Hotdogs At The Hall
Event Offers Fun For All (Video)

(from left) Dixie County Clerk Barbie Higginbotham, Dixie County Commissioner Mark Hatch, City Councilman J. Ryan Fulford and City Councilman Kirk Marhefka agree to a photo opportunity. This is Councilman Fulford mere moments before he became soaked by being dunked in the dunk tank. Please visit the  LIFE PAGE to see the story, more photos and a video.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 13, 2022 at 8:12 p.m.
All Rights Reserved
 

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Tropical Storm Glimmer Fades

As noted by the graphic above, created by the National Weather Service, as of 2 a.m. EDT on (Friday) Aug. 12, there is no new tropical cyclone expected to develop in the Atlantic Ocean for the next five days. A previous tropical wave did not develop into a storm of concern for the United States. Most meteorologists note the Hurricane Season of June 1 through Nov. 30 can still be significantly active in the next few months. Readers are reminded to remain prepared.  The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity noted for any person who does not have a plan and needs help making one, that there is an excellent resource for this by visiting FloridaDisaster.org. Please remember that sudden thunderstorms can create hazardous conditions, and that while no hurricane currently is forecast soon, weather conditions can change relatively quickly.
Published Aug. 12, 2022 at 6:12 a.m.

Significant improvement
in Internet service projected
Tri-County Area connections
planned in three or four years

Levy County Local Technology Planning Team Chairman John Meeks prepares to begin the meeting Tuesday afternoon in Bronson.

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 10, 2022 at 4:12 p.m.
     BRONSON – Within three to four years everyone in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County will have access to fiberoptic Internet connections, given that a possible $100 million-plus project reaches fruition as planned.
 

In this video, George Buckner III of Central Florida Electric Cooperative speaks about Conexon and why it was selected for this $100 million-plus project. (The ticking noise in the background is from the air-conditioning unit in the Levy County Government Complex Auditorium.) CLICK ON THE PHOTO TO SEE AND HEAR THE VIDEO.


George Buckner III of Central Florida Electric Cooperative (left) and Nature Coast (Levy County) Business Development Council Executive Director Scott Osteen are seen moments before the meeting begins.


George Buckner III of Central Florida Electric Cooperative brings listeners into awareness of the rural electric cooperative’s plan moving forward to provide fiberoptic Internet service to people in the Tri-County Area.


Owners of Vantage Point Network Systems Inc. Edward W. ‘Edd’ Suor and his wife Suzanne Suor of Williston are seen in the foreground as Levy County Superintendent of Schools Chris Cowart is seen in the background.

