Page 4 May 6, 2015
The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
Squawk Box
Remembering the Past
Continued from page 1
required to have a sales tax license and collect sales tax plus plus the local option (1 cent in
Levy County (7%). Also, their food vendors have required health inspections.
Over the past 30 years that Food Ranch has been in operation it has paid over nine million
dollars in payroll to its employees, almost all of who are Inglis or Levy County residents.
How many payroll dollars will the marketplace generate?
Food Ranch opened in 1985 despite two of the three partners to that venture back-
ing out at the last minute. Then one of the anchor stores, a pharmacy/drug store pulled out
scarcely a year after it opened because of lack of support.
A hurricane in 1986 virtually wiped out the stores entire inventory and River Lodge
Campground closed a few years later further hurting the local economy.
We endured A&N Corporation pulling out, Duke Energy closing the Crystal River
plant, the net ban, oil spill, mud bog closing and the reduction of hunting property available
to the public. Oh yes, we were also smacked with two hurricanes in 2004 that shut us down
for several days and cost us tens of thousands of dollars in lost perishables.
With all of those things happening only the strongest businesses survive. Beasly
Tire, Buddy and Freds, The Newscaster and Food Ranch keep on chugging along, but it is
increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive. And now we have the leaders of our
community creating a "marketplace" to take a little more of the already small pie. This with
a fire tax looming that may be the death knell for some of our businesses.
The strength of our community is in direct proportion to the strength of her busi-
nesses. Better support what you have.
Citrus/Levy History now on thenewscaster1.com
Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park has always had a gator lagoon to intrigue
tourist. Today's gators lay lazily around in the sun and appear to ignore the crowds who
marvel at getting a closer look at these prehistoric looking creatures. The gators appear
motionless and friendly to each other. Back in the earlier days of the park there were regular
Shrimp Landing
alligator feeding times. These reptiles would come to life when a bell was rung to designate
"dinner is on" and even have a skirmish to grab the fish on the end of a line dangled from the
boardwalk over the lagoon. That fish treat caused a lot of competition. This feeding time from
48 Hwy. 19 S. at Hickory Island
the Florida State Archives was photographed by Tom McLendon in 1972. History by Sally Price.
One dog lost in Dunnellon fire
Inglis, Florida · 352-447-5201
Open 7 Days per Week · Free WiFi
and one dog rescued
OPEN FRIDAY & SAT. AT 5:00 AM CLOSED AT 11 PM
Monday - Thursday 5:00 am - 9:00 pm
At 3:40 pm, May 3, the Citrus County Sheriff s Office, Division of Fire Rescue
responded to a residential fire in Dunnellon at 5545 W. Woodlawn St. A unit from De Rosa
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner · DINE IN or CARRY OUT
arrived on-scene at 3:48 pm to find an approximately 2000 sq. ft. triple-wide mobile home
well involved in fire. All occupants were out of the home with the exception of two pets.
One dog was located and removed, but due to deteriorating fire conditions, firefighters were
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unable to re-enter the structure to search further for the second pet. Fire crews and Nature
Coast Emergency Medical Services provided further care to the rescued dog, which was
MONDAY - Pulled Pork BBQ $9.99 or Fresh Fried Mullet - $10.99
successfully revived, but the second dog was lost as a result of the fire. The residents were
TUESDAY - Fried Shrimp or Shrimp Scampi - $10.99
not home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
The fire was attacked aggressively to control the fire and prevent further damage
WEDNESDAY - Fried Chicken $9.99
to adjacent property. The water supply for the fire was provided by a water shuttle due to a
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lack of hydrants in the area. . Fire units from De Rosa, Citrus Springs, Pine Ridge, Connell
THURSDAY - Spaghetti & Meatballs - $7.99
Heights, Kensington, Beverly Hills and Homosassa were used to extinguish the fire.
The fire was under control at 4:39 pm and the scene was cleared at 6:53 pm.The building and
FRIDAY - Fish Fry - $9.99
contents were a total loss, with damages estimated at $117,630. The Fire Marshal s Office is
SATURDAY - Fried Shrimp or Scampi - $10.99
conducting a preliminary investigation as to the cause of the fire.
SUNDAY - Beef Tips over Rice or Noodles $10.99 & Wings - $11.99
Make Your Mother's Day
Reservations Now!
352-447-5201
Carl Roof, Inc.
League of Women
Voters of Citrus County
Land Clearing - Fill - Septic Installation
Carl Roof, Owner
You can make a difference
19371 SE Butler Rd.
Join Today
Inglis, FL 34449
For infor please visit our website:
Since 1973
352-447-2733
www.lwvcitrus.org
352-257-8250 cell
email: lwvcc2013@gmail.com