FDOH vaccination program
continues in Tri-County Area
Levy County has highest percentage of population
vaccinated so far in the three counties

Florida Department of Health Tri-County Area Administrator Natalie McKellips (left) and FDOH Tri-County Environmental Health Section Director Wesley Asbell are among the many people helping the smooth operation happens in Gilchrist County on Wednesday. Unseen behind them in the truck is Gilchrist County Emergency Management Director Ralph Smith. The Florida Division of Emergency Management has been heling the FDOH through the response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 15, 2021 at 3:11 p.m.
     GILCHRIST COUNTY – Hundreds of individuals received the first or second dose of vaccinations to ward off COVID-19 from the Florida Department of Health in Gilchrist County on Wednesday (April 14).
     The brand of shots used then and there was Moderna.

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It seems like an endless line of vehicles, but the process moves relatively quickly.


Members of the Florida National Guard help guide vehicles and provide for a safe mission.


Mark Johnson, former director of Levy County Emergency Management and now a vital part of planning with the FDOH units in Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County, is seen at one of the outposts on the site. Johnson helped the people of this area through hardships after hurricanes swept through the area back when he was in Levy County Emergency Management. Now in the FDOH, he continues helping residents and visitors in the area.


Some people get the best jobs. Driving this vehicle across the big area used for the vaccinations to carry information, personnel and supplies is work, but it might have been fun too.


The vehicle and trailer on the left are part of the Levy County Medical Reserve Corps, one of the many programs by the Florida Department of Health in Levy County. This equipment was utilized Wednesday to transport material and personnel in the Tri-County Area effort to vaccinate people against COVID-19.


Records of each patient and each shot are carefully logged as part of the best practices performed by the FDOH Tri-County Unit.


This huge tent is one of the parts of the process for patients to check in and become vaccinated, without ever having to get out of their vehicles.


Sharon Hardison, sporting a stylish Tampa Bay Rays (baseball team) facemask, is given the second of two vaccinations required to fight COVID-19 on Wednesday in Gilchrist County.


Sharon Hardison holds her vaccination card, which shows she received her first shot in Levy County, where she lives, and her second shot in Gilchrist County, which is part of the FDOH Tri-County Unit.


Donna Lynn of Hawthorne checks on Sharon Hardison during the 15-minute waiting period immediately after the vaccination. Hardison had a headache the next day for a short while but suffered no other side effects from the second shot. Meanwhile, her husband Jeff M. Hardison, mentioned that he had a couple of other short-term side effects after his second shot on Feb. 24.

     Still more people are slated for vaccinations in Levy County by the FDOH in Bronson on Friday and others have been vaccinated in Dixie County this week too.
     As of April 14, Levy County led the three counties with the highest percentage of the population being vaccinated. Gilchrist County was second of the three in percentages of the populations inoculated against COVID-19, and Dixie County was third as of April 14.
     On April 12, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-Jacksonville) noted “We have made tremendous progress in our state’s vaccination efforts with seven million Floridians vaccinated to date!”
     As of April 14, there were 3,071 people vaccinated in Dixie County with at least one dose. That is 18.68 percent of the population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker. As of April 14, in Dixie County, there were 1,983 people fully vaccinated That is 12.06 percent of the population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker.
     As of April 14, in Gilchrist County, there were 3,432 people vaccinated with at least one dose. That is 19.48 percent of that county’s population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker. As of April 14, in Gilchrist County, there 2,437 were people fully vaccinated. That is 13.83 percent of that county’s population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker.
    As of April 14, in Levy County, there were 9,820 people vaccinated with at least one dose. That is 24.57 percent of that county’s population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker. As of April 14, in Levy County, there were 6,484 people fully vaccinated. That is 16.23 percent of that county’s population, according to the Florida Today Vaccination Tracker.

