Bay scallop season opened July 1
in Franklin County,
northwest Taylor County region
and Levy, Citrus and Hernando counties
Information Provided By FWC
Published July 2, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.
     LAKE CITY -- The 2026 recreational bay scallop season from Franklin County through northwestern Taylor County (including Carrabelle, Lanark and St. Marks) as well as portions of Levy County and all of Citrus and Hernando counties (including Cedar Key, Crystal River and Homosassa) opens July 1 and will remain open through Sept. 24.

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     The daily bag limit in these areas is two gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or one pint of bay scallop meat per person, with a maximum of 10 gallons of whole bay scallops in the shell or 1/2 gallon (four pints) shucked bay scallop meat per vessel per day. Throughout the season, vessel limits do not allow an individual to exceed their personal bag limit.
     Harvest of bay scallops is permitted only by hand or by using a landing or dip net. Commercial harvest is prohibited.
     A few things to remember that will make diving for scallops safe for divers and boaters alike:
     ● Practice safe boating and diving habits by maintaining 360-degree awareness and adhering to all divers-down flag regulations.  
     ● When scalloping in open water, divers should stay within 300 feet of a correctly displayed divers-down flag or within 100 feet of a divers-down flag if on a river, inlet or navigation channel.
     ● Always operate your boat at idle speed when traveling within 300 feet of a divers-down flag in open water or within 100 feet of a divers-down flag on a river, inlet or navigational channel.
     It is a violation of Florida law to damage seagrass beds in some areas within state waters. Boaters should stay within the marked navigation channels whenever possible and avoid traveling through seagrass beds in shallow water, which can cause propeller scars. Seagrasses are the principal food for endangered marine animals such as manatees and green sea turtles, act as natural filters to help purify the water, and serve as important habitat for a wide variety of marine life, like the bay scallop.
     Discarding scallop shells in inshore waters can also damage seagrass habitat and create hazards for swimmers. Scallop shells may be discarded in a trash receptacle or in larger bodies of water where they are more likely to disperse.
     Recreational harvesters need a Florida saltwater fishing license to harvest bay scallops unless they are exempt from needing a license or have a no-cost shoreline fishing license and are wading from shore to collect scallops (i.e., feet do not leave the bottom to swim, snorkel, or SCUBA, and harvesters do not use a vessel to reach or return from the harvest location). 
     To purchase a Saltwater Fishing License, call toll-free 888-FISH-FLORIDA (888-347-4356), or purchase through the FishHunt FL app on Apple and Android devices.
     For more information on bay scallop regulations, visit MyFWC.com/Marine and click on “Bay Scallops” under the “Crabs, Lobster and other Shellfish” tab.
 

Local ham radio operators
participate in national ARRL Field Day

Josh Collins speaks with other ham radio operators late Saturday afternoon (June 27) during part of the 24-hour amateur radio exercise that was happening all across the United States of America.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © June 28, 2026 at 12 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     GILCHRIST COUNTY -- Ham radio operators from the Dixie Amateur Radio Klub W4DAK and Gilchrist ARES NF4EC went from their personal radio shacks in Dixie County, Gilchrist County and Levy County on Saturday and Sunday (June 27 and 28) to share in a 24-hour annual experience at the Gilchrist County Emergency Operations Center (EOC), that is located north of the Town of Bell on U.S. Highway 129.
     The national amateur radio exercise from 2 p.m. on Saturday until 2 p.m. on Sunday, is the 2026 American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Annual Field Day.
     This annual amateur radio activity was organized in 1933 by ARRL. Hams from across North America ordinarily participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service.


Seen here are some of the amateur radio operators from across the Tri-County Area of Gilchrist, Dixie and Levy counties participating during the 24 hours at the Gilchrist County EOC. They are (from left) Fred Lewis, Josh Collins, Curtis Townsend, Maria Rivero, Amy Woods, Larry Whitehead (red shirt) and Mike Shaffer. (Also in the room, but not pictured are amateur radio operator Steve Carman, who was speaking to other operators at the time, and County Commissioner Tommy Langford, who is among the members of the public who visited.)


This small placard shows information about this group on this day, including that for the 2026 event W4DAK is in the 3F Class of participants.


This YAESU high-frequency transceiver is broadcasting at radio frequency 28.485 MHz (Megahertz). This is a popular calling and operating frequency used in the 10-meter amateur radio (ham) band. It is almost exclusively used with upper sideband modulation for voice communications.


This screen shows call letters, date and time, the band (10 ssb) and country. Of the 10 listings in this photo, eight are from the USA and two are from Canada. There is much more information here as well.


One side of the banner next to U.S. Highway 129 north of the Town of Bell in Gilchrist County shows that ham radio operations are happening at the Gilchrist County Emergency Operations Center. The other side of this banner shows the public is welcome to visit.


