HardisonInk.com

Central Florida Peanut Festival
draws thousands to Williston

The Baby Peanut Queens, birth to 12 months (from left) are Everleigh Long, First Place; Ruby Lee Second Place; and Dansbee Payne, Third Place.

Story and Photos By Terry Witt
HardisonInk.com Correspondent © Oct. 5, 2025 at 4 p.m.
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WILLISTON -- The 36th Annual Central Florida Peanut Festival brought thousands of visitors to Heritage Park in Williston Saturday (Oct. 4).

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They came to Levy County’s easternmost municipality to enjoy a Saturday in the park with relatively pleasant weather as they had an opportunity to browse through 115 vendor tents.
Some people came to Williston that day to watch the crowning of “peanut royalty” as well as to dine on the free, famous, hot grilled (or fried) peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Levy County is known for agricultural pursuits being a key economic engine in this region, and there are festivals to celebrate the profession of farming various crops, including the peanut festival in Williston and the watermelon festival in Chiefland.
The vendors of the day included a broad spectrum of people who had items to sell, as well as individuals with organizations that gave away items – including keepsakes, trinkets and other marketing items, as well as information, such as from the various non-profit organizations there.

Peanut Queens, ages 1-3, are Willow Willford – First; Naveah Noland – Second; and Viola Scott - Third.

Peanut Queens, ages 3-6 are May Barber – First; and Isabella Fugate - Second. Marina Mikell – Third, is not pictured. The South Bound Band equipment is in the background. These musicians performed again at the Peanut Festival.

Peanut Festival Kings (from left) are Bennett McKinney – First; David Wilder- Second; and Holton Lecari - Third.

Baby Queen Everleigh Long is crowned by her mother.

Wiley Fortner, 5, gets a face painting.

Tyron Spearman executive director of the Peanuts Buying Points Association, joins Brooke Willis and Kaylee Robinson along with Kaylee's infant daughter Emery Robinson in frying (or grilling) hot peanut and jelly sandwiches for visitors.

Miss Williston Ryleigh Hiers along with Joyce Wilson and Donna Hatcher were in charge of the queen and king competitions.

Junior Miss Williston Ellie Thornton assists with the king and queen competitions.

Williston Middle High School Marching Band members sell chocolate candy bars and meat sticks to raise funds for a trip to a band competition.

Battalion Chief Elysia Foran, who also serves as a paramedic and firefighter, joins Firefighter-EMT Harlee Rimes and Firefighter-Paramedic Caleigh Kiefer as they represent Levy County Fire Rescue, which is also known as the Levy County Department of Public Safety. Their pink shirts are to help support breast cancer awareness in October.

Judges for the queen and king competitions (from left) were Mosheka Rucker, Reagan Hudson and Denise Malott. They each received a special gift basket for their work.

Williston Peanut Inc., a large peanut product producer in Florida, gave away free fried peanut and jelly sandwiches, which the company has done for decades at the festival. This year’s sandwiches were delicious again.
Peanuts are produced throughout Florida, but mostly in North Florida from Levy County north to Escambia County in the west. Some peanuts are grown in south Florida for the boiling trade. However, most peanuts grown in Florida are for the traditional eatable dry trade and are processed for peanut butter, whole nut, and confectionery food uses, as noted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science.
Williston Peanut is a significant peanut shelling enterprise in the region. While primarily a peanut shelling operation servicing one of Florida’s primary peanut-growing areas, the folks at Williston Peanuts keep a supply of roasted, raw and southern fried peanuts on hand for retail sale in their front office.
Raymond Robinson, who founded Williston Peanut, also founded the Peanut Festival when he served on the Williston Chamber of Commerce. The Williston Woman’s Club sponsored and organized the first Peanut Festival. The local chamber of commerce took over hosting the festival years ago.
Tyron Spearman, editor of the Peanut Farm Market News and executive director of the National Peanut Buying Points Association, again helped with the frying of hot peanut and jelly sandwiches at the Williston Peanut tent.
Peanut King and Queen contests took place in Dr. Kenneth A. Schwiebert Pavilion at Heritage Park.
The winners of the 2025 peanut queen and king contests were:
Peanut Queen Birth to 12 Months
First - Everleigh Long
Second - Ruby Lee
Third - Dansbee Payne.
Peanut Queen 1-3 Years
First - Willow Willford
Second - Neveah Noland
Third - Viola Scott
Baby Peanut King
First - Bennett McKinney
Second David Wilder
Third Holton Licari
Peanut Queen 3-6 Years
First - May Barber
Second - Marina Mikell
Third - Isabella Fugate
Publisher’s Note: To see the story, photos video from the 2021 peanut festival in Williston, click HERE.
As noted in the story about the peanut festival that was published Oct. 2, 2021, in HardisonInk.com, Tyron Spearman sang his song about peanuts that day in 2021.
Here are the lyrics --
Pachyderms and people are particularly partial to peanuts – peanuts!
Presidents, poets, the plain and the pretty pick peanuts – peanuts!
No matter the mood; for fun or for food, for snacks or even for lunch,
Portable, pleasing, popular, protein-packed – peanuts!
America’s favorite munch! Go Williston!
The link to see and hear Spearman sing his peanut song, may also be visited by clicking HERE.