Tri-County Area FDOH units scheduling
COVID-19 vaccinations for people
who are 18 years and older
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – All individuals who are 18 years old and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccinations through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) units in Dixie County, Gilchrist County and Levy County, according to information a video press release from the Florida governor’s office of communications.
     As of April 5, all individuals aged 18 and older became eligible to receive the vaccine in Florida, , according to information from Florida State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, M.D.
     The Florida Department of Health Department units in the Tri-County Area are accepting appointments to schedule receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by calling: 352-498-1360 in Dixie County; or by calling 352-463-3120 in Gilchrist County; or by calling 352-486-5300 in Levy County.
     Scheduling will continue until vaccine allotments are depleted. Residents are encouraged to be patient as phone lines may be busy and scheduling will start and stop as allotments change from week to week.
     Dr. Rivkees leads the FDOH, which has a stated vision for Florida “To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.”
     The mission of the FDOH is “to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.”
     Another way to pre-register and schedule a vaccine appointment in other Florida communities is by visiting http://myvaccine.fl.gov.
     Beyond the FDOH, local medical service providers such as doctors’ offices and pharmacies are providing vaccinations.

Williston City Council
members take oath of office

Taking the oath of office to begin their terms on the Williston City Council are (from left) Darfeness Hinds, Marguerite Robinson, Michael Cox and Elihu Ross.

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 14, 2021 at 4:11 p.m.
All Rights Reserved
     WILLISTON – It was an historic occasion.
     Tuesday night (April 13), the first-ever black woman in the city’s history took the oath of office to be part of the Williston City Council.

Mayor Jerry Robinson (left) shakes hands with outgoing City Council President Justin Head after presenting the departing member of City Council with a plaque to show the appreciation of the city for Head’s service.


Levy County Judge J.T. Browning administers the oath of office.

 

In this 48-second video, which can be watched by clicking on the picture above – that has a big arrow emoji to indicate for a video – viewers and listeners can see and hear the investiture ceremony from April 13, of Williston City Council members Michael Cox, Darfeness Hinds, Marguerite Robinson and Elihu Ross as those four take the oath of office administered by the Levy County Court Judge J.T. Browning.


Williston City Councilwoman Darfeness Hinds participates in her first actions as a member of that august body.


Williston City Council President Debra Jones is seen with the gavel in front of her Tuesday night, soon after her unanimous election as the new president.

     Darfeness Hinds’ election created another first for Williston, beyond her being the first black woman to be on that council. Now there are a majority of women on the Williston City Council – three to two. Hinds was elected without opposition after Justin Head chose not to run for reelection and no other person qualified to seek the position.
     Hinds joined with three recently reelected City Council members – Michael Cox, Marguerite Robinson and Elihu Ross– as Levy County Court Judge J.T. Browning had all four promise to uphold the United States Constitution and the federal government, and to uphold the Florida Constitution and state government. The four also swore, or affirmed, that they are duly qualified to hold office, and that they would perform the Williston City Council members’ duties to the best of their ability.
     Mayor Jerry Robinson presented outgoing Williston City Council President Justin Head with a handsome plaque showing the city’s appreciation for Head’s public service, just before the four people took the oath of office.
     The five members of City Council – Cox, Hinds, Debra Jones, Robinson and Ross then chose by motion, second and unanimous vote, the new president and vice president of Williston City Council.
     President Jones and Vice President Robinson accepted their posts, and the night’s agenda of business was finished. For the record, Hinds’ first two votes were for Jones to be president and for Robinson to be vice president.

Above are the results on Thursday (April 15), according to the Tallahassee office of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). These records are the current TOTAL numbers updated by the FDOH in the most recent period measured where the FDOH reported results. In the Tri-County Area, there are 111 people TOTAL who have died from COVID-19 so far. There have been 402 people TOTAL from the Tri-County Area who have been reported as hospitalized because their COVID-19 symptoms were so serious they needed to go to the hospital so far.
Published April 15, 2021 at 4:11 p.m.

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
Residents are advised to wear masks
in public and to socially distance.
Avoid crowds, closed spaces & close contact.

     COVID-19 can be transmitted by people who show no symptoms.
     The best method to reduce the odds of infection and the subsequent symptoms of serious illness and even death from COVID-19 is to limit contact with other humans.
     To find the most updated information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the FDOH’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage by clicking HERE. 
     For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website by clicking HERE.
     For another set of data, former Florida Department of Health geographic data scientist Rebekah Jones has created FloridaCOVIDAction.com. Those numbers are different than the FDOH. 

Above are the results from March. The added death toll in the Tri-County Area was 17. There were 2,573 more deaths in Florida from COVID-19 in March. In the Tri-County Area, there were 365 more positive COVID-19 cases in March. The numbers are reflecting a reduction in rates across the board. People becoming vaccinated and practicing proper pandemic health precautions can bring the death toll, hospitalization numbers and positive cases to be zero increase in a month.
Graphic By Sharon Hardison © March 31, 2021 at 10:11 p.m.

