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Politician seeking
to be Florida’s governor
preaches in Chiefland

Bobby Williams (R-Eagle Lake) speaks from the lectern on July 16 at the Tommy Usher Community Center as he takes a few minutes to explain to the audience why he believes he is the best Republican candidate in the primary to choose to run for governor of Florida. He was the only gubernatorial candidate in the ‘Town Hall Meeting’ for local candidates.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © July 18, 2026 at 8:15 a.m.
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     CHIEFLAND – During a candidate forum for local candidates that was sponsored by the Chiefland City Commission on July 16, Bobby Williams (R-Eagle Lake), one of the 11 Republicans seeking to win the primary election on Aug. 18 to run against a Democrat, while also running against a Libertarian Party candidate who won a primary unopposed in that party (and others), spoke in the Tommy Usher Community Center.
      Williams told people why he thinks he is the best Republican candidate in the primary to choose to run for governor of Florida.

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     The only candidate who has won the primary election unopposed is Scott Eckhard Jewett of Boca Raton (Palm Beach County). Jewett won the Libertarian Party of Florida (LPF) nomination to run in the general election for governor.
     In addition to that one LPF candidate, as of July 17, records show there are five Non-Party Affiliate (NPA) candidates; five Write-In (WRI) candidates; six Democrats (DEM); and 11 Republican (REP) candidates for governor.
     Incumbent Gov. Ron DeSantis (REP) is ineligible to seek reelection due to term limits.
     Williams, who lists Eagle Lake as his city of residence, according to election records in Tallahassee, believes he is the best Republican and the best candidate to be elected as the next governor of Florida. Eagle Lake is a city located in Polk County.
     On some official voter and campaign records, “Bobby Williams” is listed as “Bobby Eugene Williams Jr.” rather than simply “Bobby Williams.” On the list of qualified Republican candidates shown on the Florida Secretary of State’s Division of Elections listings, however, he is noted as “Bobby Williams.”
     During his presentation to the audience in Chiefland on July 16, Williams said he wants to keep Florida beautiful by protecting its natural resources such as forests, lakes and rivers.
     This candidate, a preacher for 10 years now, leans on Christianity as a platform for election. 
     “We’ve got to get God back in government and God back in schools -- Amen?” Williams said. “It’s the only way you can fix the situation we’re in.”
     While running in the Republican primary, he said he believes it is not “red” versus “blue” (where those colors are commonly attributed to Republicans and Democrats respectively). Williams said that “the problem is good versus evil.” 
     The third-generation Floridian said he wants to keep the state like it is. He said his goal is to stop the over-development and destruction of Florida. 
     “Don’t New York my Florida,” Williams said as he used a proper noun for a verb, and where he asserts information about two of the United States’ 50 states without actually seeming to have conducted enough research.
     From a broad perspective based on relatively easy research, New York and Florida approach property development from opposite ends of the spectrum. New York prioritizes rigid, preservation-heavy zoning and strict tenant protections. Florida, by contrast, operates under a pro-growth, developer-friendly model that features standardized hurricane-resistant building codes and rapid expansion of urban housing. Florida’s reputation for “pro-growth, developer-friendly practices” are noteworthy.
     Given this information, the slogan should be “Stop Floriding my Florida” rather than “Don’t New York my Florida.”
     Williams said he is against “AI data centers” and “solar fields.” He is also against “polluting our water.”
     He said Jacksonville wants to pump its water over to this part of Florida.
     “If it’s so good,” Williams said, “why don’t they bottle it up and drink it themselves?”
     Williams said he believes having a godly character and using common sense will “fix everything in our government.”
     Williams spent his childhood in Eloise, an impoverished community just south of Winter Haven. He described growing up in poverty. His mother became pregnant with his brother when she was 13 years old, and with Williams when she was 16, he said.
     Some of The Gospel, according to Williams is contrary to what traditional Christians believe and is closer to the new brand known as nationalist Christians. Williams told listeners that people do not change, even though he was not brought up in the church as a child or as a young man and has now changed by becoming a Christian.
     Williams is a preacher. At age 32, he had “an encounter with Jesus” and became a Christian. In 2016, Williams started a ministry that he named the “Freedom Tour” -- a Florida-based food and disaster relief nonprofit organization that distributed food.
 

