Today's News

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s open house Feb. 22, held at the UF/IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station, was a chance for residents to learn about the purpose and history behind the environmental regulations and restoration efforts that affect Cedar Key and the surrounding area.

And while environmental regulations might not sound like sexiest of topics, the morning and midday event was a hit by all accounts, with around 80 attendees, proving again that Cedar Key citizen are passionate about its ecological standing.

The open house presented an arrangement of stations, where, joining the DEP, there were representatives from UF/IFAS, Levy County’s Solid Waste department, an Ocala-based waste and recycling company, and Florida’s Aquatic Preserves, which, like the Florida Park Service, falls under the umbrella of the DEP.

By Kate Sheridan, Citizen Correspondent

Fanning Springs Annual Eggstavaganza was the main subject discussed at the recent Fanning Springs Chamber of Commerce meeting.

The annual Easter egg hunt and ski show takes place March 24 at Fanning Springs Park. The event will run from noon until 4 p.m. with the ski show starting at 3 p.m. There will be more than 6,000 filled Easter eggs for children to hunt. All age groups will be divided into four groups to ensure a fun hunt.

In addition to hunting eggs, the Chamber will also offer more than 50 different raffles offered for free to all participating children. The day will include face painting, balloon art, music and many other surprises and activities.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase but picnic lunches with drinks are allowable.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Basket) and come out Saturday, March 24, for a great day with friends and family.

The Levy County Commission on March 20 adopted an ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas while treating its growing and cultivation like other nurseries.

The unanimous passing of the ordinance, based on a motion from Mike Joyner and a second from Matt Brooks, came after the second of two public hearings on the matter held at the Courthouse in March.

The ordinance is consistent with the Board’s earlier proposal, based on one of the recommended options from county attorney Anne Bast Brown. In seeking guidance for the ordinance from the Board, Brown noted that the state’s current direction on the issue provided legal buffering for the banning of dispensaries, but that the county could be at a severe legal disadvantage if it discriminated against medical marijuana nurseries.

The ordinance, which replaces the moratorium on medical marijuana, treats growers and cultivators of medical marijuana like any other agricultural industry, subject to zoning and land-use regulations.

The exceptional collection of rising talent in Chiefland track and field suggests a bright future (and present) for the sport at the school.

At the first ever C. Doyle McCall and Wendell Corbin Honorary Invitational Track and Field Meet April 5 in Chiefland, the pioneering figures of the program’s past were honored.

McCall, the program’s founding coach, as well as a legendary coach on the football field, and Corbin, his longtime successor at CHS, were presented plaques before the meet for their service to Chiefland track and field. McCall’s health prevented him from attending, so a former Indian athlete from one of McCall’s first teams, Jolyn Corbin, accepted the plaque on his former coach’s behalf.

Harry Hutson, a volunteer coach for Chiefland track and field, announced the honors while head coach Lee Bell presented the plaques. Hutson was on McCall’s first track team, in 1953, along with Greg Jenkins, Leo Cason and the late Jeff Sheffield. Cason waved to the fans on hand as he was introduced by Hutson.