NEW EACH DAY - DAILY DEVOTIONAL
CLICK HERE​

NEW EACH WEEK
Gary Miller's Outdoor Truths Ministry, June 8, 2026
CLICK HERE

Supervisor of elections visits
Chiefland City Commission
City works on filling seat vacant
after Chris Jones died
Applicants can submit letters now

By Jeff M. Hardison © June 9, 2026 at 8:30  p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
      CHIEFLAND – Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones updated the Chiefland City Commission regarding the city’s agreement to let her office help the city in its municipal elections.

More Below This Ad

Click On Ad To Go To Website

     City Manager Laura Cain, who is the municipal election supervisor of election in Chiefland because she is the ex-officio city clerk as well as being the city manager, said she appreciates Jones’ efforts – where the city government remains accurately and completely informed about all matters related to elections. Supervisor of Elections Jones had mentioned during the regular twice-monthly City Commission meeting on June 8 that it was time to renew the agreement between the city and the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office.
     The city did so.
     Due to the potential of run-off elections in four of the seven municipalities of Levy County that enjoy the added service of Jones’ office, she shared with the City Commission her proposal to work with this issue. If one of more of the cities had elections with runoffs in April, then she wants to be prepared to meet the mandates of Florida election law.
      No decision was needed at the June 8 meeting, but she let the four Chiefland City Commission members know about an option she would prefer the city to choose for timing runoffs.
     She spoke about the different requirements from the various cities’ and towns’ run-off elections as they stand. A run-off election is just like a regular election, she said. There are still the same state laws related to a run-off election as with a regular city or town election.
     She asked Chiefland to change the run-off to seven weeks, rather than just a few weeks after the normal city election.
      Jones then addressed the question of when the Chiefland City Commission member will take office after a runoff election win. If there was a runoff election, then there would some new verbiage required in the city laws that would be needed as the new City Commission member is “sworn in” and takes the oath of office to serve in the office.
     Jones said she will be visiting all four of the municipalities where run-off elections are a potential issue for timing -- so that she can better serve all of the voters.

Filling a vacant
Chiefland City Commission seat
     With the death of Chiefland City Commissioner Chris Jones, there is action happening to fill that empty seat.
     Discussion at the June 8 meeting showed an ad can be published in a local weekly newspaper on June 19. Any person who wants to be appointed, according to law, must be a resident of the City of Chiefland and a registered voter.
     After more discussion and a vote, letters from people interested in serving as a Chiefland City Commission member, by appointment of the majority or all of the current Commission members, are to be accepted until July 6.
     Then, the City Commission will consider possible action at the July 13 regular meeting from all of the qualified applicants who meet the deadline.
     The person appointed will serve the remainder of the late Commissioner Jones’ term, and then in January of 2027, if that person chooses to run for the open seat, then he or she may qualify for that election.
     The election for that seat is set for April of 2027.
     Applicants for the vacant seat can submit letters from now through July 6 – for possible selection on July 13.

Martins Land

Purple Martins enjoy their homes on Cedar Key next to the inlet near the Cedar Key (mostly) Volunteer Fire Department. The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow, known for its glossy dark feathers, aerial insect-hunting skills, and for its reliance on human-provided nesting sites in the eastern United States.


Purple Martins (Progne subis) are passerine birds in the swallow family Hirundinidae. Both genders of these birds have long, pointed wings and forked tails, which aid in their agile flight and insect-catching abilities. They are seen here on Monday (June 8).
Photos By Jeff Martin Hardison © June 8, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Reserved

Pilings Pounded

Worker lift a very large and strong piling from its horizontal resting position to being put into a hole where it is pounded down.

In this video, Purple Martins sing their bird songs on Monday afternoon, June 8, and then the piling is lifted into place. A motor starts and the piling is pounded rhythmically into the ground -- helping form a foundation for the future site of Steamer's Clam Bar and Grill in Cedar Key. From this point of view, looking behind the piling is the popular Second Street Café, former structure for the Salty Needle Quilt Shop. The entrance there now is from Second Street. Diners who sat in the back of the Café as they enjoyed their lunch on Monday afternoon felt the vibration of the pilings being placed in the ground, and were part of the whole experience of the creation of the future Steamer’s, as observers – not as builders, and then only for minutes rather than years. It was more fun than work. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO. Watch as the piling goes down – bit by bit.
Photo and Video By Jeff Martin Hardison © June 8, 2026 at 8:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Reserved

Levy County audit shows few issues

Brendan McKitrick, CPA, CISA, a partner in the firm of James Moore & Co., speaks to the Levy County Commission on June 2 about the audit of the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025. Standing next to him (at left and away from the microphone) is Robert Boschen, senior analyst in the Levy County Clerk’s Office.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © June 4, 2026 at 10 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – “Complacency kills.”
     Seen here between the quote marks are a noun and a verb that make a complete thought, as well as a complete sentence, and serve as a reminder that some former and current members of the United States Army have heard and hear.

