FWC urges caution
on waterways after Hurricane Helene

Story and Photo Provided
By Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Published Oct. 3, 2024 at 2:30 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE -- In the wake of Hurricane Helene, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is prioritizing the safety of residents and visitors.
     Boaters are reminded that the storm has impacted many of Florida’s coastal and inland waterways.

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     If you’re in affected areas, please stay off the water and avoid interfering with storm response efforts. For those who must venture out, exercise extreme caution: maintain a safe speed and adhere to Florida Statutes, which require vessel operators to maintain a slow speed (minimum wake) within 300 feet of any emergency vessels with activated lights.
     Even if you know the waters well, be alert for new underwater hazards, including submerged navigation aids and altered water depths due to shifting sands. The storm could have changed the locations and conditions of pilings, trees, shoals, sandbars and navigation markers, creating potentially hazardous situations.
Always ensure that you and your passengers wear life jackets. Stay safe on the water!
      “In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the safety of residents and visitors of Florida remains our top priority,” said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC Boating and Waterways Section Leader. “We urge all boaters to remain vigilant and cautious on the water, as familiar waters may now hide new dangers. Emergency response efforts will continue as we work toward restoring our waterways. Together, we can ensure a safer boating experience during this challenging time.”
     Report missing or damaged waterway markers by calling 866-405-2869.

Levy County public boat ramps
on Suwannee River remain closed
Some public boat ramps reopen
Devils Hammock opens today
By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 2, 2024 at 7 a.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – Public boat ramps on the Suwannee River remain closed in Levy County, according to information provided by Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper on Tuesday (Oct. 1).
     Other public boat ramps in Levy County, however, are re-opened: Waccasassa (Gulf Hammock), Shell Mound, and Levy County Road 40 West (Bird Creek), Harper said.
     Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, in consultation with the Levy County Board of County Commissioners, has closed all other boat ramps in Levy County until further notice, Harper said.
     There have been no press releases from Gilchrist County or Dixie County concerning parks open and closed in those two counties, however during an emergency meeting of the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners yesterday morning (Tuesday), it was intimated that Hart Springs Park and Campground, and Santa Fe Park in Gilchrist County remain closed.
     Otter Springs Park and Campground is managed by For Vets. There is some civil circuit court activity in an attempt to settle which individuals lead For Vets and the Camp Valor Project currently.
     The Dixie County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to conduct its regular twice-monthly meeting tomorrow (Thursday, Oct. 3).
     In Levy County, Devils Hammock is scheduled to reopen today (Wednesday, Oct. 2), County Manager Harper said. All other recreational facilities in Levy County are closed until further notice, Harper said on Oct. 1.
     Devils Hammock Wildlife Recreation Area, as noted by the Suwannee River Water Management District, is managed by the Levy County Commission. Visitors may enjoy biking, hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife viewing on administrative roads, in addition fishing and hunting. A picnic pavilion is available at the river camp.
     “We are working to open additional facilities,” Harper said very early this morning (Wednesday, Oct. 2), “but I don’t know how fast that will happen. We will announce changes as they happen.”

Tropical Weather Outlook
shows rain forecast for Florida
Two hurricanes and two other areas
of interest light the map

This graphic representation by the meteorologists of the National Hurricane Center shows the seven-day Tropical Weather Outlook as of Oct. 5 at 4:45 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

By Jeff M. Hardison © Oct. 5, 2024 at 6 a.m.
     MIAMI -- Hurricane Kirk is forecast to curve toward Europe, however it remains a powerful major hurricane over the open Atlantic Ocean. Large swells (big waves) from Hurricane Kirk are expected to reach the United States East Coast by Sunday, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Center’s National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast on Saturday morning (Oct. 5).
     Hurricane Leslie has strengthened slightly while moving to the west-northwest across the tropical east Atlantic Ocean, the NHC noted on Oct. 5.
     The seven-day NHC Tropical Weather Outlook as of Oct. 5 at 2 a.m. shows the following for the north Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico:
Active Systems:
     The National Hurricane Center is issuing advisories on Hurricane Kirk and Hurricane Leslie.
1. Gulf of Mexico (AL92):
     Recent satellite-derived wind data indicate that an area of low pressure located over the southwestern Gulf of Mexico is broad and ill defined, but it is producing winds just below gale force.
     Development of this system is expected, and a tropical or subtropical depression or storm is likely to form this weekend or early next week while moving to the east or northeast across the Gulf of Mexico.
     Interests on the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, the Florida Peninsula, the Florida Keys, and the northwestern Bahamas should monitor the progress of this system.
     Regardless of tropical or subtropical development, locally heavy rains could occur over portions of Mexico during the next day or two, and over much of Florida late this weekend through the middle of next week.
     ● Formation chance through 48 hours...medium...50 percent. 
     ● Formation chance through 7 days...high...80 percent.
2. Far Eastern Tropical Atlantic:
     A tropical wave is expected to move off the west coast of Africa on Monday or Tuesday. Some development of this system is possible thereafter while it moves to the west or west-northwest across the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean.
     The system is expected to move near or over the Cabo Verde Islands on Wednesday and Thursday, and interests there should monitor its progress.
     ● Formation chance through 48 hours...low...near 0 percent.
     ● Formation chance through 7 days...low...30 percent.

