Organizations Where HardisonInk.com Is A Member
CLICK HERE TO SEE MEMBERSHIP ADS    

Dixie County Commission proclaims
Childcare Provider Appreciation Day
to be May 8 this year

Learners – (from left) Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast Director Of Communications Sandra Woodward, G.O.A.T. Learning Center Director Jacqueline Vega, and Director of eligibility Tanya Hiers of the Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast, look at members of the audience as Woodward tells people about the proclamation.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © March 6, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY -- Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast Director of Communications Sandra Woodward, Tanya Hiers, who Woodward is mentioned is also a director of the Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast, and Jacqueline Vega, the director of the G.O.A.T. Learning Center, were at the lectern Thursday (March 5) morning in the Dixie County Commission Meeting Room.

More Below This Ad

Click On Ad To Visit Website
 

     Woodward said they wanted to thank the Dixie County Commission for its recognition of the importance of childcare workers in Dixie County and throughout the state. She also obtained unanimous approval of a proclamation.
     Childcare Provider Appreciation Day (celebrated the Friday before Mother’s Day) honors providers for their essential role in early education, safety, and supporting working families.
     Woodward read the proclamation, which notes in part that early childcare and education providers in Dixie County play a vital role in nurturing and educating young children, supporting working families and strengthening the economic vitality of the community.
     It goes on to note that quality early learning experiences build the foundation for lifelong success by promoting school readiness, healthy development and strong social and emotional skills during the most critical years of brain development.
     The proclamation notes, as well, “… childcare professionals demonstrate daily dedication, compassion, and professionalism, often serving as trusted partners to families and essential contributors to the local workforce infrastructure.”
     The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast works in partnership with Dixie County providers to administer the school readiness and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs, offer professional development and technical assistance and expand access to high quality early learning opportunities for the children and families in Dixie County. The G.O.A.T. Learning Center is among the places where children of young ages see care, as is the Dixie County Learning Academy and the public schools for elementary age children in Dixie County, as well as other places in the county.
     On a motion by Commissioner David Osteen, seconded by Commission Vice Chairman Jamie Storey, with Commission Chairman Mark Hatch and commissioners Jody Stephenson and Daniel Wood III also voting in favor, the proclamation was adopted. Chairman Hatch signed the document that very day.
    The Early Learning Coalition of the Nature Coast serves the residents and visitors of Citrus, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy and Sumter counties. Dixie County adopted the proclamation this year, and it is anticipated that the other counties will follow suit for adopting proclamations in the coming weeks.

Gilchrist County leaders choose
against proposed new site
for solid waste transfer
Account started
for Otter Creek Park and Campground

The Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners (from left) Commissioner Kenrick Thomas, Vice Chairman Bill Martin, Chairman Darrell Smith, Commissioner Tommy Langford and Commissioner Sharon A. Langford provide a photo op, when requested, just before the meeting starts Monday (March 2).