Three Rivers Regional Library System
accepts $4,000 grant
from Florida Humanities
Dixie County library manager
expands America 250 Book Collection

This picture shows 24 of the different books in the display at the Dixie County Public Library in Cross City as some of the publications to be found there related to American history. This library has a wealth of other books and other materials to be checked out, and it has computers to be used by the public as well. 
Photo Provided By Three Rivers Regional Library Director Dale Collum

By Jeff M. Hardison © July 14, 2026 at 9:15 a.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – A recent press release from Three Rivers Regional Library Director Dale Collum and Florida Humanities Director of Communications Andrew Quintana shows more books and other material are in the Dixie County Public Library in Cross City thanks to a grant from Florida Humanities.
     From a Tri-County Area perspective, other area libraries have enjoyed benefits from the state and counties as well as Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. And private library patrons have donated funding as well as hours of voluntary service.
     In regard to this grant, Florida Humanities has awarded the Three Rivers Regional Library System $4,000 to expand its circulating collection with 184 books, e-books, and e-audiobooks being purchased with new titles that encourage readers to reflect on America’s past, present and future as people celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary as a democratic republic free from colonization.
     Dixie County Public Library, as a member of the Three Rivers Cooperative, will receive $1,000. The Three Rivers Regional Library System is a cooperative of four public libraries serving Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette and Taylor counties.
     Through Florida Humanities’ America 250 Book Collection Grants initiative, public libraries across the state are receiving funding to enhance their collections with books 
that explore the people, events, and ideas that have shaped the American experience. 
     Participating libraries are set to receive materials to create America 250-themed displays featuring recommended reading lists for both youth and adult audiences, helping spark meaningful community conversations around the nation’s semiquincentennial.
     “We really appreciate the generosity of Florida Humanities in making these titles available to the citizens that we serve,” Dixie County Public Library Manager Cindy Bellot said. “We are happy to be able to provide them to our community and support the America250 celebrations.” 
     Bellot further noted that the titles cover the founding of the nation, patriotism, and civic education with books to help explain the American governmental system.
     Books are available for all age groups and online through the library’s CloudLibrary app, at www.3riverslibrary.com.
     “Public libraries are vital spaces for democracy in our nation, providing community members of all ages with access to a wealth of knowledge," Florida Humanities Associate Director Patricia Putman said. “Florida Humanities is thrilled to support these American institutions by providing them the resources they need to expand and enhance their collections just in time for our nation’s semiquincentennial.” 
     In total, Florida Humanities awarded more than $78,000 to 123 libraries and library systems statewide, supporting the purchase of more than 4,000 books in communities across 25 Florida counties.
     Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and sharing the history, literature, culture, and personal stories that offer Floridians a better understanding of themselves, their communities, and their state. Since 1973, Florida Humanities has awarded more than $16 million in support of statewide cultural resources and public programs strongly rooted in the humanities. These programs preserve Florida’s diverse history and heritage, promote civic engagement and community dialogue, and provide opportunities to reflect on the future of Florida.
     Based on the publicly available Summer 2026 America 250 Book Collection Grant Awards list from Florida Humanities, Levy County Public Library System is not listed as a recipient of funding in that round of Florida Humanities grants. The awards in that announcement cover 121 libraries in 28 counties, but Levy County is not among them.
     Levy County, though, is part of the Putnam-Alachua-Levy Public Library Cooperative
     The Putnam-Alachua-Levy (PAL) Public Library Cooperative is an independent special district created in 2010 to improve library services for residents of Putnam County, Alachua County, and Levy County in Florida pal-cooperative.org. It was formed when the three counties’ library systems entered into an interlocal agreement to pool resources, expand collections, and share technology and other resources beyond what each could provide alone.
     Based on the publicly available Florida Humanities grant award lists and county-level funding data, there is no evidence in the provided sources that Florida Humanities has awarded money directly to the Putnam County Library District.
     As noted, nevertheless, Florida Humanities’ most recent major grant cycle -- the America 250 Book Collection Grants -- awarded $78,000 to 121 library branches across 28 Florida counties.
     Florida Humanities has awarded money to the Alachua County Library District.
     According to Florida Humanities’ own reporting, the organization has provided more than $286,700 in recent grants to Alachua County to support a variety of cultural and educational projects. One example is a $16,700 grant that funded the Alachua County Library District’s English for Families program, which brought together parents, children, and grandparents for literacy activities, crafts, and community building.
     In Alachua County, these Florida Humanities’ grants have supported initiatives ranging from Smithsonian exhibitions to poetry festivals, helping to integrate the humanities into everyday community life. 
     The Gilchrist County Public Library, like the Levy County Public Library System, and other public library systems in Florida, has received separate funding from the State of Florida’s Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services under the State Aid to Libraries Grant program. This is a state-level grant administered under Florida Statutes 257.17 and 257.18.
     Each county government in Florida provides some funding for public libraries for various objectives such as paying for employees.
     Every Florida county provides tax funding for public libraries. While state law does not mandate that counties operate libraries, funding is generated through local property taxes. Of course, if voters amend the Florida Constitution, cuts resulting from fewer property taxes can mean fewer library services as well as cuts in other services – like mosquito control, public parks or recreational services and more.

