The Second Ad In The Contest Is Placed - Nov. 13
Look at the Leisure Page to see contest rules.
Second ad placed for
free tickets to A Christmas Carol
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 13, 2024 at 7:30 a.m.
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THE WORLD – People all across the globe who read the best daily news website in Florida were relatively few in number to find the advertisement from Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones (2024 Election Results) on the Life Page yesterday (Tuesday, Nov. 12), and then enter their names in the contest for free tickets to the play A Christmas Carol.
Another ad was selected and has been placed on one of the seven pages of HardisonInk.com today (Nov. 13).
For details on what to look for in ads and which email to send answers to, go to the Leisure Page and find the big ad in the middle of that page, which includes all of the details or the prizes and how to enter to win a ticket.
More Below This Ad
Keynote speaker knocks it out of the park
at 25th Annual
Cross City Veterans Day Program
Bob and Dotti Leichner are seen just before the start of the event in Wandle Wheeler Park on Veterans Day in Cross City. The Leichners are the former owners of the Dixie Music Center before they retired from that. They both continue performing music. Bob has expanded his teaching career beyond only music to serve public school students in Dixie County, and Dotti has expanded her artistic pursuits to include more of the fine arts as well as the performing arts. Bob again provided the public address system for this occasion.
Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 12, 2024 at 12 p.m.
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CROSS CITY – Stephen Smith, a United States Army veteran, served the public again on Veterans Day 2024 in Cross City as the keynote speaker during the city’s 25th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
This former high well-accomplished semi-pro baseball player metaphorically hit it out of the park with his messages for the crowd at Wandle Wheeler Park on Monday (Nov. 11). While he served every American in the military, at the Cross City get-together his duty was focused on a smaller, yet equally vital mission – helping inform the people in a free democracy.
Cross City Mayor Kenneth “Tank” Lee seemed relatively happy to have secured Smith to be the main speaker of the day, in part from the Army veteran’s military service as a tank gunner.
Dixie County Commissioner Mark Hatch stands near the grill where he cooked 100 hotdogs, which people enjoyed at the annual event.
Chuck Elton came from another county to Cross City, to see the big parade and ceremony. He is among the traditional members of Mayor Tank Lee’s Support Staff for this parade. Also, Elton is known for his service to the people of the Tri-County Area as a photographer, year after year, at the annual Suwannee River Fair and Youth Livestock Show and Sale.
Chuck Elton is a retired Dixie County Emergency Services Division Chief of 9-1-1, as shown in this story with photos from June 13, 2019, which can be seen by clicking HERE.
Bob Leichner (left), Pastor Joe Brooks of the Cross City Church of God (center) and Mayor Tank Lee move in to adjust the microphone for the pastor.
In the foreground on the left Angel Lee, Tank and xx Lee’s daughter, stands as her mother Debbie. The mayor mentioned his sister and niece help every year, as do many others.
is also seen while the mayor lets people know these two women are extremely significant to the success of this event that has grown from 15 people at the first one 25 years ago to the amazing ceremonial happening experienced by many in 2024.
Cross City Vice Mayor J. Ryan Fulford welcomes everyone to Cross City and to the event in the park on Monday. He mentioned that he is glad to see young people in the audience. County Commissioner David Osteen also spoke at the lectern on the stage to thank everyone for coming to the event to honor veterans.
Jerry Fulford, the vice mayor’s father and a veteran of the United States Army is recognized by his son as being among the veterans in the audience.
MaShayla Rollison sings the Star-Spangled Banner, the national anthem for the United States of America.
Winding up to this high value pitch at the event was Cross City Mayor Lee’s welcome and expression of his appreciation for everyone who showed up to the celebration of American veterans who served, are serving and will serve in the years to come.
Pastor Joe Brooks of the Cross City Church of God found people joining as he led them in reciting The Lord’s Prayer. MaShayla Rollison sang a moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner and more.
Mayor Lee spoke about the elected and appointed officials in the crowd as well as several veterans who were guests.
Performing a medley of military service branches’ theme songs was the Dixie County High School Redcoat Regiment Marching Band, which included several seventh and eighth grade musicians this year, and all were under the guidance of DCHC Band Director and Music Teacher William Malloy.
The mayor mentioned that even though school was out for the federal holiday, these young people served the public in uniform as band members performing music for their audience.
As veterans of each branch - Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard – heard their group’s songs presented, they stood and were recognized by the audience.
And, like last year, the United States Space Force, the newest military branch established in 2019, with its own song titled “Semper Supra” that was unveiled during the 2022, may have not been played. As best as can be determined, there were no members of that branch of the United States military service at the event in Cross City that morning.
Members of American Legion Post 383 Honor Guard present the colors and then clear the flag area from that duty. Mayor Tank Lee has led to flagpoles at least two prominent public places in Cross City over the past two decades-plus.
Harry Hopwood, a Marine, sings the lyrics to the theme song of the United States Marine Corps as the DCHS Band plays the music. Hopwood was recognized by the Cross City mayor for being among the people who have been to all or at least almost all of the 25 annual ceremonies for Veterans Day held in Cross City.
Former Army Sgt. Phillip ‘Phil’ Snyder and his wife Adrienne Snyder, who also is an Army veteran, are seen in the audience as Mayor Tank Lee recognizes them. Phil Snyder led the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program at Dixie County High School many years ago. The JROTC program is not offered at DCHS nowadays. The mayor thanked the teacher for bringing the DCHS JROTC cadets to the ceremonies many years ago.
Luke Whitehead, Isaac O’Neal and Noah Coakley read poems as “A Toast To The Flag,” as Mayor Lee helps involve young people in the annual ceremonial program to recognize and honor veterans.
Stephen Smith, keynote speaker at the 25th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony in Cross City, stands near the steps of the stage as Mayor Tank Lee introduces him to the audience.