2024 International Coastal cleanup
draws hundreds of volunteers to Cedar Key

Students from UF/IFAS collect trash along the road coming into Cedar Key. Island visitors can enjoy the beautiful wild flowers in bloom without the distraction of debris post the event. 

Story and Photos By Charlene Calvillo
HardisonInk.com Correspondent © Sept. 23, 2024 at 9:30 p.m. 
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CEDAR KEY – The International Coastal Cleanup in Cedar Key on Saturday (Sept. 21) had phenomenal attendance this year.
     Registration logs showed 270 persons checked in between 7:30 and 9 a.m. at Cedar Key City Park. The annual event started 30 years ago and is organized by Ocean Conservancy to collect data on types of debris for comparison in local and global trends of marine pollution. 
     The sunny weather provided adequate opportunity for collection of debris by land and sea.
     Participants went on foot, in golf carts and by vessels to gather items from the main island as well as surrounding islands and the coastline. 
     Volunteers brought bags of trash and bulky debris back to the park around noon along with the data sheets of what was collected. The bounty for volunteers for their day’s work was a free lunch option of hotdog, sausage, chips, cookies, fruit cup, and a drink.
     Participants also received a souvenir t-shirt from the event. 


Members of the Levy County Prevention Coalition and of the Williston Middle High School Chapter of Students Working Against Tobacco are among the volunteers of the day on Cedar Key, and some of them are seen here. Cedar Key Mayor Sue Colson is in this picture, too.


Cedar Key Fire Chief Robert Robinson returns from installing a floating debris boom around the recent fire-damaged area along Dock Street. Additional unused booms can be seen lying the in boat. 


Lexi Sharp (in red shorts) is seen with volunteer students from Cedar Key School. They were one of the three teams collecting cigarette butts for data comparison.  


Some members of the Williston Middle High School Chapter Students Working Against Tobacco gather for lunch at the 2nd Street Café for lunch.


Volunteers from UF/IFAS pose for a group photo after the coastal cleanup.


Members of the Cedar Key Woman's Club work in the lunch tent at the park. Food was provided by the city.


Members of the Cedar Key City Commission pose with members of the volunteer State Guard.


An International Coastal Cleanup t-shirt was given to participants at the end of the day.

     A collection item of interest was cigarette butts. Data from previous years was displayed for comparison; in 2011 the total was 3,394, in 2019 the total was 2,272, and 2024 ended with 850 cigarette butts. It is not determined if people are smoking less, using ashtrays, or electronic cigarettes play a factor. Whatever the scenario, less tobacco waste is welcome by litter reviewers
     The sponsors had an information booth explanting Operation TRAP (Trash Reduction of Aquatic Preserves) for visitor education listing the top ten waste items collected with amounts. The TRAP booth included preventative items to reduce waste along the waterways: boom catchment device, storm drain traps and monofilament tubes.
     In all, the day was successful. It had great attendance, tasty snacks and entertainment in the park from Mary and Mike Music Entertainment added to the fun part of the day.

