Murder suspect uses
‘stand your ground defense’
Judge to rule on motion
to dismiss murder charge

The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard opens the hearing Wednesday afternoon (May 27) of a motion to dismiss a second-degree murder charge because the defendant allegedly was ‘standing his ground’ when he killed the other man at Ginnie Springs Outdoors, a privately owned park in Gilchrist County, on May 25, 2024.

Story, Photos & Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 28, 2026 at 10:45 a.m.
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    TRENTON – A four-hour hearing Wednesday afternoon (May 27) promises a decision may be presented during the June 10 pre-trial conference on whether a second-degree murder case will be dismissed on the grounds of the death being justifiable under Florida’s “stand your ground” law.
     One side of the issue says this is a murder case. The other side says the man who shot the gun and killed the other man thought the other man, who was unarmed and wearing only a bathing suit and flip-flops, was going to commit a felony such as burglary, according to records.
     If the defense wins its motion for dismissal, then the suspected murderer will be free from that charge. If the judge rules for the prosecution, then that pre-trial conference will be to schedule a murder trial to happen in July.
     The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer sent Assistant State Attorney Daniel Owen and Assistant State Attorney Shawn Patrick Thompson to confer with Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant State Attorney Ray E. Thomas Jr. Assistant State Attorney is the prosecutor based in Gilchrist County and he is the lead prosector of the case of the State of Florida versus Fisher Dalton Watts. Assistant State Attorney Owen is the Levy County Division Chief of the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Assistant State Attorney Thompson is among the staff of prosecuting attorneys serving the people of Florida through State Attorney Kramer’s Office.
     The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Public Defender Stacy Scott sent Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Alexis Giannasoli to serve as lead counsel to defend the accused killer who already has admittedly firing two .40 caliber rounds into Koty Edward Stewart (June 26, 1989-May 25, 2024) of Jacksonville in the early morning hours of May 25, 2024 at Ginnie Springs in Gilchrist County. Stewart was 34 years old when he died quickly from injuries suffered as one bullet went through his heart and another slug went through his thigh, according to records.


isher Dalton Watts, suspected of second-degree murder, enters the courtroom in Trenton on Wednesday afternoon (May 27). Even though he is in the Gilchrist County Jail awaiting trial as a suspected murderer, like all Americans charged with crimes in Florida, he is presumed innocent and will remain so unless the state government proves beyond and to the exclusion of reasonable doubt that he killed a man without just cause.


Some of the courthouse security team members from the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office are seen here during the hearing on Wednesday afternoon. These law enforcement officers perform other duties as well; however, for this environment on that day, the level of force shows a best practice being utilized.


(from left) Assistant State Attorney Daniel Owen, Assistant State Attorney Ray Thomas Jr. and Assistant State Attorney Shawn Thompson confer with one another before Thomas presents a statement before the Honorable Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard during the hearing.


Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Alexis Giannasoli (left), defendant Fisher Dalton Watts and Eighth Judicial Circuit Assistant Public Defender Canaan Goldman confer as Florida Department of Corrections inmate Dallas Watts, Fisher’s older brother, sits in the witness stand in the background on the left side of this picture.

     During the hearing and through evidence already presented, it is clear that Fisher Dalton Watts, who was 18 years old when he killed Stewart two years ago, had come to Ginnie Springs to drink alcohol and party with his brother and others. As noted by the prosecution, Fisher Watts was violating the law that requires a person to be 21 years old in Florida to possess alcohol, as well as to drink it. Dallas Watts cannot possess a firearm in Florida due to a previous conviction, according to record.
     Fisher Watts older brother Dallas Watts has already pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and resisting an officer. On Dec. 10, 2025, the Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge David P. Kreider sentenced Dallas Watts to five years in prison.
     The Honorable Circuit Court Judge Wilson Bullard opened the hearing on May 27 by explaining what was happening.
     This was a hearing to determine if there was a prima facia case to show whether justifiable use of deadly force, or the threat of deadly force, was practiced by Fisher Watts. This hearing results from a motion to dismiss the murder charge that is levied against Fisher Watts of Saint Mary, Georgia, the judge said.
     In this instance, according to the Florida rules of criminal procedure, the trial court is to sit and determine all facts that are true.
     Judge Wilson Bullard, who is the decider of facts in this instance, now will weigh what was presented through sworn testimony, and was presented in photographs and videos related to this case. One witness has provided a few different versions of what he saw that fateful night.
     In this hearing, the burden shifts to the state to prove the self-defense claim is not factual, and that this is a murder case rather than an instance of justifiable homicide as defined by Florida law.
     Assistant State Attorney Thomas made it clear to anyone listening that day that the State of Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office believes this is a case of murder – not of self-defense. 
     Assistant Public Defender Giannasoli made it clear to listeners that she believes her client was in fear for his life from a Jacksonville man who the gunman somehow perceived was intent on committing a felony while that Georgia man was sitting in a Chevy Silverado, using that truck as an overnight camping residence, as well as having used the truck as a passenger when his brother drove that conveyance from Georgia to have some recreational fun at one of the many freshwater springs in Gilchrist County.