As Stephen Smith starts his speech, Stephen's father – attorney B. Shannon Smith starts walking toward Mayor Tank Lee who has left the stage to shake hands with Shannon Smith. Shannon Smith has a distinguished military career as well as serving in the legal profession, and even being a coach in Tri-County Area high school sports.
The American Legion Post 383 Honor Guard performed many services at the event, including a salute by shooting a volley of rounds and playing Taps on a bugle to help conclude the ceremonies.
As he introduced the keynote speaker, the mayor said Smith is a 2014 Trenton High School graduate, who earned his Associate of Arts degree from Santa Fe College (SFC), while being a starter on the (SFC) Saints’ baseball team.
Smith earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Tampa, Lee said. He played two years of baseball there and the Spartans won a national championship during Smith’s senior year there, Lee said.
After graduation from UT, Smith served three years in the United States Army as a tank gunner on an M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams main battle tank, Mayor “Tank” Lee said. The third version of this model is an upgrade from the modernized version of the M1A2 SEPv2 main battle tank, according to information from Army Technology.
This veteran was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, the mayor said. After his military service, former Sgt. Smith moved back home to join the family business as a financial advisor in Chiefland.
As Smith opened his address, he thanked the mayor for inviting him to speak. Smith reminded listeners that is from the service of veterans that everyone enjoys the freedoms in the United States of America.
He shared lessons from his time in the Army as a tank gunner.
“Early is on time, on time is late and late is never acceptable!” Smith said as he recited a revised version of the phrase coined by the author Eric Jerome Dickey (July 7, 1961-Jan. 3, 2021).
Mental discipline, Smith said, is another thing he learned in the Army. This means doing what it takes to get a job done no matter the circumstances.
During his first field exercise at Fort Riley in 2020, Smith said, he remembers waking up on the front slope of the tank covered by four inches of snow. As a Florida native, this was a new experience.
“You wake up and you get to work,” Smith said, “whether you have four inches of snow on you or you are sweating in the heat of the desert.”
He learned camaraderie, where everyone works as one team with one goal.
“Win the war, when called upon,” Smith said.
The fourth lesson he shared is to have love for the United States of America – the greatest country to ever exist.
He said this country dominates in every measure across the globe.
During the 10 and one-half months Smith spent in Poland, he said, he saw that when American soldiers trained with the Polish, the Italians, the Germans or any other allies, the American tanks and equipment caused every other nation’s soldiers to stop and watch in awe.
“They watched as how the American servicemembers carried themselves,” Smith said, “how the American servicemembers went about their duties on their equipment. Every small thing that we did was watched by other countries.”
They all know how mighty the American military is, he said.
“This great country did not become what it is today out of thin air,” Smith said.
He spoke about the lives lost in the Revolutionary War when the states separated from England.
“That was the first of many wars American servicemembers fought in, all for the same goal -- freedom,” Smith said.
Military servicemembers do not just wear uniforms, he added. That duty comes with having a mindset when they sign on that line at the recruiter station, Smith said, acknowledging and accepting that someday, the soldier may be asked to lay down his or her life to protect others who they have never met.
Smith asked everyone to consider the last time they did something for the veterans who were willing to give their lives to protect lives of fellow Americans.
He spoke about the small percentage (6.2 percent) of American adults who are veterans.
“When you come across a veteran,” Smith said, “lend an ear. Be respectful. Say, ‘Thank you for your service,’ because not everyone lives in an area as patriotic as ours.”
In closing, Smith said, “Let’s keep it patriotic. God bless the Tri-County. God bless Dixie County. God bless Florida and God bless the United States of America.”
Mayor Lee, in his closing remarks, said he and his family started the ceremony that has continued. He is thankful for everyone who helps. Once again, this year, Lee said, the city staff at Cross City went “above and beyond” to make sure this event was successful.
He added that the extensive list of sponsors on the back of the program makes the event possible.
The mayor then gave a speech to show his belief that the people of America all owe a debt of gratitude for the sacrifice, the valor, integrity, service, bravery and service of American veterans who have over the centuries helped keep this country free from tyranny.
As has been tradition, Mayor Lee gathered all of the veterans for a group photo after the event and he gave them tee-shirts after the ceremony.
To see this year's story about the Veterans Day Parade in Cross City, go to the LIFE PAGE.
To see one of the three separate stories and photos from the 2023 Veterans Day celebration in Cross City, click HERE.
Out-of-county visitors give verbal input
on zoning matters -- and more
Dixie County Building Official Leon Wright reads information related to a special exception.
Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 9, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
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CROSS CITY – One request to place a recreational vehicle in an area not zoned for that, except via special exception, and a request for a variance to reduce setbacks from the existing requirements in Dixie County both passed Thursday morning (Nov. 9).
This is not really news anymore, because it is so common for the Dixie County Commission to allow RVs anywhere and to throw away setback rules, that it would be news only if they rejected those types of requests.
If any petitioner is rejected from here on out, it seems like any good attorney could argue successfully to a judge that the Dixie County Land Development Regulations (LDRs) requiring a special exception to place RVs in environmentally sensitive area or in areas zoned for agriculture are not valid. The only people denied those requests away from Land Development Regulations are those whose neighbors object, and even if there are objections, then they are occasionally allowed too.
One unusual part of the Thursday morning Dixie County Commission meeting happened when an out-of-county visitor comments during the public hearing, where the County Commission, sitting as its own Planning and Zoning Board, sought input from the public matters related to these specific requests for one special exception and one variance.
At the start of the regular meeting, County Commission Chairman Jamie Storey granted a request from County Attorney Chana Watson to speak. She told people in the audience to state their name before they speak.
The members of the Dixie County Commission are Chairman Storey, Vice Chairman Jody Stephenson, and commissioners Mark Hatch, David Osteen and Daniel Wood III.