Josh Collins, in this 35-second video, connects with a few other ham operators as part of the local activities in the national event on Saturday (June 27). While his conversation is in the background of the audio portion of this video, and the other operators’ transmission are heard by him alone in the headphones he is wearing, some of the other hams in the room are heard as they discuss some radio-oriented matters. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     One multiple award-winning journalist covered the Tri-County Area event this year.
     “I took my annual two-hour roundtrip drive from The Ink Pad to the Gilchrist County EOC as I crossed those 70 miles of roads roundtrip,” Publisher Jeff M. Hardison said. “This year, Fred Lewis told me that he heard an FM broadcaster on a commercial radio station read from the announcement that was published on the community calendar of the daily news website about this event. I let him know that TV broadcasters and commercial radio stations have staff and owners who regularly see 16-year-old multiple award-winning daily website, as do thousands of people worldwide every single day.”
     FM in radio jargon, or parlance, stands for Frequency Modulation, a method of encoding an audio signal onto a carrier wave by varying its frequency rather than its amplitude.
     In FM broadcasting, the frequency of the carrier wave is changed in proportion to the audio signal’s amplitude, while the amplitude remains constant. This technique produces higher sound fidelity and is less susceptible to certain types of interference compared to AM (Amplitude Modulation).
     As for ham radio bands and Internet integration, ham radio bands are specific frequency ranges allocated for amateur radio use, and while ham radio itself is a radio-based service, it can now integrate with the Internet for digital modes, remote operation and emergency communications.
     Amateur radio frequencies are organized into bands by wavelength and frequency, with each band having different propagation characteristics and uses. Depending on location, equipment used, weather conditions and other factors, some frequencies work better than others for ham radio operators.
     Each band has its own band plan (e.g., ARRL’s) that allocates specific frequencies for calling, data, voice, and digital modes to avoid interference.
     As noted, ham radio is a radio-based service, but modern hams use the Internet to enhance operations, as well as using several other more traditional means of over-the-air communication with others.
     Digital modes of RTTY, packet radio, SSTV, and FT8 send/receive data over the air, but the data is processed and displayed via computers connected to the Internet. Also, hams can control radios and computers from home or other locations via the Internet. Internet links can be used to coordinate with other hams, share maps and relay emergency information, too.
     In short, ham radio itself is not Internet-based; nevertheless, the Internet is a powerful tool for digital communication, coordination, and support within the amateur radio community.
     Meanwhile, back at the Gilchrist County EOC, the hams enjoyed speaking with people who are not amateur radio operators in person, including Gilchrist County Commissioner Kenrick Thomas and Gilchrist County Commissioner Tommy Langford. Another visitor from the general public on Saturday is a retired police officer who said he is shy about sharing his name.
     Gilchrist County Emergency Management Director Ralph Smith also visited during 2026 (ARRL) Annual Field Day event that again provided a place for hams from the Tri-County Area to work and have fun together.
     As far as speaking with others over the air, the local hams reached out and connected with several other amateur radio operators. Also, while the ARRL event is not a contest, the hams know there is a point system for their participation in this exercise.
      The people based in Gilchrist County for this 24-hour event definitely scored lots of points by connecting with several others via the radio, and by having an elected official as well as the director of emergency operations and members of the public and the press visit.
     Lewis said the ham radio community in the Tri-County Area is seeing more people becoming involved in the hobby.
     As for the man who leads Gilchrist County Emergency Management, Director Smith knows the local hams, whom he often sees. They visit the EOC regularly, and even provide the public with a testing facility there -- so that people can gain a license from the Federal Communications Commission to broadcast as an amateur radio operator.
     To see the regular meeting place and times of the local hams look at the “Regular Weekly Meetings” section of the Calendar Page. 
     An employee at the Gilchrist County Library (located in Trenton), which is a branch of the Three Rivers Regional Library System, said that particular library does not announce events there. Instead, it is up to whatever organization may be using the public library for its events that happen there – such as the “Touch A Truck” event.
     In Dixie County, another location that is a branch of the Three Rivers Regional Library System, one business owner next to the library in Cross City has shown strong objections to library patrons parking vehicles in the lot shared by the library with commercial interests there. The Dixie County Commission has discussed the potential for a new location for that library at some point in the future.
     Meanwhile, there, the Dixie County Chamber of Commerce has moved its monthly meeting location away from the public library in Cross City.
     There is not a regular meeting place for hams listed in Dixie County or Levy County, yet.
     The five public libraries in Levy County are part of the Putnam-Alachua-Levy (PAL) Public Library Cooperative. That regional library network links the individual county library systems to share resources, improve services, and expand digital access for residents across Putnam, Alachua and Levy counties.
     Again, returning to ham operators, their use of radio signals, which reach beyond geo-political borders, brings people together while providing essential communication in the service of communities. The annual ARRL Field Day highlights ham radio’s ability to work reliably under any conditions from almost any location and create an independent, wireless communications network. 
     For more information about ARRL Field Day and ham radio, contact Dixie Amateur Radio Klub (Darklub) leader Fred Lewis (KO4YOL) at 352-214-6557 or via email at fredko4yol@gmail.com. Another source is http://www.arrl.org/what-is-ham-radio.
     To see the July 22, 2018 story and photos under the headline -- Amateur radio operators share information about their hobby -- click HERE.
     To see the June 25 (and June 26), 2023 story, photos and video under the headline -- Local Ham radio operators share with others at 2023 ARRL Field Day -- click HERE.
     To see the June 23, 2024 story and photos under the headline -- Local Ham radio operators share with others at 2024 ARRL Field Day -- click HERE.
     To see the June 28, 2025 story and photos under the headline -- Ham radio operators enjoy ARRL Field Day 2025 in Gilchrist County -- click HERE.
     Publisher’s Note: Jeff M. Hardison is a former citizen band operator who had a radio shack -- decorated extensively with QSL cards -- at his father’s house in his hometown of St. Petersburg in the early 1970s. The term “QSL” comes from telegraphic Q-codes, where it means “I confirm receipt of your transmission.” His nickname on the CB radio waves was “Lancer” – a reference to Meadowlawn Jr. High School, where he was attending when he started broadcasting on CB. Jeff Hardison’s father (Lloyd John “Jack” Hardison Sr. {Oct. 9, 1918-Jan. 29, 1999}) was a radio operator on the B-17 named “City of St. Petersburg” during WWII in the Pacific Theater of War. Jack Hardison transmitted in Morse Code as well verbally over military band radio waves. Among the honors Jeff’s father accepted during WWII were the Distinguished Service Medal, and the bronze star with oak clusters. “Jack” Hardison also served as one of the main radio operators for the City of St. Petersburg itself after the war, before becoming a used car salesman at Crump Motor Co. and then becoming a stockbroker and certified financial planner. “Jack” Hardison retired in St. Petersburg from A.G. Edwards some years before the turn of the century. A.G. Edwards is known as a prominent American full-service retail brokerage and financial services holding company that operated from 1887 until it was acquired in 2007.