More Below These Scores

Scores
From The Games On Friday Night - Oct. 3, 2025
Published Oct. 4, 2025 at 8 a.m.

Karlee Gainey earns Low Medalist
Individual Winner title
FGC Women's Golf Team Member
Isabella Smith scores hole-in-one

Karlee Gainey, the FCG golfer who earned the Individual Winner title, is seen here at the tournament.
Photo Provided

By Jeff M. Hardison By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 2, 2025 at 6 p.m.
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OXFORD, ALABAMA – Isabella Smith, a Florida Gateway College(FGC) student on the FGC Women's Golf Team, scored a hole in one at competition in Alabama recently, according to information provided by FGC Athletic Director Christopher Hackett.

Smith, who is from Carlsbad, New Mexico, was with the FGC golfers competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) NJCAA District Preview Golf Tournament at Cider Ridge Golf Club in Oxford, Alabama, on Sept. 29 and 30.
The FGC team finished as runners-up to defending national champions, Shelton State Community College of Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
FGC Lady Golfer Karlee Gainey of Lake City was the low medalist, out of 60 players, winning by five shots.

Isabella Smith holds the golf ball that went in as a hole-in-one for her.
Photo Provided

Tournament runners-up -- the FGC players and their coach are (from left) Isabella Smith, Piper DiFrancesco, Head Coach Tammy Carter, Karlee Gainey, Cassidy Spratlin, and Marie Tesiero.
Photo Provided

Smith’s hole-in-one was the first ever in the program history, and she scored it in the first day of the tournament.
“I am super proud of all these ladies,” FGC Women’s Golf Team Coach Tammy Carter said. “We were only five shots back after the first day. Day two was a struggle, with some brutal pin placements, but the girls managed to fight their way through to hold onto second place. I am very proud of Karlee for staying strong for two solid rounds to take the win.”
Joining Gainey and Smith on the team in the tournament at Oxford were Piper DiFrancesco of Winter Park, Cassidy Spratlin of Starke and Marie Tesiero of St. Johns.
To put Smith’s hole-in-one accomplishment in perspective, the average golfer’s odds are roughly 1 in 12,000 to 1 in 12,500 per shot on a par 3 hole to make a hole-in-one.
Next up is Snead State Fall Invitational, Oct. 12 through 14 in Union Grove, Alabama, Athletic Director Hackett noted.

FGC Players' Results
Golf

Teams' Placements
golf

Bell Bulldogs triumph over
Dixie County Bears 42-12

Dixie County Quarterback Club President Vernon Long (left) and Quarterback Club Cooking Team Leader Mark Hatch pause for a few seconds before the start of the game Friday night (Sept. 26) in Cross City.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 28, 2025 at 11 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
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CROSS CITY – The Bell High School Bulldogs Varsity Football Team came to Cross City Friday night (Sept. 26) and after a gridiron match with the Dixie County High School Bears Varsity Football Team, they returned to their Gilchrist County homes as victors.
As it is at many high schools all over Florida, this past Friday night was a great time to demonstrate good sportsmanship and to show the results from practice-practice-practice. There were fights reported on the field named in honor of the late C. Doyle McCall in Chiefland, which is not a demonstration of good sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, at the varsity football game in Cross City on Sept. 26, Bears Head Varsity Football Coach Steven Hall is in his first season in this position. The Bears’ seasonal win-loss ration became 1-5 after the defeat Friday night. Longtime Bulldogs Head Varsity Football Coach Joey Whittington’s players took his season record to 2-4 after they won this away game.

This is the Dixie County High School Redcoat Regiment Marching Band performing the Star-Spangled Banner on the football field at the former campus of Dixie County High School in Cross City on Sept. 26. It is an excellent performance of the National Anthem of the United States of America by high school student musicians. They were led in this performance by DCHC Band Director and Music Teacher William Malloy. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

In this video, it opens with the entrance to the field by the Dixie County Bears Varsity Football Team with Mike Cassidy making the announcement. That clip is followed by The first touchdown and point after touchdown kick by the Bell Bulldogs Varsity Football Team, both with announcer Cassidy providing the news. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

Mark Hatch cooks hamburgers for everyone to enjoy if they buy them from the concession stand at the game Friday night. These were delicious, fresh hamburgers by a smoky grill cook who is so well-practiced that he can answer questions as he is grilled by a daily news website publisher while Hatch is grilling burgers, hotdogs and smoked sausages.

Seen here after the end of the first quarter, Jamie Storey is in action continuing to make hot, delicious French fries for people who order them at the concession stand.