Florida District Six Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jon R. Thogmartin, M.D. raises his right hand, as seen on the screen in the courtroom via Zoom, as he promises to tell the truth as he testifies. He ruled that death was from gunshot wounds and that it was homicide. The shot to the heart was fatal, and the shot to the thigh may have been survived if medical care had occurred soon enough after that traumatic injury, according to Dr. Thogmartin's testimony on May 27.


GCSO Det. Sgt. Christopher Keel testifies. Sgt. Keel who has investigated suicides and murders, and attempted murders, which included those by gunshots during his almost 30-year career as a law enforcement professional told what he saw and uncovered during his investigation at the scene soon after it was reported to the GCSO a bit after midnight on May 25, 2024.


GCSO Det. Sgt. Christopher Keel watches as Assistant State Attorney Ray Thomas Jr. prepares to start one of the videos shown during the hearing. The state showed a few videos, including from two fights that happened before the fatal shooting.


Hana Boatright of Eulee testifies.


Dallas Watts testifies. He was very soft spoken, as were others who testified or who addressed The Court that afternoon. The acoustics in this Gilchrist County Courtroom, however, were better than in several cases tried in Levy County and Dixie County during the past 16 years.


 

Two of the pictures of the Chevrolet Silverado owned by Dallas Watts are seen here with tape measures showing the height of different points on the truck, which is central to the killing zone of the man who was shot to death two years ago. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is among the agencies that assisted the GCSO in finding facts and evidence related to what appears to be murder or justifiable homicide as an act of self-defense.