FDEP offers free admission to most
Florida state parks on July 3-5
Information by FDEP
Published June 24, 2026 at 8 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) invites residents and visitors to rediscover the Sunshine State’s natural beauty and renowned recreation.      Florida State Parks will waive admission fees from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5. 
     Florida’s award-winning state parks offer unrivaled outdoor recreation opportunities across a vast range of landscapes, from caverns to wetlands to springs to beaches. Visitors will find activities for everyone, including hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, swimming, paddling and horseback riding. Cultural and historical resources include forts, battlefields, archaeological sites and historic landmarks.  
     “While every July 4th is special, we recognize this Independence Day is a significant moment in our nation’s history,” said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “I invite all Floridians, their friends and their family to our state parks to enjoy the outdoors, make new memories and support our treasured public lands.” 
     Florida’s state park system is the only four-time winner of the NRPA’s National Gold Medal Award, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting precious natural resources while maximizing public access and environmental stewardship. Florida State Parks are also essential to local economies and communities throughout the state, forming the beating heart of Florida’s ecotourism industry and cultural identity. In the last fiscal year, Florida State Parks welcomed over 28 million visitors and contributed an estimated $3.6 billion in statewide economic impact. 
     Please note: Free admission applies to day-use only and excludes Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. All other fees, including overnight accommodations, special events, concessions and rentals from park vendors, will remain in effect.   

