Current drought conditions not matching
2011-2012 dry spell numbers -- yet
FFS still fighting wildfires

This map, provided by the FDACS Forestry Service, shows the counties with burn bans as of May 15. The counties can extend their bans in seven-day increments. For more exact information about a burn ban in a county, check with the County Commission for that county.

By Jeff M. Hardison © May 18, 2026 at 12 p.m.
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     NORTH CENTRAL FLORIDA -- There have been four long-duration extreme droughts since 2000 in the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD), which includes this current drought, according to Troy Roberts, office chief, SRWMD  Communications and Outreach.
     The 15-county SRWMD includes Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties; and part of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Jefferson, Levy and Putnam counties.
     While conditions are significant as of May 14, Roberts noted, they have not matched the lengthy duration and severity of the 2011-2012 drought.
     Nevertheless, a Modified Phase II Water Shortage containing both voluntary and mandatory reductions in water use is currently in effect for the entire SRWMD. The Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order was approved at the April 14, Suwanee River Water Management District Governing Board meeting. This water shortage order includes updated rules regarding landscape and other irrigation. Therefore, the District website (http://www.mysuwanneeriver.com) should be consulted for current guidance on water use while the water shortage is in effect.
WILDFIRES
     The South Canal Fire in Lafayette County is currently at 2,265 acres and it is 97 percent contained, according to a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Florida Forest Service employee in the FFS Perry District Office.
     As of May 14, Roberts noted, there were approximately 32 acres are burning on the Mallory Swamp Tract, which is closed to the public and closed to SRWMD activities other than wildfire suppression. 
     The SRWMD, like many of the regions fire departments, has dispatched contactors to assist the FFS in its recent fighting of fires.
     The SRWMD averaged approximately 1.08 inches of rain from May through 9, Roberts noted. The highest rainfall totals were at Mallory Swamp in Lafayette County at approximately 2.88 inches during that period.
     As of May 14, groundwater levels were at the 10.2 percentile mark for the overall SRWMD. Some areas are higher or lower. This is a decrease from the 10.6 percentile reported from the week before May 14, Roberts noted.
     This percentile utilizes long-term SRWMD averages of monitored wells, some of which date back to 1976, Roberts said.
     As for the latest information about specific fires in Florida counties, FDACS Communications Director Aaron Keller provided this link:  https://ffs.firesponse.com/public/
     As of 9 a.m. on May 18, it showed two active fires in Levy County:
     ● Cow Creek - 2,364 acres and 85 percent contained
     ● U.S. Alt. 27 - one-half of one acre and 90 percent contained
     As of 9 a.m. on May 18, it showed two four fires in Dixie County:
     ● Camp 4 - 15 acres and 20 percent contained
     ● Dixie County Road 351 (aka Highway 351) - 555 acres and 85 percent contained
     ● 440 - 728 acres and 90 percent contained
     ● Greenfield - 13 acres and 80 percent contained
     As of 9 a.m. on May 18, it showed two zero fires in Gilchrist County.
RIVER ISSUES
      Streamflow conditions across all major rivers are below normal to near record lows based on current reads for the SRWMD, Roberts said. Daily record lows have been detected on several rivers, Roberts said.
     As of May 14, the rivers below show daily record lows:
     ● Withlacoochee River near Lee
     ● Suwannee River at Luraville 
     ● Santa Fe River near Hildreth 
     Additionally, Roberts said, several river gages are showing no flow, including the Santa Fe River at Worthington Springs and near Graham, and the New River at Lake Butler. 
     Conditions are impacting agricultural operations, Roberts said. Planting season is underway, and crops are being planted where farmers can irrigate. Without irrigation, farmers are pausing planting until wetter conditions materialize. 
IRRIGATION
     Since the start of April, the SRWMD received reports of 16 wells impacted by drought conditions, Roberts said. There are restrictions in this water management district. The Southwest Florida Water Management District is the other one for Levy County. Those restrictions are different.
     As noted in the modified water restrictions for the SRWMD noted above, these include:
     ● Maintaining a one-day per week landscape irrigation schedule for established lawns.
     ● Limiting irrigation to two days per week on new lawn and landscaping projects. 
     ● Limits to agricultural use, including changes to times allowed for high-pressure overhead irrigation systems.
     ● Changes to golf course irrigation, which limits days of the week when watering is allowed. 
     The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is under a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage due to ongoing drought and rainfall deficits. These rules apply to all residents across the 16-county district and are in effect until at least July 1.
     To see the extensive list for the SWFWMD (aka Swiftmud) restrictions, click HERE.
FDACS HELPS
     The FDACS helps growers with irrigation efficiency, FDACS Communications Director Keller noted, both through site-specific analysis and cost share. More information about that is available by clicking HERE.
 

