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Three Chiefland Commissioners
take the oath of office

Chiefland City Commissioner LaWanda Jones (left) listens as Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante speaks with her about him soon administering the oath of office to her again. He ‘swore her in’ when she first took office as he did on Monday evening. City Manager Laura Cain is in the center of the picture.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 13, 2025 at 2 p.m.
Updated May 13, 2024 at 8 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND – The honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante on Monday evening (May 12) administered the oath of office to three Chiefland City Commissioners who began their two-year terms of office.
     LaWanda Jones, Robert Norman “Norm” Weaver and John Christopher “Chris” Jones accepted their duties after having been reelected.
     Before performing the ceremony Judge Bustamante said something about each official.
     As he spoke to LaWanda Jones, he said she can overcome the challenges and experience a lot of joy as she continues in her public service.
     Bustamante said he learned that she is a balloon professional who helped young people in Orlando enjoy her work. He added that he is glad to see she is a person who gives so much to her community. He congratulated her on being reelected.


Chiefland Mayor Chris Jones (left) laughs as Levy County Judge Luis Bustamante jokes with him.


Everyone listens as he speaks with City Commissioner Norman Weaver before administering the oath of office to Weaver. Seen here are (from left) Commissioner Weaver, Vice Mayor Lewrissa Johns, Mayor Chris Jones, Commissioner Kim Bennett, Commissioner La Wanda Jones and City Manager Laura Cain.

     As he next spoke to Chris Jones, he joked that he had heard about when the man was younger, but that a statute of limitations precludes speaking further about that. Jones laughed with everyone as the judge mentioned Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer was in the room.
     The judge also acknowledged that Chris Jones owns a motorcycle repair business and that the man has raced and continues racing motorcycles.


This is (from left) LaWanda Jones, Chris Jones and Norman Weaver taking the oath of office to be Chiefland City Commissioners for two years. They took the oath on May 12. Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante is administering the oath. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved.

 

A.F. Knotts Public Library
Re-Opening Ceremony
shows restoration complete

Levy County Commission Chair Desiree Mills welcomes everyone to the re-opening ceremony for A.F. Knotts Public Library in Yankeetown on Thursday morning (May 8).

Story, Photos and Videos
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 8, 2025 at 8 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     YANKEETOWN – The Thursday morning (May 8) A.F. Knotts Public Library Grand Re-Opening Ceremony in Yankeetown showed the restoration is complete for the library that suffered from significant damage from Hurricane Helene.
     Late on Sept. 26, 2024, Helene made landfall at peak intensity near the city of Perry (Taylor County), with maximum sustained winds of 140 m.p.h. 
     Hurricane Helene's path of destruction spanned approximately 500 miles, impacting six states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. The storm's impact extended far beyond the immediate coastline, causing widespread flooding, damage to infrastructure, and power outages in the southeastern United States.
     Working with one mission, the one team that brought this public library back to full use included the Levy County Board of County Commissioners, County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper and various departments – including the Building Department, the Maintenance and Construction Department and the Library System Department as well as the Yankeetown Inglis Woman’s Club and the Friends of the A.F. Knotts Public Library.
     By working together, they all succeeded in bringing back a functioning public library in southern Levy County.


This is a two-part video with Levy County Commission Chair Desiree Mills welcoming everyone on May 8 to the event. The first video ends when she asks Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers to say a prayer. Then, the video continues with Levy County Communications Services Division Director Connie Conley presenting a framed certificate of appreciation, and then Conley cuts the ribbon at the grand re-opening of the A.F. Knotts Public Library in Yankeetown. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
This video is by Jeff M. Hardison. All Copyrights Reserved


Levy County Communications Services Division Director Connie Conley holds a certificate of appreciation for Roger Gray building the front desk at the restored library. An anonymous donor funded the cost of materials for the construction of the new desk.