Sheriff endorses prevention efforts
Hope Fest 2026 may be shelved

Chair of the Gilchrist Prevention Coalition (GPC) Capt. Sheryl Brown (left) and GPC Executive Director Robert Wells open the monthly meeting on July 9 in the conference room at the Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office.

Story, Photos and Videos By Jeff M. Hardison © July 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     TRENTON – Representatives from the Florida National Guard, Another Way, United Way of North Central Florida, the Florida Department of Health Tri-County Unit, the Suwannee River Agency for Health Education Center, Florida Legal Services and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) attended the monthly meeting of the Gilchrist Prevention Coalition (GPC) on July 9.
     This was the second of the two meetings set for 2026 that were held in the GCSO Conference Room. During summer vacation for Gilchrist County students, the GPC monthly meetings are in the Sheriff’s Office facility; however, normally they are in a conference room of the Gilchrist County Public Library in Trenton.
     On this occasion, Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert D. “Bobby” Schultz III was the keynote speaker. 


Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert D. ‘Bobby’ Schultz III shares a lot of information about himself, the GCSO and the county that he loves and serves as the top law enforcement officer in the county.

    Before the sheriff told everyone a great deal about several things that are GCSO-oriented, including that there is going to be a “Citizen Academy.”
     The sheriff spoke about some of the philosophy guiding his decisions, which are based on “One Team, One Mission.” This concept emphasizes community engagement, transparency, and a unified approach to public safety across the department’s staff. 
     Sheriff Schultz shared insight about budgeting for the protection of life and property of residents and visitors of and to Gilchrist County. Listeners must have heard the tone, too, which resounded with the care this man feels for his fellow humans as well as for the primary county he serves professionally.
     Before Sheriff Schultz spoke though, GPC community partners heard an update regarding Hope Fest 2026.
     Just like at the June meeting of the GPC, Executive Director Robert Wells said the event is not solidly scheduled. Wells said that he plans to speak with Gilchrist County Administrator Bobby Crosby again about this event. As of July 9, however – facts show Hope Fest 2026 may not happen this year, or perhaps it will come to be in the fall. For a few years now, the GPC hosted Hope Fest at Otter Springs Park and Campground. That was when For Vets Inc. was the steward of the park. For Vets Inc. had a plan for Camp Valor, which would have helped veterans in various ways.
     For Vets Inc., however, could not bring the Camp Valor project to fruition. The non-profit organization was unable to continue serving as the manager for Otter Creek Park and Campground. The property was returned to the care and control of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners. Otter Creek Park and Campground, like Hart Springs Park and Campground, which is another of the county facilities in Gilchrist County, the County Commission must charge admission for people to camp at the park or to use the park as a one-day visitor.
     In other news from the GPC, a five-day summer camp was enjoyed by 20 or so campers, Wells said. The GPC is hoping to expand the summer program, he said.


To see and hear two video clips that are a total of about 20 minutes, where Gilchrist County Sheriff Robert D. ‘Bobby’ Schultz III speaks about the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office and why he is thankful for all of the partners of the Gilchrist Prevention Coalition, and more, click on the PHOTO. There are two merged videos, because the battery of the camera ran out and the videographer had to quickly switch to a second battery. 
Videos By Jeff M. Hardison – All Copyrights Reserved