Unlike Dixie County, in Gilchrist County, that county’s leaders adopted rules of decorum that are noted verbatim below:
● All persons should be seated. No person shall stand or sit along walls and may not block doorways.
● Banners, flyers, or other signs are not permitted in the meeting. Distribution of other flyers are (is) not permitted.
● Demonstrations including cheering, yelling, whistling, clapping, food stopping or other behavior which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meetings are prohibited.
● All person(s) shall observe proper decorum and shall speak in a civil or courteous manner and shall not yell, scream, or use foul language.
● Speakers shall address the agenda topic; time limits will be adhered to.
● Speakers shall address the Board (of county commissioners) and not turn to address the audience.
● Adherence to these rules is required for the continued participation in the meeting.
Dixie County is not so inclined toward mandatory civility. The room was packed with people along the walls, having conversations among themselves during the meeting, not identifying themselves when they spoke, etc.
Larry Downs Jr. of Escambia County speaks during one of his two times sharing his opinions about freedom, COVID vaccinations, and various allegations about alleged federal conspiracies that are spread by people generally thought of as being “right wing fringe element” members.
During the public hearing about one special exception request related to LDRs and one variance to allow a reduction of setbacks for buildings, a man who said his name is “Larry Downs Jr.” of Escambia County spoke.
Commission Chairman Storey had asked the public if there were any objections. Downs was recognized to state his objections. He had no objection. Instead, he went off on a rant and was not asked to stop.
Downs said he is for the special exception that was granted as well as being in favor of the variance to allow a reduction of setbacks, which special exception and variance are required to allow things contrary with the LDRs in Dixie County, according to law.
Downs said he vacations in Dixie County from his home in Pensacola.
“I’m ‘for’ this, a special exception, variances, all that type of stuff,” Downs said. “This is the only place where we can find freedom – in the land of the free and the home of the brave. Unfortunately, we’ve become, uh, a regulatory, legislative, regimenting every aspect of our life country.
“The slogan really needs to be changed,” Downs continued. “Land of the controlled – home of the told. So, any chance that y’all get ta spread a little freedom – to give little exemptions – to the big daddy regulatory zoning. I find it unusual that even in small towns it’s almost like an HOA (Homeowners’ Association).
“Ya know,” Downs continued. “You’d think we’d find some freedom here. But from what I’m hearin’, it’s the same all over the country.”
He repeated that he is in favor of allowing any allowance to disregard LDRs.
“For some reason,” Downs continued with his diatribe unrelated to the singular local issues for the public hearing, “Freedom has become the enemy in this beautiful country. And I’m just here to spread the fact that freedom, it shouldn’t, it’s not gonna’ be neat and tidy.
“It never is,” Downs continued. “We went from Patrick Henry, ‘Give me liberty or give me death’ to ‘If it will save one life.’ Do y’all see the conundrum we’re in? So, those flags right there. That pledge we just did.”
And Commissioner Hatch chimed in “And don’t forget the prayer!”
“And the prayer,” Downs said as he continued without breaking stride. “It’s supposed to mean something. Just like those Ten Commandments out there on the steps (of the Dixie County Courthouse). It’s supposed to mean something.”
Downs said he wants the County Commission to approve every single special exception or variance request to the Dixie County Land Development Regulations.
One woman then was granted a chance to speak.
She is a resident of Dixie County who pays ad valorem property taxes in Dixie County.
She reminded the County Commission that people spend $300 a year to park their RVs in the county, and they do not support the whole community. Those RV owners enjoy all of the benefits as being residents, even beyond the joys of being visitors on vacations.
She said the special exception goes with the land and not the people, so that people can park their houses in Dixie County.
Another man was granted permission to speak during the public hearing on these specific requests to go in a different direction than Dixie County Land Development Regulations show – by granting special exceptions and variances.
“I just want to say God bless America to everybody in this room. Thank you for respecting our right to record this,” he said as he videotaped the meeting.”
Downs and other people who went through the metal detection device at the entrance were told by courthouse security members of the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office that they could video record only in the County Commission meeting, but once they pass through that meeting door, no videotaping is allowed in the secured areas of the courthouse.
The man who failed to state his name kept speaking as he held a video recorder.
“Keep up the good work, he said. “Twice I’ve been to this county and have been pleasantly surprised.”
What’s your name? a county employee asked.
The man in the hat and sunglasses standing at the back wall of the meeting room of the Dixie County Commission on Nov. 7 calls himself ‘Finn’ or ‘Rights Crispy.’
“Finn, a.k.a., Rights Crispy,” the man who would not give his real name said.
“Rights Crispy” explained that his name is like Huckleberry Finn, a fictional character created in book first published Dec. 10, 1884, by the late Samuel Langhorne Clemens (Nov. 30, 1835-April 21, 1910), who was also known by the pen name of Mark Twain.
Chairman Storey confirmed that this man from another county who would not provide his actual name in a public hearing was not opposed to the matters under consideration by the five-man Dixie County Commission.
Commission Vice Chairman Stephenson said the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners has a responsibility and an obligation to all of the residents and visitors of Dixie County to assure that not only are personal property rights upheld, as they are in this nation that is a nation of laws, but that the good of the whole community must be considered. In each instance of allowing for a variance away from, or special exception to the LDRs, the Dixie County Commission cannot simply rubber stamp every request.
At the end of the regular meeting, during the time for public comments, Downs gave a three-minute speech about a conspiracy to vaccines, and that many federal agencies were in cahoots to help big corporations involved with pharmaceutical drug production And Downs urged people not to get vaccines to help stop death or significant illness caused COVID.
A resident of Dixie County said Downs is just trying to create trouble that does not exist in this county.