Story, and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © March 3, 2026 at 3 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – Despite the absence of Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby and Gilchrist County Attorney David Miller “Duke” Lang Jr., the five elected members of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners – Chairman Darrell Smith, Vice Chairman Bill Martin and commissioners Kendrick Thomas, Tommy Langford and Sharon A. Langford completed most of the actions listed on the agenda for the March 2 meeting.
     Crosby was among the people helping the Heaton family who are dealing with evangelist Everritt Heaton of the Trenton Church of Christ who is experiencing extreme medical problems.
     A fund to help the family has started where $250,000 is the goal, and more than $66,000 has been raised as of Monday night (March 2).
     Meanwhile, Commissioner Thomas had open heart surgery today (Tuesday, March 3).
     Prayers for Heaton and his family, for Commissioner Thomas and his family, and for others were part of the opening of the meeting early Monday evening, which began as scheduled at 4 p.m.
     There were no specific items on the agenda listed for County Attorney Lang that day.
     An agenda item noting a previously planned workshop meeting that had been set for Thursday (March 5) has been delayed, especially since Commissioner Thomas is not anticipated to be recovered enough two days after his open-heart surgery.
     That potential workshop discussion will give the five commissioners time to discuss what to do if the voters of Florida do away with property taxes. In Gilchrist County that would mean the annual loss of $6 million or 45 percent the budget for the County Commission.
     Every Florida county would have to deal with extreme employee layoffs as well as extreme cuts in level of services if property taxes are cut to the level some anti-tax interests want.
     Florida has 67 counties, a number that has been stable since Gilchrist County was created in 1925. These counties range in size from Miami-Dade (most populous) to Liberty (least populous), with each operating its own local government and providing services like public safety.
     The state’s three biggest industries are agriculture, tourism and government.
     An agenda item listed under County Administrator Crosby regarding Emergency Management is delayed due to his absence. 
     One key item on the agenda for the Gilchrist County Commission was the potential purchase of property to start a new solid waste transfer site. When the property owner of that land listed a price that was too far above the appraised taxable value as the price the county could buy it at, the five commissioners unanimously chose to stop that process.
     The other choice now is to expand the existing main solid waste transfer site by removing the animal services located there.
     Conversations at the meeting on Monday night showed that all of the commissioners do not want to do that because it would require creating another animal services site, as well as increasing traffic near the schools in Bell due to more people going to that site.
     John Locklear, an engineer and president at Locklear & Associates Inc. of Gainesville, called the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which is the agency overseeing the $4 million awarded to Gilchrist County by the Florida Legislature to expand the county’s solid waste transfer abilities.
     This will give the County Commission more time to search and potentially choose a new solid waste transfer site.
     Gilchrist County, like some other Florida counties, transfers its garbage to the regional landfill in Union County, which is operated by New River Solid Waste Association (NRSWA) – which has been serving people since 1988.
     “We proudly operate an environmentally friendly waste facility serving citizens and businesses across Baker, Bradford, and Union counties in Florida, the association’s website notes. “The NRSWA also accepts contracted waste from out-of-region locations as well.”


John Locklear, president at Locklear & Associates Inc. of Gainesville, speaks with the Gilchrist County Commission about methods to find a new place for another solid waste transfer site.

     Locklear said the FDEP will give Gilchrist County a six-month extension beyond its current deadline to find a new place for solid waste collections.
     Locklear and the five county commissioners are looking for 15 to 20 acres for the future solid waste transfer site, with a scale house.
     They want to find a place that will be able to be used for years to come as an expansion of the county’s garbage transfer system happens due to increase population, which has increased garbage as a subset of that growth.
     Every listener was reminded that this process of the county choosing a site, including if it must simply expand at the current site, will include opportunities for public input – including from whatever landowners may feel putting a new garbage transfer site near them is undesirable.

Account started
for Otter Creek Park and Campground
     Gilchrist County Finance Director Richard Romans had to remind Chairman Smith about the “time certain” matter regarding the establishment of an account for Otter Creek Park and Campground.
     The matter was supposed to start at 4:15 p.m., but it happened a bit later. Usually, either the county administrator or the county attorney reminds the chairman when there is a "time certain" item on the agenda if the chairman appears to have overlooked it.


Gilchrist County Clerk Todd Newton (left) speaks with one of his deputy clerk’s -- Gilchrist County Finance Director Richard Romans – before the start of the March 2 meeting.

     The County Commission voted unanimously to start the new fund, which shows a current budget of $573,900. Revenue from rentals and entry fees to the park and campground are anticipated to cover the expenses – similar to how Hart Springs Park and Campground is a self-sustaining entity that provides a significant recreational outlet for Gilchrist County residents and visitors.

