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Levy County Water Department Gets New Home

Brian Cannon, who was honored June 19 for 25 years of service with what was once known as the Maintenance and Construction Department, is seen in action putting up the new sign for the Levy County Water Department. The new address for this department is 300 School St., Suite B, at the Levy County Government Center in Bronson. Cannon is seen in action on Tuesday (Oct. 14).
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 16, 2025 at 8:15 p.m.

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13th annual Paychecks for Patriots
job fair set for Nov. 13
By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Director of Communications
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion
Published Oct. 15, 2025 at 4 p.m.
     OCALA – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is on a mission to connect veterans with employment opportunities as part of a statewide effort during its annual Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida job fair in November.
     Paychecks for Patriots takes place Thursday, Nov. 13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Marion County Public Library Headquarters, 2720 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala.
     While the job fair is free and open to all job seekers, priority access is given for the first hour to veterans and active service members as well as their military families. For fastest access, attendees are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/2025P4P.
     Henry Ayala, retired United States Army veteran, and a local veteran employment representative for CareerSource CLM, said that Paychecks for Patriots is the opportunity to “connect with area veteran-friendly businesses that are currently hiring.” 
     Ayala noted that employers taking part not only have immediate jobs to fill but “value the knowledge, skills, and abilities as well as incredible dedication developed during military service.”
      “CareerSource CLM is certainly honored to serve those who have proudly served and sacrificed for our country,” Ayala said of the region’s 13th Paychecks for Patriots.
     To date, among the businesses that plan to attend are Cone Distributing, FedEx, Marion County Board of County Commissioners, and SunTran. Additional features include: Job Fair Preparation Clinic on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Marion County CareerSource CLM Career Center, 2703 NE 14th St., in Ocala.
     There is no charge to attend the workshop. Also, the center’s Clothes Closet is available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at no charge for those interested in selecting attire for the job fair.
     Job Fair Transportation Ocala SunTran has once again provided a limited number of tickets for veterans in need of transportation to and from the event. Starting Oct. 30, tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the CareerSource CLM career center in Ocala as well as at Ocala Ritz Veterans Village, 111 N.E. 12^th Ave.; Marion County Veterans Services Office, 2730 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Suite #100, Ocala; Silver Springs Shores VFW Post 4493, 11100 S.E. Maricamp Road, Candler; and CareerSource CLM’s Career Center in Ocala. Call for details: 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.
     Food and refreshment will be available to all attendees, including general job seekers.
     CareerSource CLM’s Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida takes place along with similar hiring events held throughout the month in other CareerSource Florida regions. The annual initiative is presented in partnership with FloridaCommerce, CareerSource Florida, Hope Florida, and the Florida Department of Veteran Affairs.
     Local sponsors are Marcillo Real Estate and Cafecito con Leche, Ocala SunTran, and BIVOUAC Veterans News.
Those unable to attend Paychecks for Patriots: Powered by Hope Florida may apply for open positions online at www.employflorida.com. A special employment portal of information and resource links for Florida veterans is also available at https://veteran.employflorida.com.
     CareerSource CLM offers Priority of Service year-round to veterans and eligible spouses at all CareerSource CLM career centers. Fee-free staff assistance, job referral and placement, as well as resources and other employment services are available weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Career Centers in Ocala, Lecanto, and Chiefland.
     For more information about Paychecks for Patriots or CareerSource CLM’s year-round Veterans Services, call 800-434-JOBS (5627), ext. 2225.