(from left) Friends of the A.F. Knotts Public Library (from left) Sally Douglass, Debra Weiss, President Ann Sayward, Secretary Debra Oates and Treasurer Sara Runnels are among the many Friends at the event.


Refreshments are seen on a table inviting people to enjoy them after the ceremony.


     County Commission Chair Desiree Mills opened the ceremony Thursday morning. As she spoke, a neighbor across the street was using a machine that sounded like a power-washer.
     “On behalf of Levy County,” Chair Mills said, “we are excited to re-open the library.”
     The dedication and hard work expended by everyone involved with the process of restoring the facility is appreciated. She mentioned this library can again provide Internet services for people to use, effective immediately.
     She said adults and children in the community are welcome to use all of the resources at this public library.
     County Commissioner Johnny Hiers then said a prayer to further the ceremonial re-opening of the library.
     Levy County Communications Services Division Director Connie Conley was the next to speak. She is one of the 10 divisional county leaders who oversee 35 department directors in Levy County. County Manager Harper has reorganized the county workforce for more efficiency. Tangible results such as improved animal services, a restored library, a restored boat ramp and other progress proves the reorganization is working.
     In her leadership role, Communications Services Division Director Conley oversees the Levy County Transit, the Levy County Library System and Veterans Services.
     The Levy County Veterans Service Officer is Alajuwon White. 
     Layce Hallman serves as the Levy County Library Services Manager and Savannah Lamica is Hallman’s secretary. A.F. Knotts Public Librarian Patricia Naedel serves the public in the library during its regular hours.
     Levy County Communications Services Division Director Conley presented a framed certificate of appreciation to Friends of the A.F. Knotts Public Library Friends President Ann Sayward.
     Conley thanked all of the Friends for always being there. The certificate notes how grateful the county is to all of the Friends for their work.
     The A.F. Knotts Public Library Friends officers and board members are President Ann Sayward, Vice President Dianne Fineout, Secretary Debra Oates, Treasurer Sara Runnels and board members Barb Bohlander, Barb Doust, Sally Douglass, Genie Sturtevant and Debra Weiss.
     The certificate of appreciation noted it was for the Friends’ “… unwavering support and dedication to our library and community. Your commitment to promoting literacy, providing resources, and fostering a love of learning has made a significant impact on the lives of many. Thank you for your invaluable contributions.”
     Conley wanted to present a different certificate of appreciation to Roger Gray for his construction of the beautiful front desk. She mentioned that he had been working on building the desk since January. Gray was absent from the ceremony.
     An anonymous donor funded the desk construction project.
     Conley thanked Chair Mills, Commissioner Hiers and Commissioner Charlie Kennedy for coming to the event, and she thanked County Manager Harper for attending the event. 
     With that, she cut the ribbon, and people toured the library and enjoyed refreshments.


The computer room of the library provides three computers where people can use them to look at things on the Internet.


Here are some of the many books on the shelves. The A.F. Knotts Public Library, like the other three active libraries in Levy County – the Luther Callaway Public Library in Chiefland; the Williston Public Library; and the Bronson Public Library provide access to all books at any of the libraries. Levy County Library System Manager Layce Hallman said these libraries use the Online Computer Library Center.


This is a view going up a slight incline as the visitors pass through books that are by Florida authors or regard Florida history.


Here is view of some artifacts in the library as well as a view of some of the Florida books.


This large open area in the library beckons patrons to visit.


This is one of the two reading corners in the library, where the reader is next to two floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides.


This plaque shows this set of shelves was donated by the Friends of the Library in 2001.


Here are some of the many books by Florida authors.


The front desk at the library shows May 6 was the Grand Re-Opening. There are all kinds of books, audiotapes, and DVDs for patrons. The young adult section is separate from the area for juvenile readers.


This plaque shows the Felburn Foundation endorses the study of nature. J. Phil Felburn was a successful businessman and philanthropist who believed in the preservation of natural resources and saw education as the key to meeting this goal. He established the foundation in 1978. The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is among the many natural wonders in the Yankeetown area.