Vice Chairman Stephenson said even people from other counties can tell the County Commission their opinions because of the freedom of speech guaranteed in The First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
Publisher’s Note: Briefly, the set of rights in The First Amendment, are Speech, Press, Assembly and Religion. The first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.
Donor appalled and aghast by report
concerning Levy County Animal Services
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 7, 2024 at 3:30 p.m.
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JEMLANDS – Robert “Bob” Echols is the man who donated to Levy County to create The Cat Room – that came to fruition in 2016.
Echols, founder and president of For Our Friends the Animals, a non-profit organization that helps abandoned dogs and cats, also was the single largest contributor to new dog kennels being constructed at the Levy County Animal Services (LCAS) facility.
That addition to LCAS opened in 2020.
Likewise, his donation to the City of Williston to improve facilities for dogs and cats is noteworthy, and Echols’ efforts there have been reported on extensively in the best daily news website in Florida, as well as a little bit by broadcast journalists from Gainesville.
Now, the Levy County Board of County Commissioners is considering whether to scrap the Levy County Animal Services (LCAS) facility all together or to invest a significant amount of money to overcome environmental hazards to health and safety, as well as to fix the shelter facilities for animals that are said to need substantial renovation.
In regard to Echols’ helping bring about a new animal facility in Williston, where Mayor Charles Goodman physically worked as well as served as a municipal leader, Williston Animal Group now has taken control of that shelter from the City of Williston.
To read the June 8, 2016 story “The Cat Room opens in Levy County,” and see the photos, click HERE.
To see the story, photos and video from the June 17, 2020, story “New dog kennel is a testament to love; Levy County Animal Services is improved with new facility” with a link to the May 2019 story and photos when ground was broken on the addition to the shelter, click HERE.
To see one of the many stories and photos published in HardisonInk.com about the Williston animal shelter, click HERE. This one is an exclusive from Dec. 12, 2022.
Echols sent an email to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners after reading the latest news about the third-party review of the LCAS operations and its facilities. He copied that email to HardisonInk.com on Nov. 7 at 11:15 a.m.
“Greetings!
“I trust most of you recognize my name, perhaps even remember me.”
Echols said “… to say the least I am appalled and aghast. As this building is in many ways a reflection of me and my ethos of a reverence for life, I do take this personally.
Echols noted that he understands there is consideration of ameliorating the problems. He let the County Commission know that if he can provide financial support towards that end, he will certainly consider it.
His interest is ultimately in what is best for the animals, Echols noted.
“If you have plans for remediation and believe I could be of use, I will certainly consider supporting those plans in some way,” Echols noted.
“Perhaps this time we'll do it right!” he added.
Levy County Animal Services reviewed
Workshop set for Nov. 19 at 1 p.m.
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 6, 2024 at 3 p.m.
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BRONSON – A report consisting of more than 30 pages, with many of the pages being resources for more information, shows Levy County Animal Services is bound for significant changes.
A report presented by Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper on Tuesday morning (Nov. 5) led the County Commission to vote 4-0 in favor of conducting an Animal Services Strategic Planning Workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 19, starting at 1 p.m., in the Levy County Government Center Auditorium, 310 School St., in Bronson.
Harper’s listing of a plethora of problems at the animal shelter, which is located next to the solid waste transfer site (aka the landfill) between Bronson and Williston led commissioners to agree to start moving forward with plans for revision.
An $85,000 estimated price just to remove the contaminants that have been found and which present health hazards to employees and visitors in the main building, Harper said, is one factor to consider going forward. That does not include the added sheetrock or other materials needed after that cleanup process, she said.
That $85,000 expense does not include more office space or improved medical facilities for cats and dogs that may occur in the future.
A $15,000 expense for a mobile office unit during a three-month period is another consideration as the county goes forward, Harper intimated.
County Manager Harper used Maddie’s Million Pet Challenge (MMPC), which is a partnership between the University of Florida and University of California at Davis’ Shelter Medicine Programs, Team Shelter USA and Open Door Veterinary Collective.
The MMPC awarded Levy County Animal Services (LCAS) a pro bono (free) consult at the request of county leadership.
Research completed before the onsite visit included a review of the Florida Statutes, local ordinances, historical statistical trends, record keeping, website and social media as well as discussions with partner agencies.
During the onsite visit, the MMPC consultant toured the shelter property and met with individual staff and the leadership team to learn more about the processes in place for both shelter staff and field services from the point of intake to outcome, according to records of the consult.
All of recommendations to county leaders are based on research and/or successful programs in Florida and nationwide and are in line with all reputable national animal welfare organizations, according to the report.
Many recommendations are simple policy decisions that can be made quickly while others will take several steps, and may require budget adjustments, or other actions before implementation.
One of the first recommendations enacted, Harper said on Tuesday, was to feed the shelter animals twice a day rather than continuing with the once-a-day feeding practice established earlier.
Among the positive data found during the research was that there has been a dramatic increase in cat lifesaving from 48 percent in 2023 to 86 percent as of the year-to-date in 2024 -- due to the partnership with Operation Catnip.
On Tuesday, Harper said the researcher spent two days at the site.
LCAS Administrative Assistant Brandy Cannon was among the county staff members, all of whom “went above and beyond” their normal duties to assist the researcher, Harper said.
There are euthanasia polices now that comply with state and federal statutes, Harper said.
Staff members from the Levy County Building Department and from the Florida Department of Health Tri-County Unit, Harper said, reviewed mold that was found in the attic of the building and they determined it is unsafe to work there.
After Harper provided more details of significant deficiencies in the current animal shelter, the County Commission chose to conduct the workshop.
Even before the workshop, County Commission Rock Meeks indicated that he thinks the shelter should be abandoned. A new shelter should be built in an area of Levy County where people do not mind hearing dogs barking quite often.
The Animal Services Strategic Planning Workshop scheduled to be Tuesday, Nov. 19, starting at 1 p.m. in the Levy County Government Center Auditorium, 310 School St., in Bronson, is a meeting that is open to the public.
