Local News

Incumbents Rollin Hudson Jr. and Sammy Cason, who drew no opposition at the close of qualifying for city elections, have won new terms, said City Clerk Mary Ellzey. In the only remaining race, incumbent Commissioner Frank Buie was not so lucky. He is being challenged by former Commissioner Alice Monyei in the Aug. 4 election. Qualifying opened at 8 a.m. Monday and closed at 4:30 Friday.  

The Florida Department of Education released school grades last week, giving the Levy County School District as a whole a B grade, the same it received last year.

“We are proud of our schools, proud of our teachers,” said Patrick Wnek, Director of Curriculum. “We want to congratulate our students and teachers for a job well done – of course, parents play a big role in that as well.”

Eight schools in the county received an A, including all elementary and middle schools, as well as Cedar Key School.

The city of Chiefland’s financial health received an “unqualified” endorsement, the highest available from its auditor, Robert Beauchamp.

Beauchamp, who delivered his report on the state of city revenues and spending at Monday evening’s commission meeting, commended the city staff for its helpfulness and their attention to properly handling public funds.

“They do a great job; they’re a great staff,” he said.

The Levy County Visitors Bureau met with area businesses in Cedar Key this week to discuss how the agency works to promote local tourism.

“I would like to make this an annual event – maybe in May with Tourism Week,” said Carol McQueen, Executive Director of the Visitors Bureau. “We collect a tax and I think people want to know what we do with it.”