Chiefland moves forward
with grant applications
for possible future Publix

Benton Blaine is seen behind the lectern before the start of the May 11 regular Chiefland City Commission meeting. He is among the development team for a potential future Publix and shopping center in an area just north of the current Walmart Super Center. 

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © May 15, 2026 at 7:30 a.m.
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     CHIEFLAND – Discussion regarding an economic development agreement for a proposed grocer project, with Publix being the probable store, was among the most talked-about items at the regular twice-monthly meeting of the Chiefland City Commission on Monday evening (May 11).
     Chiefland City Manager Laura Cain opened the discussion by saying the agreement outlines the participation structure between the city and the developer, based upon the outcome of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
     “The agreement is intended to support economic development, increase commercial services and encourage investment within the Community,” Chiefland City Manager Cain said.
     The fiscal impact on the city government’s budget will be zero dollars, Cain added, if the CDBG or the Rural Infrastructure Fund (RIF) Grant, which is sought to be awarded from the state of Florida for this project and the adjacent infrastructure totals less than $2.5 million, she added.
     If the CDBG and-or the RIF have a combined total between one dollar more than $2.5 million and one dollar less than $3.5 million, then the City of Chiefland’s contribution shall be reduced by $1 for each dollar more than $2.5 million, she said.


Sitting in the audience for this part of the City Commission meeting, before that May 11 session started, are (from left) Lois Livingston of Top Dollar Enterprises, Stephen Infantino, senior vice president and partner in Tailwinds Development, Tommy Miles of Top Dollar Enterprises and Benton Blaine, a spokesman and negotiator for Tailwinds Development.

     “We’ve discussed this previously,” Cain said. “We’ve all had meetings with Mr. Benton Blaine.” 
     Blaine is a member of the development team from the group known as Tailwinds Development, based in Lake Mary (Seminole County).
     Blaine, and Stephen Infantino, senior vice president and partner in Tailwinds Development, LLC, were in the City Commission Meeting Room on that Monday evening. Tommy Miles and Lois Livingston of Top Dollar Enterprises, a Chiefland based interest, are other individuals who are involved in this project as well as other projects with Tailwinds Development, including in Newberry (Alachua County) were present at the meeting as well.
     During the discussion, Blaine, in answering a question from Chiefland Vice Mayor Norman Weaver, said the CDBG is dependent on the development paying ad valorem property taxes. Weaver had also questioned where the average income of a worker in Chiefland was derived, and Blaine explained that FloridaCommerce, formerly known as the Florida Department of Commerce, has that information available. He mentioned that due to a federal government shutdown, some figures were not updated yet by the state government, but he assured Weaver that the pay scales noted in the document are valid.
     Weaver asked more questions to determine that the city would be secure in its participation in the private-public partnership that seeks to develop a grocery store and other enterprises in the two-phase project. City Attorney Norm D. Fugate answered Weaver’s question about the definition of “a third party.” This is a common phrase, Fugate said. In regard to the contract involved between the city, the developer and the grant or grants that may be awarded. In this instance, the “third party” cannot hold the city or the developer or the state or federal governments responsible for actions that are not relevant to the matters noted in the contract.
     The Economic Development Grant Agreement is at least 12 pages with single space lines and in includes 10 subsections.


Seen during the early part of the meeting on May 11 meeting in the City Commission Meeting Room of Chiefland City Hall (aka Hardy R. Dean Sr. Municipal Building) are (from left) City Commission Chris Jones, Vivce Mayor Norman Weaver, Mayor Lewrissa Johns, and commissioners Kim Bennett and LaWanda Jones.