Jennifer Storey (Snow Cone Lady), Baylie Anderson (Snow Cone Girl) and Jamie Storey (Jennifer’s husband and French fry cooking gentleman) are captured digitally before the kickoff. Funds from the snow cones’ sales go to help the Dixie County Middle High School Soccer Team. (There were tea sales for FFA and other fundraising actions before and during the game, too.)

Paused after they had just spoken with a local TV personality from Gainesville, Dixie County Middle High School Principal Eli Long (left) and Bell High School Head Varsity Football Coach Joey Whittington pause to be captured for history in one-sixtieth of one second of time before the start of the game on Friday night in Cross City. Behind them is the scoreboard that was improved thanks to four significant donors and the efforts of the Dixie County Quarterback Club.

Bell Varsity Football Player Noah Bagby (#2) is seen just before receiving a passed football during a bit of pre-game warmup practice on Friday night.

The ‘press box’ of Dixie County High School’s Bruce Boyette Stadium is seen from the perspective of midfield before the start of the game. Here, Florida High School Athletic Association Clock Operator Corey Brown and renowned veteran announcer Mike Cassidy are among the people helping the game succeed.

Dixie County Superintendent of Schools Mike Thomas is joined by his wife Jill Thomas at the game.

DCHC Band Director and Music Teacher William Malloy prepares the Dixie County High School Redcoat Regiment Marching Band as they stand on the brink of marching in formation onto the field and performing the Star-Spangled Banner on Sept. 26. This was a night of graduating seniors being recognized, and their bandmates needed to wait for the older players to join them to perform music soon after this photo was taken.

Dixie County High School Head Varsity Football Coach Steven Hall is seen before the start of the game Friday. He is in his first season in this post. He is the sixth head varsity coach for this team in the past nine years.

Officiating and approved by the Florida High School Athletic Association to be the officials for the game are (from left) Line Judge Joe Reeves, Umpire P.J. Hope, Referee Kevin Tiller, Back Judge David Lykens, and Linesman Antwan Floyd. (Not pictured because he was up in the ‘press box’ is Clock Operator Corey Brown).

Some of the Dixie County High School Varsity Cheerleaders are seen in action.

The Bell High School Varsity Cheerleaders pause for a minute for photo opportunity during the first quarter.

The Dixie County High School Varsity Cheerleaders pause for a minute for photo opportunity during the first quarter.

In this distant view, Dixie County Bear Keydran Teague (#1) is seen running toward the goal line, which he crossed for six points to light the scoreboard for the first time that night with a score with 7:04 remaining in the first quarter.

Bears (left) and Bulldogs face each other moments before the Bulldogs scored their first touchdown.

Dixie County was the first to light up the scoreboard with a 6-0 score after Keydran Teague (#1) ran an exceedingly long way to cross the goal line with 7:04 remaining in the first quarter. An attempt for more points after that touchdown did not succeed for the Bears at their home field in Cross City.
The first quarter rolled along relatively well with both teams finding defense equaling offense as both sets of players held each other away from scoring.
That was until, with only 16 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Bell’s quarterback R.J. Leffler (#1) ran for a touchdown after several successive and successful plays moved the football where the visiting team wanted it to go.
With Bell Bulldog kicker Brandon Aquilar (#3) applying his foot to the football with enough energy, the trajectory of that projectile went where the Bulldog team and its fans wanted, and it was 7-6 Bulldogs at the end of the first quarter with 16 seconds remaining. Nothing happened in those last 16 seconds to change the score as of the first quarter.
From there, it was Bulldogs over the Bears with the team from Bell going home with a 42-12 win under their belt.
There is nothing so constant as change; and yet, some things remain the same.
Some change is saddening. Buddy Walker, who passed away recently, was honored before the start of the game with a moment of silence. He was known to be a phenomenal athlete who supported Dixie County High School Bears football for many years.
Some stability or consistency is welcome and comforting. Providing this insight, as well as a play-by-play dialogue and with several points of recognition for the many people and companies supporting the Bears’ efforts that night was none other than Bears Quarterback Club Vice President Mike Cassidy – the voice of Bears Football for 15 years now – who made sure everyone on both sides of the field were enlightened, entertained and informed.
His opening welcome reflected the spirit of good sportsmanship that is endorsed by the Florida High School Athletic Association.
The full list of who’s who in Dixie County regarding support for the football team as well as other teams at the school would take a telephone directory like the days of old.
Some changes are good. Friday night in Cross City on the football field, there was a chance to honor the graduating members of the Dixie County High School football team, cheerleading team and the musicians who are members of the band. They students and their honored family members and others were recognized with announcements over the public address system.
Another constant and yet changing organization continues providing support for the school community.
The Dixie County Quarterback Club was well represented Friday night, not only by its past deeds that carry forward in time, but also by active members putting forth the in-person physical effort then and there – that very night in Cross City.
Quarterback Club President Vernon Long, who has held the office for 15 years now, shared some insight about the club and the Bears’ football program.
In addition to President Long and Vice President Cassidy (who is another 15-year veteran of that office), the other officers are Treasurer Cindy Dey and Secretary Melissa Long.
Mark Hatch, the vice chairman of the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners, is noted by President Long to be one of the biggest longtime donors to show support for the Dixie County Quarterback Club.
And on that Friday evening, Hatch was cooking hamburgers, hotdogs and smoked sausage for sale at the game.
Other key members of Hatch’s QB Club Cooking Staff Team are Cross City Mayor J. Ryan Fulford, Vice Mayor Kirk Marhefka, Jason Evans, Keith Tuten and Tanner Lytle.
Those cooks prepare the delicious concession stand hamburgers, hot dogs and smoked sausages – hot and fresh on the charcoal grill right near to where these treats are sold. Bear Fans can enjoy these and many other football game delicacies from the Quarterback Club, and others, who raise money to help the students at Dixie County Middle High School.
The Dixie County QB Club raises lots of money. The club feeds the players before each game, as well as to purchase equipment galore.
The club just bought new helmets this year for the football players, President Long said. Last year, the key equipment purchased was lockers. The year before that, it was uniforms, the club president said.
Thanks to four significant donors -- Sanchez Farms, Anderson Columbia Co. Inc., Darabi & Associates Inc. and Frank B. “Bump” Faircloth, everyone could see the scoreboard light up with up-to-the-second information, Long said.
In addition to the Dixie County QB Club Cook Team, there were many other club members contributing that night.
Not recognized often, but among the vital volunteers are “the chain gang.” These guys move the chains back and forth along the field to show where the line of scrimmage is, where the point is for a first down as well as flipping the numbers to show what down it is.
The Dixie County QB members performing this duty on that Friday might were Edward Marsh, Kim Stephenson, Brent Wilkerson and Tatum Weeks.
Even though the home team Bears were not the winners on the scoreboard this time, they learned from the game as they continue forward in the sport; and so, they won in that manner.
Meanwhile, the fans on both sides had fun supporting their teams as there continues to be both change and stability in Dixie County and around the globe.
Publisher’s Note: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 KJV)