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Eighth Judicial Circuit
Nominating Commission
announces a court vacancy
By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 15, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE – With Eighth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Kristine Van Vorst accepting appointment as a circuit court judge recently, the former Alachua County judge leaves a bench vacant, according to records.
     The honorable Judge Van Vorst has served as an Alachua County Court judge since 2017, according to records.
     On Aug. 7, 2017, Gov. Rick Scott announced the appointment of Van Vorst to the Alachua County Court.
     Applicants who are seeking appointment to the Alachue County Court vacancy, which will be decided by Gov. Ron DeSantis, may apply, too, for a Circuit Court vacancy, or both.  
     Only one application is required. 
     Applicants must meet the qualifications for a county/circuit court judge, (as applicable), as set forth in the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes. All persons interested in applying must submit two copies of a complete application in 
.pdf format via email to norm@normdfugatepa.com.
     One of the .pdf copies should be submitted in redacted format and one in non-redacted format. 
     Redacted format means that the document is submitted with redactions of all information, which is confidential and/or exempt from the public right of access under Article I, Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution. 
     The deadline for submitting the applications is Nov. 7 by 12 p.m. (noon).  
     Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
     Applications may be downloaded from The Florida Governor’s JNC Information webpage by clicking HERE. 
     The inclusion of a photograph is encouraged.
     Direct contact with a JNC Commissioner, initiated by an applicant regarding his or her application, is discouraged.
     Candidate questions regarding the JNC process should be submitted in writing to JNC Chair Norm D. Fugate at norm@normdfugatepa.com. 
     The Eighth Judicial Circuit Judicial Nominating Commissioners are Candice Brower, Christopher Elsey, Stephanie Emrick, Norm Fugate, Brian Kramer, Rebecca Shinholser and Robert Woody.
 

Making The Most
Of Medicare Open Enrollment
Published Oct. 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.
     NEWBERRY -- When you turn 65, Medicare becomes a vital part of your health care coverage.
     But signing up is just the beginning. Many people don't realize that Medicare isn't a "set it and forget it" program. In fact, you have the opportunity — and often the need — to review and adjust your coverage every single year.
     The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year, is your chance to take a fresh look at your health care needs and make sure your Medicare plan still fits your life. Then you can determine whether your medical and prescription plans need to be switched or dropped.
     Just like your health can change from year to year, so can Medicare plans. Insurance companies may adjust their coverage and costs or even discontinue certain plans entirely. By taking time during the open enrollment period to compare your options, you might discover a plan that saves money, offers better coverage or both.
     As a reminder, you have several options when it comes to your Medicare coverage. 
     • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital stays and medical services such as doctor visits. Part A typically comes with no monthly premium if you've worked for at least 10 years. Part B requires monthly premiums — $206.50 or more in 2026, depending on your income. They may also be copays and deductibles.
     • Medicare Advantage (Part C) offers an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by private insurance companies. They often bundle together hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage. They may also include extra benefits like vision, dental and wellness programs that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
     • Medicare Part D provides standalone prescription drug coverage for those who stick with Original Medicare.
     • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies help cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't pay, such as copayments and deductibles. When shopping for Medicare plans, there are several important areas you should consider to determine which options are right for you:
     • Out-of-pocket costs such as monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments and any other expenses Medicare doesn't cover. Sometimes a plan with a higher premium saves you money overall because of lower copays.
     • Prescription drug coverage deserves special attention. All Medicare plans for 2026 will include a $2,100 cap on what you pay out of pocket for covered prescription drugs, up from $2,000 in 2025. However, this cap only applies to drugs that your plan covers, making it crucial to verify your medications are included.
     • Your health care needs for the coming year matter too. Do you have surgeries planned? New health conditions to manage? You'll want to make sure your potential plan covers the care you expect to need.
     • Travel plans can also influence your choice. Original Medicare typically doesn't cover services overseas, so frequent travelers might want supplemental coverage for emergencies abroad.
     If you don't make any changes during open enrollment, you'll likely be automatically reenrolled in your current plan for the following year, as long as it's still available and you continue paying required premiums.
     Don't let your Medicare plan run on autopilot. Take advantage of the annual open enrollment period — between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 -- to ensure your coverage continues to serve you well in the year ahead.
     Publisher’s Note: This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Edward Jones Financial Advisor - Sheila K. Smith and Edward Jones Financial Advisor Ashlyn Burtle, 25349 West Newberry Road (State Road 26), in Newberry. Phone 352-472-2776.

