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City Tanks Maintained

Members of a crew from the company that contractually maintains Chiefland’s elevated and ground-based water tanks are seen high on the elevated tank that is next to Chiefland Police Department, 14 E. Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road) on Saturday morning (May 9).


Proper internal and external maintenance of the city’s water tanks that happens as the result of former and current elected leaders following recommendations from past city managers and current Chiefland City Manager Laura Cain, the city has saved taxpayers’ money over the many years of it providing water service.

Residents and visitors of Chiefland, including every person who drinks from a water fountain at the schools or elsewhere in Chiefland, have been able to do so thanks to the city workers, which have been and are under the operational leadership of Shane Keene. Keene performs hands-on work, too, as well as leading; although in a tense working scene on a hot day with a broken pipe at a main intersection, he may not be too pleased about having his picture taken by a journalist.


Keene supervises the Chiefland Public Works Department, which is responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the city’s water, streets and infrastructure. Keene has worked for the City of Chiefland for a number of decades now. He served as the water and facilities manager for more than 20 years, with a career in city government that included roles as a water department trainee and plant operator starting in March of 1997, as well as serving some years as one of the many volunteers in the Chiefland Fire Department.
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 12, 2026 at 8 a.m.
All Rights Reserved

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Second Levy County career center
opens in Bronson
By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP
Director of Communications
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
Published May 11, 2026 at 8:15 p.m.
     OCALA – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion has opened a new career center in Bronson, expanding access to workforce development services for businesses and job seekers across Levy County.
     The center is located at 375 Garner St., Suite E in the Levy County Government Complex. It is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     All services are offered at no charge. CareerSource CLM also operates a career center at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The campus location follows a Monday–Thursday schedule from mid-May through early August.
     Dale French, CSCLM’s executive vice president, said the two-site strategy strengthens access to workforce solutions.
     “The timing couldn’t be better with the college shifting to summer hours, the new Bronson office ensures consistent, expanded access to workforce services,” French said. “It gives businesses and job seekers a dependable weekday option right in the heart of the county.” 
     CSCLM is a not-for-profit dedicated to helping businesses find, train and retain employees while assisting job seekers at all skill levels secure meaningful employment or advance their careers through personalized services and training opportunities.
     For more information about CareerSource CLM’s fee-free workforce development programs and services in Levy County, call 352-493-6813 or 800-434-5627, or visit careersourceclm.com.

Four Estate Planning Myths
That Could Cost Your Family
Published May 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.
     NEWBERRY -- Consider this scenario: A teacher of 30 years and mother of three passes away at age 58. She leaves behind a modest home, a retirement account and cherished family heirlooms – but no estate plan. Her children, still grieving, find themselves navigating a confusing probate process, disagreeing about when to sell the house and considering who gets their grandmother’s ring.
     This mom wasn’t wealthy by most measures, but her lack of planning created confusion, conflict and uncertainty at a time when her family needed clarity. Her story reminds us of an important truth: estate planning is about easing conflict and making sure what you have goes where you want it to go. 
     As you think about your own legacy, consider these myths that can lead to costly mistakes and unintended outcomes.
     Myth 1: Estate planning is only for wealthy people. The desire to make things easier for loved ones has nothing to do with net worth. Formally documenting your wishes reduces the burden on family members and gives you control. Without a plan, your state’s laws will decide how your estate is handled, and you may not like what those laws say.
     Myth 2: Having a will is all you need. While a will is important, it only takes effect after death. That means it offers no protection if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. It does, however, allow you to name legal guardians for dependent children.
     The foundation of most estate plans includes a will (which directs asset distribution), a financial power of attorney (for financial decisions),a health care power of attorney (for medical decisions), and a medical directive (to share your end of life wishes). While not everyone needs a trust, there are several that allow you to make special provisions, such as for minor children, a special needs family member or even a cherished pet. Consulting with a financial advisor and an estate planning attorney can help determine the right combination based on your situation.
     Myth 3: Equal distribution is always fair. It’s likely that the individuals in your estate plan, especially if they are adult children, have different family and financial situations. You may have one child who’s extremely successful financially while another is struggling. Or you may have assets, such as a house or ownership of a family business, that are more suitable for one beneficiary than another. It’s important to consider any unique circumstances as you develop your estate plan.
     Myth 4: I can set it and forget it. You’ll want to review your estate plan every few years or when a major life event occurs. Life is full of changes, such as marriages, divorces, new children and relocations, and they will likely impact your goals. Reviewing your plan helps keep everything aligned with your wishes and serves as a reminder to keep your beneficiaries on all your assets up to date. 
     Ultimately, estate planning is about helping ensure your voice is heard and your loved ones cared for, no matter what the future holds.
     Publisher’s Note: This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Edward Jones Financial Advisor Sheila K. Smith and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ashlyn W. Burtle. Their office is located at 1845 S.W. 249th Drive, in CountryWay Town Square, Newberry. Phone 352-472-2776.
     Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation.

