful: hard, honest work, getting the job done right, and excellent customer service. Providing you with trustworthy, quality work will always take priority over rushing through a project to serve the next customer. That is just not the way we choose to do business.
As professionals dedicated to perfection, we strive to provide a unique painting experience for every customer - one that focuses on their needs and desires instead of our own. Whether you need residential painting for your home or commercial painting for your business, we encourage you to reach out today to speak with our customer service team. Whether you have big ideas about a new paint project or need our expertise and guidance, we look forward to hearing from you soon.

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Latest News in Lecanto, FL
Hospital buys Lecanto land for expected ER facility
Michael Bateshttps://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/hospital-buys-lecanto-land-for-expected-er-facility/article_f4a30362-b834-532a-b965-261c6370b605.html
Aware that county growth is gravitating to the intersection of County Roads 491 and 486, HCA Citrus Memorial Hospital has purchased two parcels totaling over 8 acres near there, according to county clerk records.Although HCA has not officially announced building plans, records show the use as an ER facility with adjacent medical offices.HCA spent $1.34 million for the properties, located on the south side of C.R. 486 and Betty Point, just west of Walmart, clerk records show.At an April pre-application meeting with the co...
Aware that county growth is gravitating to the intersection of County Roads 491 and 486, HCA Citrus Memorial Hospital has purchased two parcels totaling over 8 acres near there, according to county clerk records.
Although HCA has not officially announced building plans, records show the use as an ER facility with adjacent medical offices.
HCA spent $1.34 million for the properties, located on the south side of C.R. 486 and Betty Point, just west of Walmart, clerk records show.
At an April pre-application meeting with the county, the Kimley-Horn and Associates engineering firm submitted the proposed use for the property as medical office and emergency room, County Project Manager Walt Eastmond said.
There are two buildings on the property, one with 10,860 square feet closest to C.R. 486 and another with 7,600 square feet. There is space allotted for parking.
“It’s some type of freestanding ER facility,” Eastmond said. “That’s what it looks like, with associated medical offices.”
Citrus Memorial spokeswoman Katie Myers confirmed the sale but declined to elaborate as to what the hospital has planned for that hot area. She issued this statement:
“HCA Florida Citrus Hospital is excited to acquire this property as we focus on the future health care needs of the community,” Myers said. “The expansion of the Suncoast Parkway is projected to create significant growth in the area, which in turn will create the need for convenient healthcare services.”
The intersection of County Road 491 and 486 is becoming the hub of retail and residential development in Citrus County.
The Target-anchored Shoppes at Black Diamond is under construction on the northwest corner. On the Walmart side, more stores are planned.
A large housing complex, called Amber Ridge, is planned for the southern boundary of Black Diamond. A two-story townhome community is also in the works.
The CMH property is just five miles to the south of Bravera Health Seven Rivers’ $12.3 million freestanding emergency department in Citrus Hills, which opened in 2020.
The Bravera ER functions as a department of the hospital, which is located on U.S. 19 north of Crystal River. With an estimated 70 percent of total patients admitted to the hospital after ER visits, these standalone facilities are moneymakers, and the Citrus Hills branch has been busy from the outset.
More car washes on the way for Citrus County
Michael Bateshttps://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/more-car-washes-on-the-way-for-citrus-county/article_750d7978-bb3b-541c-b6aa-e5805342bc4d.html
Don’t look now, but there are more car wash chains interested in coming to Citrus County.But does the county need more? When is enough, enough?Those questions are starting to be asked due to the rapid rise of these modern facilities.The following have requested site development permits:Take 5 Car Wash at 2709 State Road 44, near the McDonald’s at Croft Avenue in Inverness.Tidal Wave Car Wash at 1652 County Road 491 in Lecanto, next to the Culver’s.Add those to this ever-expanding li...
Don’t look now, but there are more car wash chains interested in coming to Citrus County.
But does the county need more? When is enough, enough?
Those questions are starting to be asked due to the rapid rise of these modern facilities.
The following have requested site development permits:
Take 5 Car Wash at 2709 State Road 44, near the McDonald’s at Croft Avenue in Inverness.
Tidal Wave Car Wash at 1652 County Road 491 in Lecanto, next to the Culver’s.
Add those to this ever-expanding list:
Caliber Car Wash will soon open its second county location at 2927 County Road 491 in Lecanto, next to the Shell-Circle K gas station and across from Wawa and Wendy’s. It will join the Caliber along State Road 44 in Inverness.
Big Dan’s Car Wash is eyeing a site at the corner of State Road 44 and County Road 491. Last year it opened its first county location at the State Road 44 and U.S. 19 intersection in Crystal River.
A new player in the game, Beth’s Car Wash on U.S. 19 near West Cardinal Street, opened last month.
Of course they all have the standard amenities a self-respecting modern-day car wash must have these days: free high-power vacuums, a tiered monthly membership package allowing for unlimited washes and (maybe the biggest perk) quick in-and-out service.