Inglis seeks
to potentially replace town attorney
Subregional sewer project
information updated
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 10, 2021 at 4:11 p.m.
     INGLIS -- After the Tuesday (April 6) evening meeting of the Inglis Town Council, the city is advertising for requests for proposals from attorneys who want to be the Inglis town attorney, according to records.
     The Town Council, under the new business part of the agenda, scheduled and discussed methods to reduce the cost of having W. Blake Fugate or Norm D. Fugate continue as the attorney for the town.
     Information in that ad shows that the Town of Inglis is seeking proposals from qualified members of the Florida Bar to provide contract legal services to the Town by serving as the Town Attorney.
     Inglis has a population of approximately 1,300, and provides a strong commission, weak mayor form of government with an annual budget and nine full-time employees. Town Commission meetings are regularly scheduled on the First Tuesday of each month.
     The basic requirements for attorneys applying for the position are that the attorneys applying will demonstrate at least three years of governmental / administrative law and related field experience with emphasis on ordinance drafting, code enforcement annexation, comprehensive land use and zoning, municipal and interlocal agreements, risk management, and labor / personnel issues with a working knowledge of municipal, state, federal land constitutional law.
     The services to be provided, also according to the advertisement, are that “The proposer shall provide both a summary and detailed explanation of the legal services to be provided to the Mayor, Town Commission and staff including support services, and availability of legal counsel.”
     As for the fee structure, “Proposer shall detail fees for services on a fixed rate of compensation per month, including costs along with an hourly rate for matters beyond the agreed upon scope of service,” according to the request for proposals.
     Attorneys interested in this position must deliver documents showing that intent to the Town of Inglis, no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, April 23.
     Applicants will send or deliver their information to: Inglis Town Hall, 135 Levy County Road 40 W., Inglis. The mailing address is P.O. Drawer 429, Inglis, 34449-0429.
     Some people call that county road “Highway 40,” however State Road 40 becomes Levy County Road 40 at the Marion County-Levy County line.
     Another way for attorneys to submit their response to this request for proposals is by email to Town Clerk Darlene Slattery at townclerk@townofinglis.org.
     On another matter of relatively high importance from that meeting, the Council unanimously agreed for Justin deMello, project manager with the environmental consultant Woodard & Curran, to return to the May 4 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in Inglis Town Hall, to provide more information about a wastewater funding opportunity with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
     Former Mayor Drinda Merritt succeeded in obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars for the study conducted by Woodward & Curran so far.
     So far, the Town of Inglis has paid zero dollars for project to bring a subregional wastewater treatment facility.
     Funding so far included a 2017 State of Florida grant for $500,000, which has been completed. The $572,178 state grant is still active and being utilized for the process, as is the $150,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environment Protection’s (FDEP) State Revolving Fund Program, according to records.
   deMello provided information to the Inglis Town Council to show a subregional wastewater treatment planning feasibility study started in December of 2017, according to records. The study, which was 100 percent funded by the State of Florida General Revenue Fund, was completed in May of 2019, according to records.
     The regional study looked at 18 square miles in Citrus County and Levy County, with an estimated 1,400 septic systems – of which 344 are permitted, according to the report by DeMello on Tuesday (April 6).
     A summary of the feasibility study included that:
     ● A wastewater treatment facility and collection system is technically feasible for the 18 square-mile study area; and
     ● Grant funding is required to make the entire $20 million system feasible.
     The $20 million cost comes from $14 million for the collection system (pipes, pumps, etc.) and $6 million for treatment and disposal costs. Annual operation and maintenance costs are shown at $325,000. Recommended renewal and replacement costs are estimated at $75,000 now.
     The current average consumer would pay between $39 and $49 a month now, if the projects were 95 percent grant funded. The goal is to lower that to an average cost of $29 to $39 a month, according to records. Part of these calculations includes an assumption that vacant lots would pay $15 a month, which would generate $57,2540 a year, according to the April 6 report by DeMello.
     If the Inglis Town Council chose to stop now and do nothing, then there are costs for septic tank owners.
     The Florida Legislature adopted a law in 2020 for mandatory septic tank inspections.
     For owners who must replace their septic tanks, that cost runs between $7,000 and $15,000, deMello reported. The average cost for advanced septic systems is between $14,000 and $20,000, he reported.
     The Inglis Town Council is scheduled to again learn more about what this project will cost and how it will help the environment and the Withlacoochee Gulf Area.