Action delayed
for Gilchrist County Senior Center

The Gilchrist County Commission on Monday (May 4) listens to a person speaking from the lectern.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 5, 2026 at 9:30 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – Many people who are, or who have been, involved with the Gilchrist County Senior Center know Norman “Norm” Conti.
     A request From Conti to the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners on Monday (May 4) could not be de-coded, and as a result possible action on the request is tabled until the May 18 meeting.
     A “Notice of Name Change,” noted that from April 21 moving forward the Suwannee River Economic Council (SREC) would be changing the “Senior Advisory Group” to be known as the “Gilchrist County Seniors.”
     In another part of the informal “letter,” Conti requested “the final half of the 2026 money ($775) for the Trenton Seniors.”
     He wanted Clerk of the Gilchrist County Court and Comptroller Todd Newton to make the check payable to “Gilchrist County Seniors, 7889 S.E. 30th Street, Newberry, FL 32699.”
     Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr. said the “Notice of Name Change” from “SREC” is not providing information about the name change.
     The Suwannee River Economic Council’s Vision states, “Our customers embrace the challenge to rise above the perils of poverty, and discover within themselves the courage and strength to succeed.”
     The SREC’s mission statement shows, it “Is to embrace a community full of potential; and to educate and motivate present and future generations to discover and realize the dream of a comfortable and productive lifestyle.”


Gilchrist County Attorney Duke Lang helps the County Commission and County Clerk avoid a possible misstep as a foggy request for money and a name change is delayed for a couple of weeks.


Gilchrist County Clerk Todd Newton provides his perspective on the request from Norman Conti.

     Under the “Aging Programs” for Gilchrist County it lists the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative; Community Care For The Elderly; Elder Farmers’ Market Nutrition; Emergency Home Energy Assistance Program; Home Care For The Elderly; and one other program. Most of these programs are through the Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging doing business as -- Elder Options, Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
     Attorney Lang said SREC is a limited liability company under the Florida Division of Corporations, as noted by the Florida Secretary of State.
     When the attorney mentioned that Clerk Newton or Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby might be able to shed light on the question, Commission Vice Chairman Bill Martin said he was under the impression this action was just to call the Gilchrist County Senior Center “the Norm Center type of thing” to recognize Conti for being the organizer of so many events for older Gilchrist County residents who have used the center over the years.
     Newton said the Gilchrist County Senior Center will remain in the SREC building. Conti is stepping away from working at the center, Newton continued, and there has always been a checking account for the center. The funds were deposited in that account.
     Conti closed that account, Newton said, and in the process, Conti had to provide money to SREC directly. 
     There have been issues, Newton continued, where Conti did not fund the lease on the building from the SREC in a timely manner. Then Conti got with a bank and set up an account for Gilchrist County Seniors, and this is a request related to that, Newton said.
     County Attorney Lang said, “Gilchrist County Seniors is not a legal entity.”
     Lang said he worked with a cemetery fund before, where it was in names that caused the group to have to go through probate actions, which cost money, and he would hope this is not what will be required here. As a result of the level of uncertainty about the request, the County Commission tabled it.