The late Corbe Feeney was a friend of the library. This memorial marker and small garden are to honor her memory.

Gilchrist County Commission
shy about property buy

D- Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby (left) and 
Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller ‘Duke’ Lang Jr. look toward the five members of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners on May 5 after Crosby told them about property being appraised in value.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 6, 2025 at 8 p.m.
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     TRENTON – Just a few weeks after it sounded like the Gilchrist County Commission had given the county administrator and county attorney marching orders to move forward with a property buy, the five elected people seemed to have become a bit gun shy of the purchase on May 5.     Conversation near the start of the regular twice-monthly meeting on Monday (May 5) included some fanciful new ideas mentioned to build new sites with scales at some other location. That multi-million venture did not seem to go much beyond the initial mention.
     The discussion started when County Administrator Bobby Crosby said he had received a professional appraisal on property the county is considering buying to expand its central solid waste transfer operations in Bell.
     The matter was not on the agenda. There were fewer than a dozen people in the room when this item was discussed. The matter was put on the agenda for the May 19 meeting with that to be discussed starting at 4:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter that day as possible.
     There was a “4:15 p.m. time certain” matter set for discussion and possible action already for this meeting, as well as a “5 p.m. time certain” issue for discussion and possible action at the May 19 meeting.
     To see the April 22, 2025 story and photos Gilchrist County moves toward transfer station expansion, click HERE.
     Even though it seemed likely that the county was going to move forward toward the purchase of 48 acres for expansion of the solid waste transfer site in the Bell area, the May 5 meeting showed metaphorical brakes being applied.
     The property seller listed the land at $399,000. A professional property appraiser said the property is worth $384,000.
     Instead of the County Commission telling Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby (left) and Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr. to go forward; now, the County Commission wants a discussion with members of the public providing input at the May 19 meeting.
     On May 5, Crosby reminded the commissioners about the potential for the county to draft an option for purchase agreement with the seller. 
     The option to buy would be based on criteria that include the county changing the zoning for the land to be designated for public use – like the adjoining county property where there is a solid waste transfer site active now.
     County Commissioner Sharon Langford was the first to start noting objections to the purchase. She said there is a lot of traffic on the road there. She said its proximity to Bell Middle High School makes the road very congested.
     Instead of this land, she suggested the county develop a new solid waste transfer site next to State Road 47.
     “We can look over there,” Crosby said. “That has been brought up. We just have to go over there and do the geo and that type of thing.”
     Crosby reminded Commissioner Sharon Langford that the solid waste transfer site, which is not a landfill and is just to collect and transfer garbage to be transported out of the county, is centrally located. That is in contrast with land out on SR 47 which is not centrally located in the county.
     “It’s just so congested there (in Bell) you know,” she responded to Crosby. “The schools are just going to get, you know, more kids, more traffic, and um, is we did look at 47 that would be closer to our landfill, you know, where we have to take the trash off to.”
     Commission Chairman Tommy Langford said he does not want to discuss the issue on May 5 because he has had a phone call from a person who could not be present at this meeting, but who is interested in providing their input.
     Commission Vice Chairman Bill Martin said he visited the site and spoke with a family that just build a house in the area. 
     Martin said they don’t want the county to expand its solid waste transfer station there. If it does see approval, he added, they want a buffer to where they will not see the station and there will be some distance from the point of activity to the point of their property line.
     Martin said they were out of town on May 5 and could not attend this meeting.
     “You all have to remember that this property has to be rezoned,” Crosby said.
     During the rezoning process, there will be advertisements for the public hearing, there will be a public hearing.
     Crosby said the County Commission unanimously told him to obtain a professional property appraisal. He did so.
     Crosby said the property seller has agreed to work with the county and provide an option to buy it, based on criteria that includes it being rezoned, and meeting requirements to show it is suitable for use as an extension of the solid waste transfer site that is adjacent to it now.
     He reminded the County Commission that these 48 acres can be used by the county for other departments to use.
     Crosby asked the County Commission on May 5 if it wants him to try to enter into an option to purchase. The seller is willing to take it off the market for sale until the county decides to buy it or that it rejects the option to buy it.
     Attorney Lang suggested the County Commission put this on the agenda for a specific time to be discussed at the May 19 meeting. That is what happened.
     Therefore, on May 19 at 4:30 p.m., this item is scheduled to be discussed. While the County Commission seemed to be leaning toward the purchase in April, now it appears to be shy about the property buy.

Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day
mirrors a mighty tradition of service
Ishie Day theme carries forward

Billie Ray Sharp (at right in white hat), who has been participating in this event for more than 40 years now, holds some hush puppy dough on a wooden board. He taught Levy County Property Appraiser Jason Whistler (at left in ball cap) some of the finer points of hush-puppy dough delivery methods as each ‘puppy’ is placed in the boiling hot oil.

By Jeff M. Hardison © May 3, 2025 at 3:45 p.m.
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     FOWLER’S BLUFF -- Each year for more than four decades now, people involved with law and order in Levy and Gilchrist counties have gathered together for a fish fry.
     It stated as a men-only fishing event and fish fry for the guys in the Levy County Courthouse. It grew to include two counties and opened to everyone involved in law enforcement and the judicial administration related to those professions, and even includes some other government folks.
     As a foundation or a cornerstone, conceptually, the idea of an annual fish fry to honor those in public service still holds true in the Levy County riverside community of Fowler’s Bluff. Each first Friday of May nowadays, too, the Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day or “Ishie Day” unveils certain consistency as well as astoundingly sparking up of new facts, as well as some unfurling of historic truths as well.
     Every year there are twists beyond the metaphoric flavorful lemon or lime slices that one may add to breaded and Florida fried mullet filets. Some people put lime juice and salt on their fish while others use tartar sauce, other flavoring or just enjoy the fish with seasonings built into the breading when the fish is fried.


Among the judges at this event this year, in addition to the two host judges, are (from left) Circuit Court Judge Donna Keim, Circuit Court Judge Mitch Bishop, Alachua County Judge Kristine Van Vorst, Circuit Court Judge James M. Colaw, Circuit Court Judge Denise R. Ferrero, Circuit Court Judge Craig C. DeThomasis, and Incoming Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge William E. Davis.


Paige Brookins, the new owner of the property that has been used for several years for Law Day, Ishie Day and the Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day, is seen next to a framed ad for people interested in renting the house as a river retreat.


The Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster wipes a table with a lightly chlorinated commercially popular moist wipe before the guests arrive. Judge Lancaster shows her spirit of service here as well as being among the people serving food at this event. She serves the ends of justice each day in court as well.


Levy County Sheriff’s Office Col. Mike Sheffield stirs grits that will become cheesy grits as part of the meal.



Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Dan Owens (left) learns how to stir grits as part of the cheesy grits process as Levy County Sheriff’s Office Col. Mike Sheffield mentors the apprentice grit-stirrer. 

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Ray Tremblay (at left), an investigator with the Public Defender’s Office, deep fries hush puppies as Levy County Property Appraiser Jason Whistler (at right) puts in the dough created through a recipe that Billy Ray Sharp has used for decades. These hush puppies set the bar that all hush puppies’ chefs strive to attain. That is Billy Ray Sharp in the background in the middle of this picture.


Will Osteen (left) and Shawn Osteen add a seasoned cornmeal mix to mullet filets as they bread the fish -- preparing them for deep frying. These mullet were caught recently in the Gulf of Mexico.


Levy County Undersheriff W.O. ‘Brett’ Beauchamp Jr. agrees to a photo op request as he steps away from his service in the food preparation arena of the day. The Suwannee River flows quietly behind him. This day is named in honor of his father.