Qualifying to run in special election
for Inglis Town Commission
ends at noon on March 13
Information Provided
By the Office of Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones
Published Feb. 27, 2026 at 3:15 p.m.
     BRONSON -- The Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office recently announced its scheduled administration of the 2026 Special Election for the Town of Inglis for its Town Commission.     Voters and potential candidates are encouraged to review the important dates, qualifications, and voting information.
     Inglis Town of Clerk Cery Logeman, serving as the municipal supervisor of elections, is scheduled to administer the qualifying process for those interested in seeking office in the Town of Inglis. The qualifying period ends March 13 at noon. For assistance or to schedule a qualifying appointment contact Logeman at 352-447-2203.
     Residents of Inglis can vote in this election if they are registered to vote now or register to vote before the deadline.
     Voter registration deadline for the Inglis Special Election closes on Monday, March 30. Eligible residents may register at the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office or online at https://www.votelevy.gov/.
Vote-by-Mail Information
     The Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office is providing Vote-by-Mail services for this election. Voters may request a ballot by calling 352-486-5163 or visiting www.votelevy.gov.
Election Day
     The 2026 Town of Inglis Special Election will take place on April 28, a Tuesday, from a.m. to 7 p.m.
     The place to vote in the election is at the Inglis Community Center, 137 Levy County Road 40 West, in Inglis. Some people call Levy County Road 40 “Highway 40.”
     For answers to questions or additional information about this special election, please contact the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-486-5163 or email tammy@votelevy.gov.
 

Swamp Hogz and others
donate to Another Way

In this group shot people participating in the event on Feb. 25 in the Williston Police Department parking lot (from left) are Chiefland Police Chief Scott Anderson, Williston Well and Pump Owner Steve Quinata, Another Way Outreach Manager Stephanie Davis, Another Way Program Director Lisa Hudson, Another Way Chief Executive Officer Cady Price, (kneeling) Swamp Hogz Road Captain ‘Pappy’, Swamp Hogz President ‘F.J.’, ‘Taz’, Williston Mayor Charles Goodman, ‘Stitches’, ‘Chaos’ and Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls.

Story, Photos and Video by Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 25, 2026 at 9 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     WILLISTON – Late Wednesday afternoon (Feb. 25), the culmination of fundraising efforts to benefit victims of domestic abuse happened in the parking lot of Williston Police Department in front of some Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
     Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls said the Brotherhood of Heroes Motorcycle Law Enforcement Club came to him about a month ago to see if they could do something with local law enforcement to help support victims of domestic violence.
     The full name of this group is the Swamp Hogz Chapter of the Brotherhood of Heroes Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, although the back of one jacket of the group also includes “Nomads” as part of the name.
     The plan was to raise money to help fund the ongoing domestic violence shelter managed by Another Way.
     There were spaghetti dinners as well as a pool tournament to raise these funds. Judi Yaeger, owner of The Junction Tavern in Williston, provided the place for the pool tournament and helped in other ways.

In this video, which includes a little bit of wind noise, Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls, Brotherhood of Heroes Motorcycle Law Enforcement Club Sergeant-At-At-Arms Robert ‘Chaos’ Alexander, Williston Mayor Charles Goodman and Another Way Chief Executive Officer Cady Price share some of their thoughts at the event on Feb. 25 in Williston. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video by Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     Chief Rolls presented a check for $2,770.70 to Another Way Program Director Lisa Hudson.
     Also present at the event were Another Way Chief Executive Officer Cady Price and Another Way Outreach Manager Stephanie Davis.
     Chief Rolls intimated that domestic abuse is rampant worldwide and he is happy to help in effort to support victims recovering from that abuse via shelters.’
     Rolls thanked the Brotherhood of Heroes Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club – Swamp Hogz Chapter members – for bringing it all together, and for choosing the Williston Police Department to be a part of the event.
     Another Way was thanked by the chief for its effort to help families impacted by domestic violence.
     Swamp Hogz Sergeant-At-Arms Robert “Chaos” Alexander said there are people who were not present at the Wednesday event who were vital to the success of this mission.
     He mentioned President Bill “Diablo” Shaw and the other members of the United Front Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club deserve credit, too. “Chaos” mentioned Yaegar and the staff members at The Junction Tavern.
     Steve Quinata of Williston Well & Pump “came through in a big way” by donating significantly to the effort, “Chaos” said.
     Another Way CEO Price said the donations will “go a long way” to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and helping assure they have somewhere to go and to have their needs met when the time comes.
     Domestic abuse is something that is difficult to speak about, Price said, “but it’s something that happens in all of our communities. So, it’s really wonderful to see the community come out to support survivors and give this donation.”
     Williston Mayor Charles Goodman said it is a pleasure to see people riding motorcycles to support worthwhile causes.
     The mayor mentioned he is a former motorcyclist and that Chief Rolls is still an active motorcycle rider.
     Williston Mayor Goodman thanked the motorcycle club members and the staff members of Another Way for everything they do to help people in the community.
     “Chaos” mentioned that April 11, the Swamp Hogz Chapter of the Brotherhood of Heroes Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club plans to ride to raise money for Tri-County Arc, which is a successor group of the former Levy County Association For Retarded Citizens.
     He urged the mayor to encourage Chief Rolls to participate. The chief said he will be part of this worthwhile fundraiser on April 11.