Other Action

Gilchrist County Emergency Management Director Ralph Smith hears the 5-0 vote of approval from the County Commission on May 4 for the local mitigation strategy. Now the municipal leaders of the City of Fanning Springs, Trenton and Bell will be asked to approve it as well.

     ● The County Commission changed the speed limit to 25 m.p.h. Northwest 100 Street, Northwest 101 Street, Northwest 102 Place, Northwest 103 Place, Northeast 48 Court, Southeast 77 Lane, Southeast 78 Place, Southeast 78 Street, and Southeast 79 Court.
     ● The County Commission adopted a proclamation by reading it by title only to note May of 2026 is National Foster Care Month.


Christopher A. Gmuer, the engineer of record for an 1,800 square-foot retail/office building, with a1,350 square-foot maintenance building, and four unenclosed canopies for storage of boats and recreational vehicles, with a total of 102 designated storage stalls project, sits in the audience Monday. He clearly explained the reason for placement of a retention pond as well as why the FDOT approved a driveway to the property owned by Paul Schmelz. This development will be southwest of the intersection of State Road 47 and Gilchrist County Road 138. The project is moving forward.

Safety stressed near powerlines

Jeffery Highsmith of ULCS puts a helium-filled party ballon next to a high-powered electric line to show how this can cause a problem.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 3, 2026 at 2 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     FANNING SPRINGS -- Jeffery Highsmith of ULCS (Utility Line Construction Services - formerly Musgrove Construction LLC) provided information and a demonstration about danger from electric transmission lines.
     In one demonstration, he showed how a power line will destroy a balloon that flies into it.
     In the ULCS area, which was in the covered barn area of the pavilion this year, Highsmith advised everyone who connects a generator for backup services to their homes and businesses to contact CFEC to assure safety.
     He also reminds all people to consider every single downed electric power line to be dangerous and active. Not all downed electric power lines will show obvious signs that power is still surging through them. The area around the line can be energized and can severely injure or kill people. If a person improperly starts a generator and does not open the main breaker, he said, it will send power backwards through the meter and into the CFEC lines. This will then go to the transformer serving that location and amplify the voltage to become the system voltage.


In this video, people can see the danger of balloons going into an electric transmission line. The power arcs out from the line and jumps to the nearby object. People must take care when they are near powerlines – especially those wires that come off of poles as the result of crashes or weather events and are on the ground – because the ground can become energized and electrocute people or their livestock or pets. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     “The system we’ve got right here,” he said at the machinery on display, “is taking 240 volts and it is feeding into an underground transformer, through the secondary side. This is taking the 24o volts and after going through the transform is making it 7,400 volts.”
     A person who is hit with this level of voltage, he said, is cooked from the inside out. Power seeks to find ground, he said, and it will travel on the path of least resistance. Highsmith said people who dig with backhoes and even with shovels should call 8-1-1 before they dig to learn about underground utility services where they are digging.
     He also let listeners know about the situational awareness people in ULCS learn. There is a certain distance electricity will arc or jump from a high-powered transmission line. With the lower charge demonstration model in the area covered by a metal roof, Highsmith knew the portable demonstration trailer could be operated safely as he gave his safety presentations.
 

