'Newspg4.indd' by The Newscaster

settlement of Duke Energylawsuit with Duke Energy

In a nutshell, Citrus County officials agreed to settle the

because the legal fight was costing the county too much money, about $1,420,000 to date,

and according to the terms on the settlement, Citrus County will provide lower property ap-

praisals and tax bills, and Duke Energy will pay the county $7,500,000.

Newly-appointed (on Jan. 6) Citrus County Property Appraiser Les Cook an-

nounced on March 18 that a settlement was reached with Progress Energy Florida (Duke

Energy), that with court approval, will end 15 months of costly litigation over the 2012 and

2013 assessment rolls and provide stability to the 2014 assessment roll, without the threat of

Mr. Cook made it his first priority to review this case. With formal mediation be-

ing planned and a trial date set for May 19, he started an early dialog with Duke Officials to

explore a possible resolution.

After several conferences, in person and by phone, and the exchange of appraisals

from both sides, an agreement was reached on overall assessed values for the 2012, 2013,

and 2014 assessment rolls. Appraisals from both sides were reviewed as a basis for alloca-

tion to individual parcels.

The decision to settle this case was driven by several factors, including the poten-

tial for a larger return with further costly litigation versus the potential risk of a negative

The first two rulings were negative to the County s position. The additional judicial

statements in those rulings and from the bench were not encouraging.

Even with some success at trial on the valuation issue, a lengthy appeal process

would likely follow with additional costs, no immediate revenue, no end in sight and the risk

of a negative outcome. $1,420,000 has been spent, to date, on pre-trial expenditures, and the The Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranch Caruth Camp in Inglis got a new administration building in

county has a strong desire to protect our taxpayers from additional expenditures related to 1987 but not by usual means. Dr Alan Tralins, Director of Lykes Cancer Center Clearwater do-

nated his home on Clearwater Beach and $25,000 to move it in memory of his mother to the

The potential for continued disruption to the budgeting processes along with Caruth Camp. The 50 year old home was pulled over a bed of protected sea oats on a 4 foot





continued unrecoverable revenue loss to our school system, estimated through 2014 at bridge built just for the move over sand dunes. It was then loaded on a barge and shipped 90

5093 S. Orwell Pt., Homosassa, Florida 34446

miles north to the barge canal. Once at the boat basin the home was loaded again onto a flat

Phone: (352) 489-4588 Fax:will provide some additional revenue above the good bed and slowly moved across the barge canal bridge to the FSYR property north of Inglis. The

While the final settlement (727) 362-4788

mail, faith estimates to taxing authorities, the primary benefits will be stability of taxable values Sonja Tralins Administration Building sits in the woods and is the welcome center when you

Tom Russell, Publisher: thenewscaster1@gmail.com

for budgeting, the end to litigation with one of our largest employers and investors, and the enter the property. History by Sally Price.

mail, Debbie Russell, Editor: debbienewscaster@gmail.com

rebuilding of a working relationship that will provide for future agreements without the need

om · newscasterarchives.com · history.newscasterarchives.com · thehealthcaster.com

- Continued from page 1

Manatee Club Wants Three Sisters

pedestrian, who was subsequently struck. Ms. Young sustained fatal injuries and expired at



the scene. The report stated that unspecified charges are pending.

Springs Closed to Public in Winter

Grand Opening 3-6pm Wed. Mar. 26

     

Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River closes temporarily during cold weather, but

the Save the Manatee club would like to see it closed longer in the winter. The club's posi-

        

Join Us for Free Pizza & Live Music

tion is that the manatees would use the sanctuaries more if people were not around.

The club's ·"When·wantsprings for vital protec-

 position is that  manatees  to swim into the 

tion, they    through shallow,narrow   with swimmers,

 must swim   a     opening while competing

  and kayakerstotouch andascloseto the manatees."

snorkelers,    all vying     get    as possible

The group has started a petition drive to keep people out, but businesses that benefit

from the extra people say it's tides that keep the manatees out. The manatee club is hopeful

111-D N. Florida Ave.

of getting about a million signatures.

    

Catholic School scrambling to increase

  

ER Y T HING M A DE T O O R DER

Sun. thru Thurs.11am-9pm

Mon-Thu 11-8 Fri. 11-9

 

enrollment or likely will close

FSiat&12-8 Sun Closed

r . Sat.11am-10pm



18" Cheese Pizza, Our Every Day Special - only $7.99

Efforts areunderwayto save Catholic in Lecanto, which is faced with

     a  school

closure by the St. Petersburg Diocese. Bishop Robert Lynch is giving Pope John Paul II

Hand-Tossed New England & Sicilian-Style Pizzas

Catholic School deadline15to enroll 180 students for the upcoming 2014-2015

  a  of April  

schoolyear.has 153 enrolled. If this new enrollment stipula-

  The school currently   students

Specialty Pizzas · Pizza by the Slice · Garlic Knots & Bread

tion met, the willclose at the end of the current 2013-2014 school year.

is not  school  likely 

Italian Rolls & Pockets · Salads & Salad Pockets · Soda

Scholarships and grants in aid are available for low income families. You may also

stop by for an admissions packet and campus tour. The school is located at 4341 W. Homo-

sassa Trail,Lecanto, FL 34461. For more information call 352.746.2020. The school serves

"From Our Family's Kitchen to Your Family's Table"

early childhood through eighth grade.

 





Land Clearing - Fill - Septic Installation

Carl Roof, Owner





19371 SE Butler Rd.



Inglis, FL 34449







352-257-8250 cell