The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard tells people that she will have a decision regarding whether the defense or the prosecution wins in regard to a motion to dismiss a second-degree murder charge. This is from a hearing on May 27, regarding a shooting death in Gilchrist County that happened on May 15, 2024. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     After a few minutes beyond the four hours scheduled for this hearing in the Levy County Courthouse, Circuit Court Judge Wilson Bullard said she intends to have a written order within a week. A week from the hearing will be June 3. Given that all goes as planned as of May 27, there will be a pre-trial conference on June 10 for the Fisher Watts case, and the man will either be free from this second-degree murder charge, or he will be scheduled for a jury trial in July.
     Thomas opened the prosecution’s side of the hearing. Thomas called Florida District Six Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jon R. Thogmartin, M.D., as the first witness for the state. District Six of the Florida Medical Office serves Pinellas and Pasco counties, but this was the office apparently seen as best to serve the people of Florida to perform this autopsy two years ago.
     Thomas also brought Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office Det. Sgt. Christopher Keel to testify under oath, as well as Hana Boatright of Eulee, a witness who was close to the shooting scene; Dallas Watts, the older brother of Fisher Watts, a convicted felon who is currently residing in a Florida prison and who was in the pickup truck asleep until he was awakened by the sound of .40 caliber bullets being fired by his brother at and into the man who died at the scene.
     Witnesses on the defense side included Vanzant Brand, a witness who had different versions of what he saw regarding if Stewart opened the pickup truck door the rest of the way before the fatal shots were fired – although he was consistent in that it was partially open before those moments; and Lucretia Westcott (also known as Lucretia Sukhan K. Westcott) a senior crime laboratory analyst for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), who testified about DNA samples taken from the scene.
     Both the prosecution side and the defense side provided closing statements for the judge to consider as she performs her duty as the decider of facts, which ultimately will lead to the release of Fisher Watts from this murder charge or will lead to the subsequent felony criminal trial or plea-negotiated agreement from this incident that happened two years and resulted in the death of one man.
     If this goes to a jury to decide facts at trial, that event will last days rather than the hours taken when the assistant public defender intimated her client committed justifiable homicide rather than murder.
     Giannasoli had filed the motion to dismiss on Feb. 9, according to records.
     In that motion, she noted Watts shot and killed Stewart when they were both at Ginnie Springs Campground on May 25, 2024, according to records.
     The Honorable Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge David P. Kreider has presided over every aspect of this case since it began in the summer of 2024, according to records. Before Judge Wilson Bullard began presiding over this case there were at least 15 case management conferences for this case, where Judge Kreider presided.
     This is not an extraordinary number of hearings for this type of defendant.
     In her Feb. 9 motion to dismiss, Assistant Public Defender Giannasoli noted several points as “facts.”
     Assistant State Attorney Thomas argued on May 27 that not all of those assertions listed in the Feb. 9 motion are accurate. Thomas clearly contends the facts and evidence presented at this hearing -- were accurately presented for the judge to rule upon – and show that Fisher Watts is to be tried for second-degree murder, rather than to release him from jail as if he had committed justifiable homicide as defined in Florida law.
     In her motion, Giannasoli noted Florida law provides that a person who is in a dwelling or residence in which the person has a right to be has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and use or threaten to use deadly force -- if he or she reasonably believes that using or threatening to use such force as necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself, herself or another person or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony.
     “Fisher Watts was in an occupied vehicle where he was sleeping overnight,” Giannasoli noted in her motion. “He had the right to be in that vehicle, and he was not engaged in any criminal activity. Koty Stewart had no legal right to enter Watts’ vehicle, and Koty Stewart struck Fisher before Fisher could react to stop Koty Stewart from entering. Thus, there is a presumption that Fisher Watts had a fear of imminent death or great bodily harm.”
     A person who defends himself with deadly force, such as Fisher Watts defended himself against Coty Stewart’s “attack,” Giannasoli contends is justified in using deadly force and is immune from prosecution if he reasonably believed it was necessary to prevent death or great bodily harm to himself or others, the assistant public defender stated in her motion to dismiss this charge.
     As noted, if the Jude Wilson Bullard agrees with Giannasoli that there is no prima facie case of guilt, and that the facts presented by the defense counsel are undisputed and do not constitute a crime, then the judge can dismiss the charge.
     Judge Wilson Bullard may deny Giannasoli’s motion. If the judge believes, as the decider of facts, that the prosecution provided sufficient evidence to support the charges beyond the argument noted in the motion to dismiss, the judge may deny the motion and allow the case to proceed to trial.
     As noted, in the meantime, Fisher Watts maintains his presumption of innocence unless he is proved to be guilty beyond and to the exclusion of reasonable doubt, according to current laws in the United States of America, and Florida.
    To see the May 28, 2024 story and photos under the headline “One dead, three wounded in Ginnie Springs shootings; Two suspects jailed; One on the loose, click HERE.
     To see and hear the video of a small part of that press conference in May of 2024, click HERE.
 

Levy County burn ban expires
By Jeff M. Hardison © May 27, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
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     BRONSON -- The Levy County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency on Feb. 12 due to drought conditions and an increased risk of wildfire.
    Thanks to enough rain falling within a short enough time on the county, the ban was not extended, according to records.
    The Levy County Board of Cou7nty Commissioners on advice from professionals involved with fire prevention extended the burn ban in Levy County through May 26 -- with the potential for more seven-day continuances being possible as provided by law.
     As of yesterday, the day the extension expired, there was no added extension noted for the press or the public, according to a thorough search of available records on Wednesday morning. Therefore, according to law, the burn ban in Levy County has ended.
     One of the municipal fire departments in Levy County announced on a social media platform yesterday (May 26) that the ban was lifted. 
 

