The Newscaster/Nature Coast News
PAGE 11 - April 7, 2010
Squawk Box
Editorial - Opinion - Commentary
Continued from page 1
“They just didn’t know this was happening until we brought it to their attention. But they
From Yankeetown Town Hall
know now and they are shocked,” said one group member. “We think we will attract signifi-
cantly influential parties to join in on this appeal” she said.
The group’s initial interest is focused on Chambers Island located at the mouth of
A Guest Commentary by Mayor Dawn Clary
New Liaisons - Every year the different areas of town workings get a councilperson as-
the Withlacoochee River where construction has already begun. The specific changes to the
signed to them. There was not much of a change this year but if you have a question, com-
Amended Comp Plan that relaxed the long standing development restrictions of the barrier
ment, complaint or atta boy, they are as follows: Finance and Roads - Norm Shannahan,
islands came at the request of Tim Haines, the island’s owner and an Ocala lawyer/developer
Planning and Zoning - Mike Lineberger, Fire Department - Larry Feldhusen, Water - Doug
who lobbied town officials for the changes while providing free legal services to them in
Dame, Parks and Recreation - Jack Schofield. Next year’s Vice Mayor will also have been
federal and other law suits. The citizens group is pushing for a formal investigation of this
selected by the council this week but too late for this article. Stay tuned
questionable relationship between Haines and elected and appointed town officials..
Clarification -I would like to comment on a statement made last week on the front page
The citizens group and other outside organizations they have attracted are con-
of the Newscaster which could be misleading. The correspondent stated “A 4 year mora-
cerned that the natural wealth of the town and the health of habitat of the gulf coast waters
torium in Yankeetown has totally halted any business growth”. Yankeetown’s moratorium
can only suffer with the Amended Comp Plan’s blatant disregard for their maximum protec-
only prohibits commercial building. Yankeetown has available commercial buildings and
tion. “At a time when town officials could have increased protections for the islands, they
anyone wishing to open a business is invited to do so. It is unfortunate that the moratorium
relaxed them. We will fight to get that reversed if we can and at the same time find out why
has lasted so long however if the comprehensive plan amendment had not been challenged
it happened in the first place” said one group member.
so vigorously, a challenge which has consistently lost, the moratorium would have been
lifted years ago. The DCA has given final signature approval, however Izaak Walton Inves-
tors has just filed a notice to appeal, again. While it was hoped that the moratorium would be
lifted within months it appears that the legal procedure will take still more time. If you want
FACTS on our comprehensive plan or zoning, please contact Larry Cohan, Mike Lineberger
or Chris Fineout by calling town hall or the zoning office.
Birding - The WGP wants to become a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. This is a
2000 mile self guided trail with 489 sites selected for their excellent birding experience. It is
sponsored by the Fla. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Check it out on the web.
Drainage - We have installed two devices which hopefully will curb high tide backflow
into the lower lying areas of town. A flapper valve which was the brain child of the Storm
Water and Drainage Committee was installed on Magnolia and a permanent valve was put
into operation on the drainage swale on Hickory.
More sadness in the Swamp - Our Sympathies go out to Ms. Peg Page, who audits the
town’s accounts, at the loss of her brother. Good Night and Good Luck, Dawn Marie Clary,
Mayor of Yankeetown
Levy County Clerk of Court Danny Shipp handled the honors Thursday night swearing in the
newly elected Inglis Town Commissioners Drinda Merritt, Sherry Ely and Dick Kellman. Ap-
pointments made of commissioners to be laisons: Bob Webb will remain Commission Presi-
dent, Dick Kellman - Vice Chair, Sherry Ely - Maintenance, Roads and Bridges, Bob Webb - Fire
and Police, Gary Moser - Budget and Finance, Drinda Merritt - Health, Welfare and Recreation,
Dick Kellman - Water, Sherry Ely - Laison to Planning Commission, Gary Moser Laison to Land
Use Officer/Code Enforcement, Mayor Bill Lake - Laison to Florida League and Federal Agen-
cies. Photo by Sally Price.
Census Worker Openings Still Available
Certain areas of Levy County are still short of applicants to work as Census Work-
ers next month. This means that you might still have an opportunity to apply for one of these
well-paid temporary positions. With no time clock to punch and choosing when you want to
work, these jobs offer the flexibility few other jobs can offer.
Fellow students look on as Summer Bell. receives her dog tags recognizing her as a Colonel in
Since there is no office to report to, both mileage reimbursement (50 cents a mile)
the Power of One! Program (50 letters)
plus the hourly wage of $11.25 is paid from your driveway back to your driveway. Those
areas still lacking Census Workers are: CEDAR KEY, OTTER CREEK, WILLISTON,
C.R. man arrested on Lake county sexual battery warrant
FANNING SPRINGS (Levy County) and the areas surrounding CHIEFLAND. Application
Paul Sielski, 59, 843 N.W. 3rd Ave., Crystal River, was arrested by the Citrus
sites are in each of these areas. For more information, call 1-866-861-2010 to schedule your
County Sheriff s Office, March 25, on a Lake County warrant, sexual battery of a child 12-
application time before this excellent opportunity is over.
16 years-old, without force/violence. His bond was set at $5,000.
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