The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - November 14, 2007
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Letter to Editor:
RE: Mr. Diamond's "Real Estate Today" column in the November 7, 2007 issue of The
Newscaster. It was entitled "Happy, Peppy, Power Plant People." I'd like to let him know that
Yankeetown Mayor's Report
I'm not one of them.
The same day that this article appeared, there was an article in the St. Petersburg
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
Times, Business Section, which raised concerns stating that "a state report finds the plan may
This week, all is quiet on the water front. The budget is done, the election is over, we had
put preserve land in danger." The proposed nuclear power plant (to be built only 3 miles from
a victory in the law suit arena, the Comprehensive plan overhaul has passed a big milestone
Inglis) "will be built next to a state preserve." It also states that some of Florida's dwindling
and was sent to the Department of Community affairs and the water plant is progressing.
untouched resources, home to endangered species and the gulf's delicate fisheries, may be
At our regular meeting this month, the Council selected and approved a contractor for the
harmed by Progress Energy's planned nuclear power plant. To quote the article directly, "It
Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve and that project is now going forward. Also at that meeting all
will draw as much as 120 million gallons of water a day from the Cross Florida Barge Canal,
of the Council members decided to stay in their same liaison positions which is probably the
evaporate a third of it for cooling (the reactors) and pump the warm, salty remainder into
most efficient. They are as follows, Marsha Drew Communications and Vice Mayor, Ed
waters near the Big Bend Aquatic Seagrass Preserve. It will be built on a 3100 acre property
Candela Planning and Zoning, Doug Dame Infrastructure and Roads, Norm Shannahan Fi-
that is 39 percent wetlands."
nancial, and Larry Feldhusen Fire Department and Parks and Recreation.
The Withlacoochee River is our most valuable resource. It's a beautiful river, the Gulf
For the moment it seems that there is a bit of rest for the government as people's attentions
is nearby, and it's the reason why folks want to live here. We don't need a nuclear power plant
turn to the holidays. Ed took a vacation and Norm finally went fishing, I think with every male
to attract people to our community - they're already coming here!
in his entire extended family for three generations.
The people living in Inglis, Yankeetown, around the Lake Rousseau area, and parts of Crystal
For some, such as our Vice Mayor Marsha Drew, it seems there is no rest for the weary as
River will be affected by this huge drawdown of water from the Withlacoochee River. Our
she is now busily working on the Sea Food Festival. Speaking of rest, the Sea Food, Arts and
wells will probably be contaminated, if we have any water left, that is! What will happen in
Crafts Festival took a year off last year but everyone missed the Yankeetown tradition. Hope-
times of drought? The power company will probably get the water first, to cool the 2 new
fully it will be a huge success.
reactors. We're due for a drought this winter, folks, and the powers that be are already plan-
Soon we will pick up the challenges again. It became clear from the pre election discussion
ning to ration our water. Think about it.
that a segment of the community has an interest in regional sewer service and other major
I'm willing to bet that the only people from our town hired to construct this monstros-
capital improvements. The new water plant will require an amazing amount of time and drain-
ity will be temporary, and they will probably be given the job of digging the pipelines to the
age issues are also on the table with the new committee. But for now, enjoy the Sea Food
Barge Canal. The real estate people are counting on the top paid personnel building homes
Festival, plan turkey dinners and family events. Savor the moment of peacefulness, for
here. They will mostly be from other parts of the state or country. They'll build as far away from
tomorrow will be a busy day. Good Night and Good Luck Dawn Marie Clary, Mayor of Yankee-
the power plant that they can get.
town.
All this because a few of our elected officials in Bronson, Inglis, and Yankeetown,
Woman's Club Has Gift Ideas for the Holiday
behind closed doors and without any public input, planned with Progress Energy to put this
monstrosity here, close to our town. They think that they are going to reap huge tax benefits
The Yankeetown-Inglis Woman's Club will have a huge Craft, Yard, and Bake Sale
from all the future home building. I would like to ask them, who in the world wants to live
Saturday, Nov. 17th from 9am-3pm at #5 56th Street in Yankeetown. Crafts made by members
smack in the center of two huge, ugly, dangerous nuclear power plants? Not me.
will be available for those special Christmas gifts. The Thrift Shop will have many large and
Sincerely, Sheila Limbeck, Inglis
small items plus potted plants available at great bargains. Donations of items for the Yard Sale
would be appreciated. The Bake Sale will offer a large variety of homemade goodies which
Justin Mashburn Benefit Ride
one can purchase for dessert or freeze for the holidays. For a donation, tickets will be offered
to raffle homemade items by Club members - a Christmas stocking, two crocheted afghans, a
Set for December 1
crocheted Christmas tree skirt, a quilt, a stuffed bear, and stuffed doll. The drawing for these
items will be held December 5th at the Club's Christmas party (do not have to be present to
Deputy Justin Mashburn, two year Patrol Deputy with the Levy
win). Come enjoy the fun, pick up Christmas gifts, and take home dessert.
County Sheriff's Office was injured during a freak accident. The acci-
For further information, contact Marty Hilliard (447-5434) or Helen Siegel (447-5573).
dent occurred on October 20, 2007 after attending a wedding at Black
The Club would like to thank the public for their overwhelming support of the Italian
Diamond Country Club.
Dinner held Oct. 26. Over 150 dinners were sold and received rave reviews. A repeat perfor-
Deputy Mashburn sustained serious brain trauma when he fell off
mance was requested by many attendees - look for an announcement in the Spring. Many
a golf cart. Deputy Mashburn was flown by helicopter to Tampa
thanks to the following for their generous donations to help make the dinner a success: Wal-
General Hospital where he underwent several surgeries. Deputy
Mart, Sweetbay Supermarket,Winn Dixie, Publix, Yankeetown General Store, and Food Ranch.
Mashburn will be in the hospital for at least three months.
Being a working Club for the betterment of our communities, all proceeds from this
On December 1, 2007 the Justin Mashburn Benefit Ride (motor-
and other events are used for maintainance of the A.F.Knotts Library, which the Club owns,
cycle ride) will be held at the Levy County Sheriff's Office located at
and to fund donations to other charitable groups. Local student scholarships are funded
9150 NE 80 Ave Bronson, Florida. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. Justin Mashburn
by Bingo, which is offered every Thursday night at 7pm. Refreshments are available at 6pm.
and we will leave at 9:30 A.M. There will be a twenty dollar per motorcycle fee with an extra
For Bingo information, call June Proffit ( 447-3110).
five dollars per passenger. Registration fee will include a meal and all proceeds will go to the
Letter to the Editor:
Justin Mashburn Benefit Ride. Any donations will be greatly appreciated and you can donate
Re: Inglis Newscaster Staff
money to any Perkins State Bank in Levy County.
Thanks for all your support over the past years. You have been instrumental in our Clubs
You can pre-register by sending an email to (Evan Sullivan) esullivan@levyso.com or you
functions of Flying Radio Controlled Aircraft. We make our funds by putting on this yearly
can leave a message at 352-486-5111 Extension 267 for Lt. Evan Sullivan. By pre-registering
and sometimes quarterly flying function . Keeps our heads above water and we have you to
this will facilitate on knowing how much food to purchase.
thank for our a good turnouts. I know I speak for all the members by saying Thanks...
El Ranchito
Art Lowery, Citrus Hills
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