Column and Photo
By Myrtice Scabarozi © May 22, 2018 at 10:38 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – The Log Cabin Quilters met Thursday (May 17) at the Levy County Quilt Museum -- 11050 N.W. 10th Ave. (near Levyville, kind of on the way to Judson on Levy County Road 134 from U.S. Alt. 27).

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     The weather was a little damp; and yet we had a great time together. Jan is learning how to hand-quilt on the quilt in the frame. We enjoy the times that we can sit around and catch up with what’s happening in our lives.
     Johnny, the Old Sewing Machine Man, had to cancel on his scheduled visit on Wednesday. We’ll reschedule in a few months.
     Bobbi in Orlando sent us a star top made with Gator fabric and a quilt made by Jennie of Wandering Stitches. Both are for sale.
     The Backyard Pickers are scheduled to be here June 2. Debbie, a fiddler, should be back with us. School will be out so she can join us again. We’ve missed her.


Bobbi made this great Gator quilt top.


Jennie of Wandering Stitches donated this beautiful quilt. Thanks so much.

Lions Club Says 'Thank You'

Students from Yankeetown School attend the last Middle School Social of this school year on Friday (May 18). The Inglis-Yankeetown Lions Club hosted the last of three Middle School Socials of the 2017-2018 school year. The purpose of these socials was to give the 6th, 7th and 8th graders a safe place to hang out together outside of school and to have fun. These socials were attended by 25 to 30 students (half the student body of the Middle School). There was dancing, participation in games, and enjoyment of food and beverages. It was social! The Lions Club thanks everyone who helped make these gatherings fun and successful. To the students - Thanks for coming, the club literally could not have done it without you. And thanks for being awesome people - club members enjoyed getting to know every one of you. To Melody Carson – Thank You for all your help getting this program off the ground, from coordinating between the Lions Club and the students to attending the Socials. You were an integral part in the success of these gatherings. To Brother’s Pizza in Crystal River - Thank You for helping us make these socials successful and tasty. To the parents of the students who attended - Thank you for sharing your kids with us. They were well-behaved, polite, respectful and helpful. The Lions Club looks forward to the Middle School Socials of the 2018-2019 school year!
Published May 22, 2018 at 9:08 p.m.
Photo and Information Provided By The Inglis-Yankeetown Lions Club

Horseshoe crab survey succeeds
By Master Gardener Coordinator Barbara L. Edmonds
Published May 21, 2018 at 8:38 a.m.
     BRONSON -- Nature Coast Master Gardeners, naturalists and citizens count success one crab at a time.


My first tag! Carol Wood proudly shows off a female.


Crabs are weighed in kilogram, on portable scales.


Counting crabs reveals two mating pair and two satellite males.
Photos By Teresa Heath

