THE NEWSCASTER-Nature Coast News
PAGE 8 - April 27, 2011
Squawk Box
Continued from page 1
to document why they are not the cause. If they were the cause they have 15 days of com-
plaint receipt to fully resolve the problem. Here is the issue: SWFMD does not investi-
gate the facts. Are they not the experts on hydrology? They only require the applicant to
investigate so if their investigation says Tarmac did not do it then the parties owning the
well may have to bear the cost of replacement. Let’s also realize someone could be out of
potable water for 18 days before they even know who or what caused the problem, then
of course an individual has to bear costs for that time period to provide their own replace-
ment water. The burden to prove if Tarmac says they did not cause the problem lies on the
affected party. How much would an independent study cost and how long would it take
to finish your on study? It could take months and then litigation may be the result . Can an
individual or municipality afford this cost?”
Darryl Diamond, Inglis Planning Commission member has growth and impact
issues. He writes: “On May 3rd the Levy County Commission will entertain an applica-
tion for a special exception for the Tarmac Mine project. If approved here are some Basic
Concerns for myself and other south Levy county residents. 1. We must protect our local
work force, so I hope the commission makes any approval predicated on Tarmac agreeing
to hire at least 75 % local workers. 2. We hope all workers either working at the mine and/
or driving trucks for them are carefully screened including a criminal background check.
3. We hope all concurrency matters are addressed. Concurrency directs that all impact on
local services, can and should be made a condition of any application. Having Tarmac pay
for roads, schools, fire protection and other service impacts they will cause should be made
According to Len Dutkiewicz, House Committee Chairman (left) with the Inglis VFW Post
part of any approval. 4. I just spoke to a high ranking public official in the county who
8698, it pays to be a member of the VFW. “Every day we pick the last four numbers on a one
informed me that the Army Corp. of Engineers has not given their approval of this project.
dollar bill,” said Len. “If it matches the last four digits of your social Security number, you
County approval of this special exception can be tabled and or made a condition of the
win the pot.” Len’s pictured on the left, presenting Darrel Berger with the $512 he won re-
federal governments approval from “The Corp.”
cently. Darrel, in the middle with the happy smile, is the VFW’s Men's Auxiliary Chaplin. VFW
“Finally, it is nice to see both Inglis and Yankeetown working along with south
Canteen Manager Debbie McDuffie is on the right, helping Len with presenting the money to
Levy residents on a common goal of protecting our area of the county. I sincerely hope
Darrel. VFW Photo
this sprit of cooperation among all south Levy county residents continues, and blossoms
into a unified front controlling growth in the paradise we all call the Nature Coast,” said
Diamond.
The Florida Current, a watchdog website monitoring the Florida Legislature re-
Our Pub
ports: “An ever-evolving House bill that supporters say would streamline the state permit-
Goto: http://thenewscaster.com
ting process was amended Thursday to take on an old controversy -- rock mining. HB 991
by Rep. Jimmy Patronis, R-Panama City, was amended by the House Economic Affairs
Committee to prohibit local governments from applying environmental regulations to ag-
gregate rock mines used for construction and road-building. Business groups long have
Restaurant, Lounge
argued that the mines should be exempt from local regulations because the activity is regu-
& Package Store
lated by the state and that aggregate is vital to industry. Rep. Geraldine Thompson, D-
Orlando, said shifting the burden to challengers would have a chilling effect on citizen
involvement. She offered an amendment to maintain the status quo but it was defeated on a
253 Hwy 40 W. • Inglis, FL
voice vote. Sierra Club and Audubon of Florida representatives said the bill unfairly shifts
the burden of proof to challengers of permits rather than the permit applicant.
1/4 mile west of Hwy. 19
The bill passed 17-0. The bill still has two committee stops. The Senate version of
In a Hurry? Call Ahead (352) 447-2406
the bill, SB 1404, has not been heard in a committee. For more information on the Tarmac
Open M,W,Th 11a-12mid, F-S til 1am • Closed Tues.
hearing May 3rd in Levy County, please see page 11. Read online at: http://www.newscas-
Everything Made to Order
terarchives.com/4-27-11/Newspg11.php
Kids Summer Safety & Youth Expo This Sat.
Fresh-Made Salads: Antipasta, Chicken, Chef & Shrimp
(Inverness) Get ready for a day of safety
programs, summertime activities and healthy
Specials, Homemade Soups, Chowders & Chili
living geared specifically to children when
the 8th Annual Sheriff’s Summer Safety &
Steaks & Seafood Pasta Dishes with Homemade Sauces
Youth Expo rolls into town on Saturday, April
Hand-Pressed Hamburgers Cooked Your Way
30. Families are invited to stop by from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Citrus County Audito-
Wings, Subs & Clubs
rium located just south of Inverness on U.S.
Highway 41. As a reminder, all children who
Pizza, Calzones & Oven-Baked
plan to attend must be accompanied by an
adult. Lots of great indoor and outdoor ac-
Subs after 4 pm
tivities are planned. For more information,
please contact Deputy Andy McEwen by call-
Saturday: Prime Rib after 4 pm
ing 352-726-4488. Photo Credit: Det. Juan
Santiago introduced kids to the sheriff s armored personnel carrier, affectionately known
Special Drinks Made to Order
as “The Duck,” at last year’s Sheriff’s Summer Safety & Youth Expo.
Captains Cove Outfitters
Computers dot Com
Jeff Harris, Plant Manager
39 W. Highway 40 − Inglis, Florida
King Road Mine
50 Wyland, Certified Professional Technician
(352) 447-5610, 283-0492 or 283-0493
#24 Highway 40 East
Tim
www.CaptainsCoveOutfitters.com
Inglis, FL
Bait • Ice • Tackle
Computer Sales & Service
352-447-2074
Kayak Rentals/Instruction
Electronics Parts & Accessories
www.kingroadmine.com
Clean Family Friendly Atmosphere
We Recycle Computers!
All Rods & Reels New w/Mfg. Warranty
INVESTING IN THE F UTURE OF LEVY COUNTY
(352)489-4153 • Plaza of Dunnellon • Next to CVS Pharmacy
21 lbs. of ICE FREE w/purchase of 100 Shrimp!