CCPD K9 team completes course

CCPD K9 Sgt. Michael Henry and his partner K9 Drake

Story and Photo Provided By Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka
Published May 1, 2026 at 9 p.m.
     CROSS CITY -- The Cross City Police Department (CCPD) congratulates CCPD K9 Sgt. Michael Henry and his partner K9 Drake on successfully completing the rigorous 480-hour Florida Department of Law Enforcement Patrol K9 Course and graduation today (Friday, May 1) at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.
     This intensive training represents hundreds of hours of dedication, skill development, and teamwork between handler and canine.
     “We are incredibly proud of Sgt. Henry and Drake for their hard work and commitment to excellence,” Cross City Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka noted. “We want to extend our sincere thanks to Sheriff Chad Scott and the entire Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for allowing us to train alongside their team. Their trainers are among the best in the state, utilizing top-tier techniques and realistic scenarios that truly prepare our K9 team for real-world operations.”
     Having a patrol-certified K9 like Drake provides the CCPD with enhanced capabilities in several critical areas:
     • Locating hidden suspects and evidence;
     • Tracking fleeing subjects;
     • Building searches and area clearances;
     • Apprehension and suspect control; and
     • Officer safety and public safety support.
     A well-trained patrol K9 is an invaluable asset that significantly increases the CCPD’s effectiveness while helping keep both the officers and the Cross City community safer.
     “Having the opportunity for a small department like CCPD to send Sgt. Henry to this level of elite training is a tremendous privilege. It shows our commitment to providing the highest level of professional policing possible, even with limited resources. We’re grateful for the partnerships that make this kind of advanced training a reality for our team," CCPD Chief Jamey King said.

Registration opens
for May 12 FDEP Webinar
Draft selection criteria to be presented
for Deepwater Horizon Program
Information Provided By Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Published April 29, 2026 at 5 p.m. EDT
     TALLAHASEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has scheduled a public meeting to be held to present the draft selection criteria for the 2026 RESTORE Funded Priorities List (FPL) call for projects within FDEP Deepwater Horizon Program.     This meeting is to provide the draft selection criteria for the 2026 RESTORE FPL. It is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12, at 2 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).
     This is a Virtual TEAMS Webinar that can be accessed to register by clicking HERE.
     Registration is now open online for the webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with information about joining the webinar.
     Please email FDEP Environmental Supervisor IV Lauren Campbell at Lauren.Campbell@FloridaDEP.gov or call 850-245-2177 with any questions.
     Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, handicap or marital status. Persons who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or persons who require translation services (free of charge) are asked to contact FDEP’s Limited English Proficiency Coordinator at 850-245-2118 or LEP@FloridaDEP.gov at least 10 days before the meeting.
     If you have a hearing or speech impairment, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 800-955-8771 (TDD) or 800-955-8770 (voice).
     The FDEP is the state’s principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida’s environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida’s air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation.
     The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves.
 

ULA sends Atlas V aloft
Launch is visible from Levy County

The rocket exhaust from a launch on Monday night (April 27) is seen in Levy County, 150 miles to the west of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Brevard County.

Story, Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © April 28, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     JEMLANDS – While a planned launch of a Falcon 9 rocket on Monday (April 27) from Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County by SpaceX did not happen due to weather issues that day, a bigger rocket was launched that night by a different entity at another rocket launch facility and it went as planned.