     Sheriff Schultz welcomed everyone to the conference room, and he said he is grateful for all of the different organizations there that day and for how the help the residents and visitors of Gilchrist County.
     Schultz has been the elected sheriff in Gilchrist County since 2013. All told, he has 34 or so years of experience in law enforcement and corrections. The sheriff said members of the GCSO have a passion to serve people, and they strive to overcome issues.
     The annual GCSO budget for this fiscal year, he said, is about $9.5 million, which is spread across the four divisions of the GCSO -- law enforcement, corrections, communications and judicial.  When fully staffed, the GCSO employs 75 people, the sheriff said. The lion’s share of most agencies’ budgets is for salaries and benefits.
     Gilchrist County faces many of the same challenges of more urban counties in Florida. Finding people who want to serve others is an initial hurdle, he said, especially with some larger agencies offering higher salaries.
     “But the people we have here, want to be here,” Schultz said.
     This is a blessing for the county, he added, because those individuals are choosing to work here. The employees enjoy the benefits from working in a rural environment.
     Since 2013, he said, the crime rate has been reduced. Now, most publications will rate Gilchrist County as being among the top 10 safest counties in Florida, and within the 97 to 98 percentiles of the safest counties in the United States of America.
     Sheriff Schultz said the GCSO has been so successful in making the county safer since 2013 and keeping it that way – because of the men and women who work in the GCSO.
     The sheriff added, too, that the GPC’s coalition of people who are working at prevention have been immensely helpful.
     The GPC focuses on empowering youth and building a healthy, supportive community by providing substance use prevention strategies, mental health awareness, and academic or personal enrichment programs.
     The coalition’s core work includes:
     ● Substance Abuse Education -- Preventing youth drug, alcohol, and tobacco use through evidence-based school curriculums like “Too Good For Violence.”
     ● Community Enrichment -- Hosting local, youth-oriented activities such as “Camp Curiosity” and seasonal community events to foster positive social connections.
     ● Resource Distribution -- Acting as a hub for services, mental health resources, and community support.
     ● Collaboration -- Partnering with local leaders, law enforcement, and residents to identify and address community needs.
     The sheriff said his job of finding suspected criminals and incarcerating them – removing the bad element from the community by putting them in jail is relatively easy in comparison with working to raise the next generation of people to not continue habits from their parents and others who influence them to break laws. He knows that prevention will pay dividends for the whole community more than punishment or attempted rehabilitation.
     Schultz said that when the GPC formed in Gilchrist County, he was all in. Given his complete set of duties, he cannot be at every GPC event, however Capt. Sheryl Brown and others who represent the Sheriff’s Office are very active. In fact, Capt. Brown is the chair of the GPC Board of Directors, and she led the meeting that Thursday morning – as she usually does.
     The sheriff said he is hearing from parents about the positive impact from GPC events like Friday Nights Done Right and the summer camp. He assured everyone listening that for every child they reach, the GPC is saving lives.
     Then he spoke about what the GCSO is doing as part of the community, too.
     Being a deputy, he said, is more than putting people in jail. Deputies look for the root of problems. They seek to prevent crime before having to put a person in jail.
     Law enforcement officers are not social workers, Schultz added.
     “But I tell my deputies all the time, ‘We’ve got to care – because we live in these communities.’ We deal with these young men and young women, older men, older women all the time,” Sheriff Schultz said. “So, it’s up to us – if they have a problem, to try to solve it.”
     He went on to tell the listeners that if when someone comes to him concerning a family member addicted to drugs of if they are doing things that they should not be doing and the law has not caught them yet, then he speaks with those people. If there is some kind of a service, like a drug rehab program, or a gambling addiction rehab program, or a program to deal with domestic abuse issues, then Capt. Brown will find that program and help those people as best as is possible.
     This will give individuals chances to try and better themselves, he said.
     “At the end of the day,” Schultz said, “whether they are 10 years old or 98 years old, if they want the help, we’re going to find it. But in the times when they choose to do that, and we’ve had. They don’t make that personal choice to make things better; they don’t accept the services, then we stand in that gap. And we will do our job. And unfortunately, some of those folks go to jail or (they) end up in an even worse situation.”