Chiefland Throttles Trenton 41-0

Trenton Tiger quarterback Brant Bivens rolls right as he looks for a receiver.

Story and Photos By Terry Witt, HardisonInk.com Correspondent
© Sept. 27, 2025 at 11 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
CHIEFLAND -- The Chiefland Indians varsity football team defeated the Trenton Tigers 41-0 Friday (Sept. 26) on Chiefland’s home turf using a relentless, dominating offensive and defensive attack over four quarters.
Chiefland, now with a 5-1 win-loss record this season, and Trenton now 4-1, both had great seasons coming into the game. The Indians appeared extremely confident from the start of this annual rivalry.
Trenton began the game with a surprise onside kick that was recovered by the Tigers, but Chiefland quickly extinguished the Tiger offensive attack in a bruising defensive stand that set the tone for the night.

Chiefland receiver Jonathan Adams attempts to catch a pass in the endzone but is stopped by Trenton defensive back Brant Bivens who was flagged for pass interference.

Chiefland quarterback Matt Goddard follows his big blockers toward the endzone.

Chiefland runner Demorri Sweet rolls over a Trenton defender and lands just inches away from a touchdown. Trenton's a goal line stand stopped the score.

Chiefland runner Demorri Sweet with quarterback Matt Goddard behind him look for running space in the Trenton line.

Two Chiefland defenders throw a Trenton runner to the ground early in the game.

Trenton quarterback Brant Bivens hands off to Zane Braswell.

Trenton runner Reece Olson runs into the heart of the Chiefland defense and fumbles.

Tiger ball carrier Brant Bivens is stripped of the ball, but it bounced into his hands and he continued his run.