     United Launch Alliance (ULA) launched an Atlas V rocket last night (April 27) at 8:53 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), as noted during live coverage on YouTube.com by Spaceflight Now.
     The mission lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Brevard County, carrying 29 satellites for Amazon’s Kuiper Internet constellation.
     Named Amazon LEO Six, the package of satellites went into space on the Atlas V 551 rocket. That rocket is an expendable launch vehicle developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing under the United Launch Alliance (ULA). 
     In this usage LEO is an acronym for Low Earth Orbit.
     That rocket is designed to launch payloads for the United States Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and for commercial customers such as Amazon via ULA. The Atlas V 551 is equipped with a Russian-made RD-180 engine for the first stage and an American-made Aerojet Rocketdyne RL10 engine for the Centaur upper stage. During an Atlas V 551 launch, key components of the rocket drop off in a specific, timed sequence. These parts fall into the ocean and are not reused.
     The rocket has been operational since 2006 and is known for its high success rate and ability to carry large payloads. The Atlas V 551 is currently being used to launch the Amazon LEO satellites, which are part of a mega constellation of satellites in Low Earth Orbit that will offer broadband Internet access in the future from that Internet service provider.
     As of the April 27 launch, Spaceflightnow.com reported, it heralded the 108th launch of an Atlas V, with the vast majority of these originating from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which was named Cape Canaveral Air Force Station until 2020.
     An even stronger rocket is expected to take off from Brevard County in mid- to late 2026. The ULA Vulcan Centaur is a heavy-lift rocket designed to replace the Atlas V and Delta IV, offering high-performance, cost-effective, and precise orbital insertions for national security.
     Successfully debuting in January of 2024, the ULA Vulcan Centaur uses a methane-fueled Blue Origin BE-4 rocket engines and up to six solid rocket boosters to carry a payload weighing up to 27,200 kilograms (almost 60,000 pounds) to LEO. A ULA Vulcan rocket delivered a national security spacecraft directly to geosynchronous orbit for the United States Space Force (USSF) Systems Command on the USSF-87 mission. Liftoff was from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Feb. 12 in the very early morning before sunrise that day.
     Information from NASA, ULA and other sources shows the Vulcan rocket will carry The Dream Chaser. The Dream Chaser is a reusable, uncrewed spaceplane developed by Sierra Space to deliver cargo to the International Space Station (ISS). 
     Slated to launch from Florida on a Vulcan Centaur rocket, it features the “Tenacity” spacecraft and the “Shooting Star” cargo module, which together are scheduled to bring up to 12,000 pounds of supplies to the ISS, and return delicate cargo from the ISS to a runway landing in Brevard County.
     As noted, this cargo flight is slated to use the spacecraft named “Tenacity,” and it is set to use the detachable “Shooting Star” cargo module for both pressurized and unpressurized cargo.
     Unlike capsules that splash down in the ocean, Dream Chaser acts like a winged spaceplane, landing horizontally on a conventional runway at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
     Dream Chaser can return up to 3,500 pounds of sensitive, delicate cargo from space, making it ideal for bringing results microgravity research back to Earth, and it supports NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services-2 program.
     While initially planned for earlier, the debut demonstration flight (SSC Demo-1) has been scheduled for a date later than first planned.   


The three-minute view of an Atlas V rocket launch was filmed from 150 miles away in a pine tree farm in Levy County on Monday night (April 27). To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO. There is a sound of a passing airplane, then the wind, then some clicking from a relatively inexpensive tripod and some crickets are heard at the end as the camera is turned and does not pick up the easterly wind noise because to the rocket went to the north northeast from its launch pad.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     This launch provided a relatively good view from Jemlands, an unrecorded subdivision in Levy County – about 150 miles west of the launch pad. If the weather conditions are the same from Brevard County to Levy County as they were most recently, then filming of a Vulcan rocket launch may provide an even more dramatic video if the launch is at night.
     The bright red streak of a flame on Monday night was visible first through the pine trees to the east of one of the fields of pine trees immediately south of The Ink Pad. The rocket was able to be tracked for three minutes before its flames disappeared from view at this vantage point on Monday night (April 27) at about 9 p.m. EDT. As the pine trees south of The Ink Pad grow taller, there may be a new location used by HardisonInk. for filming rocket launches in the future.
      
 

Levy County Democratic
Executive Committee bans press
and media from fundraiser

Graphic from a screen capture on the LCDEC Webpage.

By Jeff M. Hardison © April 27, 2026 at 2:45 p.m.
     WILLISTON – The Levy County Democratic Executive Committee invited everyone -- except the press and the media -- to an event held Sunday (April 26) at the GFWC Williston Woman’s Club, 1049 N.W. Sixth Blvd., in Williston, according to a graphic published on the Levy County Democrats Webpage.     The title and theme of the event was “American Democracy In Action,” the Levy County Democratic Executive Committee (LCDEC) noted.
     The LCDEC noted this was a “We The People Lunch.” 
     “This is a private gathering and is not open to the press or media,” the graphic ad noted.
     The keynote speaker at the event was reportedly David Jolly, according to information on the graphic. The picture appears to show David Jolly, one of the 14 or so active contenders seeking to win the Democratic Primary for governor, according to records in the Florida Secretary of State Office.
     The featured speaker was allegedly Angie Nixon, a Florida House of Representatives member, according to information on the graphic and elsewhere. Nixon is a candidate who wants to win the Florida Democratic Primary Election for United States Senate, according to information on the graphic.
     Nixon faces the current leading Democratic fundraiser in the primary race -- Alex Vindman. Nixon, Vindman or whatever Democrat wins that primary will face Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the seat. She is seeking to be elected in the General Election.
     The promotion for the LCDEC event noted it would be “A program that will inspire and entertain.”
     According to the advertisement on the LCDEC page, the luncheon was catered by Sister’s Place. There was music by Shade Tree, according to the LCDEC. There was an alleged silent auction as part of the fundraiser. The LCDEC noted “Event tickets SOLD OUT!”
     “Thank you to all those who have supported us,” the LCDEC noted on its webpage. 
     Some of the LCDEC statements on its webpage, as of early Monday morning, showed it believes:
     ● The role of government is to guarantee justice under the law, provide equal opportunities to succeed, protect fundamental freedoms, allow people to live safe from violence, enjoy the freedom to vote in free and fair elections and to drink clean water and breathe clean air.
     ● In addition, the Levy County Democratic Executive Committee strongly believes in the right of women to make decisions about their own bodies.
     ● The riches of America belong to the people, who should share the benefits and have a say in their utilization.