    The Levy County Local Technology Planning Team (LTPT) met Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 9) in the Levy County Government Center Auditorium, 310 School St., in Bronson.
     Committee Chairman John Meeks was joined in person by LTPT members George Buckner III of Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC), Levy County Superintendent of Schools Chris Cowart, Levy Cunty Prevention Coalition Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Lewis, Levy County Tourist Development Council Executive Director Tisha Whitehurst,  Levy County Library Coordinator Darlene Slattery, Nature Coast (Levy County) Business Development Council Executive Director Scott Osteen, Levy County Procurement Coordinator and Ali Tretheway. Representing the Business Sector and attending via the Internet was LTPT Member Burke Brooks.
     Also, in attendance at this meeting in person were non-members of the LTPT -- HardisonInk.com owner and publisher Jeff M. Hardison, and owners of Vantage Point Network Systems Inc. Edward W. “Edd” Suor and his wife Suzanne Suor of Williston.
     Another non-LTPT person attending this meeting, although present via the Internet rather than in person, was a woman from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband. Her name is Kiwanis Curry. Curry appears to be the liaison for Levy County with that office.
     The Office of Broadband works with local and state government agencies, community organizations and private businesses to increase the availability and effectiveness of broadband internet throughout the state, specifically in small and rural communities. Through these partnerships, the Office of Broadband encourages investment in grant funding opportunities for the broadband program that focus on the expansion of broadband.
     The Florida Strategic Plan for Broadband outlines a three-step approach to forge a connected economy— one that yields a more robust workforce, enhanced educational opportunities, and healthier Floridians. The plan also promotes economic growth, workforce education and job training, and workforce housing, particularly in rural, unserved, and underserved areas of the state.
     There was a bit of irony during this meeting because the people “attending” via the Internet lost connection a few times. Curry of the DEO, however, made sure when connections were reestablished that she understood the conversation points during the committee meeting. The Levy Cunty LTPT has been meeting monthly for five or so months, although last month (July) there was no meeting.
     Buckner provided insight Tuesday afternoon into the CFEC plan to provide fiberoptic Internet access to every CFEC member, as well as to offer it to Duke Energy Florida and other utility customers in the area if they want it. LTPT Chairman Meeks again made it clear that the Levy County Commission does not want to be in the Internet service provider business, but it is happy to have CFEC as a partner in this service for the business interests, residents and visitors of Levy County.
     In the monthly CFEC newsletter to members, it notes that fiberoptic connections are the fastest Internet connection.
     LTPT Chairman Meeks opened the meeting by speaking about various state and federal grants that may help fund this venture. He also said the input from people in Levy County on forms to show the state and federal government about the need for better Internet service here was a bit lacking from his perspective.
     People verbally complain and they note the poor service on social media outlets, but when the county asked people to take a simple speed test or to fill in a simple form on a survey, the numbers of participants left something to be desired, Chairman Meeks intimated.
     Meanwhile, CFEC is moving forward with its plan to bring fiberoptic connections to the Tri-County Area.
     CFEC has selected Conexon to head the effort for construction of fiber hardware in the Tri-County Area. Conexon is a broadband consulting firm that works exclusively with rural electric cooperatives across the country to deliver world-class fiber internet services.
     Utility bills for CFEC members will NOT increase as a result of this broadband project, the monthly newsletter for CFEC members notes. The estimated $100 million-plus cost for buildout is sought to be funded by state and federal grants.
     These fiber connections will run along poles or underground with the CFEC powerlines, Buckner said.
     Buckner sought approval of a resolution from Levy County showing the county endorses the rural electric cooperative seeking grants to fund the project. He gave the committee the first draft of the resolution, which will be modified as the committee wants before presentation to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners for its approval. A similar resolution is bound to be sought for approval from County Commissions in Dixie County and Gilchrist County as well.
     Bucker said CFEC intends to seek support from the cities within the county as well to show parties the desire of the Tri-County Area for this improvement in Internet service.
     Conexon currently has 60-plus broadband fiber groups it is working with, Buckner said, adding that Conexon plans to install about 57,000 miles of fiber this year.
     Conexon is helping CFEC with grant writing as well, Buckner said.
    The CFEC plan is to have one grant application submitted before its Sept. 30 deadline.
    On another front, Buckner said, CFEC has identified a grant-writer who has worked with the rural electric cooperative in the Tri-County Area before. Within the next few weeks, CFEC hopes to meet with that grant-writer to seek Community Development Block Grants as a funding source for this project.
     Buckner said the figure for this project is $100 million-plus, because to cover the CFEC membership would cost $100 million, but with the addition of Duke Energy Florida and other utility customers in the Tri-County Area that accounts for the “plus.”
     To start the project, the co-op is going to seed the project and fund some of the start-up for it, Buckner said. 
     First, engineers will review the existing infrastructure of poles, etc., Buckner said. After that, there is the “make ready” phase, where CFEC will replace poles, or add poles, or spans where it is determined they are needed. 
     As mentioned, wherever CFEC lines are today, that is where the fiberoptic lines will be running – on poles and underground.
     “We’re going to have a lot of crews in here doing a lot of work,” Buckner said.
     This project will create jobs during the construction phase of an estimated three to four years. Buckner said CFEC plans to let Conexon know about its consistent preference to hire locally first.
     After that construction, CFEC is taking ownership of operating the service, although Conexon will maintain certain proprietary ownership for software programs and the like, Buckner said. The rural electric cooperative chose against giving Conexon everything because that way Conexon cannot sell the service to AT&T or some other interest, Buckner said.
     Instead, this will be a co-op venture. 
     This CFEC-connected operation as an Internet service provider will be a separate aspect of the cooperative, and this separate entity will be for-profit, Buckner said. The Board of Trustees for the fiberoptic company will be the same as for CFEC, and Denny George, CFEC general manager, will be the president of the fiberoptic company that will be under the umbrella of CFEC, Buckner said.
 