Levy County department director
helps FWC find suspected vandals
Information Provided By Levy County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper
Published Sept. 20, 2024 at 9 a.m.
     LEVY COUNTY – Levy County Parks and Recreation and Mosquito Control Director Matt Weldon received a call from county workers at Blue Springs Park on Tuesday afternoon (Sept. 18) that they were hearing gunshots. 
     Director Weldon established that three individuals were shooting guns in Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area. 
     He requested an officer from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to respond to the park.
     The FWC, with the assistance of Director Weldon, found the three individuals in the woods who had fired hundreds of rounds within Devil's Hammock Park, causing damage to trees and at least one sign.
     One of the individuals was allegedly planning to sell the guns to the two other individuals, and they were “testing them” before the sale was complete. None of these individuals are Levy County residents. 
     Four guns, including two nine-millimeter pistols, a tactical shotgun, and an AR-15, were found on site.
     As a direct result of Director Weldon’s swift action and cooperation with the FWC, all three individuals were charged with destruction of public property. 
     “The Levy County Board of County Commissioners thanks Director Weldon for his ongoing commitment to preserving the county's natural resources,” County Manager Mary-Ellen Harper noted.

1997 State Champions 
Chiefland Indian Football Team honored
Undefeated 2024 Chiefland Indians
beat Lafayette Hornets 38-20

1997 Chiefland Indians Varsity Football players (not in order) are seen here. They are David Burney, David Fisher, Shane Ingram, Jarrett Johnson, Travis Richardson, Matt Roach, Robbie Studstill, Keith Vogel and Shawn Watkins. Coaches in the photo are Randy Fuller, Brian Gore and Sam Holland. 

Story and Photos By Charlene Calvillo
HardisonInk.com Correspondent © Sept. 17, 2024 at 10 a.m. 
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CHIEFLAND -- Friday the 13th proved to be a favorable date for the Chiefland Indians Varsity Football Team as the players fought hard to win against the Lafayette Hornets on the C. Doyle McCall field at Wayne Pridgeon Stadium. 
     The pressure was on due to Chiefland alumni players and coaches from the 1997 Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A State Championship being honored during halftime. A repeat performance over the team from the City of Mayo was the goal that was met.
     The 1997 players in attendance were David Burney, David Fisher, Shane Ingram, Jarrett Johnson, Travis Richardson, Matt Roach, Robbie Studstill, Keith Vogel and Shawn Watkins. Coaches honored were Randy Fuller, Brian Gore and Sam Holland. All of the players and coaches were given ball caps with 97 embroidered on them as a memento celebrating the 27th anniversary of FHSAA 2A State Championship. 


Lafayette receiver #2 Jordan Murphy scores the first touchdown of the evening.


Hornet cheerleaders perform a few stunts to boost the morale of the fans. 


Chiefland Indian cheerleaders show team spirit while interacting with the crowd. 


Chiefland #11 Trent Bright lunges for the tackle to prevent Lafayette from advancing.


This lineup of players and coaches from 1997 includes Brian Capps who worked as a radio announcer at the time. 

     “The 1997 squad was a team of destiny,” said Brian Capps, a reunion organizer. “But it didn’t come without hard work and motivation. Opportunity met with preparation and the rest of Championship history. I was fortunate enough to be able to call the play-by-play that year on the radio (WLQH) in Chiefland and cemented the moments on the airwaves for all of history. A group of 18 men decided all odds. Unranked to start the year to go on and win the 2A state title. One of the best runs in Florida high school football history.”


Indians #21 Jonathan Adams scores a touchdown during the third quarter.


Chiefland quarterback Matt Goodale is seen seconds before passing the pigskin.


Chiefland #13 James Hudson prepares to tackle Lafayette #9 Tywan Williamson.

     In 1997 the Chiefland Indians defeated the Lafayette Hornets 49 to 28 at  Ben Hill Griffin Stadium claiming the FHSAA Class 2A State Championship, when the state finals were held in Gainesville that year. 