13 Levy County code enforcement cases
heard and ruled on in two hours
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 26, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – Levy County demonstrates an efficient and effective method for enforcing county laws related to alleged building and zoning violations, while maintaining consideration for individual property rights, which reduces the proliferation of blight, slum and other unwelcome conditions.
     Florida, driven by rapid population growth, imposes strict codes (as noted in part in, Chapter 162 of the Florida Statutes, as well as in county building and zoning code, to protect public health, safety, welfare and property values. These regulations manage trash, rampant signage, noise, blight and slum conditions to protect public health, maintain neighborhood integrity, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure quality of life amid high-density living as well as in rural environments.
     Levy County Special Magistrate Norm D. Fugate heard facts and evidence on April 15 regarding 13 cases of alleged code enforcement violations in Levy County.
     During that two-hour period -- starting at 9:30 a.m., on that Wednesday morning, Levy County moved forward in its goal to have property owners bring their holdings closer to compliance with county codes.
     Nonetheless, six of the 13 cases failed to have complied with previous orders from the special magistrate, which included daily fines for non-compliance, according to Fugate’s findings of facts.
     Two of the 13 cases did reach compliance and were completed with payment of final court costs and fines ending the legal issues regarding rights, freedom and responsibility in a Florida county where the rule of law applies equally to all people.
     Five of the 13 cases from April 15 were at the first hearing stage. Fugate ruled the code enforcement officers proved with facts and evidence as applied to the law that violations existed in all five of those cases, and he gave a ruling on when they must be brought into compliance with the law -- or else property owners must pay fines that are calculated at a daily rate. Court fees are part of the costs, too.
Non-compliance
     After the special magistrate gives property owners time to cure code violations by complying with the laws they broke, there comes a point where the case is heard again if they fail to abide by the rulings of the special magistrate.
     Sometimes, this ongoing violation of law reaches the point where there are such high fines that the Levy County government eventually owns the property. Then, the Levy County Commission disposes of land and other property, via auction or the Levy County Commission keeps it for governmental use.
    The six of the 13 cases heard April 15, and ruled on within the ongoing non-compliance category, are noted below:
     ● Darla Zambelli owns a wastewater management business. Levy County Code Enforcement Manager Dave Banton, who is also a certified code enforcement officer, investigated allegations against Zambelli for violations related to the business on a 40-acre parcel in Section 17, Township 12, and Range 12 of Levy County. Fugate previously ruled Zambelli was violating the law, after Banton had proved Zambelli was operating a commercial sanitary business in a zoning district that doesn't allow it.
     During this hearing in April, facts provided by the code enforcement officer showed this case has been going on for more than a year and a half now. Zambelli said she still plans to relocate the business, according to records.
     The Feb. 2 order, where a $50 daily base fine started to appear on the property, as of April 15, equals approximately $3,600, according to records. Banton recommended Levy County file in court for a lien on the property. Then, if necessary, Banton said he would work with the county to file an injunction on the operation on the property.
     On this case, Special Magistrate Fugate found a violation continues. There’s nothing as of April 15 that changed after the Feb. 2 order, he said. He ruled the current daily fine will continue. He ruled to return this case in 60 days for another compliance hearing to show a statistical update, according to records. Costs from continued administration of this case are added for each hearing, according to records.