Levy County to give boat ramp to Inglis
By Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 19, 2026 at 9 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     BRONSON – On the agenda for the regular Feb. 17 meeting of the Levy County Board of County Commissioners was the declaration of a public boat ramp owned by Levy County to be “surplus.”     With that declaration, the county now plans to donate the boat ramp to the Town of Inglis via a resolution to be voted upon at a future County Commission meeting.
     Inglis is an incorporated town located in Levy County. It is one of eight municipalities within Levy County. Inglis has a population of approximately 1,700.
     Incorporated in 1955, it is a small residential community located along U.S. Highway 19 with Levy County Road 40 being the main crossroad.
     The area was formerly known as “Port Inglis” and was named after Capt. John L. Inglis, situated near the Withlacoochee River and east of the Town of Yankeetown, another of the eight municipalities in Levy County.
     Levy County Commissioner Desiree Mills initiated the conversation to direct county staff to prepare a resolution to declare the Elkins Road Boat Ramp in Inglis as surplus real property and to donate said property to the Town of Inglis.
     This boat ramp is next to Brooks Dockside Seafood, which is within the town’s limits.
     To see the Nov. 19, 2018 story, photos and videos under the headline Yankeetown Seafood Festival draws people together, which includes a little bit about Brooks Dockside Seafood, click HERE.
     Levy County Director of Public Works Matt Weldon said this is at the end of the dead-end Elkins Road, in a subdivision that was developed in the 1960s. Among his many duties, Weldon leads all staff in parks and recreation as well as mosquito control matters in Levy County.
     Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper said the process for this boat ramp to become the Town of Inglis’ property is to designate the property as surplus, and then the County Commission will return to approve a resolution with the method of disposition of the property – which in this case will be to donate it to the Town of Inglis, as that Town Commission has indicated it wants.
     Weldon said that when the boat ramp was donated to the state fish and wildlife commission back in the 1960s there was a plan for an area to be allocated for parking, but that added parking area did not happen.
     Then in 1992, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission donated the boat ramp to Levy County, Weldon explained.
     Commissioner Mills said that the county believes there is insufficient parking and the town’s leaders believe that they can work with what exists.
     As noted, this item is scheduled to come back at a future meeting as a resolution, where the county will give the boat ramp to the town.
     On a motion by Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy, second by Commissioner Johnny Hiers, the declaration of that boat ramp as surplus property passed by a 5-0 vote.
Other Actions
     During that 90 or so minutes of that meeting on Tuesday night (Feb.17), the five Levy County Commission members -- Tim Hodge, Charlie Kennedy, Johnny Hiers, Rock Meeks and Desiree Mills all voted in favor of the following actions, as well as completing other actions and discussing the Florida Legislature and some local youth sports programs.
     ● Approve the change order proposal for Payne Construction Group for $7,132.40 to pour a new 4-inch slab that will replace areas in front of the Government Center that are currently asphalt. This change order is an extension of improvements to the front access to the Levy County Government Center.
     ● Award the $406,869 bid to Payne Construction Group doing business as Gainesville Commercial Contractors Inc. as lowest bidder for capital improvement project for Levy County Courthouse. Levy County Facilities Manager Doug Partin presented the bid information. Commissioner Charlie Kennedy said this improvement is needed and will use funds that have been accumulating for courthouse improvements that are needed for meeting compliance with federal law for handicap accessibility, as well as for the need for more space for courtrooms.
     ● Have county staff members work with the interim county attorney to further explore the termination of a lease agreement with the state of Florida for a former prison facility known as “Levy County Forestry Camp.” Currently Levy County Fire Rescue has its headquarters there. The current lease expires on Dec. 14, 2062 unless terminated earlier through provisions in the lease agreement. One option to be explored is for the county to purchase the property rather than lease it from the state government. Levy County Fire Rescue Chief Mitch Harrell told the County Commission that mowing the grass there during summers is a full-time job.
     ● Appoint 11 people to be on the Levy County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. They are Corey Montalbano, Stewart Wasson, Allen Strickland, Rustie Pendergrass, Christy Nash, Natalie Thomas, Burgandy Arrington, Kelly Bishop, Gussie Boatwright, Stacy Swain and Johnny Hiers.
     ● Approve a budget amendment to relocate $150,000 from reserves for contingencies to support planning services provided by North Florida Professional Services. Levy County Finance and Administration Director Jason Rivera noted the funding for North Florida Professional Services (NFPS) was not included in the adopted budget for the current fiscal year based on the expectation that the vacant planner positions would be filled and services would be provided in-house. There is work now that professional assistance is required from NFPS to keep work flowing. 