     The sheriff said the GCSO community outreach effort is noteworthy. Sometimes, a person might notice several deputies at one place.
     They may wonder who is patrolling the rest of the county. 
     “Most of the time, those 10 deputies are there on their own free will,” Schultz said.
     As a policy, he endorses deputies using their cruisers when they are in voluntary service to help the whole community. He added that deputies who bring their children to community events where they are handing out literature like “See Something – Say Something” or “Say ‘No’ To Drugs,” and they are representing the GCSO, then he endorses those actions.
     The new Gilchrist County Jail is a source of pride for the sheriff, he said. It holds 84 inmates when it is full. As of that morning, there were about 70 inmates who were under the care, custody and control of the GCSO, he said.
     On average, a typical inmate will be there for an overnight stay, or they will be there for two or three months. 
     Given the short stays and other limitations of being a small county, the list of services for inmates is not as expansive as in an urban setting. 
     Most of the folks jailed will participate and say what they believe is needed to expedite their release, but after that most of them do not do anything to sustain a program to improve their lives and to not repeat criminal behavior, the sheriff intimated.
     Still, he said, if one person is helped from among the hundreds who are jailed there, then that program is worthwhile.
     Finding people who are willing to dedicate time is a challenge. Additionally, having enough staff members to accommodate programs is a factor, he said. 
     There is a drug recovery program the sheriff is using at the jail now. It is led by a recovering addict. The sheriff said this man is a religious-based problem solver. In his program, he tells the participant not to blame others for their woes. Instead, he seeks to help the individuals try to find the cause of them abusing drugs. This is the best program the sheriff has seen in years, and he hopes this provider will continue helping at the jail in this manner. After the inmate leaves jail, the sheriff added, he or she can continue working in this program to overcome the root causes of drug abuse, stealing and other things.
GCSO Citizens Academy
     To sign up, contact Lt. Keagon Weatherford at 352-440-7361 or send him an email at kweatherford@gcso.us. Lt. Weatherford is the contact person for Gilchrist County residents to register for the GCSO Citizens Academy.
     Participants will undergo a background check before being allowed to participate, the sheriff said. People with minor, nonviolent infractions need not be concerned about this, he said. There are certain folks, however, who would be excluded from participating.
     This is going to be each Tuesday evening from Aug. 4 through Sept. 8. The two-hour programs will include a tour of the jail as well as several activities that promise to be insightful. For instance, the sheriff said, a person may think a deputy should shoot an oncoming attacker in the leg. The reason to not shoot a suspect in the leg will be explained. The sheriff said this academy will provide citizens with lots of information, and he recommends it for anyone who is interested in the GCSO.
     There will be examples of what happens at a traffic stop and more. This is a fact-based academy.
     There is a limited number of available seats. So, people who want to participate will want to contact Lt. Weatherford soon by calling the Sheriff’s Office.
One Team - One Mission
     The sheriff spoke about several other matters, including that while Gilchrist County is among the safest counties in the nation, the GCSO provides its services at the lowest per-person cost as well.
     He spoke about people who may be critical of the need to purchase new vehicles on occasion. He said from Trenton to the northern part of the county is about 30 miles. If a robber has broken into a person’s home and is armed and threatening to harm the person, their spouse and their children.
     Do those people who are in mortal danger want a deputy responding in a 2023 Ford F-150, with 60,000 miles on the odometer, or do they want a deputy driving a 2014 Ford Crown Victoria with almost 200,000 miles on it – and “maybe we get there maybe we don’t” – to be on the way?
     Sheriff Schulz said he wishes the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) would visit the GCSO, because after the DOGE staff members reviewed what is done here and the cost for doing it, “They’d be walking out of here and saying, ‘Given them more money,’” he said.
     The sheriff said he has passion for people and he loves the community. There have been times, however, when he has had to arrest a friend. That is heartbreaking, he said.
     “We believe in one team – one mission,” Sheriff Schultz said.
     This is not a campaign slogan, he said. Instead, he believes that where there is a will, there is a way.
     “If we all work together for a common goal, we can achieve anything,” he said. “I put that to the test, and we have done it."