Matt Brooks wins race for Levy County Clerk
Brian Kramer wins State Attorney's race
Republicans win House and Senate seats
By Jeff M. Hardison © Nov. 5, 2024 at 9 p.m.
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JEMLANDS – Voters decided who they want in governmental offices of leadership in Levy County, Gilchrist County, Dixie County, the Eighth Judicial Circuit of Florida and in the four seats in Tallahassee where members of the Florida Senate and Florida House of Representatives legislate.
As for federal leaders, the voters made those choices as well. Following are the local and multi-county results for leaders in the Tri-County Area, according to election officials:
Levy County
Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller
Matt Brooks (REP) 15,842 votes (66.97 percent)
Jennifer “Jen” Kerkhoff (NPA) 7,813 votes (33.03 percent)
Gilchrist County
Gilchrist County School Board, Dist. 4
Patricia Hodge Philman (NP) 4,115 Votes (41.90 percent)
Tammy Rush Moore (NP) 5,705 Votes (58.10 percent)
Dixie County
No County Races
Eighth Judicial Circuit
State Attorney
(Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union)
Brian Kramer (REP) 101,709 Votes (57.3 percent)
Yvens Pierre-Antoine (DEM) 75,809 Votes (42.7 percent)
Florida Senate, District 9
(Alachua, Levy, Marion)
Stan McClain (REP) 135,635 Votes (61.78 percent)
Sylvain Doré (DEM) 83,903 Votes (38.22 percent)
Florida House of Representatives, District 22
(Alachua, Gilchrist, Levy)
Chad Johnson (REP) 51,155 Votes (56.81 percent)
David Arreola (DEM) 38,895 Votes (43.29 percent)
Florida Senate, District 3
(Dixie County & Others)
Corey Simon (REP) 152,176 votes (56.1 percent)
Daryl Parks (DEM) 119,091 (43.9 percent)
Florida House of Representatives, District 7
(Dixie County & others)
Jason Shoaf (REP) 70,240 Votes (77.41 percent)
Kenny Beasley (DEM) 20,495 Votes (22.59 percent)
Credit Union donates $850,000
to hurricane relief efforts
Tri-County Community Resource Center
accepts biggest donations in its history
Before the $100,000 check presentation in Chiefland on Monday morning (Oct. 28), some of the people assuring the stage was set for the announcement and presentation are seen here. They are (from left) Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC) Manager Beverly Goodman, Suncoast Credit Union Community Relations Manager Rissa Johns and Chiefland City Manager Laura Cain. Johns also serves as the vice mayor of Chiefland, and she is the incoming chair of the TCCRC.
Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 28, 2024 at 10 p.m.
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CHIEFLAND -- In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Suncoast Credit Union, the largest credit union in Florida, announced an $850,000 donation to support recovery efforts throughout the state, the credit union noted in an Oct. 23 press release.
The funds went to 13 nonprofit organizations that are providing critical services in the areas most affected by the storms, with a focus on hunger relief, crisis management and education, the credit union noted.
Funds will be allocated as follows:
● American Red Cross – $250,000
● Tri County Community Resource Center – $100,000
● United Way Suncoast – $75,000
● Feeding Tampa Bay – $75,000
● Hillsborough Education Foundation – $70,000
● Charlotte Education Foundation – $50,000
● Education Foundation of Manatee County - $50,000
● Pasco Education Foundation – $50,000
● Pinellas Education Foundation – $50,000
● Education Foundation of Sarasota County - $50,000
● Dixie Board of Public Instruction – $10,000
● Gilchrist Education Foundation – $10,000
● Levy Education Foundation – $10,000
“As Floridians recover from the severe impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Suncoast Credit Union is committed to being a trusted partner in rebuilding lives and restoring hope,” Suncoast Credit Union President and CEO Kevin Johnson said. “By working alongside these 13 organizations, we hope to help fill the gap to help support families, rebuild lives and ensure our schools and students have the resources they need to thrive. Our commitment reaches beyond the storm’s immediate aftermath—because we are true partners with the communities we serve.”
Among the many dignitaries at the event om Chiefland on Monday morning are Kandy McCallum, wife of Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, and their family’s friend Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz.
The Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC) Board of Directors are well-represented Monday by the members who were able to attend. Seen here (from left) are Lola Butler, wife of Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler, Levy County Prevention Coalition Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Lewis, Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Capt. S. Brown, TCCRC Treasurer Laura Klock, Partnership for Strong Families Director of Resource Centers Stacy Merritt, TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman, incoming TCCRC Chair Rissa Johns, Gilchrist Prevention Coalition Executive Director Robert Wells and current TCCRC Chair Tammy Boyle, who is also the incoming Levy County Superintendent of Schools. TCCRC officers and board members not present for this photo opportunity were TCCRC Vice Chair Kimberly Baxley, TCCRC Secretary Jaime Hinote and Board member Leah Gamble.
TCCRC accepts $100,000 check
Suncoast Credit Union Vice President of Community Impact Bob Hyde, who also heads the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, speaks about the donation. The mission of the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation is to promote the education, health and emotional wellbeing of children in communities.
Suncoast Credit Union Community Relations Manager Lewrissa “Rissa” Johns opened the program Monday morning (Oct. 28) on the front lawn of the building that houses the Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC).
She has served the Chiefland area in a financial manner for 25 years now.
Suncoast Credit Union has worked alongside TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman for many years, Community Relations Manager Johns said as everyone involved works to improve the lives of people.
“We’re making a difference in people’s lives,” Johns said,” in this Tri-County Area. After the storms, the devastation has been unreal. It does nothing but warm my heart to be able to stand here, next to you guys today, with this donation from Suncoast.”
Suncoast Credit Union Vice President of Community Impact Bob Hyde spoke next.