July 3, Friday
CITY OF WILLISTON

July 3, Friday
     9 a.m. to 3 p.m. -- The Seahorse Key Light Station Open House, an event hosted by UF IFAS Nature Coast Biological Station and others, is scheduled to provide a special open house at the light station on Seahorse Key. 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. During this free public event, visitors can hike to the historic Cedar Key Light Station, explore the cemetery and beach trail, and enjoy panoramic views of the Gulf Coast. Along the way, discover the island's diverse habitats, observe native wildlife, and learn about the area's unique ecology and history. Visitors are invited to meet with UF/IFAS staff to learn about ongoing marine and coastal research, hear stories about the island, and future plans from  partners with the refuges and local tour operators. Admission is free. Transportation to the island is available by personal vessel or through local tour boat operators such as Tidewater Tours, Captain Doug's Tours, and Cedar Key Island Tours (tour fees apply). Tour boat operations depart from the public boat ramps at 9099 A St., in Cedar Key, FL. Contact the Cedar Key Chamber & Welcome Center for current transportation options to Seahorse Key. Important Information -- • Trails leading to the light station and beach are steep, primitive, and may be uneven in some areas; • Hurricane impacts have caused significant beach erosion and shifting or damaged trees throughout portions of the island. Please use caution and stay on designated trails; • Use caution when loading and unloading vessels at the floating docks; • Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain, sun exposure, insects, and limited amenities on the island; • Please bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing; • This event is weather-dependent, and visitors should check forecasts and be prepared for possible cancellations or unfavorable conditions. This event marks the return of public access to the island following hurricane recovery efforts, and the staff of UF/IFAS NCBS look forward to welcoming visitors back for a day of nature, history, and exploration. Additional open house dates are planned to be announced in the future.
     5 p.m.-after dark -- Stars and Stripes Forever hosted by the City of Williston. Line up for parade participants will begin at 3 p.m Parade begins at 5 p.m. Go to Horseman’s Park, 803 S.W. 19th Ave. beginning at 7 p.m. Fireworks begin at dark. If you are interested in participating in the parade or would like to reserve booth space at Horseman’s Park, please contact the City of Williston Customer Service Center at 352-528-3060 or email forms and inquiries to Latricia.Wright@willistonfl.org.

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2026
July 4, Saturday
TOWN OF INGLIS
    4-10 p.m. --  The Town of Inglis is scheduled to host its Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday celebration at South Levy Recreation Park, 8350 Levy County Road 40 East (aka Highway 40 East), Inglis. The event is free and will feature free food and drinks, live music, water slides and games for kids, a beer tent hosted by AMVETS Post 447 and fireworks at 9:15 p.m.

TOWN OF BRONSON
    5 p.m. --  Rock and Roll Fireworks Fun - The Town of Bronson is celebrating America's 250th birthday with a parade starting at 5 p.m. After the parade the public is invited to James H. Cobb Park, 220 Picnic St. for  local talent singing favorites and songs befitting the holiday and culminating with a band covering multiple music genres. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket as well as your dancing shoes and good voice. When darkness arrives, the fireworks begin. To sign up for the parade, donate to cover the fireworks or offer to volunteer to help pull it all together that day, call Councilman Reggie Stacy at 352-507-3968 or Bronson Town Hall at 352-486-2354.

CITY OF CEDAR KEY
     10:45 a.m. -- The Cedar Key 4th of July Golf Cart Parade hosted by Cedar Key Eagles #4194. Cart line up in the parking lot of the community center – Sixth and F Streets. Noon - There will be a BBQ Dinner and music at the Eagles #4194, Corner of B and Third Streets. BBQ Dinners $10 and kids receive a FREE red, white and blue popsicle.
     9:15 p.m. – Fourth of July Celebration hosted by the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce. Fireworks will start at 9:15. Best places for viewing are the city park, Dock and First Streets or at the Airport Bridge. 

     Publisher's Note: For other Individuals, business interests, cities, towns, villages, hammocks, communities and the like in the Tri-County Area who want to let everyone in the world know about their planned open event to celebrate the United States of America having gained its independence from being a colony 250 years ago, send a Word document with the information to hardisonink@hotmail.com. And for the viewers who fail to notice "their" friends' or cities' events, that is because they were not sent to hardisonink@hotmail.com. (We do not use social media posts due to some of them being bogus, or just jokes, etc.)

Duke Energy Florida’s redfish
released into Crystal River waters
Anglers encouraged to catch and release
them for cash prizes
Published June 22, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
Information Provided By Duke Energy Florida and Others
Published June 23, 2026 at 3:45 p.m.
     CRYSTAL RIVER – On Saturday (June 20), Duke Energy Florida joined Citrus County and Coastal Conservation Association (CCA) Florida to release 100 redfish at the Pirates Cove Park, located in the City of Crystal River.
     Pirates Cove Park is located at 398 N. Pirate Point, Crystal River. It is situated at the far west end of the Ozello Trail (Citrus County Road 494), right next to the Ozello Community Park and boat ramp.
     The Ozello Community Park and its free boat ramp in Crystal River, Florida, directly touch the coastal waterways that empty into the Gulf of Mexico
     The fish were hatched and raised at Duke Energy Florida’s Crystal River Mariculture Center, where more than 5.3 million fish and crustaceans have been cultivated and released since 1991. These efforts help restock declining populations, improve water quality and strengthen ecosystem resilience, while also supporting tourism.  
     “When people think of Duke Energy Florida, they probably don’t think of a multispecies hatchery dedicated to restoring and preserving Florida’s precious ecosystem. But the Mariculture Center represents a key pillar of our work: caring for the communities we serve and making the state a better place for our family, friends and neighbors to live for generations to come,” said Melissa Seixas, Duke Energy Florida state president. “We appreciate our partnership with CCA Florida and collaboration with Citrus County leadership, which were instrumental to this fish release, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact our efforts will have in the area.”
     Unique to this release, the fish were all “adopted” by local businesses, and each one carries a tag associated with a cash prize from the sponsor. When caught, anglers are encouraged to photograph the fish, report the tag number and release it back into the water to claim their reward.
     Anglers who catch a tagged redfish released by the Duke Energy Mariculture Center must report their catch to the CCA or by calling the specific phone number listed on the fish’s tag.
     For more information about the CCA, the most direct methods to contact it are calling the statewide business office or sending an email. Statewide Headquarters -- (Orlando) can be reached by phone at 407-854-7002, and the email is: info@ccaflorida.org. The CCA office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
     This concept catch and release for a prize is the brainchild of Eric Latimer, manager of the Mariculture Center. It is intended to generate excitement among local residents and visitors alike, further positioning Citrus County as a premier destination for fishing and outdoor recreation.

