Tuesday’s county commission meeting devolved into one of the most volatile public meetings in recent memory, marked by repeated outbursts from the crowd, calls for commissioners to resign and heated exchanges.

The tension peaked when Josh Wooten, president and CEO of the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce, became involved in a confrontation with a member of the public that escalated into a brief shoving match.

Deputies intervened and separated the two men after the altercation broke out. Wooten later said he did not intentionally strike the man when he tapped him on the shoulder with a folded piece of paper following comments he made to commissioners related to the disputed Betz Farm land sale.

Wooten said the gesture was intended to be polite and not aggressive.

The man who accused Wooten of hitting him left the meeting afterward and could not be reached for comment.

Commission Chair Diana Finegan shouted at Wooten during the incident, saying she witnessed him hit the man. Wooten responded by saying he would sue Finegan for defamation of character.

A sheriff’s deputy later said investigators would review video from the meeting before determining whether any action would be taken.

Michael D. Bates is a staff writer with the Citrus County Chronicle and can be reached at mbates@chronicleonline.com