The Tigers also managed to stop Chiefland on the Tiger 6-inch line with a goal line stand that halted the Indians first big offense drive of the night, but Chiefland turned the tables on the Tigers once again using punishing defense to retake possession of the ball and set up its first touchdown.
“My boys took the game personal. Obviously, it’s a big rivalry game -- the old saying they don’t like us and we don’t like them. They’re 10 miles down the road. They got chippy toward the end. I had to rally our guys up and get the guys to understand there’s more than what we’re doing at this moment. We play for each other, we play with love in our hearts, we got to move forward in that direction and not let guys get under our skin,” Chiefland Head Varsity Football Coach Cliff Harrell said.
“Most of our team knows most of their team,” Coach Harrell continued. “They grew up together. They played against each other in pee wee football, played against each other in baseball. We play for the community that’s asked us to let them know who we are and we’re a pretty tough football team.”
There were five or six fights on the field during the course of the game. Those actions all resulted in penalties and lost yardage.
Harrell was pleased with his team’s performance on both sides of the ball.
“Defensively we played really, really well. Our guys can play fast, they understand their assignments, they understand how we line up, they understand the tenacity we demand out of them on the defense side,” Harrell said. “On the offensive side we tell them we will go as far as our offensive line will take us, and you will move the line of scrimmage and we will have a chance. When Trenton came out, they were firing on all cylinders. They were physical up front but our guys like that kind of environment. They see it every day with against our D-line.”
Trenton Coach Bryant Frye said he has a young ball club and they enjoyed a successful season to this point, but the team made too many mistakes against Chiefland.
“We made quite a few mistakes. We’re a young ball club. Six months on the job, we’re on track or maybe a little ahead of where we should be right now,” Frye said. “I’m satisfied with the results. They’re (Chiefland) a good ball club. They put it on us tonight. We’ve just got to get to work on Monday and start practicing.”
Frye was pragmatic after the game when talking to his players.
“I just told them sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. It’s what you do after that adversity; you can either get down on yourself or you can be persistent and move forward. The season’s not over. We’re halfway through. That’s only five games. We’ve had a good season and the boys are okay with that. We got banged up a little but I think we’ll be alright.”
The Indians first touchdown of the night was set up by a Jontavious Siddo interception which gave Chiefland the ball on the Trenton 10-yard-line. Indian quarterback Matt Goddard scored on the quarterback-keeper, but the touchdown was called back on a penalty. Two plays later running back Demorri Sweet scored from two yards out. Kicker Luis Garcia added the extra point with 1:21 left in the first quarter.
A Trenton fumble that Chiefland recovered led to the Indians’ second score, a 39-yard pass from Goddard to Jonathan Adams. Garcia added the extra point with 7:21 left in the first quarter.
Chiefland scored again with 3:13 left in the second quarter on short pass from Goddard to Adams. Garcia added the extra point.
The Indians stopped Trenton on its first offensive drive of the second half. Chiefland scored quickly. With 9:03 left in the third quarter, Sweet ran for a 20-yard touchdown. Garcia added the extra point.
Trenton was unable to move the ball on its next possession. The Tigers compounded their troubles when a punt attempt failed. The ball sailed over the head of the punter. Chiefland recovered at the Trenton 10. Goddard scored on a five-yard quarterback keeper. Trenton blocked the extra point.
Chiefland’s defensive line and linebackers stuffed several Trenton running plays on the Tigers next possession. When Chiefland got the ball back the Indians scored quickly on a 35-yard pitch to Sweet that was called back on penalty. A second touchdown by Chiefland was also called back on a penalty.
The Indians weren’t discouraged, scoring the final touchdown on a 20-yard pass to lineman Wykel Howard who had positioned himself as an eligible receiver. Goddard tossed him a short pass, and he trotted into the endzone untouched. Garcia added the extra point.

Art patrons urged to find more wall space
CKAC’s first gallery art show
of the season set for Oct. 4 opening

This art by Laura Hizer is among those pieces to be shown in the Main Gallery of the Cedar Key Arts Center.

Information and Photo of Artwork
Provided By Cedar Key Arts Center Vice President Denise Feiber
Published Sept. 26, 2025 at 9 a.m.
CEDAR KEY -- Find more wall space!
Fall is here and that means it’s time for things to ramp up on the Cedar Key arts scene with the first of the season’s gallery art shows coming Saturday, Oct. 4.
The show will run through Oct. 27.
The Main Gallery of the Cedar Key Arts Center, 457 Second St., in historic downtown Cedar Key, will feature East Coast artist Laura Hizer.
Her work is exhibited throughout the country and will delight art collectors and art appreciators for their wide range of topics including seaside subjects. Hizer draws inspiration from painters Monet, Joaquin Sorolla and John Singer Sargent. She works primarily in oil, gouache and photography.
The term gouache was first used in France in the eighteenth century to describe a type of paint made from pigments bound in water-soluble gum, like watercolor, but with the addition of a white pigment in order to make it opaque.
The Member’s Gallery presents an encouraging update on the collaboration between the University of Florida and the City of Cedar Key to enhance the community’s flood resilience, protect its shorelines and surrounding areas.
On display, too, will be projects from UF’s Florida Resilient Cities program, GulfSouth Studio, the Florida Sea Grant’s Cedar Key ShOREs (Shoreline Options for Resilience and Equity) Project, and the UF Historic Preservation Program.
This work has helped the City of Cedar Key envision flood resilience projects and support the implementation of nature-based shoreline interventions in line with its Adaptation Plan. While it may not be considered an art medium – indeed, the natural world is the ultimate art form.
Everyone is invited to come to the Cedar Key Art Center and to enjoy the art of Hizer as well as displays of the projects underway to protect the natural beauty of Cedar Key. The town is rebounding amazingly well – with new businesses opening and reopening regularly.
The show’s opening reception is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 4. This reception is scheduled to feature remarks by the artist and shoreline project representatives. Light appetizers and drinks will be served.
For more information on the Cedar Key Arts Center, visit https://cedarkeyartscenter.org/ or call 352-543-5400.