     As for the most recent competition, Lafayette receiver Jordan Murphy scored the first touchdown of the Friday (Sept. 13) football game. The first quarter ended with Chiefland 8 and Lafayette 6. Indians were able to score an additional 8 points in the second quarter.
     The third quarter of the game yielded Chiefland 16 points and Lafayette 14 points. The Indians defense blocked the Hornets from scoring any points in the fourth quarter, while the home team’s offense raised the scoreboard another 6 points.
     The final score was Chiefland 38 and Lafayette 20. This was the Hornet’s first loss of the season. The Indians remain undefeated.
     As noted in the FHSAA Hall of Fame website, the man for whom the football field was named - C. Doyle McCall - spent his entire 39-year professional career at Chiefland High School.
     During his years there, he served as history teacher, coach, athletic director, dean of students, assistant principal and principal. He was head coach in the following sports: football, 25 years; basketball, four years; baseball, four years; track, 15 years; and golf, 10 years.
     And with Coach McCall being the first coach at CHS to lead a state championship win in the size category where the players compete, and in his honor, some of the notations from the FHSAA Hall of Fame are noted verbatim below:
     McCall's record for 25 years as head football coach was 162-78-16.
     Chiefland's undefeated 1961 team was declared state Class C champions by state sports writers. His track team won the state track championship in 1965, garnering him the honor of Florida Athletic Coaches Association Track Coach of the Year.
     McCall served on the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Board of Directors for 18 years. He was FACA Chairman of the Football Playoff Committee, which drew up the first playoff system adopted implemented by the Florida High School Activities Association in the fall of 1963.
     He received the FACA Life Membership and Meritorious Service Awards for his outstanding contributions to high school athletics in the state of Florida. He also had articles published in Coach and Athlete in 1964 and 1966 and in The Coaching Clinic in 1966.
     McCall served on the Board of Directors for the National High School Athletic Coaches Association for six years. In 1988 he was inducted into the Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. McCall, an active supporter of community affairs, was selected Civitan Citizen of the Year in 1987.

Florida’s 2024-2025
Fish Art Contest begins

Florida bass artwork created by last year’s 4-6th grade, freshwater runner-up, Hannah Wang. 

Story and Art Provided
By The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Published Sept. 13, 2024 at 2:15 p.m.
     TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is hosting the 2024-2025 Art of Conservation Fish Art Contest.     The annual program invites youth from around the world to connect with nature and learn about fish and aquatic habitats while exploring creative art and writing. Since its founding in 1997, the Fish Art Contest has reached over 85,000 youth in 46 countries building future stewards of the outdoors.
     The free contest is accessible to students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Each year, thousands of entries pour in from across the globe, reflecting the program’s widespread appeal and impact. Florida students can submit their artwork to Wildlife Forever using the Florida Fish Art Contest entry form page.
      “We are proud to support Wildlife Forever's Fish Art Contest, a program that not only fosters creativity but also deepens young Floridians' connection to our state's rich aquatic heritage,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “We are committed to preserving Florida’s natural resources by encouraging students K-12 to participate in this contest and celebrate the beauty of our waterways and wildlife while educating the next generation about conservation.”
     One first place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and tenth through twelfth grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish species. Visit MyFWC.com/FishArt for more information on state prizing.
     The 2024-25 contest is open for submissions until Feb. 28, 2025. The contest is supported by The Florida Nomad. Participants can find more information, educational resources, and submission guidelines at MyFWC.com/FishArt.

Wind Bent Baby Pine Trees

Some young pine trees bent by strong winds passing across part of Levy County during Hurricane Debby are seen here. As noted by various state agencies, Florida was impacted by Hurricane Debby on Sunday and Monday Aug. 4 and 5, with sustained winds of 80 mph that swept across the Big Bend damaging power lines, trees, homes and businesses. People who suffered losses from hurricanes and other disasters may want to check the Federal Emergency Management Agency website to seek help with recovery.
Photo By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 9, 2024 at 12 p.m.

Engineering company owner donates
to help start new library in Dixie County

Dixie County Public Library Director Cindy Bellot explains why Dixie County needs a new stand-alone public library.

