The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - June 23, 2010
Letter to Levy Commissioner Drew:
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
RE: water quality of Yankeetown Gulf Beach
Dear Commissioner Marsha Drew, Levy County Board of County Commissioners:
Recently, this year, the county made improvements to the public beach at the Bird
From Yankeetown Town Hall
Creek Park in Yankeetown, by adding sand and generally sprucing up the area. These im-
provements are greatly appreciated, and I have noted increased usage of the beach, espe-
A Guest Commentary by Yankeetown Mayor Dawn Clary
cially by families with children.
With this increased promotion and usage of the Yankeetown Beach, it is of concern
New Face - Welcome new Planning and Zoning Commission member Mr. Jerry H.
to me that no water quality testing is done at this beach. The Florida Department of Health
McMillan. He has owned a home in Yankeetown for several years and became a full time
has had the Florida Healthy Beaches Program since 1998. County health departments in 34
resident since his retirement in 2008. Mr. McMillan has varied experience covering con-
coastal counties monitor local water quality. The coastal beach water samples collected by
tracts, purchasing, logistics, administration, construction and manufacturing. His business
the county health departments arc analyzed for enterococci and fecal coliform bacteria. High
background should be a big asset to the Commission.
concentrations of these bacteria may indicate the presence of microorganisms that could
Welcome to Yankeetown - Another new face, Chief Boatswain’s Mate Christopher
cause disease, infections, or rashes. County health departments will issue health advisories,
R. Hinote assumed command of US Coast Guard Station Yankeetown in a stately ceremony
or warnings, when these conditions are confirmed.
June 11th on the bank of the Withlacoochee. Chief Hinote grew up in Florida but most
In 2009 (see http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/sumflo.pdf), both the Fort Is-
recently has been serving at USCG Station Tillamook Bay, Garibaldi Oregon. He relieves
land Gulf Beach in Citrus County and the Cedar Key Beach in Levy County were con-
from command, Chief Salls who is now headed to California, hopefully it is cooler there.
sidered high risk beaches, by exceeding the state’s daily maximum bacterial standards too
We wish Chief Hinote, his wife Amanda and their four children a successful and happy tour
frequently, 19% and 11% respectively. Since the Yankeetown Beach lies midway between
in Yankeetown.
and in close proximity to these beaches, it would seem prudent and reasonable to include this
Legal Front - Things have been quiet on the legal front lately prompting some
beach in the Florida Healthy Beaches Program.
people to ask “what ever happened with...”. We have three issues still open. The case involv-
It would seem a simple matter to instruct the Levy County Health Department to
ing former ZO Rebecca Jetton was appealed by Forum Architects, and we are awaiting the
include the Yankeetown Beach in their weekly testing program and issue advisories, as ap-
courts decision. Per our attorney there is nothing to do but wait. Secondly, the case challeng-
propriate, for the protection and safety of the citizens of Levy County using this beach.
ing Izaak Walton Investors DEP permit on the amount of waste water disposal on acreage
Sincerely, Robert Davis, Inglis
north of CR40 is in settlement negotiations and pending the outcome of the town councils
Public Works Supervisor Retiring,
decision it appears that we may prevail in achieving a much reduced rate of disposal. Third-
ly, IWI is appealing the decision, in the town’s favor, on the Comp Plan amendment. As of
FireworksInglis TownLikely for 4th of July
Not meeting...
this writing, they have just filed their brief with the court and we have not seen it yet.
Help Wanted - Our ZO Mr. Fineout will be retiring the end of September, therefore
the town has an opening for a Zoning and Code Enforcement Officer. This is a part time
From the June 8, 2010
position and may include work on the Community Rating System. Look for our ads and
Inglis Commission President Bob Webb reminded the audience at the opening of
contact town hall for info.
the meeting that “we passed a new procedure, resolution at last month’s meeting that we will
Budget Time - The first 2010-2011 budget workshop is scheduled for June 28th.
proceed through the agenda and public comments will not be allowed or people will not be
Why, Why, Why - Someone smashed the bathroom sink at the WGP. It is a sense-
allowed to come to the podium until the section on the agenda which says Public Comments.
less act and sad that some one would do such a thing. Hopefully the person will be found and
At that point and time any individual that wishes to come up and speak at the podium on any
make restitution. Good Night and Good Luck, Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankeetown.
topics that we’ve discussed, allow the public to speak at that particular junction.” Clerk Sally
Chiefland Family Arrested for
McCranie told the president no slips had been turned before the meeting to speak which is
part of the new procedure. Little to none public input finds the business run through quickly
Burglary, Drugs, Stolen Property
and meeting over. The meeting had several agenda items added by individuals and the rest
was town generated business.
