Island owner warns against trespassers
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 20, 2025 at 4:30 p.m.
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     DIXIE COUNTY – A private timber company that sold an island to the United States government 45 years ago sold property that was not theirs to sell, according to information provided recently by Andrew Gude, the manager for the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge.

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     “Big Pine Island, just south of Shired Island in Dixie County, has been legally determined to be private land,” Gude noted. 
     The United States government does not own the real property known as Pine Island and the federal government has no rightful claim to it, according to Gude,
     “Please respect this private ownership and do not trespass on this area,” Gude added as he requested the warning to be published for all to see.
     This island property had an ownership dispute resolved recently. The rightful owner does not want uninvited people on his island.
     The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge has managed this land as part of the refuge since the federal government purchased it from a private timber company 45 years ago, Gude said.
     “Last year we were approached by an agent of the people who also claimed ownership of the land,” Gude noted, “which had been so-recorded in the Dixie County Property Appraiser's Office going back in time.”
       The Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge’s realty records contraindicated that the land was owned by the United Stated government, Gude said
     The National Wildlife Refuge's Realty Division worked with the United States Department of the Interior's chief land surveyor to conduct a comprehensive review of the property's survey going back to the mid-1800s before Florida was a state, Gude said.
     Florida became the 27th state in the United States on March 3, 1845, according to records in the Office of the Florida Department of State in Tallahassee. William D. Moseley was elected the new state's first governor, and David Levy Yulee, one of Florida's leading proponents for statehood, became a United States senator, the Florida Department of State notes on its website in regard to Florida joining the union. 
     Researchers with the National Wildlife Refuge's Realty Division determined that the land indeed did not belong to the United States government, Gude said.
     “There were recorded survey annotation errors that we were not aware of,” Gude said.
     Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge Manager Gude said the government agreed to publicize this finding, as well as to inform the public in coordination with the rightful owner.
 

Levy County announces plan
to seek bids for Cedar Key’s Big Dock
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 19, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.
     CEDAR KEY – The Florida Department of Emergency Management is willing to give Levy County $500,000 toward the replacement of the big cement dock on Cedar Key, according to information in a March 19 press release.
     Located next to the section of Dock Street that burned down last year and was significantly damaged both before and after that fire, this dock is more for fishing and observing things in the Gulf of Mexico rather than docking boats to it.
     The big cement dock had functional bathroom facilities, a water fountain, steel benches and more.
     The Cedar Key Big Dock was hit by high winds and a tidal surge that severely damaged it during Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall in Cedar Key on Aug. 30, 2023.
     To see the Sept. 19, 2024 story “Fire destroys popular Cedar Key restaurants and more,” click HERE. (This was one week before Hurricane Helene hit.)
     On Feb. 22, 2024, Levy County received the Damage Description and Dimensions (DDD) Form from FEMA. Final
plans for the repair were delivered to Levy County on Aug. 27, 2024.
     Hurricane Helene made landfall off of the Gulf of Mexico near Cedar Key on Sept. 26, 2024. On Sunday, Sept; 29, 2024, Levy County staff members determined that the project would need to be reevaluated due to the additional damage suffered during Hurricane Helene, and the entire process with FEMA was restarted.
     The next official hurricane season starts in about three months on June 1.
      Levy County Commission members are noted to note their appreciation for Florida Department of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie providing a promise of immediate funding to repair the Big Dock in Cedar Key, according to information in the press release.
     Guthrie received permission from the Executive Office of the Governor to repair the Cedar Key Fishing Pier, which is estimated at $500,000, the press release noted.
     The state will facilitate necessary agreements to recoup the costs on a Florida Division of Emergency Management (FEMA) Project Worksheet.
     After a meeting and tour of Cedar Key with County Commission Chair Desiree Mills, County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper, Levy County Emergency Management Director Leatha Keene and Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson, Director Guthrie secured this permission, according to the press release.
     Levy County will be putting the Big Dock Project out to bid for repair this week.
     To see the story and photos Cedar Key attractions diminished by disasters, click HERE.

Levy County celebrates
180th anniversary of existence

Participating in the celebration were several elected officials, including but not limited to (from left) County Commissioner Rock Meeks, County Commissioner Johnny Hiers, County Clerk Matt Brooks, County Court Judge Luis Bustamante, Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones, Commission Chair Desiree Mills, Tax Collector Michele Langford, Cunty Commissioner Charlie Kennedy and Commission Vice Chair Tim Hodge.