Levy County Sheriff’ Office Lt. Scott Tummond uses a large forklike set of prongs (left) to deliver hot fried mullet to a cardboard container as Undersheriff Brett Beauchamp holds the container.


Lt. Todd Horne of the Levy County Sheriff’s Office Detention Bureau holds the tool that he showed Lt. Scott Tummond for use in the deep-frying of mullet filets to keep them separate from each other as they cook. Lt. Tummond, a longtime veteran of cooking at this annual event, said he is grateful for Lt. Horne’s help by suggesting use of this cooking utensil.


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante welcomes the Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster. Ray Tremblay and Jason Whistler are in the background tending to hush puppy cooking.


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum pause for photo op, one of many during the day.


Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy A. Scott stacks cooked mullet filets in a carboard box - the first of many that day. Public Defender Scott is known, too, as a seasoning taster of the breaded and fried fish-filets. She has served the guests in this and other capacities at this event for many years. Yes, each year more happy secrets are uncovered in the daily news website.

Swamp cabbage, provided again this year thanks to Florida Forest Service Wildland Firefighter David Carter and his colleagues, is an absolute treat that is as amazingly delicious as are the fried mullet, hush puppies, cheesy grits and other great food at this annual event to honor people actively involved in law enforcement and the lawful administration of justice, as well as their family, friends and some others.


One of at least a few boats zipping across this part of the Suwannee River on that Friday (May 2) is seen.


Levy County Commission Vice Chair Tim Hodge stands on a dock at the celebration location. This marks his third consecutive visit to the annual event.


Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, retired Levy County Court Judge Joseph Smith and Billy Geiger are seen speaking with one another. Geiger went to school with Judge Smith at Williston High School decades ago. Geiger is an ‘old-time’ law enforcement officer who served with McCallum under Levy County Sheriff Pat Hartley, years ago. Geiger also served the people as a law enforcement officer at the Williston Police Department and Chiefland Police Department, as well as serving in the United States Army Special Forces as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne. While the honorable and beloved Judge Smith is all about Florida State University, Geiger is a University of Florida Gator.

Each year, Law Day has some special moments. Here a truck-boat is seen going downstream and then heading in toward the riverbank, a bit downstream from the event. It has proper navigational lights and is marked with a boat registration number. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s Division of Law Enforcement (FWC), which absorbed the Florida Marine Patrol, was not noticed at this year’s Law Day, although there were so many people some representation may have been there. Sometimes, the FWC officers arrive by boat via the river. (Is that gallon jug up there on the back on purpose?)


     While the annual Levy County-Gilchrist County Law Day most often has happened, was happening on Friday afternoon (May 2), and potentially will happen in the future -- at the former Beauchamp property in Fowler’s Bluff (Levy County) -- there have been a couple of years where it was held in Gilchrist County upstream on the Suwannee River, and there is a legend of it even once happening on the island of Cedar Key.
     Luther Drummond owned the former Beauchamp property for some decades after buying it from the Beauchamp family, and Drummond always let this event happen there, except when there was some improvement work being done on the parcel a couple of years.
     For the 2025 event, it was announced on that very Friday afternoon that the property is owned now by Paige Brookins, a former Levy County School Board member who is a well-respected Levy County business owner.
     In fact, Brookins owns the Treasure Camp Restaurant that is relatively close to where this annual event happens, as well as other business and residential properties. Brookins is a beloved resident of Levy County who is known for her honorable public service in many arenas.
     Meanwhile, back at the site of the Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day this year, the weather was great. Boats were zipping along the Suwannee River. One unique boat caught the attention of the crowd as well.
     The menu of fried mullet, cheese grits, homemade hush puppies and swamp cabbage served as the main entrees. A sheet cake traditionally is the main dessert.
     Again, speaking of service, the 2025 Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Memorial Law Day, as tradition has it, became established as something that became sponsored by two sheriffs, two county judges and the state attorney and the public defender for this judicial circuit.
     Hence, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Levy County Judge Luis Bustamante, Gilchrist County Judge Sheree H. Lancaster, Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian S. Kramer and Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy A. Scott personally covered the costs this year.
     Other honorable and kindhearted folk have enjoyed the privilege of being able to provide this sponsorship over the years. Some of them have retired. Some of them have gone to Heaven now.
    Each of the six sponsors for the 2025 event spoke. There were jokes as well as narratives from them that day.
     Likewise, there were photo opportunities seized, and information was garnered (and some published here) during that process as well.