Early voting starts in Levy County

This view of the side entrance to the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office shows the entrance for early voters. There are designated parking spaced for handicapped drivers as well as for other drivers to park their vehicles. There is on street parking on Court Street as well.

Story and Photos 
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 8, 2022 at 8:12 p.m.
     BRONSON – Levy County voters started going to the polls Monday (Aug. 8) as early voting started in Levy County.
 

Levy County Poll Deputy Kary Colson watches the entrance, and is prepared to give early voters a sticker to show they made freedom count by voting early in Levy County.


Jason Whistler (R-Chiefland), one of the candidates for Levy County Property Appraiser is seen in the morning on Monday (Aug. 8) holding a sign to show voters he wants them to choose him for this position.


Gussie Boatwright, a member of the Brandon Peters (D-Williston) Campaign Team, holds a sign to promote her choice for Florida House of Representatives District 22.

     Early voting in this county goes through Aug. 20.
     Early voting on those dates in Levy County is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends, at the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office, 421 S. Court St., in Bronson. Voters may enter at the side entrance of the Supervisor of Elections Office.
     Voters should bring a current and valid photo and signature identification. If no ID is provided, a provisional ballot will be issued.
     Levy County Supervisor of Elections Jones and her staff have made the early voting process easy. People who use the Mail-In method in Levy County also will see convenience.
     During early voting, the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office is offering two "Secure Mail Ballot Intake Stations" at the Chiefland and Williston public libraries. 
     These library intake stations are for voters that need to return their vote-by-mail ballots. Employees of the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office man these stations. Ballots are secured and picked up daily. The intake stations for mail-in ballots are available during the same days and hours as Early Voting.
     In addition, voters can return their vote-by-mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections Office during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     As always there will be an intake station at the side entrance of the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office during early voting days and hours. Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail turnout results, by precinct and party, are available on the Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.votelevy.gov/. For more information, please visit https://www.votelevy.gov/ or call 352-486-5163.
 

Camp Valor Progresses
Elvis Show Kicks Off 2-Day Vet Fest 2022
 
This diagram of Camp Valor was among the art displayed at Vet Fest 2022 at Otter Springs Park and Campground on Saturday (Aug. 6). To see the story and photos, please visit the LEISURE PAGE.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 6, 2022 at 4:12 p.m.
All Rights Reserved
 

FDOT pauses
northern turnpike extension project
Study concludes
with no viable proposed corridors
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 5, 2022 at 10:12 a.m.
     OCOEE – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) completed the Alternative Corridor Evaluation (ACE) Study for the Northern Turnpike Extension without recommending a specific corridor, it announced on Aug. 4.

The FDOT will not pursue the project any further until options can be reassessed to address concerns of the FDOT and the people of the four counties -- Levy, Marion, Citrus and Sumter counties.

     The FDOT will not pursue the project any further until options can be reassessed to address concerns of the FDOT and the people of the four counties -- Levy, Marion, Citrus and Sumter counties, it noted.
     Based on feedback received from across the four-county study area of Levy, Marion, Citrus and Sumter counties, significant concerns were identified with portions of all four initially proposed corridors, the FDOT announced yesterday (Aug. 4) in a press release dated today (Aug. 5). 
     The FDOT staff noted the agency “deeply values community input and is committed to thoroughly exploring all concerns received during this process.”
     The leader of the FDOT commented about this matter via the press release.
     “The goal of every project is to ensure all needs are met, environmental concerns are addressed, and community characteristics are protected. The region and local community should be assured that as we continue to refine and develop viable corridor concepts for this area, it will include extensive engagement with community leaders and the community as a whole,” Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue said.
     In the near term, to help address regional and statewide transportation needs, the FDOT is dedicating resources to prioritize improvements on the Interstate-75 corridor. Much of the feedback received from local communities during the ACE study recommended reviewing and prioritizing solutions for the I-75 corridor as part of the overall process.
     The foundation of every FDOT project is to balance evolving transportation needs with the community vision of the region and the local area, the FDOT noted. Conducting evaluations in early planning stages of projects like the ACE study specifically seeks to thoroughly review any impacts and obtain feedback prior to proceeding further on projects and is precisely why the FDOT has processes like this, the state government’s transportation agency noted.
     Additional details will be available as the FDOT moves further along. Until then, the project’s website www.floridasturnpike.com/NTE, will remain active as a resource for project updates.