     For Levy County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Matt Brooks, who said, “Complacency kills” to a journalist who had commented to the clerk about another fine audit report by a firm that sent a partner to tell the Levy County Commission about the most recent annual checkup of financial records, it continues to be among the underlying themes explaining the continuous improvement of that office’s services to Levy County’s residents and visitors.
     Complacency refers to a feeling of calm, contented self-satisfaction with one’s own abilities or situation, which often leads to a lack of effort or a failure to recognize potential risks. Brooks continuously strives to not become complacent, as shown by improvements in that office's level of service to the public.
     At the June 2 meeting of the County Commission meeting, Robert Boschen, senior analyst in the Levy County Clerk’s Office, introduced Brendan McKitrick, the auditor and gentleman who spoke to the County Commission about the most recent audit of the County Commission and other elected constitutional offices in Levy County.
     McKitrick, a partner in the firm of James Moore & Co., is also a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). He has decades of experience in auditing, agreed-upon procedures, and accounting, with a dedicated focus on government entities, as noted on the company’s website.
     James Moore & Co. is the firm that served again this year as the independent contractor for Levy County’s elected leaders in separate constitutional offices, where this company conducted the annual audit required by state law of all county governments.
     James Moore & Co. has offices in Daytona, DeLand, Gainesville, Ocala and Tallahassee.
     In addition to auditing the financial records for Brooks -- who is the clerk of the county court, as well as being the clerk for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court in Levy County, and the clerk for the Levy County Commission and serving as comptroller for the County Commission -- James Moore & Co. provided the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year audits for the offices of Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones, Levy County Tax Collector Michele Langford, and Levy County Property Appraiser Jason Whistler.
     All audits show the county is following proper procedures for keeping records -- with a few notes for best accounting methods.
     McKitrick is a partner in a firm that is committed to serving its clients – in this case, all of Levy County’s residents and visitors who are served by their elected officials and the staff members in those elected offices.
     Like Brooks, who has a long-established history of serving the public, from his days in the United States Army, through his service on the Williston City Council and then as a member of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners, and now as Levy County Clerk, James Moore & Co. notes a worthy cornerstone that leads to people and agencies trusting its auditing methods.
     The company notes on its website that its founder, James F. “Jim” Moore, often said, “Service is the sole purpose of our existence.” 
     Mirroring that honorable level of service on Tuesday morning (June 2), McKitrick presented commissioners and the Clerk’s Office with the written audit report, and he gave a verbal report at the regular twice-monthly County Commission meeting. The commissioners received the 82-page independent accountants’ examination report, which showed, in the auditors’ opinion, for the year ended Sept. 30, 2025, that the Levy County Commission had complied with the Florida Statutes in all material respects.
     McKitrick opened his verbal presentation by thanking the County Commission for choosing James Moore & Co. again as the auditors. He noted his appreciation for the Levy County staff members in the County Commission Office, the Clerk’s Office, and the other constitutional officers’ offices for helping auditors answer questions and carefully review records.
     This year, again, the audit of the County Commission’s financial reports resulted in an “unmodified opinion” or a “clean opinion.” This is the best opinion an auditor can present regarding the quality of a client’s financial records.
     A separate report is required again this year for the Levy County Commission because the county accepts enough grant funds to cross that threshold for a separate report being mandated, McKitrick said. There were no findings requiring action regarding the audit of those grants, he said.
     The third report on Internal Control and Compliance for the Levy County Commission, McKitrick said, included a discussion with staff that hopefully will show a revision next year where that can be improved.
     The proverbial bottom line for the Levy County Commission’s audit this year is that it is a clean report.
     The other offices audited in Levy County showed similar results.
     One noteworthy issue about the audits in Levy County for FY 2024-2025 was in the report for the Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO). As some readers of the daily news website may remember, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum had to act in regard to a former LCSO finance director’s proved criminal behavior.
     Former LCSO Finance Director Christina “Nicole” Gore was arrested on March 24, 2025, on charges of scheming to defraud and fraudulent use of a credit card. She was booked into the Levy County Jail on a $40,000 bond following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
     To see (and hear) the March 25, 2025 story, photos and video under the headline -- LCSO finance director jailed; Former worker suspected of stealing $22,438.06 via fraud, click HERE. 
     To see (and hear) the Jan. 7, 2025 -- exclusive first coverage of the sheriff telling the Levy County Board of County Commissioners about his need to terminate the finance director's employment, including the video of that announcement, click HERE.
     Last month, Sheriff McCallum noted his response to the audit for that year, where there was a notation from the auditors.
     “Please accept this letter as my response to recommendation in our 2024-2025 fiscal year financial audit regarding recommendations to improve financial management,” Sheriff McCallum noted last month.
     In regard to Purchasing Card Controls (Second Year Repeat Comment), McCallum noted, “The improper purchasing card usage identified were policy violations that have been addressed and controls are in place. The employee responsible for those policy violations was terminated, prosecuted and sentenced for those crimes. Thank you for the opportunity to work with your team. If you have any further questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me.”

Public Servants Seen
Some of the hundreds of local people who help others by their service in the legal realm of public service are seen here when they were recently in the Gilchrist County Courthouse, which is within the Eighth Judicial Circuit that includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties. These picture were taken shortly before court was in session that afternoon. They are:


Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office Public Information Officer and Chief of Investigations Darry D. Lloyd;


Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Alexis Giannasoli;


Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Emily Llerena; and


Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Tracy Sanders
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 29, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
All Copyrights Reserved

