Local News

By Lou Elliott Jones

Homeowners in four unincorporated areas of the county who live within 5 road miles – not as the crow flies – can rejoice: Your fire insurance could get lowered as of Aug. 1.

Six Cane Corso/Mastiff dogs ― owned by the same family who lost three dogs after a violent attack on a baby and a young couple ― have been seized by the county after the dogs were reported running loose and attacking a Levy County Sheriff's deputy's vehicle.

A source with knowledge of the case said the owners ― Laura Traughber and Mark Teears ― have a hearing date in Levy County Court. The three animals in the earlier attack were euthanized by the county after a hearing before Levy County Judge James 'Tim” Browning.

A wild and challenging race, which has grown in popularity over the years, presented an interesting challenge to racers this year.

The Wild Hog Canoe and Kayak Race is known for the twisting turns of the little Waccasassa River, rapids, logs and wild critters. This year however, for its 39th annual year, the race set a new record of 131 boats entering the race, beating the long standing record of 124 being the most boats entered.

Levy County schools were notified Wednesday morning by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Foods of food recalls resulting in the disposal of about 60 cases or 1200 pounds of chicken products from Pilgrim's Pride Corp.

A previous recall on April 7 listed only one product, but a secondary press release on April 26 revealed multiple other products had been affected. Over 4.5 million pounds of chicken products are being recalled.