Tri-County Area
has varied early voting plans 
Early voting starts Monday for 12 days in Levy County
Eight days of early voting in Dixie County
Seven days of early voting in in Gilchrist County

By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 3, 2022 at 2:12 p.m.
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – Qualified voters in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist are able to vote early in the primary election, however the availability of early voting varies depending on the county where the voter is casting his or her ballot.     Levy County has the most opportunities for early voting, and it is helping in a food drive for the Tri-County Area at the same time, according to information from Levy County Supervisor Of Elections Tammy Jones.
     Finishing in second place and third place in the category of the most availability to vote early is Dixie County and Gilchrist County respectively, according to information respectively from Dixie County Supervisor Of Elections Starlet Cannon and Gilchrist County Supervisor Of Elections Connie Sanchez.

LEVY COUNTY
     BRONSON – Early voting starts Monday (Aug. 8) and goes through Aug. 20. Early voting on those dates in Levy County is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends, at the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office, 421 S. Court St., in Bronson. Voters may enter at the side entrance of the Supervisor of Elections Office. 
     Voters should bring a current and valid photo and signature identification. If no ID is provided, a provisional ballot will be issued.
     "My goal is to make Early Voting safe, secure and efficient for the residents of Levy County." Levy County Supervisor of Elections Jones said.
     During early voting, the Levy County Supervisor of Elections office is offering two "Secure Mail Ballot Intake Stations" at the Chiefland and Williston public libraries.
     These library intake stations are for voters that need to return their vote-by-mail ballots. Employees of the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office man these stations. Ballots are secured and picked up daily.
     The intake stations for mail-in ballots are available during the same days and hours as Early Voting. In addition, voters can return their vote-by-mail ballot at the Supervisor of Elections Office during business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
     As always there will be an intake station at the side entrance of the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office during early voting days and hours. 
     Early Voting and Vote-by-Mail turnout results, by precinct and party, are available on the Supervisor of Elections website at https://www.votelevy.gov/. 
     For more information, please visit www.VoteLevy.gov or call 352-486-5163. 


Wendy Lewitt is seen above as she prepares to put food in the receptacle for food at the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office in Bronson. The Levy County Supervisor of Elections is excited to join the Tri-County Community Resource Center in Chiefland, Supervisor Jones said, to help provide items for its emergency closet. People can participate by bringing a non-perishable food item during early voting or dropping items off at one of the Secure Ballot Intake Stations at both the Chiefland and Williston public libraries during early voting hours. ‘Our hope is to collect one can per vote!’ Levy County Supervisor Jones exclaimed. ‘We would certainly be able to fill up that emergency food closet.’
Photo Provided By Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones

     For the second election year, Levy County Supervisor of Elections Jones is offering a way for voters to track their vote-by-mail ballot status. Voters can visit https://votelevy.ballottrax.net/voter/ to sign up to receive text, email or phone messages when their ballot has been sent or received.

DIXIE COUNTY
     CROSS CITY – People who want to vote early in Dixie County can do so at the Dixie County Supervisor of Elections Office, 229 N.E. 351 Highway, Suite A, in Cross City.
     Early voting in Dixie County is Aug. 12 through Aug. 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Sunday 14 – the time will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on that Sunday.

GILCRIST COUNTY
     TRENTON -- People who want to vote early in Gilchrist County can do so by visiting the Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections Office in the Gilchrist County Courthouse, at 112 S. Main St. (U.S. Highway 129), Room 137, in Trenton.
     Early voting at this location for the primary election will start on Aug. 13 and go through Aug. 20, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, Aug. 14, however, the hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Danielle Hawk runs for Congress
to make a difference

Story and Photo Provided
By Matthew Pearson, Communications Director
Campaign for Danielle Hawk
Published Aug. 3, 2022 at 11:12 a.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- Danielle Hawk (D-Gainesville) is running for election to the United States House of Representatives to represent Florida’s 3rd Congressional District because she understands the importance of serving and caring for the community.
     Whether it’s implementing more equitable policies for young people as an administrator in higher education, organizing protests for worker safety and reproductive justice, or speaking
truth to power, Hawk knows how to address the critical issues confronting the people.
     Unlike some currently elected leaders who have lost sight of what being a representative means, she’s committed to serving the people by acting on the most important issues affecting American society.