“The people who invest in these see a return on investment or they wouldn’t be doing it,” said Josh Wooten, president/CEO of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.
But the question, he said, is how much is too much?
“Are they the highest and best use for our commercial corridors and do they bring the best value to our county?” he asked.
County Commissioner Ruthie Schlabach is asking the same question.
“We only have so much land and we have to be purposeful of what we want our vision to be for Citrus County,” she said. “But the private sector owns the land and they can sell it to whoever they want as long as it’s zoned for that specific business,” she said.
Schlabach said it’s a conversation that needs to be had at a future commission meeting.
“On the other hand, do we want the government controlling what you can do with your land?” she asked. “It’s a slippery slope.”
The U.S. car wash service market size was valued at $14.21 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand 4.8 percent from 2021 to 2028, according to a Grand View Research market analysis report.
There is little overhead for car wash owners. Customers’ cars are washed by improved technology and the drivers vacuum their own vehicles. Except for the ticket-taker at the window, there are few employees.
International Carwash Association (ICA) in its latest study showed folks are willing to pay to get their vehicles washed even with rising gas prices and inflation.
AutoLaundry, the trade association for the industry, said car washing has always been big business. But in recent years, massive amounts of acquisitions and consolidations powered by an influx of private equity have transitioned the once mom-and-pop dominated industry into a major investment sector.
A homeless processing center in Lecanto?
Michael Bateshttps://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/a-homeless-processing-center-in-lecanto/article_0d90155a-b10a-5095-819d-0cdd6e20c3d4.html
County Commissioner Holly Davis envisions opening a homeless processing center in Lecanto to not only provide food and showers but also to create pathways to prosperity.It ties in with Davis’ involvement with Prosperity Citrus, an initiative designed to reduce generational poverty in the county.Davis supplied some of the nuts and bolts of the project at Wednesday’s Chronicle editorial board meeting. Get more from the Citrus County Chronicle The homeless center, she said, would be somewhere between th...
County Commissioner Holly Davis envisions opening a homeless processing center in Lecanto to not only provide food and showers but also to create pathways to prosperity.
It ties in with Davis’ involvement with Prosperity Citrus, an initiative designed to reduce generational poverty in the county.
Davis supplied some of the nuts and bolts of the project at Wednesday’s Chronicle editorial board meeting.
Get more from the Citrus County Chronicle
The homeless center, she said, would be somewhere between the three-mile stretch from the Citrus County Transit Center and the College of Central Florida on County Road 491.
It’s close enough to county government services and the education complex so clients could receive counseling.
Rather than tap taxpayer money, Davis said, the county-led project would fund construction through private donations, fundraisers, state and federal grants and partnerships.
It would be a place where folks can get hot food, a shower, launder their clothes and be directed to community services to help them on the right path. It would have a few beds available for emergencies.
“The time is right to float this,” Davis said.
This project is an offshoot of Prosperity Citrus, a local version of the Florida Chamber’s initiative to cut childhood poverty in half by 2030 and create pathways to prosperity for all.
Davis described the facility as an “open-door processing center.”
“We have lots of nonprofits who do a great job along the perimeters of the county,” she said. “This would be a central hub.”
On other issues:
Davis said she has no problem exploring the feasibility of purchasing the almost-completed Adams Building in downtown Inverness as a place to relocate staff and create more space for the judiciary.
But she would rather see about creating space for commissioners and administrative staff at the centrally located Lecanto Government Building.
Davis wants to ramp up the county’s website to make it more engaging and keep citizens in the loop. Some ideas include easily read info-graphics, tutorials about how county government works and where tax money goes.
Michael D. Bates is a staff writer with the Citrus County Chronicle and can be reached at mbates@chronicleonline.com.
Comings & Goings: Three Starbucks headed to Citrus
Michael Bateshttps://www.chronicleonline.com/news/local/comings-goings-three-starbucks-headed-to-citrus/article_33431f8e-5297-5b3b-bb24-af534f84ac72.html
A few years ago, Starbucks coming to Citrus County wasn’t even on the radar.Today, no less than three of the chain’s coffee houses are headed this way – all in various stages of development. And they’re scattered enough so residents will be close to one no matter where they live in the county.So if you’re a fan of the Seattle-based chain, check this out:Crystal River: This one is going up along State Road 44, across from Dunkin Donuts and just west of the Coney Island.Status: Currentl...
A few years ago, Starbucks coming to Citrus County wasn’t even on the radar.
Today, no less than three of the chain’s coffee houses are headed this way – all in various stages of development. And they’re scattered enough so residents will be close to one no matter where they live in the county.
So if you’re a fan of the Seattle-based chain, check this out:
Crystal River: This one is going up along State Road 44, across from Dunkin Donuts and just west of the Coney Island.
Status: Currently in the planning stages
Lecanto: It’s headed to the Target-anchored Shoppes at Black Diamond, along with scores of other stores and restaurants.
Status: Under construction
Inverness: A standalone is coming to State Road 44, at the former Insight Credit Union site, near RaceTrac.
