'Newspg12' by The Newscaster - Nature Coast News

Citrus County Sheriff Jeff Dawsy speaking on behalf of the newly formed citizens group: the Withlachoochee Trail Patrol. Trained volunteers will patrol the trail in a specially designed golf cart and on bicycles

to aid trail goers. Equipped with a stretcher and an Automatic Electronic Defibbrilating (AED) device the Trail Patrol hopes to provide rapid response time for emergencies that might happen in more remote

areas of the trail and to help bicyclists stranded by flat tires or other minor mechanical problems. If this sounds like a volunteer activity for you, contact C.C.S.O. Sgt. Chris Evans for more information.

Newscaster Photo by Mike Moore

Trail Patrol Officially Underway

The Nature Coast Business Development

(Inverness) On Tuesday, May 29, starting at

About 25 volunteers have signed on

Council, Inc. (NCBDC) is hosting a series of

The purpose of the new service is to

10 a.m., there was a kickoff ceremony for a

to work four-hour shifts and patrol the trail

workshops throughout Levy County to edu-

provide routine security patrol along the Cit-

new service provided by the Citrus County

from 30 minutes after sunrise to 30 minutes

cate local businesses that operate commer-

rus section of the Withlacoochee State Trail,

Sheriff's Office Community Affairs Unit. The

before sunset, seven days a week. The mo-

cial vehicles on the necessary laws, require-

as well as work special trail events. Members

agency's first-ever Trail Patrol, scheduled to

torized golf cart they'll drive will stock an au-

ments, etc. NCBDC has partnered with the

are expected to be the "eyes and ears" of the

begin Friday, June 1, is sure to benefit those

tomated external defibrillator, first-aid kit, fire

Department of Transportation, Motor Carrier

Sheriff's Office, reporting crime and unusual

who bike or walk along the 30 miles of the

extinguisher, bicycle repair supplies for cy-

Compliance to conduct these workshops and

events, but not taking law enforcement ac-

Withlacoochee State Trail that run through

clists' use, as well as many other items.

provide materials for reference.

Citrus County. Those attending Tuesday's

All Trail Patrol members are both

Levy County Commissioner Tony Parker,

In addition, members are trained to

ceremony met at the Inverness Trailhead,

AED and CPR certified. The two-way radio

District I, is spearheading the training and

render aid and assistance to disabled bicy-

which is located across the street from

assigned to them is carried and monitored at

having county employees attend for updates.

clists or any injured persons they may en-

Suncoast Bicycles Plus, 322 N. Pine Avenue.

Commissioner Parker recognizes the amount

counter. Another important duty is to edu-

of businesses that need this information and

cate cyclists and passengers, especially those

wishes to make Levy County an example for

under age 16, that it's the law to wear an ap-

local businesses to follow.

proved bicycle helmet in Citrus County.

NCBDC is also hosting afternoon work-

At 46 miles in length, the Withlacoochee State

shop partnering with the Small Business De-

Trail crosses three counties (Citrus,

velopment Center of the Unversity of North

Hernando and Pasco) and currently is the

Florida to conduct Business Continuity Plan-

longest paved rail trail in Florida. The trail

ning and Diaster Preparation. For more infor-

corridor runs through small towns, ranches

Shannon Adams, Realtor7

mation contact the Nature Coast Business

and natural landscapes as it makes its way

Bus:352-794-0888 Fax: 352-795-0282

Development Council, Inc.(352) 486-5470

south from Citrus Springs to Trilby. The trail

Cell:352-220-9209 Res:352-447-1009

Dates and Times: July 17, 2007; Williston's

will eventually join many other trails in the

Toll Free: 888-664-1951

Women's Club July 26, 2007; CFCC levy Cen-

region, becoming part of the Central Florida

shannondadams@adelphia.net

ter 1:00p-3:30p; July 17, 2007; Williston's

loop. "I'm not aware of any other county of-

Women's ClubJuly 26, 2007; CFCC levy

fering this kind of security patrol along the

trail," said Sheriff Jeff Dawsy.

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