The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - January 26, 2011
Yankeetown Mayor's Report
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
A Guest Commentary by Yankeetown Mayor Dawn Clary
More Kudos Maybe - Yankeetown has been nominated for the1000 Friends of Flor-
From Inglis Town Hall
ida’s Better Community Award. Each year the “Friends” honor efforts to save special places,
fight sprawl and build better communities. Nominations can include individuals, as well as
This year Inglis continues to concentrate on improving the quality of life for its resi-
local governments and organizations that have had projects that enhanced the quality of life
dents. The exercise area adjacent to the new playground and Community Center is full of
in their community. For a lot more information check out the website for the Friends. They
exercise equipment and is very popular. Everybody can get fit in 2011. The classes in the
are a non-profit organization founded in 1986 which according to their mission statement
Community Center—quilting, computers, are well attended. Everybody can learn some-
“promotes healthy urban and natural places by wise management of growth and change. We
thing new and interesting.
educate, advocate, negotiate and, when necessary, litigate to protect our high quality of life.
The Recreation Board has been busy planning events for the coming year. Inglis
We help citizens have the technical knowledge and access needed to ensure that public and
will have an Easter Egg Hunt, Fourth of July celebration, Night Out, and of course the
private decisions lead to livable communities.”
Christmas Parade. This year we hope to combine efforts with Cedar Key.
Manatee Program - Don’t forget the WGP program on Friday 10:00 AM at the
The Inglis Police Dept. is getting a “facelift”. At a special meeting to discuss leas-
park. The program is given by Joyce Kleen of the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife.
ing vs. purchasing new police cars, the Inglis Commission, after carefully evaluating the
Call Us - Your friendly water department would like to remind everyone that it is
costs, voted to purchase 3 new police cars outright rather than lease them, thereby saving
not allowed to turn your water meter on or off yourself. Lately we have had a rash of indi-
Inglis the interest and associated attorney fees. The new vehicles will be 2011 Dodge V6s
viduals who have exercised the meters themselves and there is a hefty fine for doing so. Also
and will have double the gas mileage of our older Crown Victorias. They will be black with
there are apparently a number of plumbers who are not aware of this issue either. The reason
silver graphics. This will also eliminate the costs of keeping those old Crown Vics running.
for the rule is because the meters are not designed to be actuated frequently and require a
Inglis has received plans for a new Dollar General building to be located next to
special tool to work them. There is concern that the meters could be damaged which then
Beasley Tire on Rt. 19. The Planning Commission is currently reviewing the plans.
makes a bigger problem and it is expensive to replace the meters. Please just call the hall
Commissioner Drinda Merritt has been writing an article, “Crossroads” which is
and someone should be there in a short time to turn the meter on or off and they don’t mind
very informative. I would like to take this opportunity to expand on her ideas.
doing so. Tell your plumbers too.
Inglis has a very unique opportunity. In an economy where unemployment is
Zoning News - The town is rezoning parcels of land that are used by local, state
double digits, homes are not selling, where there is virtually no new home construction,
or federal governmental for public benefit as “Public Use”. Examples are the water tower,
and many communities see little hope, Inglis has the nuclear plant coming. Duke/Progress
Coast Guard Station and our parks. This zoning category will also include places like the
Energy has contacted the town and we have been assured that plans for the nuclear plant
Woman’s Club, Lion’s Club and churches. For a full list of the places that are affected see
are moving forward. A meeting will be scheduled with D/PE, which they requested, to
the posting for the hearings which are scheduled for February. The draft ordinance is on the
discuss Inglis’ concerns. A new Plant will bring jobs, new construction, and increased home
town’s website or come by the hall. Good Night and Good Luck
values. Inglis must create an environment, and the necessary infrastructure, to make itself
Letter to the Editor:
a desirable place to live and do business. If we do not, the employees from the power plant
Re: Different Solutions for a Desperate Economy
will simply relocate elsewhere, as will businesses.
President Ronald Reagan said “Government is like a baby…. A big appetite at one
We are indeed at a crossroads. Do what we have done in the past, which hasn’t
end and no sense of responsibility at the other”. The Levy County Board of County Com-
been very forward thinking, or embrace the future? Whatever decision is made now will
missioners are working hard to change that.
affect all of our futures. Our residents want jobs and their taxes reduced.
Since few people attend our regular County Commission meetings I want to take
A few residents have expressed their opinion that they would like to see Inglis
this opportunity to let the people of Levy County know that, in my opinion, you can be
remain the quaint town it is. Everyone hopes that will continue to be true, but progress
proud of the representation you have on our Board. Your current Commissioners are trying
is inevitable. We must strive to find a way to have growth, yet retain our small town fla-
their very best to consider your interests and those of the county as a whole. The new Board
vor. To think that progress will not come is like standing on the tracks hoping the train
is looking for the most efficient ways to spend taxpayer dollars and expecting accountability
won’t come. IT WILL. Ouch!!
for every penny spent. Rather than just being reactive and dealing with issues brought to us
All residents should attend the Inglis Commission meetings because the voices
by third parties we are now being proactive by addressing items that are important for the
of the Inglis residents who have made a life here and love Inglis, are being drowned out
future of our county, issues that will hopefully make us stronger and more prosperous. I’m
by the same small group every month who claim to be speaking for the majority of Inglis
thrilled with the possibilities for our county and I thank each of my colleagues for the many
residents. The town meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. We at Town
hours they invest in their roles as your community leaders.
Hall, and the Commission, welcome your comments and are always available to answer any
Times are tough and we are increasingly finding ourselves with our backs to a wall
Bill Lake, Mayor
and all questions.
in an uncertain world, having to find ways to do more with less and do it better. With the
ew! email news to: news@thenewscaster.com
exception of a few dedicated Levy County residents people generally don’t get involved in
N
the process. When you do nothing, you can feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you
Call The Newscaster Hotline with your opinion, leave your name
get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you
352-388-1668 Yankeetown
with a recorded message:
are working to make things better. Many of you have skills that we can utilize and ideas on
how to do things more efficiently.
NATURE COAST WATER, INC.
Let’s work together to get through these difficult times. Attend our meetings, bring
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your ideas and work with us to grow a better and more prosperous Levy County. Participa-
tion in government is a duty that all citizens should share. It is important that people have
Owned & Operated by the Vorisek Family
their say on local government because its work touches many aspects of our daily lives. The
Toll Free: 1-888-610-4947 Local: 352-447-6002
more people participate in local government, the more likely our Commission’s decisions
and actions will help achieve short and long term objectives of the community as a whole.
Enhance your Health
Meeting dates and contact information are available at www.levycounty.org.
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Editor's Note: You can also get a schedule of the Levy County Commission meetings by
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Drew's website.
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