Status: Under construction
More coffee
Scooters Coffee is familiar with Midwesterners and will soon be with Citrus Countians.
This drive-thru-only place will be built on the north side of State Road 44, adjacent to the Suncoast Credit Union.
Scooter’s mission is exactly what the name implies: to get a customer’s order and have them scoot on their way in no more than three minutes. Scooters has been around for more than 20 years and has 300 locations in the country.
The project is still in the early stages.
Shoppes at Black Diamond
Now that the plethora of retailers and restaurants have been announced, it’s become a waiting game.
Construction has begun on the northwest corner of County Roads 491 and 486, future home of Target, Aldi, Panera, Texas Roadhouse, 7-Eleven and Tropical Cafe.
Several reasons have been cited for the retail growth spurt at that corner. It’s in the center of the county, so it’s within easy driving distance from Inverness, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Homosassa and Dunnellon.
Also, the Suncoast Parkway will have an interchange on County Road 486, near the retailers.
“This again just reinforces that area as being the up-and-coming area for commercial development,” Joe Cappuccilli, broker with Gulf to Lakes Real Estate Inc., said recently.
Chipotle Mexican Grill
This eatery is close to completion, and it will be the chain’s first restaurant in Citrus County.
Located at 911 Main St. in Inverness, Chipotle specializes in tacos, burritos, quesadillas and burrito bowls that are made-to-order in front of customers.
The franchise is at the same spot that used to be home to Joe’s Family Restaurant.
Chipotle has 211 restaurants in Florida and over 3,000 globally
Michael D. Bates is a staff writer with the Citrus County Chronicle and can be reached at mbates@chronicleonline.com.
Mertailor's Mermaid Aquarium Encounter makes a splash on Netflix in new documentary
Calvin Lewishttps://www.baynews9.com/fl/tampa/news/2023/05/28/mertailor-s-mermaid-aquarium-encounter-making-a-splash-on-netflix-in-new-documentary
CITRUS CO., Fla. — A one-of-a-kind experience is getting a new level of attention.Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Experience in Lecanto is featured in a brand-new, four-part documentary series on Netflix called ‘Merpeople.'What You Need To Know The road-side attraction is known worldwide for its mermaid tales and spectacular mermaid shows.“This is basically where, what we say, the world transforms.”Inside the encounter, visitors are transported to another world. ...
CITRUS CO., Fla. — A one-of-a-kind experience is getting a new level of attention.
Mertailor’s Mermaid Aquarium Experience in Lecanto is featured in a brand-new, four-part documentary series on Netflix called ‘Merpeople.'
What You Need To Know
The road-side attraction is known worldwide for its mermaid tales and spectacular mermaid shows.
“This is basically where, what we say, the world transforms.”
Inside the encounter, visitors are transported to another world. For owner Eric Ducharme, it’s more than a business- it’s a way of life.
“It’s just very passionate for me," he says. "As much as I love mermaid tales, I love all the marine life and I love allowing our guests to learn about them.”
Eric grew up in Citrus County and remembers watching the mermaids perform at Weeki Wachee Springs as a child that sparked his interest in making mermaid costumes. What started as a passion quickly became a life project of his.
“I just got a little bit obsessed with the aquarium thing and then I started bringing in more," said Ducharme. "Then I thought let’s open up an educational aquarium and let’s open up a small facility in Citrus County.”
That obsession turned into what you see today. A full-scale aquarium featuring not only marine wildlife but rescued macaws and other species of parrots.
And behind-the-scenes a mermaid tail warehouse.
“We do everything in house so we also print off all of our fabric and things like that. It starts off as a white base and then we actually sublimate it onto various fabrics that all of our tails are made from.”
Tails of all sorts of shapes and sizes are carefully crafted. Ducharme says they sell thousands each year.
“Whether it’s a grandparent buying something for a child or whether it’s a mom or dad who want to be mermaids. There is no age restriction on being a mermaid or a merperson.”
Just as popular as their tales are the mermaids wearing them. Shows take place where families can sit and watch as magic comes to life.
“When they put their little hands up to the glass or you can see them kind of jumping, getting excited, maybe doing a twirl- it gets you just as excited and it helps you believe there’s magic still in the world,” said Ann Marczynski, a mermaid performer.
The show takes place in the aquarium’s largest tank featuring some of its most exotic fish. From the small frys to the larger scale.
“To see a ray in your face, that close, is really cool," says Serena Stremplewski, another mermaid performer. "They’re super friendly. Even when we don’t have our mask on, you can still make out which kind of fish swimming by you and it’s really cool.”
With the aquarium being featured in a new Netflix documentary series, Eric is busy focusing on the future.
“We’ll have larger exhibits, we’ll have more room for things to grow and call mertailor its permanent home, work on more conservation projects and environmental projects as well.”
Until then, for Eric, it’s all about the simple joys.
“It’s really fun to watch families come in here and see what they’re drawn to and how they interact with various things. It’s a very fulfilling experience.”
Fulflilling for visitors and for the man behind it all.
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