Appleton Museum of Art offers
free admission throughout July

Story and Photo Provided By Lisa Stroub 
CF Manager of Marketing and Public Relations
Edited By HardisonInk.com Publisher Jeff M. Hardison
Published June 22, 2026 at 7:15 a.m.
     OCALA -- The Appleton Museum of Art, College of Central Florida, is scheduled to offer free admission throughout the month of July.
     Visitors can enjoy the museum’s Artspace and permanent collection, as well as special exhibitions, including My Country, ’Tis of Thee: Celebrating American Art and Design.
     Artspace at the Appleton Museum of art includes hands-on interactive art activities for people who are 4 years old and older. It features magnetic mosaics, Lego building, glass wall drawing, and more.
     Like many places in the nation this year, there is a theme of the United States of America celebrating 250 years as a democratic republic where the people of the nation broke away from being a colony of Great Britain. Art is among the humanities in this younger nation where it went on a path separate from its Anglican or Anglo-centric roots.
     “American art tells the story of who we are, where we have been, and how we see ourselves,” Appleton Assistant Director Victoria Billig said. “We invite visitors to spend time with the works featured in ‘My Country, ‘Tis of Thee’ and reflect on the many ways artists have interpreted the American experience.”
     This theme title is based on another art form, music, where the lyric is written as “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” The apostrophe in the center of this phrase replaces the missing letters in the word “Tis,” which is an archaic contraction of “it is.” The phrase translates in more modern American English to “My country, it is of you that I sing.”
     American English is the distinct dialect of the English language spoken in the United States, complete with its own set of spellings, vocabulary and pronunciation rules. These differences mostly stem from intentional changes made by lexicographer Noah Webster (Oct. 16, 1758-May 28, 1843) after the American Revolution to simplify spelling and show the country’s independence. Poetry and prose are other forms of the humanities that are studied in cultures.
     Free admission to the Appleton Museum of Art provides an opportunity for first-time and returning visitors alike to not only explore the museum’s galleries but also participate in educational programming.
     On July 24 at 1 p.m., everyone is invited to enjoy a free presentation in the auditorium by Dr. Keri Watson. She is an associate professor of art history at the University of Central Florida as well as being the executive director of the Florida Prison Education Project. Dr. Watson is a noted scholar, author and speaker who focuses on American Art, the intersection of art and disability, and Florida’s New Deal murals. Dr. Watson also serves on the Florida Humanities Speakers Bureau.
     Her presentation at the Appleton Museum of Art on July 24 is titled Picturing Paradise: From John James Audubon to the Florida Highwaymen.
     The Florida landscape has provided aesthetic inspiration to artists for centuries. Titian Ramsay Peale and John James Audubon came in search of native flora and fauna, followed by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Martin Johnson Heade, George Inness, Winslow Homer and Henry Ossawa Tanner, who were lured to Florida by its natural beauty and warm climate. Through their stories and artwork, this presentation offers an engaging overview of Florida’s landscape painting tradition. This talk is free to attend; no reservation is needed. Auditorium seating is limited to 250 on a first-come, first-served basis.
     The Appleton Museum of Art, Artspace and The Appleton Store are open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from noon until 5 p.m.
     The Appleton Store is located on the first floor next to the main lobby. It serves as the museum’s gift shop. Museum admission is not required for patrons who are just stopping by to shop.
     The Appleton Museum of Art, Artspace and The Appleton Store are a campus of the College of Central Florida, located at 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, east of downtown on State Road 40. Parking is free. For more information, call 352-291-4455, or visit  https://www.appletonmuseum.org/.
     To see the Aug. 29, 2022 story and photos under the headline – Thursday afternoon trip to the Appleton Museum of Art is intriguing, click HERE.