New business set to open
in downtown Chiefland in December
Information Provided
Published Oct. 11, 2025 at 4:15 p.m.
     CHIEFLAND -- Downtown Chiefland continues to get brighter and brighter as property owners keep creating an even more inviting environment for free enterprise to flourish.
     Sunshine, Lollipops & Vintage is scheduled to be opening in early December at -- 18 S. Main St. (U.S. Highway 19), in Chiefland.
     Fawn Owens and Rebecca Baxter, owners of the shop, mentioned that Sunshine, Lollipops & Vintage will be a place to stop in, share a friendly chat, and to pick up a new treasure to take home or to give as a gift to someone else. 
     Owens enthusiastically said that she is known as the “friend collector,” a nickname jokingly bestowed upon her by her friends. 
    “I love making friends and true connections and finding those kindred spirits,” Owens said. “I have been selling vintage on eBay, but I really miss the personal side to it.”  
     Baxter said she grew up in a family that both thrifted and loved antiques.
     “I enjoy the hunt of an amazing find for a good price and will enjoy sharing and passing them along to the community,” Baxter said.
     For those who love to thrift, as Fawn and Rebecca do, Sunshine, Lollipops & Vintage is taking it to the next level.
     The store is slated to be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Sunday’s from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
     When the store opens in a couple of months, everyone is invited to stop by for a visit and to go home with a new treasure.

LCAS manager accepts
$2,000 scholarship to attend
animal welfare advancement conference
Information Provided
Published Oct. 10, 2025 at 3:30 p.m.
     BRONSON – The Levy County Board of County Commissioners recently announced that Levy County Animal Services Manager Brandy Cannon has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship to attend the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, on Nov. 4 through Nov. 6.
     The application was submitted on her behalf by the county. She was selected as one of the only 10 recipients nationwide, who were chosen from a competitive pool of more than 50 applicants to receive this prestigious scholarship.
     The award includes full conference registration ($430) and an additional $1,570 travel stipend to support expenses such as hotel accommodations, transportation and meals.
     The achievement was made possible through the leadership of Levy County Grants Legislative Liaison Brooke Smith, Ph.D., whose dedication and guidance were instrumental in securing the award.
     This opportunity is funded through the support of the Maddie’s Fund Scholarship and the Pedigree Foundation Scholarship, two organizations dedicated to advancing the field of animal welfare and supporting professionals committed to improving the lives of animals.
     The recognition represents a remarkable opportunity for professional growth and collaboration within the national animal welfare community.

Levy County Development Services
reports record residential structure growth
Code Enforcement brings people
into compliance with the laws
By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 8, 2025 at 7 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – A presentation under the agenda items listed for Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper on Tuesday (Oct. 7) showed that not only is Levy County on a record-setting residential structural growth track, but the improved Code Enforcement part of the Development Services Division is accomplishing its goals like never before.     Levy County Provisional Building Official Bernard “Bo” Cox reported that in the third quarter of fiscal year 2024-2025 (April 1 through June 30, 2025) provided an extensive report about the Building Department section of the Development Services Division, where that division includes building, planning and code enforcement. 
     As part of the report, he said there were 120 new structures built on previously vacant land in Levy County during that time. Of those, 55 were site-built homes and 65 were mobile homes. Building Official Cox put this in perspective by saying 202o was the previous year when new residential structural growth was at its highest level, and he anticipates that the county is now on a trend that will exceed that growth rate of 2020 for residential structures in the final quarter of fiscal year 2024-2025 as the county began fiscal year 2025-2026 last Thursday (Oct. 1).     Cox reported that the team of employees in the Building Department section are excellent as they strive to meet the mission to “Provide the best service for the residents and contractors during the permitting and building process.”
     Another Levy County leader in the Development Services Division, is Code Enforcement Department Director and Code Enforcement Officer Dave Banton.
     Code Enforcement Department Director Banton also gave the four County Commission members present that day – Chair Desiree Mills, Vice Chair Tim Hodge, and commissioners Johnny Hiers and Charlie Kennedy a report that reflects the significant progress in helping property owners come into compliance rather than to violate codes related to junk vehicles, too many RVs on one parcel and various other RV infractions, allowing junk to pile up on property and other violations of state and county building and zoning regulations.
     County Commissioner Rock Meeks was reported by Chair Mills to be too ill to attend the Oct. 7 meeting.
     In addition to the report of progress there, like Cox, Banton spoke very well of everyone with whom he works. And for those unfamiliar with code enforcement, he commended highly the assistance provided by the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, the law enforcement division of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other agencies.

Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce
gets new administrative assistant

Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Wendy Maxwell is seen in the Chamber office – which is an alcove just to the left after the front entrance to the building where the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners meet on the first and third Mondays starting at 4 p.m.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 7, 2025 at 3 p.m.
     TRENTON – Having breezed through at least a couple of executive directors in the past couple of years, the Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce now has an administrative assistant, instead.
     That way, the office worker is a paid employee who simply follows the command of the leadership and does not lead the Chamber in any manner.
     The current officers and board of directors are President Allyson Weiland, Vice President Karen Jones, Treasurer Michael McElroy, Secretary Denise Hudson, and board members - Natasha Allen, Angela Barron, Lucy Coleman, Tommy Langford, Marc Micale, Todd Newton, (Past President) Charlotte Pederson and Amber Stanley.
     Gilchrist County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant Wendy Maxwell assumed her duties on Sept. 23.
     Gilchrist County is in the midst of its celebration of existing for 100 years. The Chamber has had a few events in relation to that so far. Maxwell was provided with contact information to reach the daily news website if the Chamber wants to announce anything to the general public.
     This Chamber has gone two ways during the past 15 years. In one version, it tells the general public information. In another version, it limits information about Gilchrist County business and events to only those who pay dues-paying members of the Chamber.

RSVP required for free
estate planning program in Bell
Presentation set for Oct. 28 – RSVP by Oct. 24
Information Provided
Published Oct. 7, 2025 at 7 a.m.
     BELL – Everyone who is interested is invited to see and hear the presentation titled, Creating Your Estate Plan.     A local estate-planning attorney, Leigh Cangelosi, will be available to answer questions.
     The presentation is scheduled for Oct. 28, starting at 6 p.m., in Akins BBQ, 1159 S. Main St. (U.S. Highway 129) in Bell.
     Dinner will be served.
     RSVP to Alicia or Laurel at 352-472-2776 no later than Friday, Oct. 24. Spaces are limited. So, individuals planning to attend are asked to please respond soon. 
     Estate planning is a topic people tend to put off or ignore, but it’s also one of the most important things a person may ever do. Properly planning an estate helps prepare a secure future for the individual and for generations to come.
     At this presentation, participants will have an opportunity to learn about estate planning, including what to consider when creating a will, the benefits of trusts in estate planning, how to reduce estate taxes and how insurance can help protect a family.
     This presentation is being hosted by Sheila K. Smith, Financial Advisor and Limited Partner of Edward Jones.
     Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors, are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. Individuals are advised to please consult an estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding any situation.

Free fiber optics boot camp
starts Oct. 27 at CF in Levy County
Residents from 10 counties invited
Information Provided By Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC, FCWP, 
CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion Director of Communications
Published Sept. 30, 2025 at 3 p.m.
     OCALA – CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s next Creating Connections fiber optics training is set to get under way for those interested in securing high-paying, in-demand careers in broadband telecommunications.
     The Creating Connections project is designed to train individuals to help fill broadband positions for companies providing high-speed internet for approximately 70,000 residents and businesses in rural counties.
     Training begins Oct. 27 for fiber-optics technicians and installers with a one-week boot camp at the College of Central Florida Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 U.S. Highway 19, north of Chiefland and just south of the City of Fanning Springs.
     Additional boot camps are slated to take place in February and May.
     The program, administered by CareerSource CLM in collaboration with CareerSource North Florida and CareerSource North Central Florida, provides free training to residents of Levy, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties.
     Participants receive hands-on training with patch panels, fiber optic cable and test equipment as well as the opportunity to earn three industry standard certifications which typically cost $2,785. 
     The program also provides wrap-around supportive services such as travel assistance, uniforms, and needed tools of the trade.
Michele Schulze, CareerSource CLM’s Creating Connections grant coordinator, said that to date more than 50 students have successfully completed the training.
      “With hard work and dedication, we have seen fiber technicians move to project managers in less than a year,” Schulze said, adding that those willing to travel can benefit from company vehicles, per diems, and overtime pay. We have two currently employed who graduated from Levy High School in 2024 and are earning hourly wages of $25 an hour with overtime pay at $37.50 an hour for up to 20 hours each week”
     Funding for Creating Connections comes from a $1.73 million grant that is part of the federal Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs program.
     The fiber optics training is conducted by BDI DataLynk, a standards-based company offering Fiber Optic Association (FOA) sanctioned fiber optics network technician training. FOA is the largest professional fiber optics society in the world.
     Residents of Levy, Dixie, Gilchrist and other eligible counties who are interested in enrolling in the program or learning more should call 800-434-JOBS, ext. 4206 or email broadband@careersourceclm.com.