“People helping people,” Vice President Hyde said. “That’s the philosophy at credit unions across the country have been found on. People helping people.
“And that’s what Suncoast continues to do,” Hyde added. “In fact, our mission is to improve the lives of our members. The Tri-County Community Resource Center has a similar mission – to help improve the quality of life of the people they touch.”
Hyde said he recognizes the impact severe storms have had on Florida. He mentioned the state was coming off the heels of Hurricane Idalia from last season, when the people here were hit by Hurricane Debby, Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
Members, family and friends in the Suncoast Federal Credit Union service area lost homes and businesses.
The impact has been significant, Hyde said, and the need is great. He said the people at Suncoast feel fortunate to be in a position to help.
That’s why today (Monday, Oct. 28), Hyde said, he is happy to announce the $100,000 donation to TCCRC for hurricane relief.
Hyde said this donation represents a partnership and it represents support. And it represents the hope that the TCCRC provides hope to people in the Tri-County Area who can be helped.
Participating in the actual check presentation Monday are (from left) Suncoast Credit Union Vice President of Community Impact Bob Hyde, TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman, Partnership For Strong Families Chief Executive Officer Ginger Griffeth, Partnership for Strong Families Director of Resource Centers Stacy Merritt, Angela Gottman – a person who was helped by TCCRC Manager Goodman after Gottman lost her house from hurricane damage, and Rissa Johns, Suncoast Credit Union community relations manager, Chiefland vice mayor and TCCRC incoming chair.
TCCRC Manager Goodman said Suncoast Credit Union has been a wonderful partner with the resource center – helping TCCRC improve lives through financial literacy for adults; children’s literacy programs; and the community scholarship program that gives adult a leg-up when they face barriers to education and employment.
And now, Goodman added, the resource center is thankful for the credit union’s help in easing some of the pain of people who had their lives turned upside down by disaster in the Tri-County Area.
TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman stands with Angela Gottman, a woman who lost her home to Hurricane Helene and who was helped by the resource center to recover as much as possible from that loss.
Goodman then introduced Angela Gottman, a recipient of help from the TCCRC. She lost her home from Hurricane Helene’s impact, Goodman said.
“It helped me heal a lot quicker,” Gottman said, “because I had a lot to deal with.”
Gottman said she is glad to see this donation by the credit union to the resource center because she knows there are many more people who need help right now.
Partnership for Strong Families Chief Executive Officer Ginger Griffith spoke next.
The Partnership for Strong Families is the agency that helps the TCCRC the most, especially by funding the salary for the manager of the resource center.
Partnership for Strong Families 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.
Griffeth lives in Levy County and has seen the destruction wrought by hurricanes in the Tri-County Area.
“This could not have come at a better time for some really amazing people who really need it,” Griffeth said as she thanked the people from Suncoast Credit Union.
About Suncoast Credit Union
Suncoast Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida with 1.1 million members who are in communities as far south as Naples (Collier County0 and as far north as Chiefland (Levy County).
Chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, Suncoast Credit Union currently operates 79 full-service branches and serves more than 1.2 million members across Florida.
Since its founding in 1990, the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation has raised and donated more than $45 million to organizations and initiatives that support the health, education and emotional wellbeing of children in the communities that the credit union serves.
Levy County Value Adjustment Board
rules on petition
from Williston Crossings RV Resort
By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 24, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
BRONSON – The taxable value of real property in Levy County determines what taxing authorities such as the water management districts, the municipalities, the School Board and the County Commission apply for millage rates to as those different taxing authorities generate revenue to spend on their various government services.
Assistant Levy County Property Appraiser Randall “Randy” Rutter, who serves in the Office of Levy County Property Jason Whistler, provided excellent insight Thursday morning (Oct. 24) in a telephone interview about the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) Hearing from the day before –Wednesday, Oct. 23.
That Wednesday heralded to the day the 35th anniversary of Assistant Levy County Property Appraiser Rutter having started in that office. He said Property Appraiser Whistler gave him the gift of being the presenter on behalf of the office for the single matter heard that morning in the Levy County Government Center Auditorium.
Of the 47,456 parcels in Levy County, there were three property owners who disagreed with the most recent fully adjusted market values of the properties this year, Rutter said. Two of those three owners worked with the property appraiser to reach agreement on appraised taxable property values without having to go to a hearing, he said.
The corporate owners of Williston Crossings RV Resorts, who own other properties and have a home office in Virginia, disagreed with the $12,469,943 (about $12.5 million) appraised value determined by the Office of Levy County Property Appraiser Whistler, Rutter said.
That property-owning corporation hired an appraiser who used a method to show the property was worth about $4.5 million.
Rutter said the current Levy County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) members are the best set of members he has seen on this board in his 35 years of service with the Property Appraiser's Office in Levy County.
The VAB this year is comprised of Levy County Commission Chair Desirre Mills and Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks, representing the County Commission; School Board Member Devin Whitehurst, representing the School Board; real estate agent Natalie Thomas, representing the business sector of the county; and Skipper Henderson of Levy Abstract and Title, representing homesteaders, according to records in the office of Danny Shipp, Levy County Clerk and Clerk to the VAB.
Rutter said the VAB members asked pertinent questions and looked at both sides of the questions of property value for this business without showing any favor to either side.
The VAB as a panel considers and renders a decision on all appeal petitions relating to property assessments, classifications and exemptions.
It is important for people to know that the VAB has absolutely no jurisdiction or control over taxes or tax rates (millage) established by taxing authorities. The VAB’s one and only function is to hear evidence as to whether or not properties, petitioned for their consideration, are appraised at their fair market value. The VAB cannot change an appraised value for any other reason, such as inability to pay.
In regard to Williston Crossing RV Resort, Rutter explained, this property is almost like a small town within the City of Williston. It includes 13 buildings and 438 sites for RVs and trailers, he said.