Chiefland Police Cpl. Timothy O'Shaughnessy represented the Chiefland Police Department as well as providing security at the meeting. Police Chief Scott Anderson was absent due to illness.

     Vice Mayor Weaver and the other members of the Chiefland City Commission – Mayor Lewrissa Johns, and commissioners Kim Bennett, Chris Jones and LaWanda Jones asked questions and listened to answers for another half hour or so to go through various parts of the agreement as they sought to protect the interests of residents and visitors of Chiefland so that if the the grant application(s) were awarded, then the developers and the other government entities would bear burdens from failure to bring the project to fruition, or if it failed to start – like the hospital that never broke ground since its proposed start about 20 years ago, or if it fails like the former Sonic, Hungry Howie’s and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, or the closed Save-A-Lot grocery store, or the closed Winn-Dixie that became an Aldi, in Chiefland, etc.
     As part of the discussion, Blaine explained to listeners that a “sin business” like a bar and similar enterprises, will require more of a police presence than a grocery store. 
     “This is going to be your standard grocery store,” Blaine said. “So, I can’t talk specifically about the criminal element from subs, and pizzas and things like that. I guess it’s theoretically possible.”
     Blaine let the listeners know that in the developments he has brought into existence, grocery stores are not a typical center point for criminal activity.
     The agreement requires the development to produce jobs, and it will help the local economy through being a tax revenue producing piece of property. Baine said given that the CDBG is awarded, the tax revenue off of Phase I of the project alone is projected to provide $1.8 million in the first 10 years. He said this is “a pretty sizeable contribution” to the economic well-being of the city government, and to the community.
     After that part of the discussion of the finer points of the agreement that is an aspect of the city applying for grant funds, Mayor Johns asked City Manager Cain for a map of what happens next.
     Given that Blaine and the other developers are in agreement with the minor revisions and finer points noted in the contract that was reviewed at the City Commission meeting of May 11, Cain said, as she also deferred to City Attorney Fugate to confirm her synopsis, then the contract will lead to the creation of a resolution.
     The attorney clarified that it has a potential for at least another two weeks’ delay from action, since the Chiefland City Commission meets twice a month.
     “You can approve an agreement by motion,” Fugate said. “You know, it’s nice to have a resolution to prove that (agreement has been reached), but it is not necessary.”
     The attorney then noted that Cain’s use of the word “changes” is a plural. Other than the 75 percent-25 percent part of the contract agreement, Fugate asked what other change is being talked about.
     The 75-25 percent is one aspect, Cain said; but the other point is that this development would have “no development fee” credit. 
     Fugate said that if the motion is made to approve the Economic Development Grant Agreement, then that part of the city’s intent needs to be stated clearly as part of the motion.
     Vice Mayor Weaver made the motion to approve the Economic Development Grant Agreement, noting specifically that the two changes of 75-25 percent on the ad valorem tax, where 75 percent is to be paid by the developer and 25 percent is to be paid by the city, and no credit is applied for development fees paid by the developer. Weaver’s motion was seconded by City Commissioner Bennett. The motion passed with a 5-0 vote.

Officials take oath
in three places over two evenings

The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante is seen with the first of eight elected public servants to whom he administered the oath of office in the municipalities of Chiefland, Inglis and Williston on May 11 and 12. Joining in the photo opportunity are Chiefland City Commissioner Kim Bennett and her son Kolby Bennett. Commissioner Bennett was the first of the eight to take the oath during those two nights of three municipalities' meetings.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison
© May 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     LEVY COUNTY – The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante administered the oath of office to two city commissioners in Chiefland on Monday night (May 11), as well as three Inglis City Council members in Inglis – and the4 mayor and two Williston City Council members on Tuesday evening (May 12).
     Kim Bennett and Lewrissa Johns recited the oath of office on Monday night in Chiefland.
     Harry William Brodhead, Deborah LaClair and Lisa Levesque recited the oath of office on Tuesday evening in Inglis.
     Charles Goodman, Debra Jones and Shannon Church recited the oath of office on Tuesday evening, too, in Williston.
     During the last of his three sessions, the judge mentioned that he lives in the suburbs of Williston. He had already committed to the 6 p.m. actions for Williston when Inglis leaders asked for him to administer the oath of office on Tuesday night, too. Inglis agreed to a 5 p.m. ceremony, which let the judge make it to Williston for his service there.

