Page 4 January 4, 2012
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Nine suffering hard times receive
Remembering the past
Christmas trees!  a Christmas tree received
On Dec. 21, nine households who couldn’t afford to buy
fully lit and decorated Christmas trees, a joint effort between Citrus County government,
Lowe’s and the agencies who decorated the trees and chose the recipients. The trees were
delivered by Lowe’s. “It was a humbling experience to see how much people appreciated the
trees,” said Diane Toto, president of We Care Food Pantry in Homosassa, who was instru-
mental in the effort. “One of the veterans we delivered a tree to was so happy that he called
Bay News 9. He said he was so touched that someone remembered him that he started to
cry.” Tampa Bay News 9 interviewed the U.S. Army Veteran, William Pitts, and ran the story
on Dec. 22. Pitts said he’s been going through rough times, and a tree wasn’t in his budget.
When Toto Gave Pitts the tree, she wished him a Merry Christmas and thanked him for his
service to his country. Pitts said receiving the tree made his Christmas.
Toto, an advocate for those in need, started the food pantry in 2005 when she was
president of the Homosassa Civic Club and saw the great need for food in the community.
Very soon, she had more food coming into the county than she had space for, so space and
refrigeration were the major obstacles to overcome. Eventually, plans were made for two
7,200 sq. ft. buildings to house the We Care Food Pantry and the Feed Citrus County Distri-
bution Center, due to the tremendous donations of food! A five-acre site was donated for the
The Gulf Hammock Fiber Factory in full swing around the 1890’s and the woods around it played
buildings in Homosassa at S. Premier Ave. and W. Cardinal St. In August of 2010, $400,000
a major role in the development of Cedar Key. Red cedar which did not splinter was prolific in
in funding was needed to complete the buildings, but now, Toto’s dream is coming to frui-
the hammocks and was searched out by Eberhard Faber for his pencil factories. Sable palm trees
tion. “In addition to the $50,000 challenge grant two weeks ago that United Way matched,
were harvested and their fibers were used in the production of brushes and brooms. Many peo-
we also got another $75,000 challenge grant that we are trying to match right now,” said
ple supported their families working these natural resources in what is today the Waccasassa
Toto. “With that money, we will be very close to completion.”
Bay Preserve State Park. Remnants of the boilers once used in the production of brushes and
If you would like to help the food pantry reach it’s goal, send a check made to the
brooms made from the sable palm fibers have been found within the boundaries of the pre-
order of “We Care Food Pantry” and mail it to the pantry at P.O. Box 331, Homosassa, FL
serve which is accessible by boat launched from several ramps located outside the preserve.
34487. For additional information, phone them at (352) 628-9333. WCFP is a 501(c)(3)
Boat access is from CR 40 in Yankeetown, CR 326 in Gulf Hammock, and Cedar Key. 4 primitive
organization made up entirely of volunteers with no paid employees. 100% of profits go to
campsites, accessible by boat only are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Details and
help those in need.
directions to the campsites can be found in the Big Bend Segment 6 of the Florida Circumnaviga-
Latest Fundraiser - Ram Quadcab Drawing
tional Saltwater Paddling Trail. Photo from the Florida State Archives and history by Sally Price.
Steve & Jewel Lamb are donating a new 2012 red Ram Hemmi Quadcab for We
Upgrades begin at Crystal River Airport
Care to give away in a drawing. The proceeds will go directly towards the new building.
Citrus County has started construction of two projects at the Crystal river Airport.
The tickets will only cost $50. According to Toto, “That way, we can include a new truck
These Projects include the Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) Replacement
audience in the yearly raffle. If someone bought a $100 ticket last year, they can buy 2 this
Project, and the T-Hangars and Taxilanes Project. Tree clearing is required for both projects
year. If someone does not want the great truck, they can sell it back to Crystal. This is a
and will end Dec 30. Gopher tortoise relocation efforts are currently under way. The tor-
win-win-win raffle. The campaign will start within the week and we will have the tickets
toises will be relocated to an FWC approved mitigation site. For more information contact
within the week. Remember that there are only 2,000 tickets.”
Quincy D Wylupek at 352-527-5488.
Toto concluded “This fund raiser can really help us with the final phase of con-
Coastal
Hair Port
struction, but we need everyone to help. This will only be a 3 month sale of tickets, so start
lining up your lucky winners now.”
at Plaza 40
Carting
Shopping Center
10-20-30 yd.
Hwy. 40E, Inglis
DUMPSTERS
352-212-7383
Realty
Contractors/Homeowners
Walk-Ins Welcome
Construction Debris
Sally Price, Realtor
Young Lamar
19 Hwy 40 W.
Yard Waste - Junk
(352) 302-8556 cell
Inglis
Demolition Debris
is Back!
757 HWY 40 E INGLIS
Open 7 Days
By Appointment Only
Beautiful 5.75 residential (RC1) lot Hwy 40 east
Inglis. High & dry with large oaks, left to nature.
Build your home in seclusion in the middle. Have
Family Salon for
privacy and plenty of nature, still in city limits.
Men • Women • Kids
Can be entered off the back thru Elm St and leave
the front natural woods. This is an exciting &
Perms, Hi-Lites & Color
beautiful lot for the nature lover. We have more
FAMILY Owned & Operated
Starting at $45
lots starting at $9000. Hammock hunt camp lot
Licensed & Insured
Womens Cuts - $12
.80 ac had cabin at one time. $10,000. NEED
352-465-5020
LISTINGS OF HOMES/MOBILES.
Nail Tech
William Roberts
352-228-7470
williamroberts3816@yahoo.com 352-447-3816
Lisa VanDeBoe
Window Cleaning
Broker/Owner
Pressure Cleaning
352-634-0129 plantationlisa@yahoo.com
Wood & Concrete Seal
See all the Citrus County listings on our Website:
www.plantationrealtylistings.com
Painting
Progress Energy!! We have shor t and
LOCAL REFERENCES
long-term rentals convenient to plant!!
FL License 2287470S