Dixie County Public Library preps
for children’s summer programs
Bathroom problems solved
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 24, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – The Dixie County Public Library promises to provide children with opportunities to learn and enjoy activities at the facility in Cross City this summer, according to information provided by Dixie County Public Library Director Cindy Bellot.
     Children younger than 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all of these summer programs. Prior registration is required for all summer programs. To register for summer programs or classes, visit the library; or call the library from Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (except holidays) at 352-498-1219; or send an email to dixie@3riverslibrary.com.
     While many of the programs are at the Dixie County Public Library in Cross City this year, unlike other years. there is another place for library events for children on Wednesdays, Library Director Bellot noted.
     The Dixie County Public Library is located at 16328 S.E. U.S. Highway 19, in Cross City, adjacent to Subway, a submarine sandwich shop, and Forever 54 Flowers, a florist and gift shop.
     The Wednesday morning programs will be to the former Dixie County High School Gym, to the north of the library, and located at 160777 S.E. U.S. Highway 19, Cross City.
     Due to parking problems at the shopping area where the public library is located, and even though children’s parents have permission to park at the Pentecostal Holiness Church behind the library, Bellot noted, the public library had to relocate the Wednesday morning classes.
     All other classes will be at the library this summer as they have been for many past summers, she added.
     As some members and guests at the May monthly meeting of the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce noticed, there were plumbing issues at the library that day. Since then, the restrooms and the conference room sink are working again, Bellot said. 
     “… and the new grinder pump is hardwired on county property and can't be unplugged again,” she said, in reference to some person apparently being able to unplug the equipment in the past – causing issues.
     Following are the Wednesday morning classes; and then the other classes are listed in the section below that.
     All Wednesday classes begin at 10 a.m. They are June 3 - Pedro the Penguin; June 10 - Fossil Finders with Jacki Manna; June 17 - Unearthing A Story with Magician Mark Allen; June 24 - Mystic Jungle; July 1 - 250 Years of America with J. Ryan Fulford; July 8 - Seuss on the Loose in the Library with Deanna Robinson; July 15 - Tales of the Seminoles with Rita Youngman.
     All of the following classes begin at 2 p.m.
     Mondays – June 8, June 22, July 13, and July 27 -- Kids Painting Classes with Raylee Jenkins.
     Thursdays – June 4, June 18, July 2 and July 16 – Kids Crafts with Stevie Williams
     Monday and Tuesday – Two-Day Class – Kids Cake Decorating with Helen Liles – June 29 & 30 and July 20 & 21
     This class starts at 1 p.m. – Beginning Sewing Class for Children Aged 10 to 15 Years Old, Tuesday, June 2 and Tuesday, June 23.

     Dixie, Gilchrist, and Lafayette counties established the Three Rivers Regional Library System in 1995 through an interlocal agreement to coordinate public library services in these three counties. Prior to the establishment of the Three Rivers Regional Library System, the county libraries were members of the Suwannee River Regional Library System. In 2011, Taylor County joined the Three Rivers Regional Library System. Each county has a public library, and the system has an office in Mayo, the county seat of Lafayette County.
     Currently, library facilities include:
     ● Dixie County Public Library in Cross City, 6,700 square feet
     ● Gilchrist County Public Library in Trenton, 4,100 square feet
     ● Lafayette County Public Library in Mayo, 6,500 square feet
     ● Taylor County Public Library in Perry, 6,400 square feet
     ● Headquarters Office in Mayo (administration, technical services), 1,600 square feet
     The three staff members in the main office, according to information on the library system’s website, are Director Dale Collum, Operations Manager Cheryl Pulliam, Materials Processing Jill McMillan, and Systems Technician Eli Anthony.
     Three Rivers Regional Library System and its member county libraries receive significant funding from the State of Florida’s Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.
      State funding amounts for fiscal year 2025 – 2026, according to the library system website, are:
     ● Three Rivers Regional Library System $377,317 
     ● Dixie County Public Library $111,773
     ● Gilchrist County Public Library $67,148
     ● Lafayette County Public Library $56,478
     ● Taylor County Public Library $63,800
     Each county appoints one library patron and one county commissioner to serve on the board. There is no specific term; they serve at the discretion of the appointing county commissions.
     Each county clerk of court serves for one fiscal year on a rotating basis -- Oct. 1 through Sept. 30. 
     The Board Members are:
Dixie County
     County Commissioner David O'Steen
     Library Patron
Gilchrist County
     County Commissioner Sharon Langford
     Library Patron Vincenzo Cavaleri
Lafayette County
     County Commissioner Lance Lamb
     Library Patron Dale Croft
Taylor County
     County Commissioner Jim Moody
     Library Patron James Gross
     The terms of service for the county clerks are:
Steve Land - Lafayette 2022
Gary Knowles - Taylor 2023
Barbie Higginbotham - Dixie 2024
Todd Newton - Gilchrist 2025

Levy County special magistrate
acts on six code enforcement cases
Defendant questions laws

Levy County Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate prepares before the hearings.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 21, 2026 at 10 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Levy County Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate presided over three cases listed as “new business” and three cases listed as “old business” on Wednesday (May 20) during the public hearing for code enforcement violations.
     Three cases that were initially listed on the agenda were removed because the respondents complied with the Levy County ordinances related to zoning and building. The purpose of code enforcement is to have people comply with the laws related to building and zoning.
     One of the people standing before Special Magistrate Fugate that morning said he did not understand how the Levy County government had authority to tell him what he can have on his property, including junk vehicles and trash. Fugate responded to the man’s opinion and the man’s question.

NEW BUSINESS
Mario Lopez Aquilar

Mario Lopez Aquilar (at right, in light green shirt), a roofing worker, stands with Edwin Dix of Gainesvill. Dix, a real estate developer, as Dix explains to Levy County Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate why he concedes that there is an apparent code violation.

     Mario Lopez Aquilar was the first defendant to appear at the hearing. This was a violation found at 6130 N.E. 139^th Ave., Williston, where Aquilar is 100 percent the owner, according to records. 
     Levy County Code Enforcement Officer Bradley Frazier presented facts and evidence during the hearing to show that Aquilar’s suspected code violation was on Nov. 17, 2025 of this violation in the Sunny Ridge Subdivision in the Williston area. Aquilar was given until Feb. 27 to comply with the local law.
     As of May 20, there remained one structure in the backyard at that address as well as a pole barn site built on the backside of the home there, Frazier said.
     Dix explained that he considers Aquilar as a “roofing contractor” for him, although Aquilar does not have a roofing contractor license. Dix said that he explained recently to Aquilar that he needs an engineer, and an architect to obtain a building permit for this “shed.”
     Fugate found there is a violation because Levy County requires a permit to complete this type of work. Fugate gave the respondent or defendant Aquilar to cure the problem within 45 days. After 45 days, if it is not cured, then a $100-a-day fine will be applied. If the problem is resolved before the 45 days, then there will be no fine.

David Knutson Jr.

David Knutson Jr. is seen as he waits to speak to the special magistrate.