Gilchrist County Commission
accepts another fine audit report
GCSO has one audit issue

Brendan McKitrick, CPA, CISA, a partner in the firm of James Moore & Co., speaks to the Gilchrist County Commission on July 6 about the audit of the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2024-Sept. 30, 2025.

Story and Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © July 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Updated July 9, 2026 at 3 p.m.
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     TRENTON – The four members of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners present for the July 6 twice-monthly regular meeting heard that Gilchrist County Clerk of County Commission Todd Newton, and his staff, including Gilchrist County Finance Director Richard Romans and Assistant Gilchrist County Finance Director Tonya Howell, have again done an excellent job with keeping records of revenue and expenses.
     Newton's team worked with the whole County Commission set of employees and departments as well. On Monday (July 6), Gilchrist County Chairman Darrell Smith, Vice Chairman Bill Martin and commissioners Kenrick Thomas and Sharon A. Langford heard the good news from the audit report. Commissioner Tommy Langford was out of the county on a planned vacation trip.
     Brendan McKitrick, CPA, CISA, a partner in the firm of James Moore & Co., spoke with the Gilchrist County Commission about the audit of the fiscal year Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2025.
     He said the audit of the Gilchrist County Commission showed it rates an “unmodified opinion,” which is the best audit report any interest can hope to achieve. Furthermore, McKitrick noted the single audit report shows “no findings,” another goal for clerks; there are no material weaknesses or noncompliance issues with this audit; there are no recommendations noted for the Florida Auditor General Report; and there is no noncompliance noted as part of the independent accountants’ examination report.
     McKitrick thanked Clerk Newton and his staff as well as all of the Gilchrist County constitutional officers and their staff members for helping staff members from James Moore & Co. to complete the audits not only for the Gilchrist County Commission; but also for the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office; the Gilchrist County Tax Collector’s Office; the Gilchrist County Property Appraiser’s Office; the Gilchrist County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office; and the Gilchrist County Supervisor of Elections Office.
     In regard to the other five elected officials’ offices, James Moore & Co. found no significant deficiencies or made other recommendations. All six showed zero material weaknesses, except GCSO, which showed one of those, according to the audit reports.
     McKitrick said he believes the GCSO has a game plan to not have a material weakness when the next audit of those records happens.
     County Commission Vice Chairman Martin said that during the seven years he has served, he has seen the County Commission staff members and the County Clerk’s staff members produce such good records that the audits have reflected that fine work, and he noted his appreciation for those employees’ working together and with the independent auditor.
     County Clerk Newton said he appreciates the professionalism that is consistently shown by the James Moore & Co. employees, including when they ask questions that help resolve any possible issues.
     Commission Chairman Smith mentioned that Finance Director Romans past experience as an auditor is bound to help the Gilchrist County Clerk’s Office as well as the County Commission as he and Assistant Finance Director Howell keep the records straight, as well as Romans’ guidance when he is asked for it. He is known to remind commissioners about any practice that if continued is bound to result in some account balances that are not welcomed.
Notes From The GCSO Audit
     A review of the 54 pages from some other combined reporting, as well as the 24 pages of the audit of the GCSO, showed one material weakness listed in the fiscal year reviewed.
     Listed under “2025-001 – Modified Accrual Basis of Accounting,” the report noted that “During the course of the audit, an adjustment affecting several account groups was noted with respect to account reconciliation and the presentation of accounts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).”
     As the GCSO maintains its general ledger accounts on the cash basis of accounting, a material audit journal entry was required to record the accounts in accordance with GAAP. This included an adjustment of approximately $276,000 to properly accrue for amounts which had not been accrued in the corresponding period. 
     “We recommend the Office (GCSO) utilize accrual features within the accounting software or obtain software that can properly accrue for items at year-end,” the auditors noted.
     In regard to prior audit findings, the auditor noted for the GCSO that “Section 10.554(1)(i)1., Rules of the Auditor General, requires that we determine whether or not corrective actions have been taken to address findings and recommendations made in the preceding annual financial audit report. Corrective actions have been taken to address findings and recommendations made in the preceding financial audit report, except as noted below. 
     “2024-001 – Modified Accrual Basis of Accounting: Corrective action not taken. See repeat comment 2025-001,” the notation concluded. 
     As McKitrick mentioned, he foresees the next audit as having overcome this issue.
     Except for that one notation, the GCSO, like all other constitutional offices reviewed by James Moore & Co. for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, showed records were within the bounds set.
     And the proverbial bottom line for the GCSO in this regard is really as the auditor noted in the report, “In our opinion, for the year ended September 30, 2025, the Office complied with the Statute in all material respects.”
     UPDATED -- From the GCSO, it was recently noted for publication that -- Management acknowledges the audit finding regarding the year-end accrual adjustment required to present the financial statements in accordance with GAAP. The Office previously maintained its general ledger on a cash basis for internal operational purposes, which resulted in the need for a material year-end audit adjustment to record outstanding accruals.
     During the previous year, the Office implemented new accounting software and is in the process of learning and utilizing its accrual accounting features. As staff become more familiar with the system, the Office will establish procedures to ensure all material year-end accruals are identified and recorded before the financial statements are prepared. Management believes the new software will improve the Office's ability to accurately record year-end accruals and reduce the need for significant audit adjustments in future years, the GCSO noted.