     ● During the April 15 compliance hearing, in regard to the David Thompson Estate in care of Eugene Thompson, Code Enforcement Officer Banton said pictures from April 14 of the property showed they did get the frame of the mobile home cut up and removed. The dump trailer is still on the property. There are still garbage bags at the location, according to records.
     In this case, related to property at Section 32, Township 11, and Range 15 of Levy County, Special Magistrate Fugate found that the remnants of the demolished mobile home had been mostly removed. The defendant testified that it is going to be finalized on that day -- April 15. Fugate further found that the multiple semi-trailers still exist on the property, but that the testimony is that they are properly registered. As soon as the defendant provides proof of that, then this violation will be cured. Fugate gave the defendant another 30 days for all of that to happen. 
     Fugate ordered the defendant to return for another possible compliance hearing if he continues to fail to comply with the law. That future hearing is to be one month from April 15.
     ● During the compliance April 15 set of hearings, Fugate ruled there was non-compliance by Trice Joy Roberts in regard to Williston Highlands Unit 7, Block 26, Lot 4. His last order was entered on March 25, in which he gave the defendant 14 days to come into compliance with the code, or this fine would begin to accrue on April 7 at $50 a day. Officer Banton said he had no communication with the defendant.
     Fugate ruled that this violation has not been cured by her, and that it had not been cured as of April 7. He quantified the $50 fine, effective starting from April 7, and that daily fine will continue.
     ● In the case against Jeanette A. Hodges of Williston Highlands Golf and Country Club Estates, Block 32, Lot 3, Fugate found that the respondent had a recreational vehicle that was being lived in on her vacant property, according to records.
     He ordered that code violation to be cured in 15 days. He ordered a $50 a daily fine beginning on Dec. 6, 2025 until the violation was cured. Looking at a photograph from April 14, it appears that the RV is still located on the property, he said.
     Fugate found on April 15 that the violation has not been cure and he quantified the $50 fine will continue.
     ● In the compliance hearing for the case against Adam Lipscomb and Mary Lipscomb of 7696 S.W. 123rd Terrace in Cedar Key, He ruled the non-compliance is continuing.
     He entered an order on this case on Nov. 21, 2025. That order stated that the evidence proves that the owner cures the violation within 30 days and a $50 a day fine starting on Dec. 21 will continue until the violation is cured. On April 15, he found that the violation, which was subject of the order back in November, had not been cured as of April 14. The ongoing fine set forth in that order of $50 a day will be totaled, quantified and will continue.
     ● In regard to a non-compliance matter for property owned by Linda Potter at Rainbow Lakes Estate, Block 44, Lot 15, Levy County, Special Magistrate Fugate found the violation had not been cured by Dec. 21, 2025 as ordered, and as of April 15 it had not been cured, resulting in a $100 a day fine daily from Dec. 21, 2025, though April 15. That property has an appraised taxable value of $15,730, according to records. At the rate of $100 a day times 115 days between Dec. 21, 2025 and April 15, 2026, equals $11,500 in fines. This case was brought by Levy County Code Enforcement Officer Bradley Frazer. Fugate also recommended to the Levy County Board of County Commissioners that the county perform the clean-up work and apply a lien on the property for that work. There is currently a relatively strong probability that Levy County will own that property in the not-too-distant future. Potter’s mailing address, according to records, is 103 Viking Drive, Vinton, Indiana.
Other Cases
     Among the other cases ruled on that day were one that involved a recreational vehicle being used as a residence in the neighborhood of Williston Highlands Golf Course Country Club; roosters in a residential neighborhood in Bronson that are causing a nuisance; and three separate violations on one piece of property in the Whitted Estates Subdivision of Chiefland -- unserviceable vehicles, as well as a couple of RVs and accumulated junk being kept there. 