Photos and Information Provided
By Wendy Feagle, Event Organizer
Editing By Jeff M. Hardison
Published March 12, 2025 at 11 a.m.
     BRONSON -- The Levy County Board of County Commissioners hosted a party to celebrate Levy County’s 180th “Birthday” on Monday (March 10) at the Levy County Government Center, 310 School St., in Bronson.
     This government center was converted into what is there today from the former campus of Bronson High School after the Levy County School District sold the campus to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners. 
      Levy County was established on March 10, 1845 and it became the 27th county of the 67 counties that exist today in the state. Coincidentally, Florida became the 27th state of the 50 United States of America on March 3, 1845.
      It was named after David Levy Yulee, a prominent politician, businessman and one of Florida's first two United States senators.  As noted, Levy County was initially created on March 10, 1845, when it was formed from a portion of Alachua County.
     Gilchrist County was created in 1925. It was the last county of 67 counties organized in Florida. It, too, was formed from separation from Alachua County. Gilchrist County is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
     Gilchrist County was originally set to be named Melon County due to watermelons being one of the main exports from the area; however, the death of Albert W. Gilchrist, who was the governor of Florida from 1909 to 1913, prompted its name to be Gilchrist County.


Some of the food vendors at the event at the Levy County Government Center on March 10 provided BBQ, Cuban and other types of food for sale.


This photo shows part of the area where Levy County Animal Services staff shared information with people.


Some of the ‘Touch A Truck’ area includes trucks and other vehicles from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office as well as from the Levy County Commission's fleet.

     At the time of Levy County's formation, the county seat was in Sodom, which was later renamed Mount Pleasant and is now known as Levyville. Levyville is not one of Levy County’s eight incorporated municipalities. The eight municipalities are Bronson, Cedar Key, Chiefland, Fanning Springs (which is partly in Gilchrist County), Inglis, Otter Creek, Williston and Yankeetown.
     In 1869, Bronson was selected as the county seat by popular vote.
     The “Levy County Birthday Celebration” was be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 10 at the Levy County Government Center.
     The event included food trucks, vendor booths, a “touch a truck” area, where visitors could meet the people who operate them, as well as to sit in the driver’s seat and take a selfie.
     Staff members of many of the County Commission’s departments were available to share information about the county's variety of services. There were also representatives of the Eighth Judicial Circuit. Levy and Gilchrist counties are part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, which includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.

TCCRC accepts $300,000 check
History continues at The Fisher Building

Participating in the ceremonial and locally significant historic presentation of a $300,000 check on Tuesday morning (March 4) are (from left) Partnership for Strong Families (PSF) Board of Directors Member Denny George, PSF Chief of Clinical and Community Services Pebbles Edelman, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida Barzella Papa, PSF Chief Executive Officer Ginger Griffeth, Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC) Manager Beverly Goodman, PSF Director of Resource Centers Stacy Merritt and Chair of TCCRC Board of Directors Lewrissa Johns. A relatively strong northbound breeze offered challenges that were overcome, for the most part.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © March 5, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.
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     CHIEFLAND – The Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC) continues helping people in the impoverished Tri-County Area of Levy County, Gilchrist County and Dixie County.
     The TCCRC is one of the community centers for the Partnership for Strong Families (PSF). The PSF provides child welfare services designed to protect local children from abuse, neglect and abandonment and assists in establishing safe and permanent homes with their own families, partner families or adoptive parents.

     “This generous investment in Partnership for Strong Families’ Tri-County Community Resource Center ensures the sustainability of vital programs that strengthen families and communities.”
   -- TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman

     The PSF resource centers in addition to the TCCRC are the Library Partnership Resource Center, 912 N.E. 16th Ave., G Gainesville; The SWAG Family Resource Center, 807 S.W. 64th Terrace, Gainesville; and the NorthStar Family Resource Center, 255 N.E. Coach Anders Lane, Lake City.
     Each of the resource centers PSF operates are a partnership endeavor with larger entities such as the county library district, county government or grassroots community groups, as well as more than 30 agencies that partner with the centers to provide services at no cost to families.
     Every service offered by the PSF, and its staff members and volunteers, is tied to one of the five protective factors, which when present in families are shown to reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect. Each center evolves to meet the specific needs of the community it is located within and strives to involve community members in guiding decisions.
     The five protective factors are Concrete Supports in Times of Need; Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development; Social and Emotional Competence of Children; Social Connections; and Parent Resilience.
     The mission of the TCCRC is “To work in partnership with the public by providing services, resources, and information to benefit the needs of our community.”
     The Community Foundation of North Central Florida partners with professional advisors who work on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofits to steward charitable dollars into the North Central Florida community, which includes the Tri-County Area.
     This foundation works by applying in a very hands-on approach with those individuals who care deeply about making a larger impact throughout this community. The Community Foundation of North Central Florida partners with professional advisors who work on behalf of individuals, families and nonprofit organizations such as the Partnership for Strong Families to steward charitable dollars, which are put to work in the community.
     Late Tuesday morning (March 4), people representing the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the PSF and the TCCR got together on the front lawn of The Fisher Building for a relatively strong historic occasion. It was time for the presentation of the big, cardboard ceremonial check for $300,000.
     “This generous investment in Partnership for Strong Families’ Tri-County Community Resource Center ensures the sustainability of vital programs that strengthen families and communities,” TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman said.
     She noted that with this support, the TCCRC can continue offering quality services and programs to Tri-County Area residents, helping them access essential resources as they build a brighter future.

This sign is reflective of just one of the many, many services people are connected with at the Tri-County Community Resource Center, located in The Fisher Building of Chiefland.


Drivers and passengers of (from left) a Cadillac, a Mercedes Benz, a BMW and a Nissan Juke parked in Chiefland Tuesday to be among the people respectively making and recording local current history.
 

History Continues At The Fisher Building
     The Fisher Building, located on the northeast corner of the roads that divide the City of Chiefland into quadrants for addresses – Main Street (U.S. Highway 19), the east-west divider; and Park Avenue (Martin Luther King Jr. Road), the north-south divider, has markers showing some of its history.
     Some of those markers are etched in stone, or heralding moments on raised metal. And some mark placed to be unearthed to show the past in via future unveilings.


This metal monument on one of the walls of The Fisher Building shows the structure’s roots from 1958, including former Chiefland City Manager Hardy Dean (Sr.), who later had a former bank building named in his honor when that bank structure became what is now Chiefland City Hall (the Hardy R. Dean Sr. Municipal Building)


This plaque on the building shows to whom it is named as an honor – John C. Fisher, who was a city employee that provided public service to the residents and visitors of Chiefland from 1969 to 1996. In 2006, and for some years after that, this structure housed the former Levy County Building Department.


This plaque is on a marker in the front yard of The Fisher Building, home of the Tri-County Community Resource Center, to show that on April 6, 2013, Chiefland – as part of its centennial celebration – put things under the marker in a time capsule to be opened in 2063. It was erected by city workers and dedicated by Chiefland Mayor (Matthew) Teal Pomeroy (May 2, 1974- Aug. 21, 2016), the Chiefland City Commission and the Chiefland Centennial Committee.


Somewhat faded from time, this metal marker on another monument in the front yard of The Fisher Building shows historical remembrances placed in the ground on June 19, 1976, during the Bicentennial of the United States of America (1976), which are to be unearthed for the United States America's tri-centennial (2076).


Bricks bought by people during the 2013 celebration of Chiefland’s 100th anniversary include those by HardisonInk.com with Jeff, Sharon and Goldy (Aug. 12, 2009-Aug. 25, 2021) (Goldy was the senior cat mascot of the daily news website); Mary Jane Deas; the former First United Methodist Church of Chiefland (since disaffiliated from the UMC); The Yum Yum Ice Cream Shoppe (the Moll and Wurdeman families); Carolyn Cohens, historian, author and artist; AmVets Post 42 (formerly of Chiefland and now of Fanning Springs). There are a multitude of others bought bricks on this wall in front of The Fisher Building.

For another of a zillion historic moments in Chiefland, see the Aug. 7, 2018, story, photos and video 'Tim West wins Chiefland election by choosing the long straw; 90-90 vote is broken by drawing lots - per the law,' by clicking HERE.

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181^st Performance

This is Stephen McGovern, who goes by the stage name “Stephen Thomas” as he sings the HardisonInk.com jingle on Saturday morning (Feb. 22). He was performing as Elvis during the 2022 Tour of the Town event in Inglis and Yankeetown. McGovern’s range is more than just Elvis songs. Jeff M. Hardison asks people to sing the jingle, and some of them agree to sing it. (Thanks people!) CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE AND HEAR THE VIDEO ON YouTube.com. The very first person to sing the jingle was in Chiefland in March of 2013. HardisonInk.com started as a daily news website on Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo and Video by Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 23, 2025 at 9 a.m.
All Rights Reserved Do Not Copy And Paste Anywhere