PAGE 2 - April 4, 2012
The Newscaster - Nature Coast News
Ribbon cutting Signals Opening
Pet Patrol
of Fort Island Gulfgathered Monday morning for a
Beach
Citrus County Commissioners and county staff
ribbon cutting at Fort Island Gulf Beach in Crystal River.
The County Commission wanted to acknowledge the recent improvements made at
the beach including the new bathroom renovations and the sand re-nourishment project.
The new restroom facility was completed in September 2011. An arsonist de-
stroyed the bathrooms in October 2010.
The Fort Island Gulf Beach sand re-nourishment project has been in place since
1983. The last re-nourishment was completed in 2002. CEMEX Inc. delivered 1,625 tons
of sand at a cost of $47, 775. This last re-nourishment project was completed March 24,
2012.
A special thank you to Cemex Sand, SV3 General Contracting Inc. Restroom Con-
tractors, County Facilities Maintenance, County Road Maintenance, and County Grounds
Maintenance.
“Ruby is 1 of 2 quiet, sweet little fawn
colored seniors, retired Champion show
girls, which are each looking for a home
Tex is a beautifully marked 2 year old Rat
because their loving owner could no lon-
Terrier mix that came to us as a stray from
ger physically care for them now. We hope
the shelter. Tex is crate trained, gets along
there are people who will give them each a
with other dogs and cats. The foster is in the
home to continue to enjoy their retire-
process of working on getting Tex to walk
ment years. They seem to be in excellent
on a leash and housetraining. With a little
health, good teeth and look like 5 yo. Ruby
patience he will have those skills mastered
and Reba are 6# applehead types, leash
in no time. Adopt A Rescued Pet, Inc. does
trained, and house broken to papers and
home visits prior to adoptions, therefore, we
outdoors. They like to sit and look out of
can only adopt to the Citrus County and ad-
the window at everything that is going on
joining county areas. If you are within these
outside at her foster parents. They are both
areas, please, phone Adopt A Rescued Pet,
independent, get along great with other dogs
leave your name, number, and pet’s name,
and cats. They enjoy being carried, sitting
for a return call from the foster mom, later,
on warm laps, take a walk, settle down in
at 352.795.9550. All of our dogs have been
their beds with a little toy, or just hanging
sterilized, tested negative for heart worm,
around with you. At age 11 and 12 yo, they
on heart worm prevention, on flea preven-
make nice, quiet, loving companions and
tion, up to date on vaccines, wormed, ID
may live to 18+ yrs. It takes each a little
chipped and vet checked. Checkwww.adop-
while to warm up to strangers, though they
In the Photo: From left: Rafael Del Valle, Parks and Recreation manager; Commissioner Dennis
tarescuedpet.com for our other pets and the
may be handed to anyone. OK with other
Damato; Commissioner Rebecca Bays; Chairman Winn Webb; Commissioner Joe Meek; Mike
ADOPTION CALENDAR with locations,
small dogs or cats, NO children. Call 352.
Howell, (incoming) Parks and Recreation manager
dates and times. Come see the pets!
527.9050.
Commissioners Express Opposition
PAR-GAS, INC.
to Medicaid Cost  last week, board members ap-
Shift
During the Board of County Commission meeting
Gas & Electric
proved a resolution to send a letter to the Governor expressing their objections to the recent
Appliances
Medicaid Cost Shift Bill (HB 5301).
The Medicaid Cost Shift Bill is disputed bills for Medicaid billing. Currently, the
Sold Here!
County pays for a portion of Medicaid costs for hospitalization and nursing home beds for
1 4 8 0 We s t C R 4 8 , B u s h n e l l
County residents. Unfortunately, due to the ‘new’ Medicaid billing system many counties,
Grills
New Customer Special
including Citrus, have been billed incorrectly, double billed or had other mistakes in estab-
& more
lishing proof of residency. County leaders say the county did its due diligence in keeping
Stoves, washers, dryers, fireplaces
Limited Time Only!
billing paperwork up to date.
The state estimates that counties owe approximately $325.5 million in back billing.
100 Gallon
50 Gallon
For Citrus County, the state says the bill stands at $844,000. Citrus is the latest in a long line
Tank Set
Tank Set
of counties that have appealed to the Governor to veto the bill.
$149.99
$79.99
Gov. Rick Scott has signed a Medicaid bill that will require Florida's counties to
pay nearly $300 million the state says is past-due to the health care program for low-income
Includes total gas system check, light all pilots & check all gas appliances. Limited time plus 1 yr. signed contract.
CALL TODAY! 352-793-1982
and disabled patients.
Scott signed the bill (HB 5301) on Thursday over objections from county officials.
Citrus county's opposition also included a statement concluding, "This bill represents the
Your Hometown Propane Company
very worst in bureaucratic inefficiency and serves as a splendid example of what taxpayers
Family Owned & Operated
resent about government."
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8am to 5pm
FAX 352-793-1918
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