Petals & Pathways
brings connection, creativity, and calm
Free program helps
dementia patients and caregivers
By Barbara L. Edmonds, ISA Arborist
UF/IFAS Levy County Extension
Published June 3, 2026 at 7 a.m.
     BRONSON -- Sometimes the act of planting a seed, arranging pressed flowers, or creating with natural materials can spark conversation, stir memories, and brighten someone’s day.
     Petals & Pathways is open to adults experiencing symptoms of dementia seeking social interaction, as well as for people diagnosed with dementia and their caregivers.
     This July, the University of Florida Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Levy County Extension, and the Haven Foundation of North Central Florida offer Petals & Pathways, which is a plant-based wellness program. This is a free four-week therapeutic horticulture (TH) program for adults, designed to nurture social connection and well-being.  
     Rooted in principles of therapeutic horticulture, the program uses plant-based activities to encourage social engagement, stimulate cognition, and promote an overall sense of wellness through both active and passive participation. The indoor location is walker- and wheelchair-accessible, and no gardening experience is needed. Participants simply need curiosity and a willingness to enjoy the experience.
     The four-week program is scheduled to be held Wednesdays -- July 8, 15, 22, and 29 -- from 10 to 11 a.m. in the cafeteria of the Levy County Government Complex (the former Bronson High School), 310 School St., in Bronson. Each week features a different hands-on activity: July 8 - Sowing Calm: Wheatgrass for Caregivers; July 15 - Leaf It To Me: Botanical Cards & Tags; July 22 - Grapevine, Herbs & Handmade Wreaths; and July 29 - Tiny Plants, Lasting Smiles.
     Levy County Horticulture Program Assistant Barbara L. Edmonds, TH volunteers, Hospice Dementia Care Program Manager Nita Howard, and staff members will lead the program.
     Participation is limited to 20 individuals. To register, call Levy County Extension at 352-486-5131 or sign up online through Eventbrite by searching “Levy County Extension.” For questions, ASL interpreter, or program-related accommodations, contact Barbara L. Edmonds at 352-486-5131. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution.

Palms Medical Group offers
free services to student athletes
By Kyler Burk, Director of Marketing
Trenton Medical Center Inc., doing business as Palms Medical Group
Published June 1, 2026 at 9:30 p.m.
     HIGH SPRINGS -- Parents with children who play sports can rest assured this summer, as Palms Medical Group is offering free sports physical examinations at all locations for young athletes in the community.
     These physicals may be completed at any time during operating hours throughout June and July.
     Palms Medical Group offices are located in the following communities: Bell, Branford, Chiefland, Fleming Island, Gainesville, High Springs, Lake City (2), Live Oak, Starke, Trenton and Williston.
     “Our mission, to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities, often begins with our youth,” Palms Medical Group CEO Anita Rembert said. “What a wonderful way to carry out this mission, investing in the future generation of athletes. By offering these physicals at our locations, we are lowering the barrier to entry for them to become the athletes they aspire to be.”
     NOTE: Sports physicals do not include the new Florida High School Athletic Association EKG requirement for incoming freshmen or new sophomore, junior or senior athletes. For performance and interpretation of EKGs, parents and guardians can visit https://www.whoweplayfor.org/.
     To schedule a free sports physical, call 888-730-2374 or visit https://palmsmg.org/.

FWC begins installation
of waterway markers in Levy County
for amended Manatee Protection zone
Information Provided By FWC
Published June 18, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
     LEVY COUNTY -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) began work today (Thursday, June 18) to replace and install new waterway markers for manatee protection and boating safety zones within Levy County.
     The project is expected to be completed by August of this year.
     The FWC amended manatee protection rules near Yankeetown in the Withlacoochee River, Levy County to improve manatee protection and boating safety. The key change includes a new year-round Slow Speed Zone in the narrow channel south and west of the Levy County Road 40 (aka Highway 40) Boat Ramp.
     While adding these additional markers to designate this zone, the FWC will perform routine maintenance and replace degraded waterway markers to better designate surrounding manatee protection and boating safety zones.
     Boaters and personal watercraft users are reminded to comply with the regulatory signs on waterways and are urged to use caution, particularly in narrow waterways, while sign construction is underway.

First Named Storm Touches Texas

This graphic is part of the Tropical Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service's National Hurricane Center in Miami, as of 7:49 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday (June 17). For the North Atlantic...Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, the only active system is Tropical Storm Arthur, located along the Upper Texas coast. Tropical cyclone formation is not expected during the next seven days.
Information By NOAA - Published June 17, 2026 at 8:15 p.m.