Tri-County Area upholds
traditional Memorial Day activities

Taken from the story and photos of an event held in a cemetery in Bronson for Memorial Day 2013, this photo shows members of the 2013 VFW Rebel Post 5625 Honor Guard. Since then, some of them have passed away. Here, they are seen standing at ease for a photo opportunity – 13 years ago. Seen here are (from left) Kary Colson, Jacob Wynn, Roy Grimes, Joe Elko, Dennis ‘Ace’ McIntire and Roe Goldsmith.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © May 25, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.
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     TRI-COUNTY AREA – The residents and visitors of Tri-County Area of Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County have honored what became named as Memorial Day for several decades now.
     Levy County was officially established on March 10, 1845 by the Florida Legislature from lands formerly part of Alachua and Hillsborough counties, according to records.
     Dixie County was established on April 25, 1921 by the Florida Legislature from lands formerly part of Lafayette County.
     Gilchrist County was formed on Dec. 4, 1925, by the Florida Legislature. It is the last county organized in Florida, and it was created from a portion of Alachua County
     The nonprofit group CK Vets noted its plan to host what has become a traditional Memorial Day ceremony at the Cedar Key Cemetery in Cedar Key in Levy County.
     The Dixie County Chamber of Commerce again is honoring veterans on Memorial Day, by lining the west side of U.S. Highway 19 in Cross City in its Hero Marker and Flags program. The Dixie County Chamber of Commerce first placed the flags and crosses along U.S. 19 in Cross City, on Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016, to honor veterans for the 2016 upcoming Veterans Day. This chamber of commerce has been placing the flags, thanks to volunteers, a week before, during and after, each Veterans Day and Memorial Day since then.
     The Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners traditionally conducts Memorial Day ceremony at the Gilchrist County Memorial Courtyard and that was noted to start at 10 a.m. today.
     There are other celebrations today in the Tri-County Area, including in Bell, Willison and other communities.
     The national holiday emerged in the years following the Civil War (April 12, 1861, to May 26, 1865) as communities across the country independently began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers. On May 5, 1868, Gen. John A. Logan, leader of the Grand Army of the Republic (an organization of Union veterans), proclaimed May 30 as a nationwide day of remembrance. 
     During the Civil War, the nation suffered from the deaths of more than 620,000 Union and Confederate military deaths, which was roughly 2 percent of the total population of the nation at that time, according to records.
     The date was first chosen because spring flowers were in full bloom across the country. The first large national observance was held that year (1868) at Arlington National Cemetery, as noted by the National Cemetery Association,
     After the United States entered World War I and suffered massive casualties, the holiday was expanded to commemorate American service members who died in all wars -- according to the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. A total of 116,516 United States soldiers died during World War I, according to the American Veterans Center. There were 53,402 American soldiers who died in battle during that year, according to records. There were more American soldiers who died in WWI from disease and accidents than from battles -- 63,114, according to records, and a large portion of which was caused by the “1918 Spanish Flu pandemic.”
     A total of 405,399 United States military personnel died during World War II, including 291,557 battle deaths and 113,842 other deaths in service, according to records.