Dixie County Finance Director
Brenda Royal shares passion for duties

Dixie County Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson is among the officials who put a fingerprint on a particular copy of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget book, and his action is captured in this photo. The metaphoric fingerprint of everyone who participated in making the budget for this fiscal year is what is within the numbers recorded there as a guide for how to spend taxpayers' dollars in Dixie County. Here, Dixie County Finance Director Brenda Royals holds the book as he puts his print on that copy.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 3, 2025 at 10 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – At the first regular twice-monthly meeting of the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners since the start of the county’s 2025-2026 Fiscal Year (Oct. 1, 2025-Sept. 30, 2026), one Dixie County public servant helped everyone understand a bit more one of the duties for people in the Office of Dixie County Clerk and Comptroller Barbie Higginbotham.     Dixie County Finance Director Brenda Royal shares passion for duties, one of the deputy clerks in the Dixie County Clerk’s Office, let everyone see part of the human element behind the numbers that record monetary matters for the county.
      In addition to being the clerk of the Dixie County Court and the Dixie County unit of the Third Judicial Circuit Court, which includes a plethora of duties, Higginbotham and her staff are responsible for essential public services enhancing public safety, commerce, and access to justice.
     Clerks and comptrollers perform a wide range of record keeping, information management, and financial administration services for Florida’s judicial system and county government.
     As comptroller for the Dixie County Commission, as well as clerk for the Dixie County Court and that part of the Third Judicial Circuit Court, Higginbotham and other 66 elected Florida’s clerks of court and comptrollers have nearly 1,000 statutory responsibilities they provide to their communities.


Dixie County Finance Officer Brenda Royal shares her passion for duties by allowing other people to put their fingerprint on her copy of the budget book she created for the Dixie County Commission for its Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The video of this presentation on Oct. 3 in Cross City, is visible by clicking on the PHOTO,
Video by Jeff M. Hardison - All Rights Reserved

     Thursday, Dixie County Finance Director Royal shared some of the passion that drives her to help all of the residents of, and visitors to, Dixie County.
     She spoke about the journey that led to the final budget being approved for the fiscal year.
     The cover of the annual budget book, she said, shows a picture that means something to reflect an aspect of Dixie County to everyone. It has included, in years past, equipment, new fire stations or other photos of projects that required significant work by county staff to bring those projects to fruition.
     Royal asked Assistant County Manager Roy Bass to send her pictures to consider for the 2025-2026 budget book. He sent her photographs and some of them were sunsets.
     “Sunsets are a way to my heart,” she said.
     The poles sticking up from the Gulf of Mexico in the photo she chose are where a public dock used to be off of Horseshoe Beach, where a hurricane tore that dock apart.
     “It was just kind of beautiful that the sun was setting right in the middle of it,” Royal said. “So, I knew that had to be the picture this year. I just knew it had to be the picture.”
     Royal said she prayed and knew the Lord said, “There is beauty in rebuilding.”
     The idea that there is “beauty in rebuilding” is a theme woven throughout the Bible. This theme emphasizes that God restores what is broken and creates something new and beautiful from the wreckage.
     Royal spoke about the journey of the Dixie County Clerk’s Office this year to build the budget for the fiscal year. There were emergency meetings of the County Commission that had to be called to meet deadlines set by state law.
     To build a balanced budget, Royal said, everyone had to work together, and they all had to work “really, really hard.”
     “We talked about putting our fingerprint on this county,” Royal said, “and I believe we are also blessed to be where we are – that God put us here to do just a good job and steward this county well.”
     She said this is not to infer that previous staff did not do the same.
     Royal said she and others in the county government all want to do what is best in regard to the use of taxpayers’ money.
     Several meetings were conducted; some tears were shed; and late nights of working went into the creation of this year’s budget book, Royal said, and as result the budget is balanced.
     “Our constitutional officers were amazing,” Royal said.
     She said every department head, the five members of the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners, and everyone in the county government all are working diligently to make the county better.
     The budget book, Royal explained, is the guide for the county to follow for the fiscal year. 
     “We can make anything balance,” she said, “but you want to put your whole heart in it. And make sure you are doing the best job that you can do.”
     She spoke about Beau Wright who served as an intern this year in the Dixie County Clerk’s Office. She told him her vision about the budget this year, and he put in the entries as well as saw her cry – putting it all together and bringing it to life for her.
     Royal thanked Wright for his contributions to the completion of the budget book.
     During the many meetings, there was discussion about “putting our fingerprint on this county,” Royal said, “and making a difference with what we can do.”
     Royal held up her copy of her budget book. 
     With that, she asked County Clerk Higginbotham, each County Commission member and any county department heads who wanted to, to physically put their fingerprint on that copy of the budget book. Starting with Higginbotham, Royal carried an inkpad and each person did as she asked by placing their fingerprint or thumbprint on that copy of the budget book.
     Later in the morning, someone made a comment to Dixie County Chairman Jody Stephenson that they have his fingerprint now, after he made a funny comment about what he might or could do. Everyone laughed.
     Royal, the first person speaking from the lectern that morning, helped many people remember that individuals who provide public service put their hearts into their work, and sometimes that brings tears to drop from their eyes. And their work includes their metaphoric fingerprints.
 