Bronson parade shows county seat
celebrating Independence Day 2026
Parade bathed in patriotic colors and spirit

Bronson’s 2026 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal Bill Brown, 97, dressed as Uncle Sam for parade, leads the historic event.

Story And Photos By HardisonInk.com Correspondent Terry Witt
Edited By Publisher Jeff M. Hardison © July 5, 2026 at 3 p.m.
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Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere    
     BRONSON -- Bronson was awash in red, white and blue Saturday (July 4) for the 2026 Fourth of July Parade that stretched from one end of town to the other end of town along Hathaway Avenue (U.S. Alt. 27).
     Parade Marshal Bill Brown, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War said he was extremely proud to take part in the parade.
     Brown, who with his wife Verna, co-founded The Children’s Table, a nonprofit food bank headquartered in Bronson that feeds more than 100,000 people annually, said he was extremely proud to take part in the parade.
      “This is very exciting to see the small towns of America honor this the way they are doing. Never mind New York, it’s all about small towns,” Brown said.
      “That’s where you’ll find America, isn’t it?” he was asked.
      “That’s it,” Brown answered.
     The Fourth of July celebration was doubly important this year because it coincided with the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
     Brown said he has great respect for the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
      “I have ancestors that go back to working with George Washington. We had one who was a wagon master, so we appreciate this day,” Brown said.
     Brown was asked if he thought that someone who couldn’t appreciate the importance of the signing of the Declaration of Independence wasn’t much of an American?
      “And the flag,” he responded. “If they can’t appreciate the flag, they’ve never had a folded one handed to them,” he said.
     He was referring to the folded flag that is handed to the families of veterans at their funerals. He said his wife Verna has had that experience before.
      “Mine is next,” he said.
      “God Bless you,” he added.


Men carrying the American flag and the American Legion flag lead the parade.


The American Legion float was ablaze in patriotic colors.


Bronson Mayor Bruce Greenlee is dressed in patriotic colors.


Bronson Councilman Reggie Stacy organized the July 4^th parade and raised funds for the fireworks show later.


More than a dozen Bronson Youth Sports members participate in the parade with their float.


Some members of the Bronson Community Church congregation display their patriotic spirit. This float's umbrella is attractive as well as functional.


Levy County Commission Chairman Tim Hodge and Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy wave to the crowd from the back of a pickup truck. Commissioner Johnny Hiers is also on the truck bed waving to the crowd as he faces them on the other side, and the other members of the County Commission are Commissioner Desiree Mills and Rock Meeks.


Chiefland Mayor Lewrissa Johns (left) and Vice Mayor Norman Weaver wave from the back of a golf cart and City Commissioner Lawanda Jones is on the front right seat with City Commissioner Kim Bennett driving. With the recent passing of City Commissioner Chris Jones, this is the entire Chiefland City Commission.


Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones throws candy to children as Property Appraiser Jason Whistler and Tax Collector Michele Langford wave to the crowd.


The Moroccan Shriners participated in the parade. The organization supports Shriner Children Hospitals.


One of the most colorful participants was this patriotic American Eagle.