Wounded veterans invited
to hunting and fishing events

Information Provided By FDACS Communications
Published Sept. 25, 2025 at 10 a.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- Yesterday (Wednesday, Sept. 24), Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced that he is inviting wounded veterans to apply for upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips.
Led by the Florida Forest Service, Operation Outdoor Freedom provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans on state forests, agricultural lands, and private lands throughout Florida at no cost.
“These Operation Outdoor Freedom hunting and fishing trips provide equal parts healing and camaraderie for those involved, and I encourage all eligible veterans to apply for these life-changing events,” Commissioner Simpson said. “Operation Outdoor Freedom offers our Florida veterans an opportunity to reconnect with the great outdoors, and it is the least we can do to repay their courage and their sacrifices serving our country.”
Wounded veterans can apply online today for spots on upcoming Operation Outdoor Freedom events, including:

outdoors

Participants will be drawn at random prior to the event and will be notified by email.
Operation Outdoor Freedom has eight facilities around the state solely dedicated to activities for wounded veterans. These facilities have bunk houses, outdoor kitchens, dining areas, fire pits, and restroom facilities. Operation Outdoor Freedom outfitted the facilities to accommodate the needs of every wounded veteran participating in the program.
Since its inception in 2009, Operation Outdoor Freedom has hosted more than 970 events and served in excess of 6,800 wounded veterans.
For more information, click HERE.

Applications sought
for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s
35th Annual Young Artist Competition

Photo and Information Provided
Published Sept. 23, 2025 at 3 p.m.
OCALA, Fla. (Sep. 23 2025) – The Ocala Symphony Orchestra is now accepting applications for its 35th Annual Young Artist Competition. Applications and video auditions are due by Monday, Nov. 3, at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) -- the day after clocks turn back an hour from Eastern Daylight Time. For a full list of application guidelines and the link to apply, click HERE.
Instrument and voice students ages 12 to 25 years old, throughout the United States are encouraged to compete.
Competition finalists will compete in front of a live audience on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 3 p.m. EST at the Honors Recital held at the Reilly Arts Center. The Reilly Arts Center is located at 500 N.E Ninth St., Ocala. Finalists from each division will receive a cash award of $200.
The winner from each division will be chosen to perform their concerto live with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra at the Reilly Arts Center on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3 p.m. for their subscription performance “To Spring!”
In addition to performing, the winners will receive a cash award of $1,800 presented as a check at the performances.
Support for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s Young Artist Competition is provided by Duke Energy.
One of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s missions is to motivate, encourage and enhance the musical careers of outstanding young musicians, and to assist them by providing an opportunity to be a soloist with a professional orchestra.
For more information regarding the Young Artist Competition program, please contact Natalie McComb, executive director, at natalie@reillyartscenter.com or 352-351-1606, ext. 102.

Pilots enjoy weather

On Sept. 15 -- a 1997 single-engine Cessna 172R owned by a Brooksville company is seen flying in the sky relatively near to The Ink Pad in the unincorporated part of Levy County a few miles east of Fowler's Bluff and a few miles west of the Crossroads Jiffy Convenience Store.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 22, 2025 at 10 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
TRI-COUNTY AREA – Whether they are launching from George T. Lewis Airport (KCDK) in Cedar Key, Williston Regional Airport (X60) (formerly known as Williston Municipal Airport), or from Cross City Airport (KCTY) or any of the many other airstrips and launch or landing pads, or roadways or grassy fields for helicopters (including emergency medical helicopters), weather is as much a factor as a fuel in the tank and machinery that is fit.
The past couple of weeks in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County have included some relatively nice flying weather for the airborne humans (aka flying folks) in the Tri-County Area.

Here is a map of some of the many potential launch and landing spots for aircraft in the area. There are many more. Drone pilots are reminded to check their B4U

This is the first of a couple of airplanes that were noticed by visitors to Cedar Key around sunset on Sept. 17. Word on the street is that an incognito journalist and his lovely, graceful and talented wife were thereabouts then and there may be a batch of photos and a story published soon in the multiple award-winning daily news website regarding that very brief sunset sojourn.

A more distant view of the first of two planes noticed by some visitors to Cedar Key around sunset on Sept. 17 puts it in perspective.

A third shot of the first plane noted above shows its lights are more visible from this perspective as it moves through the air.

An airplane launches from the airport at Cedar Key and is captured on digital imaging as the Sun drops on the western horizon on Sept. 17. The plane is seen in the right side of the photo – just above the top of the tree line.

the second of two planes taking off from Cedar Key noticed on Sept. 17 around sunset is shown with the orange background.

