PAGE 8 - April 1, 2009
THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
Unemployment Inches Up in Citrus,
Third Annual Ozzello Adventure
Levy & Marion Counties
Race Looking for Entries
Workforce Connection announced today that unemployment figures edged up in
The kayaking portion of the race is unique as it replaces the swimming that is featured in
Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties during February with Marion County showing the great-
most triathlon race events. Kayaking has become very popular in Central Florida and it
est increase from January to February with a 11.6 to 12.3 percent gain. Levy County moved
promotes participation of all age groups--14 years old to racers in their golden years.
up from 10.2 to 10.6 percent during the month. Citrus County had a minimal increase from 11.4
Barry Schwartz is the Kiwanis Race Director emphasizes that the Ozello Adventure Race
to 11.6 percent.
(OAR) is all about “having fun!” His goal of having fun has made the OAR very popular in
Major industry declines in the Ocala Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) over the
three short years.
year were in the areas of trade, transportation, and utilities (-1,700 jobs); manufacturing
(-
To make registration easy Barry has designed a new web site that allows a participant to
1,700 jobs); and mining, logging, and construction (-1,300 jobs). The only two growth areas
simply complete the necessary registration form online. The web site address is:
were private education and health services (+500 jobs) and government (+300 jobs).
OzelloAdventureRace.com. Barry can also be reached by calling 352 795-4780.
Although the Ocala MSA has the second highest unemployment rate in the state,
Ozello is the perfect venue for this type of race as it a scenic island located on the Gulf.
overall employment numbers for the area are down 5.1% from February 2008 to February
Traffic is limited and the facilities are wonderful. To drive to Ozello travel 10 miles on Ozello
2009. This is the same employment change as seen at the state level. According to Workforce
Trail (County Road 494) west of US Highway 19 between Crystal River and Homosassa.
Connection CEO Rusty Skinner, “This indicates that although our unemployment rate is
Check-in time is 9 am and the race begins 10am.
higher that the state average, our overall job growth rate is the same as the state’s rate. Our
The entry fees are: $30 for an individual, $25 pp for 2 or 3 member teams, $20 pp for high
staff is focused on doing everything possible to assist unemployed workers while partnering
school racers. Registration is $40 on race day. (If available)
with the economic development organizations to promote job growth.”
All the funds derived from this event goes directly to Kiwanis Scholarships and Kiwanis
Workforce Connection has taken aggressive steps to assist unemployed workers
local youth activities.
to retrain in growth occupations. The organization sought and received two grants totally
Each racer must bring a kayak/canoe, paddle, pfd, running shoes, bicycle, helmet, water
over $1 million. The Dept. of Labor National Emergency Grant, totaling $860,000, was ob-
bottle and snacks. A limited number of kayaks, paddle and pfd will be available to rent for $20
tained to train and support dislocated manufacturing workers from twelve large manufactur-
but must be received in advance at the time of registration. Each participant receives lunch,
ers in Citrus, Levy and Marion Counties. Individuals interested in learning more should call
the satisfaction of helping Citrus County youth and a 2009 souvenir t-shirt featuring the
Workforce Connection at 1-800-840-5700.
mascot “Ozzie.” Awards will be presented for best overall team and individuals.
Williston Elementary School Safety Patrols say 'Thank You!'
from Lisa Statham Posteraro and Ana L. Armbrister, advisers
Ask them and they will give... This was the experience of the Williston Elementary School 2008-09 Safety Patrols! Should they choose to go,
the patrols are responsible for paying their own way to go on the annual safety patrol pilgrimage, in June, to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Our
hosts are the school resource officers (SROs) from the Levy County Sheriff's Office, and Educational Tours of Inverness makes all the plans. (Levy
County School Board member Ricky Turner has worked as a tour guide for ET, and former LCSB employee, Rhesa Collop, is currently employed with
ET as a photographer/tour guide.)
The community of Williston and outlying areas (even from around the state!) supported the patrols, in so many ways, with monetary donations,
as well as goods in kind for our November 8th "Cruzin' for Kidz" event and numerous other fundraisers throughout the year. Our local papers, the
Williston Pioneer Sun News and the Levy County Journal, always ran articles about patrol-related activities. (Look for our post-trip group photo
sometime in early July!)
So on the behalf of our WES Safety Patrols, we want to acknowledge publicly the generosity of these businesses and individuals. Thank you
all so very much!
Supporter $1 - $99:
Donor $100 - $249:
Supporter $1 - $99:
Ladd's Auto Supply
Baker Brooks
Hubert Fernandez
Chuck Banning
Andover End Jewelry, Gifts & Pawn Shop
A Accredited Traffic School
Platinum Sponsor $2000:
Driftwood Restaurant
Marti & DeDe
Mary Ellen
Laura Cook Byrd
Luann Cox of Gold Canyon Candles
Town & Country Animal Hosp.
Warehouse Flooring Outlet
Ponder
Charlotte Moore
Kathy Gunn
Stansberry Chiropractic Clinic, Inc.