Special exception for cell tower
placement passes 4-0
despite some objections
Four RV placements
and one setback variance allowed too

Dixie County Building Official Leon Wright speaks with the County Commission on Thursday (Oct. 2)

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 2, 2025 at 7 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – The Dixie County Board of County Commissioners ruled in favor of six separate petitioners on Thursday morning (Oct. 2) as the elected government officials granted for five special exceptions and one variance related to building and zoning.
     The process of deciding whether to grant requests or rejecting requests, or to grant with requests with provisions has changed a bit for Dixie County within the past year. Now, there is a group of appointed volunteers who sit as the Local Planning Agency (LPA). The LPA listens to the petitioners’ requests and they send recommendations on whether to approve or deny them.
     In the first case heard and ruled upon Thursday, Dixie County Commissioner Jamie Storey recused himself from voting due to a possible conflict of interest. He filed the paperwork required for that recusal, according to records.
     A petition by Jonathan Yates, of Arcola Towers, noted the developer’s request for a special exception to be granted to permit a wireless telecommunications tower in an area zoned agriculture.
     Yates asked to build a 197-foot-tall monopole for Verizon cellular service. The tower is to be located at 3878 N.E 272nd Ave., in Old Town, on 80 acres with significant setbacks, according to records.
     Three people objected to the tower because they believed it may be a health hazard, and it may reduce property values.
     At least two individuals said they favored the added tower, with one of them saying she likes it because she uses Verizon for wireless service, and it leaves something to be desired right now in her area of Dixie County.
     The LPA recommends approval.
     After a long discussion, including commissioners noting they have addressed these concerns before and have approved similar requests, Commission Daniel Wood III made a motion to approve it, which was seconded by Commissioner David Osteen.
     Voting to approve the request with Wood and Osteen were Commission Chairman Jody Stephenson and Commission Vice Chairman Mark Hatch. As noted, Commissioner Storey abstained due to a possible conflict of interest.
     The next four requests for special exceptions were for recreational vehicle placement on land zoned for agriculture or noted to be in an environmentally sensitive area.
     Two of those were recommended for approval by the LPA. One had previously been denied because it was in Commissioner Hatch’s district, and he was recovering from unexpected surgery and was absent from the first meeting where it was to be considered.
     They were all approved 5-0.
     One of the RV placement special exception requests was recommended for denial by the LPA.
     That was approved 5-0 with the caveat that the owner of the property would begin building a home there within a year. The Spanish-English interpreter said the family understood. They are just waiting to close on the sale of property in Lee County, with mortgage on that house in the $200,000 range.