Levy County attempts
to stop CrabFest 2021
County Commission proclaims April
as ‘Williston Wants Peace
- No More Violence’ Month

Gussie Boatright of Williston shares a heart-wrenching story about the death of her grandson, and how she visits his grave. She sees his friends there, and they leave fresh flowers and mementos at the gravesite. Boatright, Frankie Jackson and others have done what they could to stop CrabFest 2021 from happening. Seen with her in the background are (from left) Pastor Willie Battles, Jackson and Pastor Johnnie Jones III. Both Pastor Battles and Pastor Jones have endorsed CrabFest in the past. After the 2013 shooting death of one man and four others being wounded with bullets, among the things Pastor Jones did was to join with the Levy County Prevention Coalition to provide meals and some support for the law enforcement officers who were needed there and then to help preserve life and property.

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 6, 2021 at 2:11 p.m.
     BRONSON – The Levy County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday (April 6) proclaimed April as ‘Williston Wants Peace - No More Violence’ Month.




In this video, which can be seen by clicking on the still photo above, which has the arrow on it, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum speaks to reporters. In this clip, he says he was at the first CrabFest years ago. He says he endorses cultural events such as the Williston Peanut Festival and the Williston Independence Day Parade and Festival. However, this annual CrabFest event has become a catalyst for crime and violence, and even murder. The sheriff said CrabFest can happen. It just needs to be in better venue to reduce the traffic problems and to better provide for peace and public safety.

One of the two TV reporters from Gainesville is seen at the meeting in Bronson on Monday as he listens to people speak about CrabFest.


Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks holds up an aerial map to show where CrabFest impacts the area east of Williston.


Levy County Commissioner Mike Joyner (at left) watches as Commissioner Matt Brooks holds a chart showing the arrests for drug possession, weapons possession, DUI, driving while license suspended or revoked and active arrest warrants served at CrabFest in 2017, 2018 and 2019, as well as the cost to the Levy County Sheriff's Department. The global COVID-19 pandemic stopped CrabFest 2020. A Gainesville man is promoting CrabFest 2021, despite the county government and law enforcement informing him of its intent to stop CrabFest 2021 from happening.