(from left) In the distance, Judicial Assistant Mandy Waters stands as the six hosts of the day Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Judge Sheree Lancaster, Public Defender Stacy Scott, State Attorney Brian Kramer, Judge Luis Bustamante and Sheriff Bobby McCallum open the official ceremony.


Levy County Court Judge Judicial Assistant Mandy Waters again led the team of people who all worked on one mission – having another fun day of fellowship to celebrate and honor people in public service – especially in the law enforcement profession. At the left in the background in the blue shirt with a badge is Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins and Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb is between Jenkins and Waters.


Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree Lancaster and Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy Scott are seen during the opening ceremony.


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer, Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum are seen during the opening ceremony.


During the opening ceremony (from left) retired Levy County Judge Joseph Smith, Levy County Clerk and Comptroller Matt Brooks and Luther Beauchamp, author, public speaker and comedian, are seen during the event. Luther Beauchamp is a brother of the late Honorable Levy County Court Judge W.O. Beauchamp Jr.


(from left) Sheriff Bobby Schultz, Judge Sheree Lancaster, Public Defender Stacy Scott, State Attorney Brian Kramer, Judge Luis Bustamante and Sheriff Bobby McCallum open the official ceremony.


Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante
     The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Bustamante was the first to speak.
      This event is for people involved with law enforcement and the friends of those people who are so involved, Judge Bustamante said as he welcomed the 150 or so people at the event this year.
     This important annual occasion, he said, gives everyone a chance to celebrate those who keep people safe. These are the people who make certain that when a person calls for help, then help will happen.
     The Levy County judge said the people who walk in the streets of the nice communities of Levy and Gilchrist counties can rest assured their safety is assured by the efforts of these public servants.
     The judge asked all of the elected officials to raise their hands to be recognized for their service to the residents and visitors in Levy County and Gilchrist County. The crowd applauded the elected officials.
     Judge Bustamante mentioned that there are other judges present, beyond himself and Gilchrist County Court Judge Lancaster.
     Among the other judges present for this year’s Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day were the Honorable Incoming Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge William E. Davis, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Mitchell D. “Mitch” Bishop, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge James M. Colaw, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Craig C. DeThomasis, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Denise R. Ferrero, the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Donna M. Keim and the Honorable Alachua County Judge Kristine Van Vorst.
    The Honorable Circuit County Judge Davis is the incoming Chief Judge of the circuit for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025. (Eighth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Mark W. Moseley has retired. The Eighth Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications to fill the circuit court judge vacancy. The application deadline is noon on May 13.)
     Judge Bustamante thanked Judicial Assistant Mandy Waters for her work in assuring another successful Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day. He let the people know, too, that they should thank the members of the cooking crew.
     The judge mentioned that Brookins, as the new property owner, has let him know that this can be the site for the Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day event in the future.
Gilchrist County Court Judge Sheree H. Lancaster
     As she began her speech, the Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Lancaster recognized that Luther Beauchamp, the brother of the late Judge W.O. Beauchamp Jr., was in the crowd, as was Levy County Undersheriff W.O. “Brett” Beauchamp III, the son of the man for whom this day has been named.
     Parrish Parnell, a great-nephew of W.O. Beauchamp Jr., was in the audience, too, Judge Lancaster said.
     Judge Lancaster thanked Judicial Assistant Megan Stalvey, who works in Lancaster’s Office, for her work with others who made the event enjoyable for all.
     The judge shared the history of Law Day, Ishie Day and Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day.
     To see the May 6, 2014, story and photos from Law Day celebrated in Gilchrist County, click HERE. https://hardisoninkarchive.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/5-6-17-hardisonink-com-law-day-celebrated-in-gilchrist-county.pdf That will include a lot of information about Levy County Courthouse Custodian Norwood Ishie, for whom Ishie Day came to be known.