Chiefland-On June 16, 2010 Investigator Tom Martin arrested Lukas Walther and his father
After 17 years of public service, Tom Brennan, Inglis Superviser of Public Works
Scott Walther for several felony charges involving residential burglaries and drugs. The
announced he was joining the retirement ranks the end of June or July 2. Brennan requested
Criminal Investigation Division executed a search warrant at the Walther residence at 7630
the commission hire Danny Dayton, whom Brennan has hand groomed to fill his shoes,
NW 115th Street. During the raid Investigators seized a stolen 19” flat screen television,
without advertising which is permitted, at $17 an hour to continue Brennan’s style of town
several handguns/rifles/shotguns, boxes of ammunition, cocaine and marijuana.
maintenance and over see the town water. Motion by Kellman, second by Moser and af-
The Walther’s have been suspected in a crime wave committing several residential
firmative vote puts Dayton in that position. ( I would love to say that after following town
burglaries in Levy County. The investigation continues and more charges are expected. The
politics for Brennan’s career, he has always been dedicated to the job and with his mild or-
father, Scott Walther is a convicted felon in Georgia for possession/manufacturing/distribut-
ganized manner given the town awesome service. If Tom did not have an answer he found
ing marijuana and his son Lucas is a convicted felon for burglary and grand theft. A witness
one. If Tom promised something would be done, it was or you got a call and a followup to
in the case advised that Lucas traded the stolen television for five (5) oxycodone pills.
make sure the job was done. Danny you have got some big shoes to fill but I trust Brennan’s
On June 10, 2010 Marc Anthony Walther, another son of Scott Walther was ar-
judgment in making this decision.)
rested for burglary, grand theft, possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled
It was reported that 2 air conditioners in the community center are not working
substance (Pills) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
properly in this heat and got commission approval for up to $5000 to fix the 2 units and buy 4
R&M
industrial fans to help circulate the air. Town Clerk Sally McCranie has no funds for this but
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS
there was $151,000 in reserve contingency. The community center is being used regularly
Rebuilt - Repaired - Resealed
and this was something that had to be addressed and fixed.
Complete Auto Repairs
A request by Fire Chief Phil Sprinkle to purchase and replace 2 eight year old SCBA
A/C - Brakes - Front End - Exhaust - TuneUps
(air packs) and an 800 mhz portable radio that was damaged for approximately $14,000
Computer Diagnostics
brought a volley of discussion as to funding but the chief had records to show his department
Oil Changes While You Wait
has been very careful with the funds all year and had the money available without asking
4X4’s - RV’s - Trucks - Autos
for more town dollars for the project. Motion passed using the department’s money already
Free Estimates
Foreign & Domestic
available. Sprinkle also told Levy County has started a new fire academy and Inglis has 2
352-447-0704
Visa - Mastercard - Discover
new members in the Fire Fighter One class of 248 hours.
Accepted
Commissioner Drinda Merritt reported that RABAC (Inglis recreation committee)
Fax Line 447-6040
found it doubtful they could raise enough money for fireworks this year because of the
economy but there would probably be some time of celebration.
Captains Cove Outfitters
Computers dot Com
Todd Sumlin
39 W. Highway 40 - Inglis, Florida
Plant Manager
(352) 447-5610, 283-0492 or 283-0493
www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com
Tim Wyland, Certified Professional Technician
Bait • Ice • Tackle
INGLIS QUARRY
Computer Sales & Service
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Electronics Parts & Accessories
Phone (352)447-2209
P.O. Box 519
Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
We Recycle Computers!
Fax (352)447-0218
Inglis, FL. 34449
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22 lbs. of ICE FREE w/purchase of 100 Shrimp!