Chiefland
     Monday evening was a regular twice-monthly meeting of the Chiefland City Commission. So, not only did it include the investiture of Bennett and Johns to their reelected positions, but there were Outstanding Students honored, and there was city business as well – including discussion and possible action related to development in Chiefland, which has the potential of placing a Publix just north of Walmart in Chiefland – “The Gem of the Suwannee Valley.”
     As Judge Bustamante opened the ceremony in Chiefland, he let the people know that an investiture is a celebration. He mentioned that Bennett and Johns were reelected without opposition. 
     He intimated that the people in Chiefland have such a high level of confidence for these two elected public servants, that no other person went through the procedures to qualify to run against them in an election.
     The judge said he looks at the accomplishments by these leaders in Chiefland, and he can understand why no one would dare to challenge them in an election.
     As he began the process with Bennett, he mentioned that he as thankful for the privilege of administering the oath of office for every person currently on the Chiefland City Commission, including City Commissioner Chris Jones, who was not in the room yet. He arrived a bit later that evening – in time to help choose the mayor and vice mayor, as well as to participate in other discussion and actions for the municipality. 
     The judge noted that Bennett is an advocate for the city and her actions have shown she wants the city to grow, and to do so in a responsible manner, with proper growth management.
     “You do not want to lose the character of the city,” he said to her. “It is a gem. And you understand that.”
    He then administered the oath to City Commissioner Bennett.


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante speaks about Chiefland City Commissioner Kim Bennett before administering the oath of office to her on May 11, 2026 in Chiefland City Hall. To see and hear the video, click on the PHOTO.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     In his next action that Monday night, Judge Bustamante spoke about Johns before swearing her in for a continuation in her office as a member of the Chiefland City Commission.
     Bustamante mentioned that after Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed him to be the Levy County Court judge to fill the vacancy after J.T. “Tim” Browning retired from the bench, he joined the local Rotary Club, where he met Johns.
     He joked about how they seemed to take turns winning the 50-50 drawing of the week, and that when she was there, he did not win but she won.
     On a more serious note, as he led into the investiture of Johns, the judge spoke about her leadership as the president of that Rotary Club, as well as in her many other leadership roles and as an active member of the Chiefland community.
     Judge Bustamante said that he does not know when she sleeps, but “She gets things done.”
     The judge felt moved to read Johns’ post on Facebook that was published on that social media platform on Mother’s Day, where Johns shared her sentiments to honor all mothers.
     Before administering the oath of office, he mentioned that he is a big fan of this member of the Chiefland City Commission, and he appreciates her accomplishments for Chiefland and in other areas.


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante speaks about Lewrissa Johns and then administers the oath of office for her on May 11, as she began another term on the Chiefland City Commission. He begins speaking about her and mentions that ‘She gets things done.’ Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante (right) stands with Lewrissa Johns and her husband Neal Johns as they provide a photo opportunity after she takes the oath of office on May 11.

     After Bennett and Johns were sworn in, the five-member City Commission voted to appoint Johns as the mayor again, and to appoint City Commissioner Norman Weaver as the vice mayor again.
     Publisher’s Note: Judge Bustamante provided the administration of the oath of office, as noted in this story above, in Inglis to three people at 5 p.m. on May 12 before going to Williston, where the process began at 6 p.m. HardisonInk.com was not able to be in Inglis due to other commitments then.

Williston

The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante stands with Debra Jones before swearing her in on Tuesday night (May 12).


After the three people took the oath of office and the five members of the Williston City Council chose the president and vice president of City Council, and an announcement was made, and the meeting was adjourned, all of the elected leaders of Williston agreed to a photo opportunity for the journalist at the event. Seen here (from left) are City Council President Darfeness Hinds, Councilman Michael Cox, Councilwoman Meredith Martin, Mayor Charles Goodman, Councilwoman Shanna Church and Vice President Debra Jones.