Publisher visits
America’s oldest city again

Walking southbound toward the historic city gates of St. Augustine on Wednesday morning (June 10), there was this moment when the area was not as full of people as it often becomes.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © June 13, 2026 at 4 p.m.
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     SAINT AUGUSTINE – Jeff M. Hardison, a multiple award-winning publisher, was inspired to visit St. Augustine again after seeing the “2026 Florida Freedom Tour,” which was created as the result of leadership by Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd.
     The journalist noticed the two 80-foot-long semi-trailers during the 2026 Chiefland Watermelon Festival.
     “Anyone can be a historian,” Hardison said on June 12 after returning to The Ink Pad from a three-day, two-night sojourn through a very small part of the Saint Augustine’s historic downtown.
     He added that, “journalists do it daily,” in regard to recording history.
     Founded in September of 1565 by Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European and African American settlement in the continental United States of America. Originally a strategic military stronghold to protect Spanish trade routes, it served as the capital of Spanish Florida for more than two centuries, as noted by the City of St. Augustine.
     As far as United States history and the Sunshine State, Florida joined the Union on March 3, 1845. Florida officially seceded from the United States of America on Jan 10, 1861, and became one of the founding states of the Confederacy when it joined the newly formed Confederate States of America on Feb. 8, 1861. The Civil War ended and Florida became part of the nation again as it went through Reconstruction.
     While slavery was abolished in Florida technically by President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it wasn’t until May 20, 1865, that Emancipation was proclaimed aloud in Tallahassee.
     Florida was under Spanish, French, and British control at different times in its colonial history – before the colonies separated from England. Those times are Spanish rule (1513–1763); French presence (1562–1565); and British rule (1763–1783). As far as slavery here, prisoners can still be used as unpaid labor, according to the Florida Constitution.
     The publisher has visited the historic city and the beach before -- on the Fourth of July, as well as around Easter and at other times during a number of years. He has ridden a trolley there as well as the Red Train.
     To see and hear the July 6, 2024 column, photos and video under the headline Hottest July 4 Coverage In Florida Coast-to-Coast Fireworks, click HERE.
     The Red Trains were not operational during the June 9 through June 11 visit.
     On this trip, possible riding tours were removed from the itinerary due to a variety of factors.
     This trip was mostly a walking tour within a few blocks from the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, which is noted for several things. In 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. utilized the fort’s federal grounds to stage peaceful protests and rallies in his effort to help the civil rights movement in America.
     Below are photos and videos from this recent venture into part of Saint Augustine.


This is sunrise on June 10 as seen by looking east from the area just to the south of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. There are several sites to visit in this city including the old jail, the fountain of youth, museums, churches, Flagler College and many more.


This is another photograph of sunrise on June 10 looking east from the area just to the south of the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.


This resilient shack-like structure is the home of Crucial Coffee, one of the many wonderful places to visit for coffee and more.


On June 9 in the late afternoon, thunderclouds are seen beyond Matanzas Bay -- a scenic, historic estuary in St. Augustine. A bloody confrontation took place between Catholic Spaniards and Protestant Frenchmen at Matanzas Inlet in 1565 – more than 460 years ago. In Spanish, ‘Matanzas’ translates to ‘slaughters’ or ‘massacres.’


A lighthouse is seen in the background here and to put things in perspective for size, the dark ‘dot’ about a quarter of the way in from the right side near the bottom of the picture is a man who is fishing. The current lighthouse stands at the north end of Anastasia Island and was built between 1871 and 1874. 


One of the many cannons seen at the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is seen here.


At least 14 matryoshka dolls, which are also known as Russian nesting dolls, or stacking dolls, are seen through the window of a shop about 15 minutes before it opened on June 10. Many shopkeepers in St. Augustine are friendly and attentive.


This is the ‘Little Bubba,’ one of many delicious menu items found at Mary's Harborview Cafe (often referred to as Mary’s Diner). It is a beloved, family-owned establishment located at 16 Avenida Menendez, overlooking Matanzas Bay in historic downtown St. Augustine.


This is a sign outside the Bull & Crown Publick House on Saint George Street. Among the delicious and wonderful menu items there is a salmon BLT with avocado on Ciabatta bread. The people there were friendly and helpful.


Here is a young man riding a skateboard. There is a broad spectrum of different types of residents and visitors in the city.


The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is an impressive place to visit and to learn about the battles from centuries ago.


A pirate ship which is able to be enjoyed in St. Augustine is seen as it goes through the drawbridge that has a road going to the beach. This historic downtown and the beach both include many options for visitors to enjoy their time in St. Augustine.