     Excluding the Civil War, WWI, and WWII, approximately 134,000 soldiers from the United States of America have died in other major historical and modern conflicts. The vast majority of these other casualties occurred during the Korean and Vietnam wars, according to records. The United States’ involvement in the Korean War spanned from June 27, 1950, to July 27, 1953, according to records. The United States engaged in the Vietnam War from Nov. 1, 1955, to March 29, 1973, according to records.
     The federal government adopted the name “Memorial Day” in 1967, during the Vietnam War, according to the Veterans Affairs (formerly named the Veterans Administration).
     {The Veterans Administration officially became the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on March 15, 1989, when it was elevated to a Presidential Cabinet-level executive department. The transition unfolded in two key steps. The first step was on Oct. 25, 1988, when President Ronald Reagan signed the Department of Veterans Affairs Act into law, which officially abolished the 58-year-old Veterans Administration. On March 15, 1989, The law went into effect.}
     In 1968, The United States Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which aimed to create three-day weekends for federal employees by moving several holidays to Mondays. This law specifically shifted Memorial Day from May 30 to the last Monday in May, standardizing the observance across the United States.
     President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the act on June 28, 1968, and the change officially took effect on Jan. 1, 1971, according to legalclarity.org.
Since then, Memorial Day has been celebrated on a Monday, marking the “unofficial start of summer” and allowing for extended weekend observances. 
     This change not only provided a consistent long weekend for workers, but it also maintained the holiday’s purpose of honoring fallen military personnel through ceremonies, parades, and visits to cemeteries nationwide.
     The most recent United States military deaths in a combat theater, according to information available to the press as of 7:47 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on May 25, 2026, occurred in the spring of 2026, during the United States of America versus Iran (Operation Epic Fury). Through mid-May of 2026, 13 United States service members lost their lives in the region. Seven Americans in military service died in hostile actions and six died in non-hostile crashes, according to the federal government.
     Veterans Day is not a date that has changed over the years. It is on Nov. 11, and people celebrate the service of all active and former United States military veterans.
     To see the May 25, 2025 photo montage under the headline -- Memorial honors continue in Dixie County, click HERE.
     To see the May 29, 2024 story, photos and video under the headline -- Memorial Day ceremony at Cedar Key Cemetery Honors fallen soldiers, click HERE.
     To see the May 30, 2023 story and photos under the headline -- CKVets provide memorable Memorial Day service, click HERE.
     To see the May 24, 2022 photo montage under the headline -- American Flags Fly In Cross City, click HERE.
     To see the May 30, 2021 story, photos and video under the headline -- Memorial wall dedicated, which includes a picture of Alice Monyei and the recently passed Chris Jones of Chiefland, click HERE. (This was the ceremony delayed for a year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.)
     To see the May 20, 2020 story and photos under the headlines -- EXCLUSIVE First On HardisonInk.com; Memorial wall unveiled at Eddie Buie Park; Ernest A. Haile Jr. (a WWII veteran) Memorialized, click HERE.
     To see the May 28, 2019 story, photos and video under the headlines -- Soldiers killed in wars remembered; Gilchrist County adds WWI monument to Veterans’ Memorial Courtyard, click HERE.
     To see the May 30, 2018 photo and caption under the headline -- Church Thanks Memorial Kitchen Builders (In Loving Memory of Thelma McCain), click HERE.
     To see the May 30, 2016 story and photos under the headline Fallen soldiers honored, click HERE.
 