     The Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a marine chelicerate arthropod. Despite its name, it is more closely related to spiders, ticks, and scorpions.
     “Limulus watch” is a citizen science initiative whose goal is to identify, tag and record horseshoe crab population numbers to better manage these important marine animals.
     “Seventeen volunteers were trained in 2016, 79 in 2017 and 113 unique participants in 2018,” reported Savannah Berry, Ph.D., University of Florida regional specialized agent - coastal ecosystems, during the season finale at Nature Coast Biological Station on Cedar Key.
     Resighting is one method of tracking crab migration, populations and health. Fall 2017 – Spring 2018 saw a 6.3 percent resighting rate. Several resights were credited to the general public, being reported by citizens at large. Dr. Jane Brockmann, UF emeritus professor, and Tiffany Black, FWC Horseshoe Crab Survey Coordinator presented resighting pins, provided by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
     “Pins are awarded by the Service when qualifying tag information is reported,” Brockmann said.
     The Migrating Crab Award, for surveying the most sites in one season, was presented to Linda Redditt and Linda “Digger” Headley.
     The Golden Awl Award was presented to Deborah Goad in recognition of the most tagged crabs. Goad bagged the Terminal Molt Award for most volunteer hours during the season.
     Goad (John) and George, provided leadership to the Seahorse Key sites. They made surveying a pleasant experience for novice participants Carol “Crab Whisperer” Wood and myself. I admit being hesitant to handle crabs, especially with all the flailing legs. However, I soon found my niche and three hours of measuring and tagging passed quickly.
     On full and new moons in fall and spring, horseshoe crabs congregate at high tide to breed. They prefer sandy sites in bays or inlets, protected from waves. Crab watch participants count and record horseshoe crab numbers at specific sites. Mating pair as well as single “satellite” males are included in the count. At the same time, surveyors scout for previously tagged “resight” crabs.
Crabs are collected, weighed and data recorded. Measurement is taken at the shell’s widest point. Shell damage, missing limbs, tail injury and approximate age are documented. Identification tag number are assigned. A small hole is made through the shell and the barbed tag installed. Typically, identification tags are placed on the left side of the shell. That’s the crabs left, when tail is pointed toward you. Tagged crabc are released at shoreline.
     Florida’s horseshoe crabs serve an important ecological function. Its eggs are a food source for migratory birds and shore birds. Sea turtles, fish and true crabs feed on eggs and horseshoe larva.
Along the northeast United States, horseshoe crabs are harvested for used in human medicine. Wild caught horseshoe crabs are delivered to laboratories where the heart is punctured and some blood extracted. Most horseshoe crabs survive the procedure and are released alive.
     Horseshoe crabs have blue, copper-based blood that contains a special clotting agent, Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL). LAL clots when exposed to endotoxins, chemical poisons released by certain infectious bacteria. The LAL test is extremely sensitive. As a result, it is the standard for testing all injectables since 1987. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, requires an LAL test on all human and animal injectable and intravenous drugs, on medical devices used to deliver these injectable drugs, and on all prosthetic devices (such as hip replacements or heart valves).
     Horseshoe crabs don’t bite or sting, however they do have sharp spines along the lower rim of the shell. Therefore, handle them from the front upper portion of the shell. Gently lift crabs from the sand by placing your hands around the front edges of the shell with the tail facing away from you. Never pick up a crab by its tail. This may permanently damage the joint at its base or break the tail. The tail helps to steer and right the crab if turned upside down. Report the tag number and state location to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. The toll-free number, 1-866-252-9326, is on the tag. Or e-mail horseshoe@fwc.state.fl.us.
     Black congratulated participants for launching these original Florida sites. Seven areas on Cedar Key Island (Levy County), New Smyrna Beach (Volusia County) and Fort Desoto (Pinellas County). In 2017, two sites at Bald Point State Park (Franklin County), Shired Island (Dixie County) and Hagans Cove (Taylor County) were added. Spring of 2018 brought in an additional three beaches at Fort Clinch State Park (Nassau County). Plans are to expand to 40 coastal sites in 2019.
     Contact Tiffany Black at 352-543-1080 or send her an email at tiffany.black@myfwc.com to participate in the next survey or for more information.

Deer

About two seconds of this video is a big buck at night. Then the next few seconds is three doe in the rain. On both occasions, they got out of the way of the former Jeep Newsmobile (a 2014 Jeep Compass) and the PT Newser (a 2008 PT Cruiser) that are part of the former and existing fleet of vehicles of HardisonInk.com. This is dash cam video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 19, 2018 at 8:28 a.m.

Rotarian fishing tournament
reels in a win
Story and Photos
By Holly Creel, Rotarian
Published May 16, 2018 at 2:48 p.m.
     TRENTON -- The Gilchrist County Rotary Club's 10th Annual Fishing Tournament was the best year yet!

Porter and Parrot win big inshore bag  - 19.03 pounds


Tanner Warner and Michael Craft win bass big bag - 11 pounds


Wyatt Thornton with a 7.3-pound redfish



Donnie Feagle and inshore trash winner Jennifer Johnson with a 17.15-pound drum


Tabatha Hudson and Donnie Feagle - great anglers and supporters!