     David Knutson Jr. of 6751 N.W. 112^th Ave., Williston, stood accused of openly storing or accumulating junk, trash, and abandoned property on residential, commercial or agricultural lands. Violations occur if the debris is visible from public streets or neighboring properties. He also was accused of keeping any unserviceable (inoperable or junk) vehicle on residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural property.
     This was another case investigated by Code Enforcement Officer Frazier. 
     The violations were cited on Aug. 21, 2025. Frazier noted that he gave David Knutson III, son of the property owner, the notice of violations. The violations were to be cured by April 30. 
     Frazier said Knutson has lived there the whole time, although ownership has changed three times between Aug. 21, 2025 and May 20. The code enforcement officer provided Fugate with photos that were taken on May 19.
     Knutson said he hopes to have the three junk vehicles removed within the next few days.
     “My thing is, I don’t see how somebody can tell me what I can and can’t own on my property,” Knutson said after Fugate asked the defendant if he was challenging what the code enforcement officer showed as factual information. “But I do understand to a point, I do understand that.”
     Knutson repeated his contention that on the property that he “bought and paid for” he should be allowed to have junk vehicles.
     Fugate explained that he is in the position of enforcing the ordinances that the Levy County Commission created. 
     Fugate asked Knutson if he believed there is some argument that the members of the County Commission have exceeded their legislative power by deeming junk vehicles are not to be stored on property that is not zoned for that purpose.
     Fugate let the defendant in this case know that he does not have power to set aside established laws as the special magistrate. This violation of having unserviceable and unregistered vehicles stored in an improper manner is a code violation that Fugate has ruled upon several times before, he said. No one yet has challenged the validity of the ordinance, he added. 
     County governments have the right to regulate or prohibit junk vehicles on private property. Through zoning laws and public nuisance ordinances, the county government can legally limit or require the removal of inoperable vehicles. Most local laws define an inoperable vehicle as one that is missing crucial parts (engine, tires), lacks a valid registration/license plate, or has a severely expired safety inspection.
     Zoning codes allow licensed businesses such as auto repair shops, scrap processors, and licensed car dealers to have legal exemptions to these rules to carry out their daily business to some regulated degree.
     The consequences of non-compliance can result in the county hiring a towing service to remove the vehicle at the property owner’s expense and placing a lien on the property for the balance, or in the case of Levy County, if a special magistrate finds the violation exists, there can be a deadline set – after which a DAILY fine of $50 or more may accumulate, eventually resulting in a lien and potentially the county may own the property.
     Knutson alleged that some person who worked for the county told him two years ago that he could have a “hobby vehicle’ for mud bogging and dirt track racing, as well as another vehicle to have for parts for that vehicle.
     Knutson complained that the county is telling him he cannot have a mud truck or a race car. Fugate explained he can have those vehicles, but they must be stored within a place where those junk vehicles are not seen -- for instance at a storage facility for that type of vehicle, or in an enclosed garage. 
     Knutson said he has removed a lot of debris from the property since he was notified of the violation. 
     Fugate found the two violations exist as reported by the code enforcement officer. There is too much trash and there are vehicles stored that are in violation of county codes.
     The cost for the violation will be $50 per day, per violation, after 30 days if this problem is not cured by then, Fugate said. 

Bruce Cherbonneau and Lori Cherbonneau
     Bruce Cherbonneau and Lori Cherbonneau, property owners of 1631 N.E. 112^th Ave., Williston, were absent from the hearing on May 20.
     It has been noted that Lori Cherbonneau passed away on Dec. 16, 2017, at the age of 52.
     Property taxes on this property have not been paid for three years, and it has an appraised taxable property value of $41,000.
     Fugate found there is a violation of the excessive trash code violation on this property. He said the issue must be cured in 15 days, and if compliance does not happen before or by that time, then there will be a $100 daily fine assessed against the property.

OLD BUSINESS 
Ann Backman and Dejuan Maxwell
      Neither Ann Backman nor Dejuan Maxwell, owners of property at 11871 N.W. 80^th Court, Chiefland, were present for the hearing.
     The property is noted to have excessive garbage, and the property is a public nuisance, and there are RVs on the land.
     Fugate found the violations exist, as he found at a previous hearing regarding this property.
     As a result of the apparent violations and the previous actions, Fugate imposed a $300 per day fine and that fine started as of April 7.
     Fugate is also recommending the County Commission clean up this property and create a lien on the property to pay for that service.
     Just as in the other cases of the day where Fugate recommended the county cleanup property, it is just his recommendation. The County Commission can accept or reject the recommendation.

Dwayne Deedrick
 
Dwayne Deedrick of the Forest Park Unit 2 neighborhood stands ready to speak with Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate.

     Dwayne Deedrick of 11151 N.E. 83^rd Place, Bronson, was cited on Aug. 4, 2025 by violating county codes regarding excessive trash and for violating a county code regarding recreational vehicles.
     A special magistrate hearing on New Year’s Day 2026, where an order dated for a deadline of Jan. 26, for the trash and RV violations resulted. There were fines of $50 per day and $50 per day for each of the RVs if the property owner failed to comply with the laws. There were four RVs there then. Frazier noted that when he visited the property on May 20, there were six RVs.
     Deedrick said his house was recently burned down. He said there are squatters on his property in RVs. He claimed to be the victim of criminal activity that has precluded him from complying with county codes related to excessive trash and having RVs on his land that people are using as residences.
     Among the problems he recited for Fugate was that a squatter’s dog killed one of his Deedrick’s cats.
     Deedrick failed to appear at the Jan. 1, 2026 hearing regarding these code violations.
     Deedrick admitted owning one “fifth wheel” trailer on the property, but he added that a woman who is living in it refuses to vacate the trailer. Deedrick said he is 66 years old and he does not want to get physical with anyone.
     Fugate found there are violations as noted before. After some discussion, Fugate mentioned he is going to recommend to the County Commission that it clean the property and apply a lien against the property for that service. He gave Deedrick 60 days to cure all of the issues, including the excessive trash and the multiple RVs that are in violation of county codes.
     If the problem is not cured within 60 days, then there will be daily fines of $50 for each violation. Fugate said that given his previous findings, there will be a quantification of fines that have already started to accumulate.
     Fugate advised Deedrick to seek help from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office to remedy problems he is suffering as a victim of criminal actions that have happened to him, which were inflicted by these squatters.