Chiefland loses liaison
to Vision Committee and much more
City Commissioner Chris Jones dies

In this archived photo, then Chiefland Vice Mayor Chris Jones is seen driving a Chiefland fire engine during the 2017 Chiefland Watermelon Festival Parade. The whole story and other photos from that year’s festival can be seen by clicking HERE.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 22, 2026 at 11 a.m.
* Updated May 23, 2026 at 7 a.m. (bottom of story)
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     CHIEFLAND -- City Commissioner John Christopher “Chris” Jones (Group 1) (June 5, 1971-May 18, 2026) died Monday (May 18) at the age of 54.
     He began his public service in the Chiefland City Commission in 2013, as noted in the following republished story announcing that victory.

Chris Jones wins City Commission seat
By Jeff M. Hardison © Aug. 23, 2013
     CHIEFLAND – Since no other person qualified for the previously planned special election, Chris Jones won the Group 1 Seat for Chiefland City Commission.
     Betty Walker won the Group 5 Seat for Chiefland City Commission in the regular election.
     City Commissioner Rollin Hudson was reelected to his Group 3 Seat for Chiefland City Commission because no other candidate qualified during the regular election for that position.
     The other two members of the Chiefland City Commission are Mayor Teal Pomeroy and Vice Mayor Teresa Barron.
     Bobby Dees was appointed to temporarily hold the Group 1 Seat until the special election, which has now been cancelled. Barron, Hudson and current City Commissioner Sammy Cason (Group 5) voted to have Dees hold the position, rather than appointing Jones, to avoid any appearance of favoritism and to avoid influencing any other possible candidate from choosing not to run.
     The special election slated for Jones and any other candidate who would have qualified resulted after the death of former City Commissioner Frank Buie, who had qualified for reelection in the Group 1 race.
     Former City Commissioner Frank Buie was Jones’ uncle. Buie, who also passed away in active service as a member of the Chiefland City Commission as he helped the residents and visitors of Chiefland since his election in 2007, also served the people of the United States of America in the military during WWII. Buie was the vice president of the Chiefland Men's Club during his membership with that club, too.
     City Commissioner Jones served as mayor for several years during his 13-year tour of duty on the Chiefland City Commission, including during years when the late former Chiefland Mayor Betty Stockton Walker (April 17, 1946-Feb. 25, 2019) and the late former Chiefland Mayor Mathew Teal Pomeroy (1974-Aug. 19, 2016) passed away tragically at the age of 42 during a solo diving trip in the Suwannee River.
     Walker, Pomeroy and Jones were all on the Chiefland City Commission at one point, as reflected by the story and photos under the Nov. 24, 2015 headline titled, Hospital coming to Chiefland, which is archived above the May 12, 2015 story titled Chiefland hospital completion predicted in 2017. Those two stories and photos can be seen by clicking HERE.
     The stories of a hospital coming to Chiefland were first noted in extensive coverage of the process to obtain a certificate of need from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration from 2006 to 2008, back when the Chiefland Citizen was owned by Landmark Publications and there was a journalist covering news.
     Jones in his earlier years served as a firefighter and was active in working with Chiefland Fire Rescue later, too, during many of his years on the City Commission.
     Jones was known for his successful career as a motorcycle racer and was renowned for his work at his motorcycle repair shop. He was a musician, and he played guitar with a band. As a City Commission member, Jones was among the leaders who brought a stage and bandshell to be constructed in the city park on the west side of Main Street (aka U.S. Highway 19), across from the Historic Chiefland Train Depot.
     As for the late City Commissioner Jones, in the last conversation he had with Publisher Jeff M. Hardison, Jones spoke about his plans to confer with members of the Chiefland Vision Committee.
     As noted in the April 29, 2026 story headlined Chiefland city manager passes W3C question to Vision Committee, which can be seen by clicking HERE, Jones had wanted to have the city communicate with the Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative (W3C) about a possibility in the future for Chiefland to connect with the W3C’s potential wastewater treatment facility.
     Now there is no Chiefland City Commission member serving as liaison between the City Commission and its advisory group named the Chiefland Vision Committee, because he has passed away.
     The vacant seat created by former Mayor Jones’ passing will be filled by methods outlined in the Chiefland City Charter as well be administered by City Clerk Laura Jones who also serves as the ex-officio city clerk of Chiefland. This can range from the four remaining commissioners appointing a person from those who apply to having a special election.  
     In regard to final tributes and honors for the late City Commissioner John Christopher “Chris” Jones, a viewing is scheduled for Thursday (May 28) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hardy R. Dean Sr. Municipal Building (aka Chiefland City Hall), 214 E. Park Ave. (aka Martin Luther King Jr. Road).
     There is a funeral service scheduled for Jones to be held Friday (May 29) at 11 a.m. in the Lighthouse Word Church, 2350 U.S. Alt. 27, located between the City of Chiefland and the community known as Levyville.
     *  (UPDATE) In a conversation with Stoney Smith on Friday afternoon (May 23), one of the leaders in the Chiefland Vision Committee, he provided his perspective of Jones.
     Smith said he admired Jones for being “a free thinker.” Smith said that he felt Jones would have liked to have more Vision Committee meetings than the group were able to conduct over the years.
     Jones was “good for the city,” Smith said and he was a hard worker who was a friend of Smtih’s. Jones cared extremely about the City of Chiefland, Smith said, and he had the heart and soul of a man who cared about the residents and visitors of Chiefland, as well as the infrastructure and business interests and every aspect of this municipality.
     Smtih said he Jones was a man who really cared about the whole Chiefland community, the city and beyond.
 

Watermelon Season 2026 is here

Seen at a famous watermelon stand in Levy County on May 20 are Heather Tillis, Grayson Tillis, Kelsi Morgan, Lainey Morgan, Anniston Tillis, 2, Bricen Clemons, 13, Cason Tillis, 4, Emmy Morgan, 5, and the matriarch of the family Melba Tillis, 87. (Also present but not pictured is Maurice Corbin.)