Two people zip along Matanzas Bay on a Yamaha vessel. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video. 
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Copyrights Reserved



The Victory III is among the tour boats that can be enjoyed in St. Augustine. In this video, it is seen as it passes by. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video. This was captured during a time when there was a strong and steady wind coming from the east.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Copyrights Reserved

Bikers galore open watermelon fest

Jesse Lancaster (left), who sang the Star Spangled Banner, solo and a cappella, and Suwannee Valley Rotary Club President Jaime Hinote, are seen a few minutes before the start of the Tour de Melon Bicycle Ride. The Levy County Sheriff’s Honor Guard helped open the event before the start of the race as Lancaster sang the national anthem. The LCSO as well as the Chiefland Police Department, and many others made the fundraising activity a success again this year.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © June 7, 2026 at 2 p.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – About 200 bicycle riders and at least one reclining tricyclist launched on their ventures into Levy County, Dixie County and Gilchrist County on Saturday morning (June 6 {the anniversary of D-Day}).

This is a view before the Levy County Sheriff’s Office cruiser moved to help keep participants safe during the start of their ride. This is the driveway leading from the College of Central Florida's campus in Levy County -- other than the driveway that provides access to U.S. Highway 19. This driveway crosses the Nature Coast State Trail (often referred to as part of the greenway and trail system) is a 32-mile paved, multi-use rail-trail that runs through Levy, Dixie and Gilchrist counties.


This two-minute video shows about 95 percent of the riders starting. Some stragglers began their journeys after the big group started. Click on the PHOTO to see and hear the video.
Video By Jeff M. Hardison – All Rights Reserved

     Some of the riders went for 50 miles. Some went for 100 miles. Others did not ride so far. They were all part of the effort by the Rotary Club of Suwannee Valley (based in Chiefland) to raise money for the club to donate for various charitable causes.
     The start and finish line was at the campus of the College of Central Florida that is just south of the City of Fanning Springs.
     The ride serves as an earmark for the start of the traditional Chiefland Watermelon Festival, which is hosted by the Woman’s Club of Chiefland. While the festival has been happening for several decades, the Suwannee Valley Rotary Club only came into existence in 2011.
     To see some of the 2024 coverage of the Tour de Melon and other watermelon festival happenings from 2025, click HERE. (There are several related links at the bottom of this linked coverage.)
 

Café On Wheels

The Café On Wheels food trailer is seen on June 2 parked near to the former cafeteria of the old Bronson High School. Food trucks are noticed on occasion during times when the Levy County Commission meets in the Levy County Government Complex in Bronson. This trailer has a chicken logo as part of its branding.


This plaque on the wall outside of what has become the Levy County Government Complex Cafeteria notes, in part, that it was constructed in 1995 by the Levy County School Board, when Superintendent of Schools Paul D. Johnson, was joined by School Board Chairman Wayne E. Beauchamp, Vice Chairman Ted Alexander, and School Board members G. Frank Etheridge, Ricky Lowe and Jennefer Shuster as they were elected to serve the people in those roles. EMO Architects of Tallahassee and M.M. Parrish Construction Co. of Gainesville are noted on the metal plaque as being part of the whole that brought this structure to fruition a few decades ago.
Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © June 4, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Crops Rowed

As people drive around the Tri-County Area of Dixie County, Gilchrist County and Levy County, they see farms where crops are put into rows. Some are more visible as rows from the roads. This photo on a corner of Southeast 97th Terrace in Trenton (Gilchrist County) is probably peanuts, and these rows are clearly visible for passersby. Farming is a significant economic engine in the Tri-County Area, as is tourism. Driving around and looking at farms and ranches is leisurely for some people who enjoy the rural countryside. As for Gilchrist County being a destination, it is best known by tourists for its freshwater springs that feed into the Suwannee River and the Santa Fe River, where swimming, fishing, boating and other river-oriented activities abound as well.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © May 28, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.

Spoonbill Spotted

A Roseate Spoonbill finds its supper Thursday evening (May 14) at low tide in a saltmarsh to the north of Cedar Key.

Story, Photos and Video By Jeff M. Hardison © May 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m.
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     LEVY COUNTY – Wildlife abounds in the Tri-County Area of Levy County, Gilchrist County and Dixie County.
     Levy and Dixie counties are next to the Gulf of Mexico as well as having scenic rivers through them. Gilchrist County is known for being the Springs Capital of the World.
     A drive through part of Levy County Thursday evening (May 14) brought a traveling journalist to apply the brakes and try to capture a Roseate Spoonbill on video as it enjoyed its supper. It was a challenge and no tripod or other thing to steady the camera was used. Still, it turned out relatively well for watching this bird eat.


A Roseate Spoonbill is a large, long-legged wading bird named for its distinctively flat, spatula-shaped beak. There are six species worldwide. While most are white, the American species—the Roseate Spoonbill—features bright pink feathers similar to a flamingo. In this short video, it can be seen eating as a small white bird joins for the meal. To see and the video (the sound is mostly passing cars), click on the PHOTO.
Photo and Video By Jeff M. Hardison
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