     Judge Bustamante first swore in Williston City Councilwoman Shanna Church.
     Church was elected without opposition and takes office for the first time now. She takes the seat formerly occupied by Councilwoman Alexa Haniff-Riccio, who was absent from the investiture ceremony.
     Then Debra Jones took the oath of office. Before administering that to Jones, Bustamante mentioned he is a strong leader who advocates for children and women. Jones cares about Williston, and while some people may not agree with her, she is firm in her beliefs.


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante and Mayor Charles Goodman are seen at the lectern before walking over to the front of the room, where the mayor correctly recited the oath of office.

     As the judge administered the oath of office for Williston Mayor Goodman, he recognized the Vietnam veteran. The judge said he is grateful for Goodman’s service to the United States of America, to Florida and to the City of Williston and to all of the citizens.
     After swearing in seven members of city councils over the two evenings, when the judge had the mayor recite the words, Bustamante did not say “mayor.” Mayor Goodman, though, did not recite what the judge had said and accurately said office of “mayor.” The judge went a just a little bit further in the oath administration before letting the listeners know that the mayor’s correct words were noticed and caused him to break stride a tad.
     As always when Judge Bustamante has sworn in folks, the judge brought theses elected and reelected people into their posts with grace and style, and with a warm and friendly process.


The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante administers the oath of office to Williston City Councilwoman Shanna Church on May 12. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Right Reserved



The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante administers the oath of office to Williston City Councilwoman Debra Jones on May 12. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Right Reserved



The Honorable Levy County Court Judge Luis Bustamante administers the oath of office to Williston Mayor Charles Goodman on May 12. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Right Reserved


(from left) Williston City Councilwoman Shanna Church. Williston City Councilman Michael Cox and Williston City Council President Darfeness Hinds are seen soon after Church took her post.

     At the end of the Williston oaths in Williston, the time had come for the five members of the City Council to decide who would next serve as the present of City Council and who would serve as vice president of City Council.
     Then-President Darfeness Hinds gave the gavel to Mayor Goodman to perform that part of the process. 
     “You know,” Goodman said, “it is not often that a president gives up power.”
     Actually, the United States has had many peaceful transitions of presidential power. Nevertheless, there have been at least eight major disruptions in the 20th and 21st centuries. These disruptions include political hostility, property damage, and contested elections – all the way to outright attempts to block the process by a crowd of violent people. The most recent and severe instance was the 2020–2021 transition, which tested the resilience of democratic norms.
     Meanwhile back in Levy County’s easternmost municipality, Williston City Councilman Michael Cox nominated Debra Jones to be the next Williston City Council president. 
     Then, Hinds nominated herself to be reappointed as president of City Council. 
     When Mayor Goodman called for the tally on those two candidates, Cox and Jones voted for Jones; and Hinds and city councilwomen Meredith Martin and Shanna Church voted for Hinds.
     With that decided, President Hinds accepted the gavel back as she called for nominations for vice president of City Council.
     Martin nominated Jones to be vice president. Church nominated Martin to be vice president. Martin, Cox and Jones voted for Jones as vice president; and Hinds and Church voted for Martin to be vice president.
     Church’s first motion as a member of Williston City Council was to name a person that she wanted to be vice president of the City Council.
 

198^th Performance

This is CFEC Chief Information Officer and Fiber By Central Florida Chief Operating Officer George Buckner III singing the HardisonInk.com Jingle on May 2, 2026, at the Annual Central Florida Electric Cooperative Meeting in the City of Fanning Springs (Levy County, Florida).  Jeff M. Hardison asks people to sing the jingle, and some of them agree to sing it. (Thanks people!) CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO SEE AND HEAR THE VIDEO ON YouTube.com. The very first person to sing the jingle was Danesh “Danny” Patel of Danny’s Food Mart in Chiefland in March of 2013. HardisonInk.com started as a daily news website on Feb. 1, 2011.
Photo and Video by Jeff M. Hardison © May 2, 2026 at 9 p.m.
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