     Among the added points of interest Judge Lancaster shared was the fishing for bream in the early years, and that only the men of the Levy County Courthouse were invited to Law Day in the early years.
     School Board Member Cameron Asbell, Judge Lancaster said, is a grandson of Norwood Ishie. Asbell has been in public service as a School Board member since 2009 – 16 years now, according to records.
     Retired Levy County Court Judge Joseph Smith is noted as having been instrumental in naming the annual celebration as Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day.
     Another point the Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge Lancaster mentioned was to not only remember the late Honorable Levy County Court Judge W.O. Beauchamp Jr. (May 25, 1940 - June 20, 2000), who was also an acting Levy circuit court judge, but to also remember the late Honorable Gilchrist County Court Judge J. Edward Philman (May 29, 1945-May 17, 2017) and the late Honorable Levy County Court Judge J.T. “Tim” Browning (1955-2023).
     Judge Lancaster said that the Honorable Levy County Court Judge Bustamante mentioned that the streets of Gilchrist and Levy counties are safe, thanks to law enforcement officers, and she wanted to add that both counties’ courthouses are safe thanks to the service of the bailiffs at those courthouses in Bronson and Trenton.
Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy A. Scott
     The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Scott said she is proud to be among the longtime sponsors of Law Day.
     “I want to thank all law enforcement for the job that you do,” she said. “I know sometimes people might think public defenders and law enforcement, don’t exactly mesh. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
     “Because we all care about the rule of law,” Public Defender Scott continued. “The judges, law enforcement, prosecutors – and that’s what we’re all here to make sure our precious constitutional rights are maintained. And that our society remains free. And to be free, you have to be safe. And that’s where our law enforcement comes in. I just want to thank you and let you know we appreciate you very much.”
Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian S. Kramer
     The Honorable State Attorney Kramer expressed his gratitude to law enforcement officers on behalf of the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.
     He recognizes the sacrifices made by the officers and their families to be in law enforcement, including the things they give up in order to serve the people. He knows about the family time they give up.
     State Attorney Kramer said he knows law enforcement officers who have given their lives in the line of duty.
     “We are never not mindful of the cost law enforcement takes on those who serve,” Kramer said. 
     He thanked the officers, and he said they make the State Attorney’s Office proud.
     “If it wasn’t for the job you guys do,” State Attorney Kramer said, “then we just wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”
     Kramer said he is thankful, too, for every person involved in the judicial system.
     If not for the public defenders, the clerks of court, the court staff members, then his prosecutors could not perform their service for the people. 
Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert “Bobby” Schultz III
     The Honorable Gilchrist County Sheriff Schultz said he echoes the sentiments of Judge Bustamante, Judge Lancaster, Public Defender Scott and State Attorney Kramer as he thanked everyone in law enforcement and the local judicial system.
     Schultz said he has been blessed to have worked in many areas of the criminal justice system, including in the State Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office.
     Schultz said he knows the “wheels of justice” sometimes do not make a lot of sense to some people. On occasion, some people unjustly criticize law enforcement officers.
     “Just remember why you do what you do,” Sheriff Schultz advised his colleagues. “You are making a difference in a lot of people’s lives. If that’s not good enough, when you wake up in the morning and you look at yourself in the mirror – you can honestly say, you’re not Bobby McCallum.”    
Levy County Sheriff Robert B. “Bobby” McCallum Jr.
     That closing joking comment by Sheriff Schultz opened the door for his friend and neighbor.
     “I think Sheriff Schultz forgot which county he’s in,” the Honorable Sheriff McCallum joked in return. “Judge Bustamante just whispered in my ear ‘I’ll sign the arrest warrant.’”
     Then Sheriff McCallum told about a time when he and Sheriff Schultz were at a cake auction and outbidding one another, back and forth. Auctioneer Cracker Johnson then looked over to Judge Bustamante and asked him if he wanted to bid on the cake.
     The judge bid. And the two sheriffs were silent, allowing his honor to buy an expensive cake for a charitable cause.
     Sheriff McCallum said that’s why the judge said he would be happy to sign that warrant.