“Our campaign platform has one purpose: to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people.”
-- Danielle Hawk

     Politics and candidates as usual have resulted in rising wealth inequality, stagnant wages, unrelenting gun violence, unaffordable healthcare, and systemic poverty. The sad reality is that politicians in office all across our country are far more concerned with keeping their power and padding their pockets than serving the public.
     Kat Cammack (R-Gainesville), the current congresswoman, is one of those politicians. Cammack spends her time anywhere but in her own district - hiding behind a Facebook livestream to complain about how much she hates the Build Back Better Plan or running around the country trying to figure out what office she’ll run for next.
     Cammack doesn’t care about her constituents. She voted
against the COVID relief package that lifted millions of children out of poverty, provided vital financial support for out-of-work Americans, and allowed Americans to afford their health
insurance premiums. Cammack even voted against the bipartisan infrastructure law that will bring rural broadband to almost 100,000 people who need it in her own district.
     That’s not real representation. Right here in Florida’s 3rd Congressional District, people are facing food insecurity, unaffordable housing, and widespread poverty. And the current congresswoman is nowhere to be found.
      “I’m running for Congress because I’m tired of being represented by people who don’t care about me -- about all of us,” Hawk said. “I’m tired of representatives not caring about my friends and family because they’re only thinking about their donors or their next career move. Listen, I’m not some politico who has spent the last decade building myself up to run for Congress. I’m just a normal, working-class Democrat who wants a seat at the table so we can bring real representation to this district.
     “As your representative, I will be here, addressing the issues keeping us all up at night,” she added. “Our campaign platform has one purpose: to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people. It is high time that our legislators put people at the forefront of our policies - not corporations, not power, not money.”
 

11^th Annual Epic Back to School
End of Summer Bash precedes
schools’ opening on Aug. 10
This year,
the bash is Tri-County Area again

Leon Clyatt (left), the longest senior usher ever serving at First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, welcomes Sean Brewer, one of four candidates seeking election to be the Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge (Group 12), as the candidate arrives at the big event in Chiefland on Saturday (July 30).

Story and Photos 
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 31, 2022 at 4:12 p.m.
     CHIEFLAND -- It became an annual tradition after having started as an alternative to Vacation Bible School at First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, 707 N. Main St. (U.S. Highway 19) 11 years ago, in the summer of 2011.


One part of an exceedingly lengthy line of people stand together as they prepare to enter the 11^th Annual Epic Back to School End of Summer Bash. On the other side of this view is the former front entrance to the older sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, 707 N. Main St. (U.S. Highway 18), Chiefland. 


Some of the hundreds of backpacks sit ready to be presented to people at the event.


Some of the equipment used by Chiefland Fire Rescue is parked near to the event. Seen here, it is open for display; however, on a moment’s notice, this machine would be rolling to respond to a call for help in the city or the surrounding part of Levy County designated for its service, or as Chiefland Fire Chief James Harris has mentioned, beyond that area to assist other fire departments.


Two of the Chiefland Fire Rescue team are seen at the bash and grant a request for a photo opportunity. They are Firefighter Norman Bray and CFR Capt. John Lake.


This view somewhat captures the extent of how the annual event draws people to one place to accept school supplies, have a bit of fun and camaraderie as well as enjoy many opportunities to accept information and promotional items.


Amber Williams, the sexual violence advocate for Levy County with Another Way (left) and Shannon Cannon, the domestic violence advocate for Levy County with Another Way tell visitors about what this organization does to help people. Another Way, the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System, and Episcopal Children’s Services were among the 23 organizations at the event providing people with information, school supplies and promotional items.


(from left) Jo Cayer, a volunteer with The Children’s Table, also helps here with Sam Hall, Emmylou Dubord and Malachi Davis (standing behind Dubord) as part of the University of Florida Child Advocacy Center at the event.


