The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - November 5, 2008
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
"I HATE TO ADMIT IT, BUT I WAS WRONG, TOO"
A Guest Commentary by Bill Cox
My objective in writing this article is three-fold. First and foremost, to admit and
apologize to the town and Izaak Walton Investors, LLC (IWI) for my involvement and role
in what has turned into a huge effort to stop IWI from legally exercising its property rights
and the development of its property under the town's current Comprehensive Plan and Zon-
ing Code. Secondly, I would like to thank Sally Price, for having the courage to step up and
tell the truth (Newscaster article, dated October 8, 2008) and acknowledge her role in this
conspiracy to stop legitimate growth from taking place in Yankeetown. Thirdly, I hope by
getting the truth out, that I might, in some positive way, contribute to a solution that will
help mend this town and stop the commercial moratorium that has gone on, now, for too
long.
Like Sally Price and many of you, I became upset, back in late 2005, at what I
thought was unethical behavior on the part of our town government regarding the proposed
IWI waterfront development. I was one of those leading the charge to uncover and expose
what, I thought at the time, was illegal and unethical behavior on the part of certain elected
L-R Donna Taudte President Child’s Play Board of Directors, Judy Koole treasurer Board
officials. I was outraged and attended town council meetings, demanding answers. I even
of Directors, Debra Overla, Community Church, Sara Canfield , Sugarmill Woods.
bought lumber for "Save Yankeetown" signs, to protest the alleged conspiracy between cer-
Child’s Play Foundation, Inc of Isaiah’s Place had a training seminar at the Com-
tain town officials and IWI.
munity Church Oct 24 & 25, 2008. Thirty-six Mental health and Child Care workers from
As a result of the demands made on town hall, by me and others, for answers about
around the state were registered to attend. Linda Hunter, PhD from Palm Beach, Florida
this proposed waterfront development, (former) Mayor Johannasson responded by appoint-
presented her trauma work in Sand Tray with children in Africa and Eastern Europe. The
ing a 9-member committee, charged with finding-out facts about the proposed develop-
seminar was co-hosted by the Community Church, The Early Learning Coalition of the
ment. This committee had six meetings, (one at the Lodge, one at library, and four at Nancy
Nature Coast and The Board of Directors of Child’s Play Foundation.
Moore's house). The committee gathered facts and reported back to the mayor and town
Child’s Play Foundation is a non-profit agency that provides training and therapeu-
council with our findings. The committee was disbanded after delivering our final report to
tic intervention for families at risk.
More information is available at
the town council. Out of the 9 members on the Mayor's committee, 3 were for the IWI
isaiahsplace@bellsouth.net or 352 447-1775.
development, 3 were against it, and 3 were undecided.
Members of this disbanded committee, including myself, members of the current
You're Invited To The Annual Spaghetti Dinner
town government, and others, continued meeting, twice at Nancy Moore's house, then we
moved to Mike Lineberger's and Marsha Drew's home, as the group grew in size. During
"As good as a 5 star restaurant..."
this time, my office on 63rd Street was host to many impromptu gatherings, where the
primary topic of discussion was how to stop this development. This self-proclaimed anti-
Saturday, November 8th from 4pm to 7pm
development group would become known as SWAY, whose stated purpose was to "'stop the
developer," IWI. In the months that followed, members of SWAY crafted a plan which em-
at the Yankeetown-Inglis Woman's Club
ployed a vicious campaign of intimidation, smear tactics, innuendo, and harassment, to dis-
rupt and eventually drive legitimately elected town officials from office. (To be contin-
$6 includes garlic bread, salad, coffee/tea,
ued...) Anyone wishing to propose a solution that would end this dispute between the town
and spumoni ice cream.
and the developer is invited to stop by my office, to discuss.
Bill Cox, Yankeetown
Chef's Special of sausage and peppers for an additional $3.
The Yankeetown-Inglis Womans Club is located at 5 56th Street near
the Post Office in Yankeetown.
EL Ranchito
Mexican Restaurant
The Best Mexican Cuisine South of the Border!
445 N.E. 1st Terrace, Crystal River
Open 7 Days
Crystal Terrace Shopping Center
Yes, we have
Lunch & Dinner
North of Big Lots & East of Post Office
Beer & Wine!
Served
Monday-Thursday: 11am-2pm & 5-9pm  Friday: 11am-2pm & 5-10pm
Saturday: Open All Day-Noon-10pm
Sunday: Open All Day-Noon-9pm
Inglis Food Ranch staff got into the spirit of Halloween, without exception, on Friday. Right to left, the
swaggering masqueraders include: (front row) Sylvia Onofrio, James Levi, Randi Simpson; (back row)
Dine-In or Take-Out
352-795-5251
Autumn Roberts, Sherri Robinson, Stephanie Creel, assistant manager Diane Claytor (deemed first
place winner!), Janna Delmas, Julie Kearn and store manager Doug Johnston.
Shannon Adams,Realtor
NAPA Auto &
Aluminum Structures
Truck Parts
Office 352-794-0888
7090 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy - Crystal River
Toll-Free 1-888-664-1951
Mobile Home Roofovers
Inglis
Cell 352-220-9209 -Home 352-447-1009
Wood Decks
(352) 447-6000
Hours:
352-563-2977
730 N. Suncoast Blvd., Crystal River
Pool Enclosures
Mon-
FAX: 352-795-0282
Screen Rooms
Fax: 352-447-6099
Friday
Licensed & Insured
WEBSITE: www.ExitRealtyLeaders.com
Glass & Vinyl Rooms
7:30-5:30
Hydraulic Hoses Our Specialty
E-MAIL: shannondadams@comcast.net
# CB-CA15418
Colored Seamless
Saturday
Hydraulic Hoses up to 2"- 6 Wire
Gutters
www.aluminumstructures.com
Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated
8-12