Rutter stressed that the property appraiser always tries to work out differences of the market value appraised by that office when the property owner differs from that value. This was the only owner who petitioned the matter to the VAB for consideration.
In determining Williston Crossing RV Resort, which is a highly ranked RV resort in Florida, Rutter looked at comparable sales within this market, he said. Southern Leisure RV Resort in Chiefland sold for $17.75 million and Strawberry Fields for RVers in Chiefland sold for $11.25 million, Rutter said.
The evidence for the $12.5 million value for the resort in Williston, he said, was understood and accepted by the VAB members.
However, the petitioner brought information to show a need to spend a lot of money on the infrastructure of the RV resort, Rutter said. Due to the subdivision being built many years ago, and due to today’s RVs having higher needs for electric services, the City of Williston found the resort needed to improve its electric service facilities to meet building and electrical safety standards, Rutter said.
He added that the City of Williston has been working well with the resort to resolve these deficiencies.
Rutter initially saw from the petitioner that it would need to spend $2 million to bring its infrastructure up to par.
So, he reduced the market value to $10,469,943 (about $10.5 million) and the VAB agreed this was reasonable.
The petitioner, though, brought in a last minute electric service quote that was past the deadline for submission of evidence, Rutter said.
That two-page letter by an electrical contractor showed $3.5 million worth of construction being required at the resort, Rutter said.
Rutter said that he and Levy County Property Appraiser Whistler wanted to consider all of the facts, even if they were submitted late.
As a result, the final adjusted market value set by the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office for Williston Crossings RV Resort to be considered by the VAB members was $8,969,943, Rutter said.
The petitioners wanted another $4 million cut from the appraised market value, Rutter said.
The VAB members accepted the value submitted by the property appraiser, Rutter said.
This may not be the end of the dispute, according to Florida law.
The property owner may file a lawsuit in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court to challenge the property appraiser’s assessment or denial of an exemption or classification.
That complainant is not required to participate in an informal conference with the property appraiser or file a petition with the VAB before filing a lawsuit, according to law.
Even if the petitioner does meet with the property appraiser or file a petition with the VAB, he or she can still file a lawsuit.
There is an absolute deadline for taking the question further. That property owner must file within 60 days of the date of a VAB decision or within 60 days of the property appraiser’s certification of the tax roll, whichever is later, according to law.
The complainant must make a good faith payment of the amount he or she admits to owing to the tax collector before contesting a tax assessment in circuit court, according to law.
Levy County will not certify the 2024 tax roll until next week, Rutter said on Thursday, perhaps on Monday (Oct. 28).
Whistler and Rutter did what we they believe is right on this property appraisal, Rutter said.
If the owner of Williston Crossings RV Resort contests the reduced value, which was determined by the Levy County Property Appraisers Office and accepted by the Levy County VAB after having conducted the hearing, Rutter said he knows the reduced appraisal of $8.9 million from the $12.5 million starting point can easily be defended with facts and evidence.
Rutter said there will be a cost to the county if the property owner takes the matter to circuit civil court.
Everyone wins
at Fourth Annual BBQ From The Hart
Welcome to Hart Springs Park and Campground, a Gilchrist County park that hosts the Annual BBQ From The Hart event, and one of the springs that makes Gilchrist County a destination for out-of-area visitors.
Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 21, 2024 at 8:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
GILCHRIST COUNTY – The Fourth Annual BBQ From The Hart event provided chances for some barbecue chefs to win competition, and for some vehicle owners to go home with honors as well on Saturday (Oct. 19).
From a global perspective, everyone won at the Fourth Annual BBQ From The Hart event. There was fun, games, entertainment, food and drinks, and most of it was free.
While competitors were having their tasty competition decided in a huge tent tucked away from mainstream park fun, this family-oriented event had the most action for families outside of that big, white tent where barbecue chefs competed in a very well-controlled taste test contest.
First for people strolling from the large parking area, there was an area for cars and trucks to be shown. Parking was free. Entrance to the event was free. That car show area extended with another long stretch of competitors more inside the park area.
Jim Butler, 77, of the City of Fanning Springs sits next to his 1954 Ford truck. He has owned it since 1984. Butler painted it, as well as replacing the front suspension, the engine and the transmission. It has a 351 Ford engine in it now. He drives it a couple of times a week.
Ron Brockmire, 79, of Chiefland stands next to his 2014 Chevy SS (Super Sport) Limited Edition. This relatively rare vehicle was imported from Australia (Holden Commodore VF series). He bought this $50,000 car new. It is a high performance luxury sedan with a 6.2 liter (450 horsepower) engine in it. Brockmire said he drives it seldom. This 10-year-old car has a mere 15,000 miles on its odometer.
A maroon-colored Chevy El Camino is on display at the event.
A 1948 Ford Model A Coupe is among the several older vehicles at Hart Springs Park and Campground on Saturday.
Rhonda Jordan of Bell is seen with the 1966 Ford Mustang she drove to the Fourth Annual BBQ From The Hart event.
An even bigger set of vehicles, compared with the ones next to the general parking area, are seen as part of the whole car show inside the park area.
Florida Forest Service Park Ranger Chuck Eastman (left) and Forest Ranger Sean Hicks are seen on either side of the big inflated Smokey Bear. Eastman, serving in Gilchrist County, and Hicks, Serving in Levy County, spoke with people about all of the things that members of the Florida Forest Service do to help in Florida.
As promised in publication prior to this amazing event, there were emergency vehicles seen at the event too, including this ambulance from Gilchrist County Fire Rescue. At least one Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office vehicle was seen, and a county road grader and other equipment was on display as well.