Candi Jennings

Candi Jennings, 19037 N.E. 31^st Place, Williston, listens to Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate.

     Candi Jennings of 19037 N.E. 31st Palace, Williston, appeared again having already been found to be in violation of county codes.
     This case was prosecuted by Code Enforcement Officer Banton.
     On Feb. 20, Fugate found there was a violation of an unpermitted structure on the property, as well as excessive trash. A deadline of March 21 was set to cure that violation. Banton showed pictures to prove that it had not happened as recently as May 20.
     Jennings said he is taking care of six children as his excuse for not moving forward with actions required to comply with the ordinances.
     Fugate found that the trash and junk he had ruled on before as well as the unpermitted structure, which he had ruled on five months ago, are continuing violations.
     Fugate said he will quantify the fines due as far as a result of $50 per day fine from March 21 through May 20 for the excessive trash.
     Fugate gave Jennings 30 days to cure the unpermitted structure issue. It is anticipated Jennings will be scheduled to appear for another hearing of this “old business.”

Future food pantry promoters
ask for county funds again

Dorothy Ring at the lectern with Caroline Popke standing beside her again tell the Gilchrist County Commission about group they belong to in Bell that is helping provide food to hungry families. They asked again at the May 18 meeting for county help to fund the effort, and they were reminded that the budget workshops for the coming fiscal year are going to be this summer.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 19, 2026 at 6:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – They showed up at the March 16 meeting, and they returned for the Monday evening (May 18) meeting to seek help again.
     This time, Dorothy Ring and Caroline Popke asked for $2,500, as they spoke to the Gilchrist County Commission during the first of two points on the agenda noted as “Public Participation.”
     Asked about their greatest need, Ring said they are seeking a permanent building – rather than using the community center as they do now.
     The message from the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator Bobby Crosby and County Clerk Todd Newton was relatively clear. Any new requests for funds from organizations outside of the county government, which will require taking currently unbudgeted funds from the county coffers will be considered and discussed during budget hearings this summer. 
     The hope of the group represented by Ring and Popke has been to change their grassroots effort into a sustainable food pantry.
     Ring previously told the commissioners about the current ongoing effort to help the hungry in the Bell area, many of whom are children.
     All five commissioners heard the plea on Monday. The Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners is comprised of Chairman Darrell Smith, Vice Chairman Bill Martin, and commissioners Tommy Langford, Sharon A. Langford and Kenrick Thpmas.
     The group of pantry promoters in the Bell area of Gilchrist County hope to see help from the state, county and municipal government entities as well as churches, businesses and others.
     In March, Ring said the people in need are becoming even more pressed as fuel and other prices are increasing now.
     County Administrator Crosby had reminded the commissioners a couple of months ago that a food pantry is already in the budget for the current fiscal year. Gilchrist County Clerk and Comptroller Newton had previously let the visitors know that they need to provide his office with any request for county funding before June 1, so that the County Commission will be able to consider it during budget workshops for the next fiscal year.
     The county government’s next fiscal year is Oct. 1, 2026 through Nov. 30, 2027.
     Some community leaders in the Tri-County Area are applying what is known as the Healthy Community Initiative. In the Inglis Yankeetown area, Helen Ciallella is among the champions of this idea.


Dorothy Ring tells the Gilchrist County Commission, in March, that she and other volunteers in an effort to start an ongoing sustainable food pantry are giving away up to 60 boxes per event. They are feeding about 1,000 people monthly, she said a couple of months ago. There are about 600 people in Bell and 25 percent of that number are relatively young children. She adds that there are many single mothers who look for this free food to help them. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the whole video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     To see more about a concept known as the Healthy Community Initiative, in general, click HERE.
     Sue Colson has been and still is the top mover for the Cedar Key Food Pantry (Levy County) over the years, although she has an army of volunteers and strong community support on that island and neighboring area for that food pantry. It recently obtained a $40,000 refrigerated food truck from a grant through the local United Way.
     Another resource locally for everyone in Gilchrist, Dixie and Levy counties is the Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC). To see more about the TCCRC, click HERE.
     Bill and Verna Brown are founders of The Children’s Table. To learn more about this well-established relatively large food distribution entity, click HERE.
     The Bread of the Mighty and Walmart are currently key points to help the fledgling food pantry in Bell.