Story and Photo
By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 6, 2024 at 10 p.m.
All Copyrights Protected By Federal Civil Law
Do Not Copy and Paste to Social Media or Elsewhere
     CROSS CITY – The Dixie County Public Library in Cross City again proved to be a wonderful place this summer, according to information shared Thursday Night (Sept. 5) by Dixie County Library Director Cindy Bellot.     Details from the summer program for children showed this to be true. However, after Bellot told the five members of the Dixie County Board of County Commissioners some cold, hard facts about rain destroying books because of a leaky roof that has not been fixed, there was more conversation – and action.
     An engineering company owner volunteered to have his staff create a grant proposal to get a talked-about project for a new library in Dixie County future to become more than just talk, where it might be tabled and that issue be like a can kicked down the road, and then kicked again.
     John Locklear of Locklear and Associates told the County Commission that his company will write a grant proposal to fund the future library. One place that has been previously mentioned to build the library is near the Florida Department of Health’s Dixie County Unit, which is also relatively close to the Cross City Airport and some baseball fields, east of U.S. Highway 19.
     The Dixie County Public Library is part of the Three Rivers Library System, which serves Dixie, Gilchrist, Lafayette and Taylor counties. Before ground is broken on a new public library in Dixie County, the director of the system and others involved in the system will need to approve the plan.
     As she started her report at the Sept. 5 night meeting, Library Director Bellot thanked everyone for their well wishes as she returned to active duty.
     During the summer program at the library, Bellot said, there were 992 children involved in the many presentations. Some presenters plan to return to provide education, information and entertainment in the program for next summer, she added.
     The library partnered with the Dixie County School Board to feed children 11,200 meals during the summer program at the Dixie County Public Library in Cross City this summer, Bellot said.
     Library Director Bellot said she believes everyone sees now that Dixie County needs a free-standing library, rather than what exists as part of the storefront shops in a small shopping center.
     By coordinating with Three Rivers Library System Director Dale Collum, Locklear and Associates can write a grant, according to what John Locklear and Library Manager Bellot said on Sept. 5.
     Collum has the authority and information that Bellot does not have to get this done, she said.
     A request to the Florida Legislature did not go through this year to help the library in Dixie County, she said, “although it did for other counties.”
     Bellot said the county must have something done. The roof continues to leak in the library, and there is not enough space in the library as well as it not having enough parking spaces out front for visitors.
     “When the roof leaks, we end up losing books,” Bellot said. “And they’re not cheap – they’re not. The average cost of one now is about $30. It’s never enough (of a loss of property value) to make (qualify for) the insurance deductible. So, it doesn’t do us any good. If we lose 100 books, that’s not enough.”
     Director Bellot and staff keep trying to keep the rain from hitting books. It is impossible to protect them all. They cannot leave the wet books in the library, because mold will form on them, she said.
     Continuing to replace ceiling tiles that become wet, and fall, is not a viable solution to continue, Bellot said. It is inadequate, she said.
     “We need a new library,” Dixie County Commission Chairman Jamie Storey said.
     “We need a new library, yes,” Bellot said as she concurred with the leader of the County Commission.
     After her speech, Locklear told the County Commission that he is volunteering his company to write a grant proposal – for no charge to the county or to Three Rivers Library System.
     On a motion by County Commissioner David Osteen, seconded by Commission Vice Chairman Jody Stephenson, the County Commission voted 5-0 to approve Locklear and Associates being allowed to create a grant proposal to fund the next Dixie County Public Library. Commission Chairman Storey, and Commissioner Daniel Wood III are the other three men to make the 5-0 vote on the Osteen-Stephenson motion.

First day of two-day event starts slowly
at Otter Springs for Labor Day Weekend 

Sandy and Tim Watson of Camp Kerusso hold a ball python and a beard dragon Saturday morning in Otter Springs Park and Campground. The Dixie County couple were in the Gilchrist County park as part of a fundraising event to help military service veterans in the future.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © Sept. 1, 2024 at 11:30 a.m.
     OTTER SPRINGS – The start of a two-day event Otter Springs Park and Campground seemed a bit slow, but the offerings planned to happen were there.
     Tim and Sandy Watson, director and assistant director respectively of Camp Kerusso of Old Town, brought some animals for people to see.
     Camp Kerusso is a Christian faith-based after school facility and summer day camp offering that just completed its eleventh summer session. The animals they brought for people to see and enjoy are part of lesson plans to show part of the concept of God’s creation of life on Earth.
     In addition to various animals, the Watson couple had an ostrich egg that had been hatched as well as a small nest to again show part of the idea of life and God’s part in the cycle of life of on Earth.
     Now that school has started, Camp Kerusso’s focus is after school daycare for children. It has a social media presence for more information.


A couple of ducks from Camp Kerusso, which is located in the Old Town are of Dixie County, enjoy their visit to part of Otter Springs Park and Campground in Gilchrist County on Saturday.


A turtle from Camp Kerusso is among the reptiles brought for people to see on Saturday.


Sandy Watson, assistant director of Camp Kerusso, holds a ferret Saturday as part of the broad expanse of the beautiful Otter Springs Park and Campground is seen behind her. Gilchrist County is known for its springs, and many visitors enjoy camping there with their recreational vehicles. The couple also brought a Mini Rex (Oryctolagus cuniculus) breed of rabbit to the event.


Michael Blair fills an inflatable water slide that children enjoy during the event. 


Terri McIntyre and her father Ray McIntyre hold some of the snakes known as ‘Ray’s Snakes’ in the picnic pavilion of Otter Springs Park and Campground on Saturday.