    The recent fishing tournament was very successful.
    The club notes its appreciation to Allen Clark and the Suwannee Marina for all of the enthusiasm, great food and support for this successful fundraising event for the youth of Gilchrist County.
     Friday's Captain's Dinner and Calcutta was held at the Salt Creek Restaurant in Suwannee.  Anglers enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner provided by Suwannee Marina and then bid on their favorite boats auctioned by Allen Clark. It was a beautiful and fun evening! There were 38 inshore boats and 14 bass boats in competition.
     Bass and inshore anglers left at first safe light for a day of fishing.
     The weather was perfect - Suwannee at its finest!
     For the Inshore Division, $250 went to Wyatt Thornton for the largest redfish at 7.3 pounds. Biggest speckled trout for $250 went to Mark Heino. Biggest inshore bag of 19.03 pounds went for $1,000 to Porter and Parrot. $50 was paid to Jennifer Johnson for her big drum of 17.15 lbs. in the trash fish category.
     Inshore Calcutta paid to Clyde Lewis for $4,200 and $840 went to Cassidy for the inshore random draw.
     For the Bass Division there was a tie for big bass at 3.9 pounds so $250 was split by Tanner Warner and Joey Pate. Another $250 went to Chris Lee for the second biggest bass at 3.5 pounds. Biggest bass bag of 11 pounds went to Tanner Warner and Michael Craft for $1,000.  Bass Calcutta paid $1,280 to Landon Parrish, and Bass random draw paid to $256 to Little and Williams.
     Tournament Chair Charlie Smith was enthusiastic about the success of this year's event.
     "We are really trying to showcase friendly competition with the bass and inshore anglers," Smith said. "Every year we do better than the year before!"
     Smith also gave a "big thank you" to Donnie Feagle with Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness for all of his help and support with the Bass Division.
      The Gilchrist County Rotary Club thanks all of the sponsors, anglers with special thanks to Allen Clark and Donnie Feagle!

Free Nature Coast Fishing
for Youth program hosted
this summer in Cedar Key;
Advance registration required

FWC photo by Amanda Nalley

Published May 18, 2018 at 10:08 p.m.
     CEDAR KEY -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is offering a free Nature Coast Fishing for Youth program in Cedar Key for youth between the ages of 5 and 15.
     Programs will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning June 5 and extending through July 26, at the Senator George G. Kirkpatrick Marine Laboratory, 11350 S.W. 153rd Court.
     Advance registration is required; no walk-ins will be accepted.
     All participants of the free program will learn fishing basics, the importance of habitats to fish species, proper fish handling and release techniques, and fish identification. Participants will spend time fishing on-site.
     An adult chaperone is required to attend the entire program with children age 8 and under. Youth and chaperones should bring their own lunch, sunscreen, hat and any personal fishing gear desired, although fishing gear will be provided for those who need it. Upon completing the program, participants will receive a rod and reel donated by Fish Florida.
     For details and to pre-register, contact Hannah Healey at 352-543-1079 or Hannah.Healey@MyFWC.com.