Cedar Key Food Pantry
unveils refrigerated food truck

Photo Provided By Sue Colson

Story Written By Lisa Custer
Edited By Jeff M. Hardison
Published May 16, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
     CEDAR KEY -- The Cedar Key Food Pantry — a volunteer-powered lifeline for many people in this area of Levy County -- debuted a brand-new refrigerated food truck recently.
     It was made possible by a $40,000 grant from the United Way of North Central Florida.
     This small, coastal food pantry -- Cedar Key Food Pantry -- keeps fresh produce, dairy, and proteins safely. This specialized refrigerated vehicle is a gamechanger for the pantry’s ability to rescue and redistribute temperature-sensitive food at scale. 
     There was an unveiling of sorts for the new “reefer truck.” Yes, a refrigerated truck and a “reefer truck” are the exact same thing. “Reefer” is simply the trucking industry slang for “refrigerated.” These climate-controlled vehicles feature heavily insulated cargo areas and a Transport Refrigeration Unit. They are specifically designed to safely transport temperature-sensitive goods—like produce, meat, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and flowers—while maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain.
     The Cedar Key Food Pantry celebrated the truck’s debut in style, with a rolling procession through the heart of Cedar Key followed by a public open house near the Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Center on Second Street.
     Food insecurity doesn’t take a day off. In a coastal community like Cedar Key -- where distance from grocery stores can complicate logistics -- the ability to safely keep and transport perishable food is an important factor. Until now, the pantry’s capacity to handle fresh, refrigerated items has been limited by the constraints of their current building.
     The new refrigerated truck changed that equation. The pantry now can use the truck to store food as it comes from the larger distribution center in Gainesville. 
     Anyone who has lived on Florida’s Gulf Coast may know that when a storm forms in the Gulf of Mexico, the cone of influence is on everyone’s personal radars. The barrier island of Cedar Key — sitting low and exposed – has been hit by hurricane winds, rains and the force of storm surges. For most families, hurricane preparation includes filling vehicles’ gas tanks, assuring there is some level of food and water that will last through electric outages, as well as clearing the area of potential flying debris.
     For the Cedar Key Food Pantry, it includes another aspect. The pantry must consider what happens to hundreds of pounds of refrigerated food when the power goes out?
     That’s where this truck becomes more than just a delivery vehicle. When a hurricane threatens, the pantry team can rapidly transfer perishable items, like fresh produce, dairy, proteins, and more, that require refrigeration. These food items can be taken directly from their stationary units into the truck’s self-contained refrigerated hold. The trailer is then transported to a safer location where the food can be stored using a generator.
     The truck gives the pantry something it never had before -- mobility during a crisis. If conditions require evacuation or if the pantry building itself becomes inaccessible due to flooding or storm damage, the food moves with the team. Once the storm passes and families return to find empty shelves and no power at home, the refrigerated truck can be positioned anywhere in the community to begin immediate distribution — no brick-and-mortar building required.
     This truck came to the Cedar Key Food Pantry from a grant via the United Way North Central Florida, which is an organization that is committed to strengthening communities and improving lives across Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Union counties.

Students honored

Chiefland City Commissioner LaWanda Jones welcomes everyone to the part of the Chiefland City Commission Meeting on May 11 where students were to be honored for their achievements.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 12, 2026 at 4 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND – Two of the three Outstanding Students of the Month honorees were present Monday evening (May 11) at the Chiefland City Commission meeting to accept recognition for their achievements.
     The two present and the third all receive certifications for this honor, as well and $20 gift certificates redeemable via purchases at Walmart. The gift certificates are gifts from the Rotary Club of Chiefland.
     As she presented the certificate to Carson Brown, Commissioner LaWanda Jones recited what Chiefland Elementary School Teacher Megan Weatherford said about the student.
     “Carson truly embodies the character trait of perseverance. He gives 100 percent effort in everything he does, even when the work is challenging. Carson never gives up -- he continues to push through, work hard, and stay focused until he understands and completes the task,” Weatherford noted, and Commissioner Jones read. “What stands out most about Carson is his willingness to advocate for himself. He is not afraid to ask for help, raise his hand, or ask for something to be re-explained, so he can fully understand. That determination and commitment to learning is something to be proud of. Carson consistently shows that success comes from effort, persistence, and a positive mindset. We are so proud of his hard work and growth.”
     Next up for recognition was Danté Clemons, who was nominated by all of the seventh-grade teachers at Chiefland Middle School.
     Commission Jones read the comments about this Outstanding Student.
     “Danté quietly goes about his business without having to be the center of attention. He keeps his head down and works hard. He's always polite and respectful. Danté has shown perseverance all year in math,” she said as she read what was noted.
     Both of the Outstanding Student Award recipients at the meeting that night saw their certificates noted the honor was presented by City of Chiefland City Commission for academic excellence, leadership, citizenship and attendance.


Chiefland City Commissioner LaWanda Jones poses with Danté Clemons (center), a seventh grader, and Carson Brown, a fifth grader.


Chiefland Mayor Lewrissa Johns places her signature on one of the certificates for the Outstanding Student of the Month just before the start of the May 11 meeting. All three certificates were signed and dated.

     Dayla Tiller, a twelfth-grade student at Chiefland High School, was not present. Commissioner Jones read comments about this Outstanding Student in the young lady’s absence. 

Levy County wrestles
over procedures
with staff and lawyers
Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 7, 2026 at 3 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY – The Levy County Board of Commissioners fired by a 3-2 vote, without warning, the previous attorney who diligently and conscientiously served every need of that County Commission.
     On Oct. 21, 2025, Levy County commissioners Charlie Kennedy, Johnny Hiers, and Rock Meeks voted to fire then County Attorney Nicolle Shalley in a 3-2 decision. The motion made by Kennedy was during a meeting and was not on the original agenda for that meeting. Commission Chairwoman Desiree Mills and Vice Chairman Tim Hodge voted against that motion.
     Since then, Chairman Hodge has accepted that title and Vice Chairman Kennedy is in that leadership post.
     More recently, at the May 5 meeting, during the Commissioners’ Reports part of the agenda, Vice Chairman Kennedy mentioned the idea of one commissioner serving as a liaison between County Manager Mary-Elllen Harper and department heads, and with the GrayRobinson Law Firm of Gainesville, which is serving the County Commission’s needs now in regard to legal matters.
     Acting Levy County Attorney Stephanie Marchman of the GrayRobinson Law Firm, who is among the attorneys and staff from that firm that is contracted now for that service, spoke at length with the commissioners and even mentioned a form has been created so that the lawyers can better prioritize needs. Staff fill in the form and there is better communication with the parties to move more efficiently along the various paths to get things done.
     Not every single Levy County government issue is an emergency that absolutely must be solved instantly.
     The discussion showed, too, that staff members need to provide City Manager Harper and GrayRobinson Law Firm with advance information on probable upcoming events and needs when possible. Even if a new or ongoing project will require approval from various state agencies or other stakeholders before the county needs to perform its actions, by having advance notice of what is coming, the attorneys are not suddenly called upon to perform actions that they could have known were pending long before the moment of absolute deadline is acting like a wolf at the door. Attorney Marchman let listeners know that sometimes things required for action can be in hand before the final moment. As some people may know, failing to plan is planning to fail.
     At one point, Commission Chairman Hodge offered to be that liaison suggested by Kennedy.
     As a result of the relatively long discussion during the meeting, everyone may now be clearly reminded that the law firm works at the will of the County Commission just as County Manager Harper does. In fact, it just takes three to change that employment or contractual service agreement. Likewise other county staff directors and employees may now understand what is expected of them to make a more efficient method to utilize legal services required for the county government to serve the people, which includes using the least expensive methods of billable hours and the like from the firm.