Palms Medical Group coordinates
donation to fire rescue agencies

Levy County Emergency Management Assistant Director Caleb Hardee and Levy County Emergency Management Director Leatha Keene (at left) accept the donation for Levy County.
Story and Photo Provided
Published April 24, 2026 at 9 p.m.
     HIGH SPRINGS – Palms Medical Group partnered with the Dollar General Distribution Center in Alachua on Friday (April 24) to donate various supplies to fire rescue agencies in North Central Florida.
     This large-scale, multi-agency donation included breakfast bars, beef jerky, water bottles, lip balm, and sunscreen – all items reported by the Florida Fire Service as needed by fire rescue staff.
     “Dollar General’s Alachua distribution center is proud to live our mission of Serving Others and support the Florida Forestry Service and local fire departments as they work tirelessly to protect our communities,” Peter Torres, Dollar General’s senior director of the Alachua distribution center, said. “We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Palms Medical Group to help meet the immediate needs of first responders through a $5,000 in-kind donation of essential items. We thank every firefighter across Clay, Alachua, Columbia, and Levy counties for their dedication and service during these challenging conditions.”
     Donated items will be distributed to Alachua, Clay, Columbia, and Levy County fire rescue agencies.
     “Our communities in North Central Florida have seen increased wildfire activity, and the men and women who are on the front lines fighting these fires are truly protecting our neighborhoods,” said Kyler Burk, Director of Marketing for Palms Medical Group. “It is an honor to connect with other organizations like Dollar General’s Alachua distribution center, aligning our missions to help those who are keeping our community safe.”

Williston Golf Course
property sells for $1 million-plus
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 23, 2026 at 10 a.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – While the former Regional Hospital of Williston property did not see any bidders on it recently, when it went up for auction at a minimum bid of $1 million-plus, the Williston Golf Course property was sold on Monday (April 20) for $1,016,700, according to records.
     That golf course’s sales history shows, in part, that Williston By Grace Properties LLC sold it to “789 NE SR 121 Williston Property LLC,” according to records in the Levy County Property Appraiser’s Office, for $1,016,700.
     The principal address for Williston By Grace Properties LLC is 789 N.E. State Road 121, according to records in the Florida Department of State.
     Williston By Grace Properties LLC had owned it since Feb. 9, 2024, after it was purchased from Megawatts Holdings LLC, according to records. Before Megawatts, it was owned by Jones Golf Management Inc.
     Williston Highlands Golf & Country Club Association owned the property as of Sept. 21, 2010, according to records.
     The concrete block clubhouse has a total area of 8,977 square-feet and was actually built in 1962, with an “effective year build” of 1967, according to records. That includes the base of 6,176 square feet; six canopies measuring 575, 504, 398, 29, 33 and 616 square feet; canopy and an unfinished screen porch, measuring 104 square feet, according to records.
     The property has a pool, sheds, storage units and 166 units of vacant land.
     There have been more than 500 million rounds of golf played at United States courses in each of the past six years, according to the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
     The year 2025 marked the fourth time in the past five years that there have been a record number of rounds, the NGF reported. From 2020-2025, rounds are trending 21 percent higher than the five-year, pre-pandemic average from 2015-2019. These increased levels of play come despite having about 2,000 fewer golf courses than there were during the industry’s previous peak period (The “Tiger boom”) of the early 2000s, according to the NGF.
     The most active golf course currently in Levy County is in the Chiefland area.
     Chiefland Golf and Country Club, located at 9650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland, is a beautiful and scenic course located just a few minutes from the city, according to information on the club’s website.
     The club’s members have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars renovating and improving the course, from fairway to green, to challenge any golfer’s ability. The course has a driving range, a pro shop, and a lounge. Golfers may walk this course on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as well as any other day after 2 p.m. This course is truly one of the best in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Gilchrist County and Dixie County, the club notes.
     Tee times are not required, but golfers are advised to call to check for possible closures as well as league play, the club notes.