Gilchrist County Extension
hides Centennial Coins
Newest clues just released
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 20, 2025 at 9 a.m.
TRENTON – With Gilchrist County heralding its 100th year of existence this year (2025), there are a variety of events as part of that celebration.
Gilchrist County Extension started hiding Centennial Coins in what it calls the “Gilchrist Centennial -- 4-H Coin Challenge.”
This challenge coin search highlights historical happenings, prominent people and nostalgic places throughout Gilchrist County’s 100 years, Extension noted.
This challenge will go on throughout the year, until Dec. 30. Gilchrist County Extension and 4-H will hide coin tokens and release between eight and 12 clues per month.
Here are the ways to obtain one of the 100 coins:
• Two coins will be drawn at each major centennial event for attendees.
• One-hundred coins will be available throughout the year through a historical hide and seek game where each coin will be tied to a location/place in history and the location will have a laminated coin waiting to be found. The first person to find it will take a photo at the spot and grab the laminated coin plus leave the card behind stating the coin was already taken.
• The laminated coin must be returned to the Extension Office for exchange of the real challenge coin.
• As the clues are posted, residents may call in with the answers to the clues and will be awarded with 1 raffle ticket entered for each correct answer. To get credited for the solved clues you must call in or email the Extension Office 352-463-3174 or jaltum@ufl.edu
Please contact the UF/IFAS Extension office with any questions.
Following are the latest round of clues provided by Gilchrist County Extension.

Coins

DEP secures 200^th conservation easement,
protecting more than 364,000 acres
of Florida’s working lands

Deer Creek Ranch
Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

Story and Photo Provided
By Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Published Sept. 16, 2025 at 6:30 a.m.
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is celebrating a major milestone: the Florida Forever Program has secured its 200^th conservation easement, protecting 364,117 acres across the state.
This milestone comes as the program celebrates its 25^th anniversary.
Since 2000, the Florida Forever Program has focused on conserving the state’s native landscapes, watersheds, agricultural and working lands, wildlife habitats and more. Conservation easements are a key tool in this effort, allowing private landowners to retain ownership while permanently limiting development. These agreements protect natural, scenic, cultural and open spaces for future generations while supporting sustainable land use today.
DEP’s conservation easements on working lands also require agricultural producers to follow best management practices, helping safeguard water quality and the environment while keeping farms and ranches productive.
“Conservation easements are one of the most important tools we have to protect Florida’s lands and waters,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “From working farms and ranches to wildlife habitats and scenic landscapes, Florida Forever safeguards the resources that make our state special.”
Highlights of Florida Forever conservation easements include:
● Fisheating Creek Ecosystem (Glades and Highlands counties, more than 66,000 acres, acquired from 2000–2025): Four easements protect Fisheating Creek, the only undammed tributary of Lake Okeechobee, providing habitat for the federally endangered Florida panther, gopher tortoise and red-cockaded woodpecker.
● Nokuse Plantation (Walton County, 17,880 acres, acquired in 2004): Part of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape, this easement protects water quality in the Choctawhatchee River watershed and provides habitat for imperiled species including the gopher tortoise and federally endangered Cooley’s meadowrue. The property owner maintains an extensive prescribed fire program to restore the ecosystem.
● Avalon Plantation (Jefferson County, 11,937 acres, acquired in 2023): Located in the Red Hills Region, Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape and Florida Wildlife Corridor, this easement protects high-quality upland habitats critical for the red-cockaded woodpecker and gopher tortoise.
● Deer Creek Ranch (DeSoto County, 5,698 acres, acquired in 2024): A working cattle ranch, this easement protects the Peace River watershed and provides habitat for imperiled species including the Florida scrub-jay, Florida burrowing owl and Florida sandhill crane.
● Letchworth Mounds (Jefferson County, 1,270 acres, acquired in 2005): Adjacent to Letchworth-Love Mounds Archaeological State Park, this easement protects one of Florida’s most significant prehistoric ceremonial earthwork mound complexes.
With its 200^th easement, Florida Forever continues to conserve the state’s most valuable natural and cultural resources through partnerships with private landowners, ensuring long-term protection of Florida’s landscapes, waterways and working lands.

Florida Fish Art Contest opens
Contest submission
deadline is Feb. 28, 2026

Florida bass artwork (left) by Hannah Wang, Redfish artwork (middle) by Sebastian Romo, and Snook artwork (right) by Nicolas Leon are shown above as examples of previous winning artwork created in this annual contest.