At the table distributing popcorn and hotdogs are (from left) Katie Granger, Merci Roberson and Shelby Crane. 


Amandalyn Cranford, 14, a student at Chiefland Middle High School tosses a ball into a cup to win a prize (swag) at the table staffed by representatives of Palms Medical Group.


Among the leaders of the bash again this year is Tri-County Community Resource Center Manager Beverly Goodman, and sitting behind her is A.D. Goodman, Beverly's husband and renowned volunteer in many realms including as a leader in firefighting with the Chiefland Fire Rescue Department. A.D. Goodman also serves as one of the many great employees of Central Florida Electric Cooperative.


Bill Brown, 93, and Jim Menasco, 65, agree to a photo opportunity at the bash. Brown is the founder of The Children's Table, a relatively well-known established resource in the war against local food insecurity in North Central Florida. Menasco, who like Brown is a member of the First UMC Chiefland congregation, has served many years as a volunteer with the United Methodist Men as well as having previously been the among the lead volunteers for the church’s video and acoustic needs during worship services.


Levy County Sheriff’s Office Citizens On Patrol Lt. Dan Kelly is the sole LCSO COP volunteer helping with traffic at the bash this year. Lt. Kelly is a longtime member of this volunteer force that assists in the community. There were marked LCSO units on streets this year, too, to reduce traffic hazards.


(from left) First United Methodist Church Pastor Dallas Monismith, his wife Catherine Monismith and their daughter First UMC Chiefland Youth Director Caitlin Savage are seen at the table where the youth director was giving away folders with information about the programs for young people at the church.


The LifeSouth Bloodmobile is seen at the 11^th Annual Epic Back to School End of Summer Bash in Chiefland on Saturday (July 30). LifeSouth is a community blood center. That means the blood supply collected from our donors directly serves the needs of patients in the local community. Blood donors are a vital part of a team of individuals working together to save lives. For more information about LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, click HERE.