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © May 20, 2026 at 11:30 p.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – It’s spring and the watermelons are being harvested.
     It’s watermelon harvesting time in the Tri-County Area of Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties.
     And there are traditions that go with this seasonal crop. For instance, there is a famous watermelon stand in Levy County, which started its service to the public this year about a week ago now. It’s been an active watermelon stand for ages and ages now. Hence, it is traditional for many people to buy their watermelons there.
     Bricen Clemons, 13, is helping Maurice Corbin again as the teenager continues at the stand, where he has helped for at least six years now. He goes there after school at Chiefland Middle High School, and soon the school year ends for Levy County students, on May 29.
     This year, a roving reporter happened to be passing by, at an opportune time for a photo, a watermelon stand he has visited for about 20 years now. That late Wednesday afternoon, it was a balmy 91 degrees Fahrenheit with a mild breeze.
     By the way, at this stand, not only are there seedless and seeded watermelons selling for $5 each, but there are cantaloupes for $3 each or two of those delicious cantaloupes for $5. And on Wednesday (May 20), there was squash going for $1 each. Freshly picked that day, there were green bell peppers that people could buy -- two for $1. Some other vegetables, including cucumbers, eggplant and sweet corn may be available for sale there this season, too, because they have appeared there in past seasons. The best way to find out is to drop by and check it out. One sure bet is watermelons.
     This covered stand is on U.S. Alt. 27 -- between Bronson and Levyville – and it is near to Levy County Road 124.
     Melba Tillis, 87, and her family sell the delicious, fresh watermelons grown by Murray Tillis and Terry Tillis -- Melba’s sons. All of the watermelons are grown in Levy County, and they are delicious, sweet and juicy; and the cantaloupes are homegrown, too. Again, the cantaloupes are two for $5 or one for $3.
     Yes, Watermelon Season 2026 is going strong, having started “festival-wise” with the Newberry Watermelon Festival in Alachua County last Saturday (May 16).
     For the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Gilchrist County and Dixie County, the 72^nd Annual Chiefland Watermelon Festival, hosted by the Chiefland Woman’s Club, is scheduled to be June 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 23 S.E. Second Ave., in Chiefland. That is right across the street from the Historic Chiefland Train Depot on Main Street (aka U.S. Highway 29). The depot is on the west side of the street and big grassy park is on the east side of Main Street.
     The 2026 Chiefland Watermelon Pageant is Saturday (May 23), beginning at 9 a.m., in the Chiefland Middle High School Auditorium, 808 N. Main St., Chiefland. Pageant Director Maddie Chewning is in charge of the event.
     The 2026 Tour de Melon cycling event, which continues yearly now after the Rotary Club of Suwannee Valley (based in Chiefland) started it years ago, is also set for June 6. The starting time is set at 7 a.m. and the bicycle ride is scheduled to happen rain or shine. Motorists in the Tri-County Area are asked to be on the lookout for bicyclists on June 6 because this is a big draw for cyclists.
     The registration fee on the date of the event, according to CAAM Events Cycling Series, is $70 per cyclist. That bicycle ride starts at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, according to CAAM Events Cycling Series. That campus is on the west side of U.S. 19, just south of the City of Fanning Springs.
     The 2026 Chiefland Watermelon Parade will begin promptly at 11 a.m., according to the Chiefland Woman’s Club. The traditional route has been from Chiefland High School, now known as the merged Chiefland Middle High School, and the participants go southbound on U.S. 19 until they reach the Historic Chiefland Train Depot, more or less.
     Traditionally, there is competition among watermelon growers to see who grew the biggest melons as of the festival. Then, there is an auction of the heavy melons with the proceeds going to the Chiefland Woman’s Club.
     Chiefland, not too many years ago, built a small stage and bandshell that has provided a relatively good point for musicians to entertain listeners at event since it was built. There is probably a potential of that happening, and the melon weighing and auctioning may be centered there again this year. 
     To see the June 3, 2025 story and photos under the title Watermelon Time 2025 arrives - Click HERE
      To see the May 31, 2024 story and photos under the title Watermelon Time - Click HERE.
     To see the May 24, 2023 story and photos under the title Watermelon Time 2023 - Click HERE.
     To see the June 2, 2022 story and photos under the title Watermelons Sold - Click HERE.
     To see the June 12, 2021 story and photos under the title Watermelons Sold - Click HERE.
     To see the May 20, 2021 story and photos and, see and hear the video under the title First day of watermelon harvest - Click HERE.
     To see the May 28, 2020 story and photos under then title Watermelon Time - Click HERE.
     There are many watermelon harvesting, melon-oriented bicycle rides and festival stories in the HardisonInk.com archives. One classic story, photos and video is under the headline titled Watermelon harvesting continues. It was published three years ago – on May 20, 2023. It can be seen (and heard, for the video) by clicking HERE.

Levy County Government Center
Stage’s Base Gets Logo And Lettering

The beautification and improved functionality of the Levy County Government Center continues. People attending or watching on video the May 19 meeting of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners may have noticed the new letters as well as the new logo for Levy County in the Auditorium. The base of the stage, upon which the dais exists, is now well marked. Seen here shortly before the start of the meeting, at the dais on that stage are (from left) County Commissioner Desiree Mills, Commission Chairman Tim Hodge and Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy. Commissioners Johny Hiers and Rock Meeks were in the area but out of camera shot at this one-sixtieth of one-second.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © May 19, 2026 at 7:45 p.m.
All Rights Reserved

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.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     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.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     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 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.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
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.
All Rights Reserved - Do Not Copy And Paste Anywhere Else