Among the greeters of the day for all of the folks who strolled, sauntered or walked a couple of city blocks from the parking area to the main entrance, are (from left) Hart Springs Park Manager Bryan Freeman, Seasonal Park Worker Carolyn McKittrick and Camp Host Dora Townsend. When the big event is not happening, they help residential guests and daily visitors enjoy the springs and the park. Park Manager Freeman has been recognized several times by the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners for his success in helping campers and other visitors enjoy this park and the amazing springs that are part of the attraction.
Hart Springs Maintenance Foreman Dennis Edwards is seen next to a Gator golf cart used to transport a visiting journalist from Levy County. That writer lives in the woods, where he has been cutting and hauling logs, raking and burning limbs, and performing other manual labor required after a couple of hurricanes hit the area. Foreman Edwards was extremely helpful to the visitor seeking to cover the event even better than the previous three years.
Nick Hartwell served as emcee for the third consecutive year of this four-year festival. Emcee Hartwell again did an excellent job from the main stage area. Off stage, he said the weather this year was very conducive to making the event even more enjoyable than last year. With the annual Cedar Key Seafood Festival canceled due to hurricane damage, the BBQ From The Hart was the single main event of Saturday in the Tri-County Area.
Before the start of one of many sack races, a couple of adults are seen as participating. Mostly, these races included children alone.
Children and adults participate in a sack race on Oct. 19 at Hart Springs Park and Campground as part of the fun at the Fourth Annual BBQ From The Hart event. To see and hear the video, click on the still PHOTO.
Video by Jeff M. Hardison. All copyrights reserved.
Emcee Nick Hartwell (left) and science showman Stephen Wilson stand on the stage a little while after Wilson’s performance where he showed the audience ‘Miracles of Science.’ Here, they are holding a container with liquid nitrogen that was poured from a larger container. Liquid nitrogen is a cryogenic liquid commonly used in research labs. During Wilson’s lessons from the stage, some of the demonstrations included purposefully created and controlled explosions that could be heard far from the stage.
This strip of water vapor floating over the grass in front of the stage happened when Stephen Wilson tossed some liquid nitrogen there after putting on a special post-show demonstration for a visiting journalist. The air above the grassy area was so cold that the water in the air condensed to form sort of a land-based contrail, although the ones created by jets happen due to the change in air pressure causing the temperature change to make that water vapor appear in the air. There are weird fables about contrails. It’s just water vapor condensed in a line after a jet aircraft passes through the air at a high altitude.
There were bounce houses located at different places in the very large park. Children enjoyed playing a version of lawn bowling, as well as cornhole (a game that evolved from the bean-bag toss of decades ago), sack races and more.
A “Kids’ Zone” included plenty of fun activities for free.
There were also fishing-oriented events for the children.
For children aged 3 to 8 years old, there was a kids’ fishing seminar. Children aged 9 to 12 years old enjoyed a seminar at noon. Casting competition for children 13 years and older was in the early afternoon.
Jon Alexander, a slide steel guitarist with the Jamie Davis Band, arrives with some of the equipment for the performances by the band on the main stage at Hart Springs Park on Saturday.
Once again, the Jamie Davis Band performed a couple of extremely enjoyable sets of music for the fans. This band is comprised this year of Jamie Davis, guitarist and lead singer, Bert Mingea, guitarist, Allen Keen, drummer, Keith Ladd, bass guitarist and Jon Alexander on slide steel guitar.
Karen Sarafian (left), owner of The Dino Dig - Mobile Dinosaur Fossil Dig attraction, is seen at the park on Saturday. Standing with Sarafian is her daughter Falecia Handley. At this attraction, which was among the many things children could enjoy for free at the event that day, the children used little shovels to dig and find ‘fossils’ and ‘artifacts.’ In the background, a couple of the children participating are searching for the free trinkets they will find as part of this experience.
Enjoying the dino-playground of The Dino Dig are (from left) Harper Ray, her father T.J. Ray, and his son Lawton Ray. The family lives in Trenton.
Children enjoy face painting as another free opportunity at the BBQ From The Hart.
Feeding live butterflies is a free opportunity for children to enjoy at this year’s BBQ From The Hart.
In this picture, the Florida Department of Health’s Tri-County Unit mobile van is seen. Also in that area of the large space for finding fun is a place to buy flavored shaved ice. The local Alzheimer’s Association and several other interests were at the event on Saturday, too.
Kim Cooper, an educator at the College of Central Florida’s Jack Wilkinson campus in Levy County, represents CF at the event and provides visitors with information about this institution of higher education.
Papa Dan’s Oasis is one of the many food and drink vendors in the park that day.
Florida Department of Corrections Sgt. Jose Fernandez and Correctional Officer Lentadius Wilson man a tent to help interested people learn about opportunities for employment with the Florida Department of Corrections.
Among the many family folk visiting the park on Saturday are Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby and his wife Tammy Crosby.
Chris Smith and his wife Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sheila Smith are at the event, where Sheila helped visitors learn about how she can help them with advice about finances.
Representing Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz and the whole Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office at the event are GCSO Sgt. Tracy Sanders (left) and GCSO Det. D. Clancy.
The event was once again a winning scene for food, drinks, fun and family-oriented activities.
To See The 2023 Story And Photos “Big Hearts Make BBQ From The Hart A Big Success,” which shows more about the actual barbecue competition part of the event, click HERE.
This story is planned for updating with lists of winners in the Car Show Competition and the Barbecue Competition.
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175th Performance
Kerry Gordon Sr. and Goose Goodrich sing the HardisonInk.com Jingle on Oct. 26, 2024, at the Annual Car Show in Trailhead Park that generates money for the Chiefland Police Department to help charitable causes. The car show efforts this year again were initiated by Chiefland Mayor Chris Jones, a former motorcycle racer who owns a motorcycle shop in Chiefland. 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 © Oct. 27, 2024 at 10 a.m.
All Rights Reserved Do Not Copy And Paste Anywhere
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