North Florida Mini Storage
Perkins Financial Group
Shontay Johnson
Kut-N-Up of Williston, Inc.
Trish Schult
Clay Thompson
Henry A. Silverman, D.M.D., P.A.
Archer Automotive & Tire
O. B. Samuel, Attorney
Karissa Buss
Joy Lowe
Hugh Lawrence
O's So Sweet Ice Cream Parlor
Gold Sponsor $1000 - $1999:
Master Lube Automotive
Enid Maritza Torres-Bolam
June Dunn
Oz Barker
LaVonne Moore
Nature Coast Financial Services
Ronny & Becki Stevens
Rev. & Mrs. Keith Langford
McDonald's of Williston
Judith Golden
Don Curtis
James Pendray
Martin Orthodontics of Chiefland
Stonehedge Farm South
Williston Gas Station
Come Tan Your Hide
Gail Epstein
Lance Johnson
Bryan Smith
Freddy Bell and B&G Peanut
Karlton's Heating and Air
Lisa Beach
Franklin Crates, Inc.
Charlie Nix
Billie Kay Pendray
Crabtree Garage & Auto Parts
Williston Peanuts, Inc.
Silver Sponsor $500:
Oak Vale Farm
Jana VanBlaricum
Bruce Steward
Kathy Corona
Therese Misita Truelove, P.A.
Bill's Tire Repair, Inc.
Francis Akins
Jim's Pit - BBQ
Paige Beverly Hiers
Gene Corbin
C. R. Kidd Construction, Inc.
Tomasa Mendoza
Big O's Corporation
Aunt Bobby's
Roberta Devlin
Tom Taft
Teena Spikes
Nelson and Affiliates, Inc.
Barbara Pendray
A & N Corporation
Dan Pinkston
Kat Monger
Bob Hastings
Martha Lewis Tanner
Valerie Davis Snyder
Jim & Alyson Brant
Quinn Eye Center
Belinda Greene
Tremaine Snead
Art Hall
Lianne Young
Backyard Choppers
Bronze Sponsor $250 - $999:
Kids 'N' Company
Mary Viscione
Anne Clemons
Kim Esmay
Jack Penney
Greenway Propane
Jim Posteraro, PRIDE Ent. Graphics Div.
Martinez Trucking
Thank You for Donating Items or Services During Our
Jonnie Hall, LLC
Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation
Nov. 8th Cruzin' for Kidz Fundraiser at WES:
W. Palm Beach Fraternal Order of Police
R. Gaited Ranch
Tina Butts - framed/autographed Gator memorabilia for door prize
Florida Food Service - hamburger patties
Robert N. Scanlon Training Center, Inc.
Dixie's Antiques
Lt. Clay Connelly - City of Williston Policy Department support
Klover Leaf - gift certificate for door prize
Pendray Horseshoeing
Sandlin Farms
Lt. Sean Mullins, LCSO - map for the motorcycle ride
Winn-Dixie - gift certificate for door prize
Fugate Forestry, Inc.
Barbara Woodard
Levy County Sheriff's Office - cups for coffee
Billy Jack's Restaurant - fork packets
Julie Nicholson
Janis Gaudette
Lil Food Ranch - gift certificate for door prize
Driftwood Restaurat - cups for tea
Lorraine Kibler
Sylvia Owens
Green Shutters Restaurant - condiment packets
Badcock's of Williston - cole slaw
Bubba Q's Restaurant, Bronson - baked beans
Levy Jones - food boxes
Emma J. Bain
Dixie Metals
Krispy Kreme - sold donuts at wholesale price
Williston Tire - grill
Chris Baird
Joyce Hurt
Buddy & Fred’s Hardware Foster Perry, Realtor 7
ERA Suncoast Realty
BuddyandFreds.com
Plumbing - Electrical - Garden - Paint - Lumber
Large Selection of Standard & Hard-to-Find Ammo
1206 S.E. U.S. Hwy. 19
Tools -Keys - Nuts - Bolts - Stainless-Leatherman Tools
Crystal River, Florida 34429
We’re Hosting a
RV Sewer Parts - Water Hose - Case Knives
Interested Buyers?
Concealed Weapons Class
352-447-2600
Saturday, April 25th
Est. 1983
Limited Seating-Must Pre-Register
(352) 795-6811 OFFICE
3/4 mile W. of US-19 on 40 W., Inglis
...IT’S TIME TO TALK
(352) 257-2181 CELL
352-447-5595
352-447-5595
Equal Housing Opportunity
TURKEY SEASON...!
Mon-Fri. 8-6 Sat. 8-2 Closed Sun.
(352) 447-8055 HOME
EMAIL foster233@bellsouth.net
(352) 795-2662 FAX
Celebrating 26Years Thank You!
947 Hwy. 40 East, INGLIS, FL • 1.8 mile east of Hwy. 19 on left
WEBSITE www.ERASuncoast.com