Everyone laughs as Sheriff Bobby McCallum jokes back at Sheriff Bobby Schultz.

     The high sheriff in the host county said he concurs with all that’s been said, except perhaps part of Sheriff Schultz’s joke. He thanked everyone for graciously showing up for the celebration.
     Florida Department of Law Enforcement Mark Glass, Florida Highway Patrol Col. Gary L. Howze II, and Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services is Wilton Simpson all had planned to be at the event this year, Levy County Sheriff McCallum said.
     They could not arrive before 2 p.m. that Friday, he said, because they had been called to press conference in Fort Myers, which was delayed because Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier was delayed leaving Tallahassee to go to Fort Myers due to fog this morning.
     Sheriff McCallum said that when they noted they could not arrive before 2 p.m., he advised them to “forget it” because everyone would be gone by then. Still, he said, those state leaders in law enforcement sent their well wishes to the celebrants at the 2025 Annual W.O. Beauchamp Jr. Law Day.
     Sheriff McCallum said he was happy to mention that retired Levy County Court Judge Joseph Smith was in the crowd, as was retired Levy County Sheriff Ted Glass. McCallum also recognized Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls and Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins in the crowd.
     The sheriff welcomed everyone and said he is glad to see everyone there as he invited folks to continue having an enjoyable time that spring afternoon next to the Suwannee River in the community of Fowler’s Bluff, which is about a 10-minute drive from the unrecorded subdivision known as Jemlands in the unincorporated area of Levy County.   
More Photos

(from left) Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy Scott, Incoming Eighth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William E. Davis and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum are seen inside the serving area before the opening ceremony.


Here is a mix of law enforcement. (from left) Florida Highway Patrol Lt. Jason French, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Maj. Matt Legler of the Florida Department of Financial Affairs Criminal Investigation Division and Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz stand in front of the former Beauchamp house that is now a river rental.


Attorney Sunshine Baynard and Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz greet one another. Baynard, now an attorney in private practice, worked with Schultz years ago when she convinced him to transfer from being an investigator at the State Attorney’s Office to go to the Public Defender’s Office, where she was serving as an assistant public defender.


Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz stands with one of his mentors former Levy County Sheriff Ted Glass. Sheriff Glass trained three men who became sheriffs – former Levy County Sheriff Johnny Smith, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Sheriff Schultz.


Central Florida Electric Cooperative General Manager Denny George (left) and attorney Woodroe Blake Fugate, who is part of the Fugate and Fugate team that helps the CFEC Board of Trustees, are seen at the event. George is a Gilchrist County resident and Fugate is a Levy County resident.


Levy County Commissioner Charlie Kennedy (center) is among the 150 or so people in line for the lunch enjoyed by all as part of the celebration of the day.


(from left) Jim Boyle, Cedar Key Mayor Jeff Webb, Levy County Superintendent of Schools Tammy Boyle, Jennifer Webb and Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers agree to pause from the chow line for a photo op. (Thanks, all y'all.)

     To see the 2024 story, photos and video from the 2024 event, click HERE.
     To see the coverage from the event in 2022, click HERE.
     To see the coverage from the event in 2019, where Congressman Dr. Neal Dunn was among the honored guests, click HERE.
     To see the 2017 Law Day event (although it is tagged in one point as the 2014 version) click HERE.