     Bronson Mayor Bruce Greenlee said he definitely appreciates the Fourth of July.
      “Without question,” Mayor Greenlee said. “Sometimes you look at things, and you think, oh my, things are getting out of control, but then you realize we could be in a way worse situation anywhere else in the world. I appreciate it for sure.”
     The parade was organized by Bronson Town Councilman Reggie Stacy. He asked Angela Lambe, who heads Bronson Youth Sports, to take charge of the parade lineup.
     The parade included elected officials from throughout the county including Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and his wife Kandy McCallum, Bronson Mayor Greenlee and Bronson Councilman Stacy; Levy County Commission Chairman Tim Hodge, Levy County Commission Vice Chairman Charlie Kennedy, and Levy County Commissioner Johnny Hiers; Chiefland City Mayor Lewrissa “Rissa” Johns, Vice Mayor Norman Weaver and city commissioners LaWanda Jones and Kim Bennett and; and Williston City Council President Darfeness Hinds and Williston City Council members Debra Jones and Shanna Church; and Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones, Property Appraiser Jason Whistler and Tax Collector Michele Langford.
     Bronson Youth Sports created and paraded one of many floats in the parade, along with the American Legion Post 236. The Levy County Sheriff’s Office was represented by multiple units, and Bronson Fire Rescue was also represented by several units, too.
     There was a happy and uplifting spirit that was part of this year’s parade. People were waving American flags, smiling, yelling to people riding on the floats, and candy was being thrown to children on the side of the highway in generous amounts as one of the trucks in the parade blasted God Bless the USA, a song by Lee Greenwood. 
     It was pure Americana in the heart of the United States of America.
     Publisher’s Note: The Landrum Memorial American Legion Post 236 is a long-standing veterans’ organization in Bronson. The post was established in 1946 and is part of the Florida American Legion’s Northern Area, District 4. Post 236 is named after the late Private First Class William Jacob Landrum, United States Marine Corps, who served during WWII. Landrum was born Sept. 9, 1911, and enlisted in the USMC in January of 1942. He was killed in action on Nov. 3, 1942 while on Guadalcanal. Prior to his service in the Marine Corps, PFC Landrum had been an employee of the United States Post Office at Williston (Levy County).
     There were several other events throughout the Tri-County Area on July 3 and 4.
     On July 3, in the City of Williston, City Clerk Latricia Wright, currently serving as interim city manager, and Williston Police Chief Mike Rolls, provided an impressive and safe parade and fireworks show with assistance by city staff and volunteers.
     Cedar Key had numerous events, and the Seahorse Key Light Station Open House, was hosted on July 3 by UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and others. Located just offshore from Cedar Key, Seahorse Key is part of the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges and is home to a unique blend of natural history, scientific research, and coastal heritage. 
     Also on Independence Day, among the many things across the Tri-County Area, the Town of Inglis is hosted its Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday celebration at South Levy Recreation Park. The event included free food and drinks, live music, water slides and games for kids, a beer tent hosted by AmVets Post 447 and fireworks.
     Cedar Key went full force this year, too. Among its July 4 fun was the Cedar Key 4th of July Golf Cart Parade hosted by Cedar Key Eagles #4194. At high noon on Cedar Key, there was a BBQ Dinner and music at the Eagles #4194. Among the fun there, children received a FREE red, white and blue popsicle. At 9:15 p.m., Fourth of July celebration on that island was hosted, too, by the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce with fireworks.
     And all across the Tri-County Area, some individuals had private parties with their very own fireworks galore. At least one fireworks igniter, though, went overboard with a 2 a.m. launch of explosions on Sunday (July 5) in rural Levy County, which awakened at least one cat and one woman, although her husband reportedly slept through the unwarranted and unwelcomed noise.

Donations of blood needed this summer

A LifeSouth Community Blood Centers bloodmobile

Information and Photo Provided By Laura Bialeck
District Community Development Coordinator
LifeSouth Community Blood Centers
Published July 2, 2026 at 3 p.m.
     GAINESVILLE -- LifeSouth Community Blood Centers asks the community to give blood.
     Summer is a difficult time for blood donations, and supporting the local blood supply by donating blood helps local hospitals and patients. LifeSouth will be hosting blood drives throughout the community.
     All blood types are needed, and all donors during the month of July will receive a commemorative 250^th USA Anniversary T-shirt. And from July 1 through July 7, all donors will also receive a $25 e-gift card and T-shirt.
     Platelet, plasma and double red cell donors receive a $40 e-gift card and T-shirt.
     LifeSouth provides blood to local hospitals, including UF Health, HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, HCA Florida Gainesville Hospital, and the Malcolm Randall VA Center.
     The organization partners with Alachua County Fire Rescue supplying their EMS vehicles with lifesaving blood to be used directly at the scene of major trauma events.
     Blood donors are a vital part of helping save local lives every day.
     All donors receive a mini-physical, including blood pressure, temperature, iron level and cholesterol screen. LifeSouth is also offering complimentary A1c testing to all blood donors, giving donors the chance to learn if they may have pre-diabetes or diabetes, and more about their health.
     Blood can be donated at any LifeSouth donor center or blood drive. Walk-ins are always welcome. Appointments can be scheduled at https://www.lifesouth.org/ or by calling 1-888-795-2707.