     Before the adoption of the resolution, which was passed by a 5-0 vote after a motion by County Commissioner Mike Joyner was seconded by Commissioner Rock Meeks (with Lilly Rooks voting via teleconference) there was information about the movement to stop CrabFest 2021.
     The County Commission passed another 5-0 vote to file an injunction against Kenuiel Gates in an attempt to halt his activity leading to a possible 2021 CrabFest – just east of the city of Williston. As repeatedly noted over the years, this festival began as a small party.
     It became an annual cultural event east of Williston in Levy County, however it grew and attracted people to the point of having thousands of participants. There was one shooting death and four wounded in 2013. CrabFest ties up traffic and costs thousands of dollars in expenses from law enforcement agencies and first responders who must be there for public safety.
     County Commissioner Matt Brooks, whose district includes Williston, and where he has previously served on the Williston City Council, championed the effort to have the County Commission work to stop problems, that came into existence after a relatively small, local cultural celebration became a huge block party attracting thousands of people from Gainesville, Ocala, other parts of Florida and even other states.
     The cost to Levy County taxpayers, Brooks noted, has grown over the years. He showed estimated costs from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office where the money required by that agency alone, which does not include added costs to the Williston Police Department, Williston Fire Rescue, Levy County Department of Public Safety {Fire-Rescue}, or other supporting agencies such as those from Alachua and Marion counties, and from state agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol.
     The LCSO spent to cover CrabFest the following totals in supplies and overtime: 2013 - $10,024; 2014 - $16,660; 2015 - $18,500; 2016 - $ 18,793; 2017 - $22,109; 2018 - $26,272; 2019 - $26,982. In seven years, from the LCSO coffers alone, that has cost more than $139,000.
     Gussie Boatright, Pastor Willie Battles and Pastor Johnnie Jones III all spoke about reasons they prefer not allowing a huge event that attracts thousands of people to a neighborhood east of Williston. Instead, they agree with Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, other pastors and community leaders, and more than 60 neighboring property owners, that a cultural event can occur if it is better organized.
     Among the material provided to the County Commission was a document titled “Community Awareness Campaign Calling For Peace”
     It noted there has been “a takeover” of the area for too many years and that is has shown increasing violence. The author of the document noted “it's time to put a stop to it and bring peace.”
     “Kenuiel Gates (Activist/Promoter of CrabFest) has not heeded the cries of our community begging for peace in Williston,” the document noted. “Mr. Gates is not a resident of this community where this violence has been taking place, and appears to be concerned with only his own self-promotion and perceived notoriety.”
     Historically, CrabFest is said to have had humble beginnings and was an event that brought together friends, neighbors, and
family members in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston.
     Long ago, the event was safe and contained in a neighborhood on private property “and there were not thousands of people blocking streets and causing a public safety hazard,” the author noted the April 2013, ¬shooting death at CrabFest.
     The document goes on to note that in September of 2020, a mass shooting occurred in the area, leaving six people injured and homes in the community riddled with bullet holes from the chaotic scene.
     On Feb. 20, Gussie Boatwright’s grandson Khajon Spikes was senselessly shot to death. He left behind his loving and grieving
family, friends and community.
     Boatwright and Frankie Jackson have been in the Williston Community for many years. They came forward with the purpose to unite our community for peace and to ask for the violence
to stop.
     Florida State Rep. Joe Harding (R-Williston, Dist. 22) and State Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island, Dist. 5) both sent letters to show they endorse stopping CrabFest.
     County Commissioner Matt Brooks, in whose district the Williston area falls, sought an injunction against event organizer/promoter, Kenuiel Gates.
     Commissioner Brooks showed evidence from Facebook that Gates was promoting his event, CrabFest, to be held in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston on April 24-25.
     After hearing of this news, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Levy County Coordinator Wilbur Dean agreed and recommended to staff that the county needed to deliver a notice of violation to Gates that such an event required a special
entertainment permit from the Levy County Board of County Commissioners for it to proceed.
     This notice of violation is pursuant to Article II, Chapter 10, Levy County Code of Ordinances, where CrabFest falls under the definition of “musical or entertainment festival.”
     Sheriff McCallum coordinated with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to serve Gates this notification on the afternoon of March 23 Gates’ residence in Gainesville. Gates is now aware of the violation, as well as being aware that should he not apply and receive a permit and this event moves forward, then Levy County will be forced to take legal action.
     The proclamation highlights a movement by people in Levy County who see the traditional CrabFest event, conducted just to the east of Williston’s city limits as being undesirable.
     In the proclamation, the county notes, Whereas:
     ● the City of Williston has a great desire for peace in unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston City Limits and the cancellation of CrabFest to lessen
the opportunities for violence to continue; and
     ● we recognize CrabFest started many years ago as a small
neighborhood event that promoted the fellowship of families, friends and neighbors and posed no threat to public safety at the time; and
     ● the CrabFest event in more recent years has proved consistently to be the largest public safety challenge to Levy County and the city of Williston as it brings thousands of people from outside the Williston area; and
     ● in April of 2013, a shooting occurred at the CrabFest event killing one person and injuring four others while sending thousands of people scrambling for their safety; and
     ● in September of 2020, a mass shooting of six people occurred after a protest turned block party ran late into the night and into the early morning; and
     ● on February 20, 2021, Khajon Spikes, a young man from Williston was senselessly gunned down and murdered leaving behind a grieving family, friends and community; and
     ● we recognize the continuing and growing trend of violence in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston city limits and the need for it to stop here and now; and
     ● those who represent the community such as religious leaders,
leaders of government, law enforcement, teachers and business professionals within our community should set an example by their actions and words to promote the end of violence within our city, county, state and country.
     Then, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed that it supports “the efforts of everyone working together to end violence in our streets and we call upon all citizens of Levy County to do
your part to act responsibly, respectfully and be a part of the solution to end violence in our communities.”
     After the proclamation was adopted and the approval to move forward with an injunction against Gates, Sheriff McCallum met with some broadcast journalists from Gainesville to speak about injunctions.
     The sheriff said injunctions have civil and criminal penalties for people who are proved to have violated them. Gates has been warned, he said, and Gates should have heard the heartfelt words of Gussie Boatright, who mourns the recent loss of her grandson’s life to needless violence.