Kelly Cullen and her daughter McKenzie Cullen, 7, of Jacksonville, handle some of the snakes brought by Ray McIntyre as part of the event. The Cullens are among visitors who are enjoying the camping opportunities at Otter Springs Park and Campground.


Ethan Blair, 7, son of one part of the team of individuals making the two-day event succeed, Michael and Lilly Blair, has three snakes on him as McKenzie Cullen, 7, of Jacksonville, a visitor to the park on Saturday, watches.


     Ray and Terri McIntyre, a father-daughter team, provided opportunities for people to enjoy snakes. Ray McIntyre is a maintenance worker at the park and campground. Terri McIntyre came from her home in Ocala to help her father let people share in the chance to hold some snakes and learn about her father’s pet snakes.
     An inflatable water slide was used by children for fun as well. 


The food truck from The Best Family Pizza and More, with Tomas Lebron and Netshaida Reyes of Old Town stand in front of their vending outlet on Saturday.


Jessee Rankin of Old Town, owner of Thunderbolt Concessions, stands in front of his mobile vending site. Rankin offered coffee, hard ice cream, soft-serve ice cream, smoothies, energy drinks in many flavors and other drinks. Rankin mentioned that he is available as a vendor for private bookings and his business has a social media presence.

     Elaine Sanderson was the camp host on Saturday. She helped people by sharing any information they sought as she toured the area on a golf cart with a well-behaved small dog. The two-day event included other individuals who helped bring the fun, fellowship, food and other festive actions to fruition on Saturday.
     Sunday promised even more activity at the park and campground.
     Proceeds from the event are noted to be intended to help the Camp Valor Project -- at Otter Springs Camp and Campground. 
     “Camp Valor is a much needed program and will serve to create a well-defined path to a rich, well deserved, bright future for these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country,” according to a statement by Dan Cavanah, who is noted  on the website https://forvets.us/camp-valor/ to be the For Vets Inc. president.
     For Vets Inc. has an unresolved civil court case in Gilchrist County seeking the eviction of a man who now has moved out of the park and campground, after he was terminated from employment by Cavanah, according to records.
     Michael Murphy, 74, has said that he has moved from the place where he lived, and that he has continued to work at the park and campground without being paid for several weeks now. Murphy considers this to be his job, and he anticipates receiving money for that service, although from one perspective he was terminated from performing that job.
     The eviction is noted by the plaintiff in the case to be from the termination of the employment agreement, where the living facility was part of Murphy’s payment for services. Since he has moved from the property and continues to work, despite being told that he is not employed thusly, there may be more action required by the court to resolve other legal questions regarding money.
     A hearing regarding the eviction action was set for late August but has been continued to Sept. 11. Murphy has said he continues working at the park and campground for free because he contends that Cavanah lacked the authority to terminate his employment, and this is his way to earn a living.
     Murphy, the defendant or respondent in the eviction matter set before the court, is not represented by an attorney in this case yet, according to records as of Sept. 1.
     As for who serves as the president of For Vets Inc., Robert Wells is listed in at least one location with Dan Cavanah as the president, too. Wells, who also serves as the executive director of Gilchrist Prevention Coalition, is noted in at least one location on the Internet as being president of the For Vets Inc. Board of Directors.
     There is a potential for a more solid foundation to rely on for accuracy on which individual or group of individuals is or are leading the For Vets’ efforts to establish the Camp Valor Project at Otter Springs Park and Campground after the Sept. 11 court action, and potential other future cases in Gilchrist County Civil Court or in the Eighth Judicial Circuit Civil Court.
     In the meantime, the project seems to be suffering from an unclear future.
     Meanwhile, nonetheless, the park and campground continue offering sites for camping and opportunities for various forms of recreation.
     As for the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners’ role in this case, the County Commission leased the park and campground to the not-for-profit For Vets Inc. for 99 years some years ago, according to records.
     Ownership of the acreage over the past several years went from private interests to state and county governments, according to records.
     Records in the Gilchrist County Property Appraiser's Office show the Suwannee River Water Management District bought the property and all that was on it on Sept. 30, 2008, for $6.8 million from Faith Place Inc. and others.
     On April 8, 2014, the SRWMD gave the property to Gilchrist County, where the Gilchrist County Board of County Commissioners serve as the trustees of that county-owned property.
     In the meantime, the County Commission, property owner, leases the property to For Vets Inc. to manage, according to records. This property went off the base for Gilchrist County taxable property in 2008 when it became government-owned land and facilities.