Information and Graphic Provided By FWC
Published Sept. 10, 2025 at 7:30 a.m.
TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, announces the opening of the 2025-26 Florida Fish Art Contest.
This annual program invites children in grades K-12 from all over Florida to connect with nature and learn about the state’s native fish and aquatic habitats, while exploring creative art and writing.
Florida is one of the many participating states of the national Fish Art Contest, contributing to the effort that inspired more than 85,000 kids across the world to become the next generation of outdoor stewards.
A first-place winner and runner-up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade; fourth through sixth grade; seventh through ninth grade; and tenth through twelfth grade), for each category, one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for illustrating the best saltwater fish species.
How to Participate
1. Select a Florida native fish species from the list on the website to research, focusing on its habitat, behavior and conservation needs.
2. Create an original, handmade creation of the chosen fish. All physical mediums are welcome. No digital artwork will be accepted.
3. Write a one-page creative writing piece that reflects what you have learned about your chosen species (fourth through twelfth grades).
4. Submit your entry online through the Fish Art Contest entry form page.
All first-place winners and runners-up will receive a variety of prizing and recognition from the FWC.
Details on prizing can be found on the website.
The 2025-26 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2026. Participants can find more information, educational resources and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Tickets to the 50th season
of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra
are on sale now

Ocala Symphony Orchestra Music Director And Conductor Matthew Wardell is seen leading the orchestra during a performance last year.
Photo By Maven Photo & Film and Ralph Demilio

By Marketing Manager Sally Linder
Published Aug. 11, 2025 at 11:15 a.m.
OCALA -- The Ocala Symphony Orchestra’s 2025-2026 season concerts are on sale now to the general public.
The season is complete with six subscription concerts and eight special events featuring world-class soloists, timeless masterworks, and exciting programs under the baton of Maestro, Matthew Wardell.
This season the Ocala Symphony will also launch the Music Box Series, where virtuosic musicians will host intimate chamber music experiences. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting at $15 for adults and $10 for students.
Audience members will enjoy Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, de Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain with acclaimed pianist José María Inglés, the United States’ premiere of María de Pablos’ Castilla, and timeless selections from Bizet’s Carmen. This unforgettable weekend launches a golden year of music, community and artistry.
“Planning our 50th Anniversary Season was both a joy and a responsibility. After much research, listening, and reflection, each piece I’ve programmed was thoughtfully chosen and has deliberate meaning. This milestone season reflects the heart of Your Orchestra, Your Music” said Matthew Wardell, music director and conductor of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.
“It features repertoire that will absolutely thrill and delight, world-class soloists joining us from home and abroad, and a collective program that surpasses anything we’ve done before,” Wardell said. “The 2025-26 season is not only a celebration of our first 50 years but a bold statement that -- with your continued support -- your orchestra will be playing your music for the next 50 years and beyond.”
For more information about season subscriptions, essential dates, and tickets for individual concerts click HERE.

Winner named in annual art contest
2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts
set for April 11 and 12

Stars of Cedar Key by Glen Spaulding

Information and Art Provided
By Marci Wilcox, Coordinator
Old Florida Celebration of the Arts 2026
Published Aug. 31, 2025 at 1 p.m.
CEDAR KEY -- The 2026 Old Florida Celebration of the Arts (OFCA) two-day event is scheduled to be held April 11 and 12, 2026. in Cedar Key.
This year’s theme is “Stars of Cedar Key.”
Congratulations to Glen Spaulding of Cedar Key, whose entry was chosen as the winner of the Design Contest. It will be featured on the OFCA posters, T-shirts and more.
“I'd like to present Stars of Cedar Key,” Spaulding said, “inspired by all the wonderful things I was able to see at night in this beautiful community I call home -- from The Milky Way, the comet we were able to watch for days, lightning storms, calm water, dolphins, the roosting pelicans, and the island silhouettes that dot the horizon. The overall calming experience that blankets me as the island sleeps…”
Spaulding, while university-trained in commercial art, graphic design and 3D animation, describes himself as a “dream painter who is self-taught.”
He says that love of the world around him, and its nuances, are his inspiration. His work has been exhibited in local art fairs and museums in the northeastern United States.
The OFCA event coordinators (Arts Center Committee - Marci Wilcox, Jim Wilcox, Mary Prescott, Faye Sanders, Ann Morgan, Deb Mann, Denise Feiber, Kathy O'Neall, Sue Rosenthal, Dawn Callahan, Rebecca Rittenhouse, Kim Standfield) thank the many artists who submitted their artwork for the contest. The artists were asked to create a work that featured “Stars of Cedar Key” as well as showed quality work and adherence to the mission at Cedar Key Arts Center.
Cedar Key Arts Center Mission Statement
With the understanding that creativity is inherent and vital to the development of humanity, our purpose is to nurture and encourage the arts.
The Cedar Key Arts Center aims are to:
● Promote and encourage the arts in our community;
● Provide, administer and coordinate facilities for the arts; and
● Promote and provide educational programs in the arts.
This year’s Old Florida Celebration of the Arts returns to its two-day format, April 11 and 12, 2026, with 100 fine artists and craftsmen.
The Cedar Key City Park will host local non-profits, who will serve delectable seafood and other favorite food and beverages. Throughout the weekend, visitors will also enjoy live music in City Park.
Recently winning a national top 100 ranking for small town Fine Art Festivals, the people of Cedar Key welcome visitors back to this unique island.