Sea turtle nesting begins
in May on many beaches

Female loggerhead turtle
Photo by Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Published May 11, 2018 at 6:48 a.m.
Written By the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
     FLORIDA -- May is the beginning of sea turtle nesting season on many of Florida’s sandy beaches. Beachfront property owners and beach visitors can help nesting turtles and hatchlings by turning off or shielding lights that are visible from the beach at night.
     “People’s efforts to keep our beaches as dark as possible at night, without affecting human safety, can make a tremendous difference for nesting sea turtles,” said Robbin Trindell, head of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sea turtle management program. “Female sea turtles and their hatchlings can be disturbed or confused by artificial light, whether it comes from a house, a flashlight or a cellphone camera.”
     Sea turtle nesting is starting now on beaches from the Gulf coast, including northwest Florida, to the state’s northeast Atlantic coast and from Miami-Dade County south to the Keys. Nesting began earlier in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County.
     Florida is a critically important destination for nesting sea turtles. More loggerhead turtles nest here than anywhere else in the continental United States, with nearly 97,000 loggerhead nests counted statewide during the 2017 nesting season. Leatherback and green sea turtles also nest in significant numbers in Florida.
     What are the basics of being sea turtle-friendly?
     It’s a sea turtle night, turn off the light – After sundown, turn off any lights not necessary for human safety. Use long wavelength amber LED lamps for lights that must stay lit and shield lights so they are not visible from the beach. Remember to close shades or curtains.
Sea turtles get lost in the light – On the beach at night, don’t take flash photos or use bright cellphones or flashlights.
     Sea turtles are protected and must be respected – Stay back and give sea turtles space if you see one on the beach at night. Don’t touch a nesting turtle because it may leave the beach without nesting if disturbed. Remember, it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests, eggs or hatchlings.
     Clear the way at the end of the day – Beach furniture, canopies, boats and toys left behind on the sand may become obstacles that block nesting and hatchling turtles. Fill in any holes dug in the sand.
     Help hatchings home by leaving them alone – Do not handle hatchlings crawling toward the water. Any interference or disturbance by people, such as getting too close or taking flash photos, increases the chances the hatchlings will get confused, go in the wrong direction and not reach the ocean quickly. That makes them vulnerable to dehydration, exhaustion and predators.      As with all wildlife, watching from a distance is best.
     Buildings and other structures along the beach that need lights for human safety can be lit with long wavelength amber LED bulbs in a downward-directed, well-shielded fixture that is not visible from the beach. The FWC tests lights submitted by manufacturers to see if they meet our “Keep it long (wavelength), Keep it low (lumens and mounting height) and Keep it shielded” requirement. Approved fixtures are less likely to impact nesting or hatchling sea turtles. The agency maintains a list of these certified wildlife-friendly fixtures so property owners along      Florida’s coastlines can easily find options that work for human and sea turtle safety. The list is available at http://myfwc.com/Conservation by clicking on “How You Can Conserve,” “Wildlife Lighting” and then “Certified.”
     The FWC works to conserve Florida sea turtles, including coordinating nesting beach survey programs around the state. People can help by reporting sick, injured, entangled or dead sea turtles to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline: 1-888-404-3922, #FWC or *FWC on a cellphone or text Tip@MyFWC.com.
     Learn more about Florida’s sea turtles at http://myfwc.com/SeaTurtle.
 