Publisher announces opportunity
for seven more big ad spaces
By Jeff M. Hardison, Publisher
© Sept. 29, 2025 at 8:30 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – Jeff M. Hardison, publisher and sole proprietor of the 15-year-old daily news website named HardisonInk.com, announced Monday evening (Sept. 29) that he is opening all seven pages to one more large ad each.     “Right now,” Hardison said, “there is one significant ad on each of the seven pages. Those ads cost $2,000 a year. They measure 600 pixels wide by 399 pixels tall.”
     Hardison said every advertiser from 2024 so far in 2025 has renewed their ads and there have been some new advertisers.
     “When I started this daily news website 15 years ago,” the multiple award-winning journalist said, “I was recovering from being laid off from a high-end horse-oriented magazine in Ocala after being laid off from a daily newspaper in Lake City.”
     Hardison said he saw then that the future of journalism was going toward the Internet. Having taken his first computer class in 1971 (Engineering Concepts II) at Northeast High School in his hometown of St. Petersburg and having learned about the progress of computers after moving from his use of an IBM Selectric typewriter decades later to his first PC, he had learned how to write some “code” for programming.
     "I took an introduction to computer program at UF back in the later 1970s," Hardison said, "but since I was more interested in journalism than computers, the post-graduate teaching assistants chose to snub me when I sought help."
     In any event, Hardison conferred with his now late friend William “Bill” Nelson Kilborn (1937-Oct. 16, 2015) of Trenton in 2010. Kilborn created the code that became a daily news website with everything Hardison had sought. The daily news website officially started on Feb. 1, 2011, although there was traffic on the site before that announcement went worldwide.
     “I violated every ‘rule’ I had written about when I was a business writer in Naples, which was before I became a managing editor there,” Hardison said. “The people and companies I thought would buy ads at first, did not.”
     That was in 1984-1984 after earning his first Florida Press Association honors for Investigative Reporting in 1982 in Jasper and then being the editor of two newspapers in Live Oak.
     In 2011, Hardison saw the first ray of progress arriving when he closed the sale of his first ad, which came from Robert “Bob” Williams, who is now a pastor at United Methodist churches in Old Town and Cross City. Williams bought the first ad – which was for Nature Coast Driver Improvement School.
     After that, Hardison said, the website continued to grow as a revenue producer and as the most trusted source of news in this part of Florida.
     “In any event,” Hardison said, “I am opening up the more expensive ad spaces. Other ads still cost either $1,500 a year or $750 a year, for placement on all seven pages.”
     Hardison said he thinks there is a buyer for the second significant ad on the Police Page, which he is reserving. The other six pages are open for sponsors, he said. Anyone who is interested in buying an ad on HardisonInk.com, at $750, or $1,500, or $2,000 A YEAR, is asked to send an email to hardisonink@gmail.com.
     Monthly ads for political races or to announce events cost $400 a month. 

Capital City Bank Group Foundation awards $25,500 to nonprofits in Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Suwannee counties
Information Provided
Capital City Bank Group Foundation
Published Sept. 29, 2025 at 11 a.m.
     CHIEFLAND – Capital City Bank Group (CCBG) Foundation – a nonprofit organization created in 1983 by Capital City Bank Group Inc. – has donated annually for 42 years to charitable institutions across the Capital City footprint in Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
     During the 2025 grant cycle, the CCBG Foundation reinvested $25,500 into the communities of Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Suwannee counties, awarding grants to organizations like the Dixie Education Foundation, Education Foundation of Gilchrist County, Levy County Schools Foundation, Partnership for Strong Families and others.
 

“Supporting organizations that create meaningful impact in our communities aligns with the mission of the Capital City Bank Group Foundation. We are honored to help strengthen our community through the dedication of our bankers and financial contributions that support lasting, positive change.”
     -- Stewart Wasson, Capital City Bank president of Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Suwannee counties.

     The donations provided by the CCBG Foundation help nonprofits carry on the mission of the Foundation to enhance the quality of life for countless local residents and visitors in the areas where the bank does business.
     “Supporting organizations that create meaningful impact in our communities aligns with the mission of the Capital City Bank Group Foundation,” said Stewart Wasson, Capital City Bank president of Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Suwannee counties. “We are honored to help strengthen our community through the dedication of our bankers and financial contributions that support lasting, positive change.”
     The CCBG Foundation provides grants to nonprofits, charitable organizations, and institutions exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The mission of the CCBG Foundation is to invest in initiatives that benefit local communities.
     Most of the funds are distributed to specific areas of focus, including: arts and culture, children and youth services, economic and community development, education, health and sciences and human services.