K-9 Team Looks For Guns

K-9 Huck, a German Shorthaired Pointer, looks and sniffs as he is on patrol even during a photo opportunity as his partner and fellow law enforcement officer Dixie County Deputy Jessica Chewning are seen near the Dixie County Woman’s Club, 236 N.E. 134^th St., across the street from the Dixie County Courthouse in Cross City. The human and canine deputies agreed to the photo op. The dog is a law enforcement officer, too, as noted in Florida law. 


Here, Huck is looking in a particular direction, focused on something out of camera range. Among K-9 Huck’s and Deputy Chewning’s successful operations was the recovery of a stolen firearm in Taylor County, just on the other side of the Steinhatchee River as law enforcement looked for the weapon on both sides of the river. Huck’s talent is finding firearms and ammunition. He is seen on patrol here on Friday (Feb. 13), the last of a seven-morning tour of duty near the courthouse during a weeklong murder trial there and then. This team was only part of a very extensive security force in and around the courthouse assuring people were safe. Another DCSO K-9 team, and several other deputies were on that team under the direction of Sheriff Darby Butler. The DCSO provides courthouse security as well as law enforcement for every part of Dixie County. In Cross City, the Cross City Police Department provides that public service in the municipality's geographic limits.
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 14, 2026 at 7 a.m.
All Rights Reserved

Sheriff sees friend

Robert Willis (left) speaks with Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler in a courtroom in Cross City on Friday (Feb. 13).

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Feb. 14, 2026 at 8 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY -- Robert Willis, the former chief deputy of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, was among the many people who came on Friday (Feb. 13) to watch some or all of the last day of the trial of a man convicted of first-degree murder.
     During one of the recesses of the morning, Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler greeted the visitor in the courtroom, and they spoke for some minutes during that break.
     Willis retired after 25 years of service. He began his law enforcement career with the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office in 1997 and later served as the chief deputy (undersheriff) before retiring in December 2025.
     Willis has transitioned into private practice as an attorney, bringing his extensive experience in both law enforcement and legal representation to his new role.
     To see the video of Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz speaking with the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners about Willis’ retirement, and other matters, at the Jan. 16 meeting of the Gilchrist County Commission meeting, click HERE.
     Willis was the undersheriff of Gilchrist County when the body of Demiah Appling was recovered from a shallow grave there, after she was murdered in Dixie County in October of 2022.