2018 Levy County 4-H Summer
Day Camps open for registration
By Genevieve Mendoza
Levy County 4-H Campers Development Agent
Published May 6, 2018 at 10:08 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY -- Levy County 4-H is excited to announce the 2018 Summer Day Camp schedule.
     These day camps are open to children from any county and the children do not have to be members of 4-H.
     Day Camps will be hosted all summer on a wide variety of topics. Below are the camp descriptions. After deciding which camps your child would like to attend, please go to Eventbrite to register and pay.
     Click HERE to register and pay.
     Please remember that registering for one camp does not register your child for camp all summer. Please remember, too, that there are a limited number of spaces. Some Summer Day Camps filled last year, and some people were unable to register because the camp was full.
~~~
WEEK 1 - June 11 through 14
AG Discovery - Beef and Dairy
     During this camp, campers will discover how beef and dairy products make their way from the farm to the kitchen table. Campers will explore through daily field trips to local farms and processing sites. They will also learn some unique and tasty ways to include beef and dairy products in their meals. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as independence, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 9-12
COST: $40. Registration closes June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 4 at 4 p.m.
-- OR --
Clover Kids Camp - Discovering 4-H - June 11 through 14
     Learn by doing is an important slogan and philosophy of the 4-H program. During this camp, the Clover Kids will be introduced to the incredible world of 4-H through creative arts, games, outdoor activities, and other science-based projects. At the same time, they are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as independence, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 6-8
COST: $40. Registration closes June 1 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 4 at 4 p.m.
~~~
WEEK 2- June 25 through 28
Backyard Water Ventures
     During this camp, these campers will discover how to protect and enjoy our world’s most important natural resource -- water! Campers will explore through daily field trips to local waterways and treatment facilities to learn more about how they can play an important role in preserving water resources. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 10-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes June 15 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 18 at 4 p.m.
-- OR --
Clover Kids Camp - Outdoor Adventures - June 25 through 28
     During this camp, Clover Kids will discover how to protect and enjoy the Nature Coast's wildlife. Campers will explore through daily field trips to local aquaculture farms and wildlife habitat sites. They will learn unique and tasty ways to include fish and seafood in their meals. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 6-8
COST: $40 Registration Closes June 15 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 18 at 4 p.m.
~~~
WEEK 3 - July 9 through 12
Fishing FUNdamentals
     During this camp, campers will fish for knowledge as they discover the fun and exciting world of fishing sports. Campers will explore through daily field trips and will learn useful and unique ways to be good stewards while enjoying the outdoors as budding anglers. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as personal safety, critical thinking, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 8-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes June 28 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 29 at 4 p.m.
-- OR --
Wilderness Explorers - July 9 through 12
     During this camp youth will discover how to protect and enjoy our local wildlife and natural resources. Campers will explore through daily field trips to local state parks and wildlife reserves. They will also learn some basic survival skills to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as personal safety, critical thinking, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 8-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes June 28 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due June 29 at 4 p.m.
~~~
WEEK 4 - July 16 through 19
4-H Citizenship Discovery Camp
     During this camp youth will learn more about their local government and experience the political process first-hand. Campers will visit with various public offices through daily field trips and see their local government officials in action. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as critical thinking, generosity, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 10-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes July 6 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due July 9 at 4 p.m.
-- OR --
4-H Archery Camp - July 16 through 19
     This camp is an exploratory program into the sport of archery. During this camp youth will learn about safety and the rules of an archery range, the basics of shooting technique, and get an introduction to competition in a fun and engaging environment. Campers will also explore through daily field trips how bows are made and how to construct their own archery quiver and wrist guard. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 8-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes July 6 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due July 9 at 4 p.m.
~~~
WEEK 5 - July 23 through 26
AG Discovery - Honey and Peanuts
     During this camp youth will discover how honey bees and peanut growers work together to bring their products from the farm to your kitchen table. Campers will explore through daily field trips to local farms and processing sites. They will also learn some unique and tasty ways to include honey and peanuts in their meals. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as independence, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
DATES: July 23-26
AGES: 8-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes July 13 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due July 16 at 4 p.m.
-- OR --
Marine and Aquatic Science Explorations - July 23 through 26
     During this two-week camp, campers will discover how to protect and enjoy the Nature Coast's wildlife. Campers will explore through daily field trips to local aquaculture farms and wildlife habitat sites. They will also learn some unique and tasty ways to include fish and seafood in their meals. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as critical thinking, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
AGES: 8-12
COST: $40 Registration Closes July 13 at 11:59 p.m. Forms Due July 16 at 4 p.m.
~
     We are very excited about all of the opportunities we are offering this summer. Please note that space is limited, so register early. The ages for campers MUST be the age listed by June 1st unless otherwise stated. All camps have strict enrollment limits and increased late fees, so sign up soon. Camp fees are non-refundable and include breakfast, lunch, field trips, and recreation each day. As a reminder all day camps, prices, and class sizes are subject to change. Please join us as we have fun and learn at the 2018 Levy County 4-H Day Camps!
     Don’t forget you can still sign up for our away camp too -- Camp Cherry Lake.
~~~
CAMP CHERRY LAKE
     Each summer, young people in Levy County pack their bags to spend four days and four nights away from home at Camp Cherry Lake in Madison, Florida. This year, from June 18 through June 22 your child will have the opportunity to learn in a fun and exciting outdoor environment!
     Campers ages 8 to 13 will have the opportunity to learn kayaking, canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, swimming, and so much more. At the same time that youth are mastering these skills, they are also gaining valuable life skills such as independence, decision-making, leadership, and responsibility.
     Camp attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis and spots will NOT be reserved. We are in a cohort with Alachua County, Citrus County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County 4-H Clubs, so register early to guarantee your spot!
     There will be a Parent Meeting and Camper Orientation/ Camp Counselor-Led Meet and Greet held at the Levy County Extension Office on June 1, 2018 at 6 p.m.
     Please call the Levy County 4-H Office if you have any questions, 352-486-5131.
     Anyone who has questions about Levy County 4-H Summer Camps should call Levy County 4-H Campers Development Agent Genevieve Mendoza at 352-486-5131. She is the best source for correct information about Levy County 4-H.