Acting Levy County Attorney Stephanie Marchman of the GrayRobinson Law Firm of Gainesville speaks with the four members of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners present for the Tuesday meeting (May 5), which is one of the two regular monthly meetings of that board. Marchman is working with the County Commission to deal with requests from county staff regarding a broad spectrum of legal matters that are part of county government. This video is part of a long discussion. To see and hear it, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

Other News

Levy County Building Official Bo Cox of the Development Department speaks to the Ley County Commission on May 5.

     In other news, Levy County Provisional Building Official – Bernard “Bo” Cox brought forth an amendment that was approved for Amanda Shankland to move forward on property adjacent to State Road 24, where the development is to be named Crane Pond RV Park.
     This RV park has been in development for a few years now, according to records.
     Now it is set to be 78 individual recreational vehicle sites, consisting of a mix of pull-through and back-in spaces; an administration building for use as an administrative office, laundry, bathrooms/showers and a multipurpose room, not to exceed 1,400 square feet of total building floor area; a maintenance building which use shall be limited to maintenance, storage and emergency generator, staff overnight quarters and breakroom, not to exceed 1,800 square feet of total building floor area; an outdoor gazebo, not to exceed 1,200 square feet; and  associated necessary utility infrastructure, including solid waste facilities, 
stormwater drainage, potable water supply, and wastewater collection and treatment.
     Among the many other matters approved by the County Commission:
     ● Staff were directed to prepare a resolution to declare Elkins Road from its southern terminus to CR 40 as surplus real property and to donate said properties to the Town of Inglis.
     ● Kelly Bishop was reappointed to the Levy County Planning Commission for a term expiring in April of 2030.
     ● All of the approvals to keep the burn ban going every seven days were approved.
     ● The purchase of a set of extrication tools in the amount of $25,761.15 from Southern Rescue Tools was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● The purchase of a power load in the amount of $29,364.77 from Stryker as a non-competitive procurement in accordance was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● The purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe in the amount of $56,860from Garber Chevrolet quoted under the Florida Sheriff’s Association Contract was approved For Levy County Fire Rescue.
     ● Expenditures amounting to $4,890,170.18 (about $5 million) were approved.

Pumps fail
Wells dry up from drought in Levy County

This picture shows an irrigation system distributing hundreds of gallons of water per minute as the water is being applied to a crop on May 6. At least one residential well in the area is no longer providing water in a dependable manner to people there. A drought combined with development in Levy County are probable reasons for the reduced amount of water being available.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 6, 2026 at 12 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY – Well drillers and water pump service companies are seeing an uptick in business because the underground water supply level has dropped in Levy County, and presumably in other parts of Florida due to a drought.     At least one pump in Levy County was failing to bring up water alone as it should, rather than air and water as it did, even after the pipe feeding the water to the residence from the acquirer was put down an additional 10 feet.
     An estimated expense of $9,000 has been mentioned to place another well into the ground there in Jemlands, an unrecorded subdivision in Levy County. In Levy County, the average price for a residential water well (drilling, casing, and pump installation) typically ranges from $4,500 to in excess of $10,000, depending on depth. Shallow wells in the area can cost around $4,500, while deeper, fully installed residential wells often exceed $10,000.
     Added to that is the cost for a new pump. Residential well pump installation in Levy County typically costs between $1,500 and $4,000, with a common average of around $1,775 to $2,500 including labor and materials. Submersible pumps for deeper wells often cost $1,000–$2,500-plus. Shallow jet pumps range from $300 to $1,400. Labor adds $500 to $1,500.
     Then, here is the cost of building a new pumphouse around the equipment to reduce the odds of theft.


An irrigation system distributes hundreds of gallons of water per minute as the water is being applied to a crop on May 6. At least one residential well in the area is no longer providing water to people there, although a pump installation and maintenance service worker predicts that well would return to function properly if it rains. To see and here the video, click on the PHOTO. Nearby birds are heard more than the sound of the water because the photographer was taking pictures from the public median side of the barbed wire between him and the sprinklers.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     Meanwhile on May 6, between at least 9 a.m. and 9:40 a.m., a pivot sprinkler and other sprays along an elevated bar put hundreds of gallons per minute of water into the air and onto a crop of sileage adjacent to Levy County Road 347 near Northwest 82nd Court.
     A call to the Suwannee River Water Management District for more information about water levels in its district was made Wednesday morning. That water management district includes all or part of 15 counties in North Central Florida. The district covers 7,640 square miles, managing water resources and providing flood protection for this region. The SRWMD includes all of Dixie and Gilchrist counties and most of Levy County.