     Pastor Terry Wines and the other leaders of the church, back in 2010-2011, wanted to reach out more into the greater Chiefland area community. Nowadays, this annual event is aimed at the whole Tri-County Area of Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County.
     On Saturday (July 30), First United Methodist Church of Chiefland Pastor Dallas Monismith continued the evolved and evolving tradition of partnering with the Tri-County Community Resource Center (TCCRC) to host the annual event before the start of the regular school year.
     TCCRC Manager Beverly Goodman led the effort for the Epic Back to School Bash again this year, helped by volunteers and partners galore. The TCCRC, which opened its doors on March 23, 2015, as a result of collaboration among area residents, faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, local businesses and community leaders who envisioned improving the lives of those in need and reducing the rate of child abuse and neglect in Dixie, Gilchrist and Levy counties, is one of the community centers that is part of the Partnership For Strong Families, based in Gainesville.
     Back in 2015 and continuing today the City of Chiefland donated and is donating space to house the TCCRC in a building that used to accommodate the needs of the Chiefland Building Department at 15 N. Main St. (U.S. Highway 19) on the east side of the road just north of East Park Avenue.
     Thanks to financial support from community partners including the University of Florida/Child Advocacy Center – Child Protection Team, CDS Family and Behavioral Health Services and First United Methodist Church of Chiefland, the Tri-County Community Resource Center opened. Today, the Partnership For Strong Families and other entities and individuals keep the TCCRC operating as an excellent central locale to help people in the Tri-County Area. 
     As for this year, the 2022 Annual Epic Back to School Bash has changed a bit from 11 years ago. The C. Doyle McCall Pavilion was the center of the distribution of backpacks, school supplies and many promotional items from the 23 organizations participating again this year, although there was a time not so long ago when that was just part of the grassy field behind the main structure of First UMC of Chiefland.
     Built mostly by the First UMC of Chiefland’s United Methodist Men, with help from contractors, the pavilion honors the late Coach C. Doyle McCall (Oct. 14, 1928-Aug. 9, 2021), who was a Sunday school teacher there, as well as being a lay pastor when he was called upon.
     Beyond that service to his brethren, the late Coach McCall was a force for youth athletics and learning at Chiefland High School, as well as in the whole state of Florida. He and other coaches from years ago were the cornerstones of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s organized state championship titles in high school sports for the Sunshine State.
     As for the 2022 Annual Epic Back to School Bash, First UMC Chiefland again provided free hotdogs and popcorn to anyone who wanted it. Like last year, prayers requests were collected written on paper and put into a box, which was then later prayed over.
     In years past, there has been a prayer tent on the grounds but health concerns from the ongoing mutations of COVID-19 have changed that previous practice. The global COVID-19 pandemic affected Chiefland, Levy County, the Tri-County Area, Florida and the whole planet as it caused the deaths of 577 million people worldwide, with 91 million of those humans dying in the United States of America so far, according to information from the World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
     As for the host location this year, many of the church’s congregation members who actively helped before, after and during the event again participated this year.
     This year, the event happened on the same day as the funeral for a former Sunshine Disciple, which is the women’s group at First UMC Chiefland. Several of the congregation left the Bash to attend the funeral of Evelyn McGehee Etheredge (May 18, 1922-July 7, 2022), who passed away Thursday, July 7, 2022, at Haven Hospice from complications of COVID. She was 100 years old. 
     Many people spoke well of this beloved former teacher. She was known for her kind heart, and like the late Coach McCall, her positive influence on people and the community carries forward generations after she was an active teacher.
     As for the history of this bash in Chiefland, the 2022 version included a bit of irony when looking back on this event. At the Third Annual Epic Back to School Bash in 2013, Pastor Wines mentioned that eventually the Epic End of Summer Bash may have to move to a bigger venue, like the C. Doyle McCall Football Field at Chiefland High School at the Wayne Pridgeon Stadium. Back then, the pavilion to honor Coach McCall did not exist.
     Also back in 2013, Pastor Wines mentioned the then “new office administrator Diana Child.”
     Child was a strong advocate in the forefront of the initial work to bring the TCCRC to fruition as well.
     This event has changed over time in the activities that were there in previous years, too. The Scout Tower erected by Boy Scout Troop 514, has not been put up for some years now. It was a lookout tower constructed of cypress wood held together by rope and it was very tall.
      Another fun activity from years gone by allowed participants to travel quickly through the air.
     A zip line put up by Cub Scout Pack 514 was active for some years. It became longer one year thanks to help from Central Florida Electric Cooperative for providing the sturdy metal line.
     Other aspects of former bashes included a dunk tank, a bounce house, and a water slide. There were alligators brought for education by the Florida 
     And Smokey Bear of Florida Forest Service fame made appearances in years gone by as well.
     This year, as in years past, there were free clothes available in the First UMC Chiefland Fellowship Hall (the basement).
     While there were not as many activities as in some years past, the spirit of giving abounded and everyone seemed grateful for the help with getting students geared up for the coming year.
     And without any doubt, some number of providers, participants, guests, vendors, visitors and observers involved this year gave their thanks first to God for being able to participate in an overall wonder-filled annual event, again, and then let their human cohorts know they were grateful for help to start the school year.
 

School supplies tax break ends Aug. 7
By Jeff M. Hardison © July 25, 2022 at 8:12 a.m.
Updated July 29, 2022 at 3:12 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Legislature again passed an annual tax break for school supplies.     Floridians can purchase back-to-school items without added sales tax beginning today (Monday, July 25), according to the Florida Department of Revenue, which is tasked with collecting sales tax from consumers via companies and other means.
     The back-to-school sales tax holiday is a 13-day period, this year from July 25 through Aug. 7, where certain items like school supplies and clothing are exempt from sales tax, as long as they are priced below a certain value. And there are other qualifiers, the Florida Department of Revenue notes in its detailed list of what back-to-school items can be purchased without paying sales tax. 
     The state agency notes the following as being exempt this year:
     • Learning aids and jigsaw puzzles selling for $30 or less;
     • Most school supplies selling for $50 or less;
     • Clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less; and
     • Computers and accessories (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) selling for $1,500 or less.
     The Florida Department of Revenue notes specifically, however, that the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items. Additionally, the sales tax holiday does not apply to sales in a theme park, entertainment complex, public lodging establishment or airport, the DOR staff members noted.
 

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