Easement access
addressed at CFEC meeting
Government reimbursements
still stalled for co-op
Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 3, 2026 at 4 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     FANNING SPRINGS – Central Florida Electric Cooperative General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Denny George said, “providing safe, reliable and affordable electric service is the mission of CFEC.”
     He spoke about bucket trucks and giant pole-hole digging equipment that the electric cooperative is buying. This equipment purchase creates a significant but necessary cost, he said. The CFEC Board of Trustees as well as the management team considers the members’ interests when it makes significant investments like these, CEO George said.
     The CFEC Board of Trustees includes President Alan Mikell (District 6), Vice President Kyle Quincey (District 4), Secretary/Treasurer Larry Thompson (District 9), and trustees James E. McCain Sr. (District 1), Melissa Lewis (District 2), Jessie Robinson (District 3), Donald Lane (District 5), Tammy Bryan (District 7) and Bo Markham (District 8).
Easement Access
     George said he is extremely proud of the entire team of CFEC employees for their dedication to the ideals of the rural electric cooperative.
     In the past year, some of these valued employees have encountered members who are strongly opposed to CFEC contractors accessing their property. George notes that independent contractors are employees of the co-operative by their agreements to serve in the roles that they accept.
     Routine maintenance and outage restoration requires employees to go onto private property on the legal easements that the members signed documents to provide so that they could enjoy electric services from CFEC, he added.
     “This creates challenges for our team,” George said, “and I want to remind our membership CFEC is granted permission by the members to access the property at all times when you apply for service.”
     The chief executive officer of the rural electric cooperative assures everyone that when a CFEC employee is on private property they are there with one goal in mind – “… to maintain safe, reliable electric service.”
     George went on to say they while CFEC may try to call a telephone number listed for the account, waiting for a return call to schedule a visit increases costs to providing service since it requires a second trip.
     Access to lines at all times is an absolute necessity to keep power safe and reliable, as well as to restore outages as quickly as possible, he added.
Government reimbursements stall
     Another conundrum causing CFEC members to keep paying storm adjustment costs every month, he said, results from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Florida Division of Emergency Management failing to reimburse to cooperative for extensive storm-related recovery costs from 2023 and 2024.
     As of May 2, CFEC received a mere 32 percent of the total reimbursement due for payment to the cooperative from the federal and state government agencies, George said.
     When the government pays those bills, he said, CFEC will determine when and by how much this can help ease the costs seen by members each month for the safe and reliable electric service they enjoy in regard to the costs adjustments noted to be from storm recovery.
     He thanked every member of their patience with the rural electric cooperative as it waits for the elected leaders to do their jobs and pay their bills.
     George said the cooperative is prepared to meet any challenges put forth by hurricane season that begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, even though there have been storms at outlying ends of both of those points in the past decades in Florida.
     He added that everyone is hoping for the zero-impact enjoyed by CFEC from hurricanes last season.

First Published Feb. 1, 2011 at 8 a.m.
     On Feb. 1, 2011, HardisonInk.com came into existence on the Internet. On All Saints Day - Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section on The Life Page of HardisonInk.com started, which was about nine months after the start of the daily news website. The name "The Christian Press" was derived from an encounter a decade earlier in 2001 in St. Petersburg, when and where a man mentioned to a journalist that this particular journalist must work for "The Christian Press." Although the presumption by the man about that journalist was incorrect and misplaced, the name sounded good. And the journalist said that if he could work for The Christian Press, then that certainly would be the publication to serve.
     Since Nov. 1, 2011, The Christian Press section of this page has run daily devotionals from several individuals who contributed over the past years. There were two days in 2018 when the daily devotional did not run due to a journalist requiring emergency orthopedic surgery on broken bones in his left arm and wrist. That surgically added metal, though, makes that part of that arm even more able to withstand forces. Many daily devotionals are pulled from Strength for Service to God and Country (Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers). The journalist who is the sole proprietor and owner of HardisonInk.com (Jeff M. Hardison) notes his appreciation for the use of those devotionals from that now-defunct publishing company, and for the many other contributors who have helped people over the past decade-plus now. Strength for Service to God and Country's daily devotionals include many from a time when the United States of America was a partner in a World War, both WWI and WWII. This journalist welcomes contributions of daily devotionals. Daily devotional authors are asked to please send only their original works to hardisonink@gmail.com. Americans are reminded that all religions, having no religion and or being a person who endorses anti-religion are all protected as part of the freedoms from government intervention, as are other benefits from being an American.
 

Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time

PUT YOUR MIND ON GOD

Read Luke 10:25-37

     Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
-- John 14:9

     When we have made up our minds to succeed in anything, we begin to do a lot of thinking about it. “We put our minds to it,” as we say. Since you came into the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps, you have put a lot of thought on your new job – handling a rifle, servicing a plane, driving a tank or truck, and aiming a gun.
     The more you have studied your work, the better you understand it. It is all real and vital. But when we talk about God, things become foggy. We grope in the mist. God realized this difficulty, and so He sent us a Man like ourselves who went through life meeting all the knocks and temptations, dangers and disappointments that strike us.
     He understood and trusted God so well that He could say that anyone who knew His life and character would really understand what God is like. So your job is to study the life of Jesus the way you study your rifle or your airplane day after day.
     You will discover how He liked people – all sorts of them – how He hated anyone’s being unjust or hard, or even being crabby. You will also see that He was forever getting help and courage from His Father. Go ahead and discover for yourself just what kind of person Jesus really as. Then you will know His Father and yours. You will find all about Jesus in the four short biographies His friends wrote about Him, the first books of the New Testament.
     ALMIGHTY GOD, my Father, who knowest my heart, my needs, and my hopes, help me to know Thy Son, Jesus Christ, that, knowing Him, I may know Thee also. Help me to understand the people about me and to be a friend to some of them. Unite me in the moments of this prayer with those I love who are far away. In the Spirit of Christ. Amen.
The Rev. Murray Shipley Howland 
First Presbyterian Church
Binghamton, New York
Strength for Service to God and Country
(Whitmore & Stone © 1942; Renewed 1969 by Norman E. Nygaard; Second revised edition © 2002 Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, Providence House Publishers)
 

Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller © June 8, 2026 at 6 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time