COVID-19 Hospitalizes
Three More From Levy County



Above are the results on Tuesday (April 13), according to the Tallahassee office of the Florida Department of Health (FDOH). These records are the current TOTAL numbers updated by the FDOH in the most recent period measured where the FDOH reported results. In the Tri-County Area, there are 109 people TOTAL who have died from COVID-19 so far. There have been 400 people TOTAL from the Tri-County Area who have been reported as hospitalized because their COVID-19 symptoms were so serious they needed to go to the hospital so far -- including three more from Levy County according to the most recent 24-hour reporting period.
Published April 13, 2021 at 3:11 p.m.
 

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY
Residents are advised to wear masks
in public and to socially distance.
Avoid crowds, closed spaces & close contact.

     COVID-19 can be transmitted by people who show no symptoms.
     The best method to reduce the odds of infection and the subsequent symptoms of serious illness and even death from COVID-19 is to limit contact with other humans.
     To find the most updated information and guidance on COVID-19, please visit the FDOH’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage by clicking HERE. 
     For information and advisories from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), please visit the CDC COVID-19 website by clicking HERE.
     For another set of data, former Florida Department of Health geographic data scientist Rebekah Jones has created FloridaCOVIDAction.com. Those numbers are different than the FDOH. 

Above are the results from March. The added death toll in the Tri-County Area was 17. There were 2,573 more deaths in Florida from COVID-19 in March. In the Tri-County Area, there were 365 more positive COVID-19 cases in March. The numbers are reflecting a reduction in rates across the board. People becoming vaccinated and practicing proper pandemic health precautions can bring the death toll, hospitalization numbers and positive cases to be zero increase in a month.
Graphic By Sharon Hardison © March 31, 2021 at 10:11 p.m.

Inglis seeks
to potentially replace town attorney
Subregional sewer project
information updated
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 10, 2021 at 4:11 p.m.
     INGLIS -- After the Tuesday (April 6) evening meeting of the Inglis Town Council, the city is advertising for requests for proposals from attorneys who want to be the Inglis town attorney, according to records.

More Below This Ad

     The Town Council, under the new business part of the agenda, scheduled and discussed methods to reduce the cost of having W. Blake Fugate or Norm D. Fugate continue as the attorney for the town.
     Information in that ad shows that the Town of Inglis is seeking proposals from qualified members of the Florida Bar to provide contract legal services to the Town by serving as the Town Attorney.
     Inglis has a population of approximately 1,300, and provides a strong commission, weak mayor form of government with an annual budget and nine full-time employees. Town Commission meetings are regularly scheduled on the First Tuesday of each month.
     The basic requirements for attorneys applying for the position are that the attorneys applying will demonstrate at least three years of governmental / administrative law and related field experience with emphasis on ordinance drafting, code enforcement annexation, comprehensive land use and zoning, municipal and interlocal agreements, risk management, and labor / personnel issues with a working knowledge of municipal, state, federal land constitutional law.
     The services to be provided, also according to the advertisement, are that “The proposer shall provide both a summary and detailed explanation of the legal services to be provided to the Mayor, Town Commission and staff including support services, and availability of legal counsel.”
     As for the fee structure, “Proposer shall detail fees for services on a fixed rate of compensation per month, including costs along with an hourly rate for matters beyond the agreed upon scope of service,” according to the request for proposals.
     Attorneys interested in this position must deliver documents showing that intent to the Town of Inglis, no later than 12 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, April 23.
     Applicants will send or deliver their information to: Inglis Town Hall, 135 Levy County Road 40 W., Inglis. The mailing address is P.O. Drawer 429, Inglis, 34449-0429.
     Some people call that county road “Highway 40,” however State Road 40 becomes Levy County Road 40 at the Marion County-Levy County line.
     Another way for attorneys to submit their response to this request for proposals is by email to Town Clerk Darlene Slattery at townclerk@townofinglis.org.
     On another matter of relatively high importance from that meeting, the Council unanimously agreed for Justin deMello, project manager with the environmental consultant Woodard & Curran, to return to the May 4 meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in Inglis Town Hall, to provide more information about a wastewater funding opportunity with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
     Former Mayor Drinda Merritt succeeded in obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars for the study conducted by Woodward & Curran so far.
     So far, the Town of Inglis has paid zero dollars for project to bring a subregional wastewater treatment facility.
     Funding so far included a 2017 State of Florida grant for $500,000, which has been completed. The $572,178 state grant is still active and being utilized for the process, as is the $150,000 grant from the Florida Department of Environment Protection’s (FDEP) State Revolving Fund Program, according to records.
   deMello provided information to the Inglis Town Council to show a subregional wastewater treatment planning feasibility study started in December of 2017, according to records. The study, which was 100 percent funded by the State of Florida General Revenue Fund, was completed in May of 2019, according to records.
     The regional study looked at 18 square miles in Citrus County and Levy County, with an estimated 1,400 septic systems – of which 344 are permitted, according to the report by DeMello on Tuesday (April 6).
     A summary of the feasibility study included that:
     ● A wastewater treatment facility and collection system is technically feasible for the 18 square-mile study area; and
     ● Grant funding is required to make the entire $20 million system feasible.
     The $20 million cost comes from $14 million for the collection system (pipes, pumps, etc.) and $6 million for treatment and disposal costs. Annual operation and maintenance costs are shown at $325,000. Recommended renewal and replacement costs are estimated at $75,000 now.
     The current average consumer would pay between $39 and $49 a month now, if the projects were 95 percent grant funded. The goal is to lower that to an average cost of $29 to $39 a month, according to records. Part of these calculations includes an assumption that vacant lots would pay $15 a month, which would generate $57,2540 a year, according to the April 6 report by DeMello.
     If the Inglis Town Council chose to stop now and do nothing, then there are costs for septic tank owners.
     The Florida Legislature adopted a law in 2020 for mandatory septic tank inspections.
     For owners who must replace their septic tanks, that cost runs between $7,000 and $15,000, deMello reported. The average cost for advanced septic systems is between $14,000 and $20,000, he reported.
     The Inglis Town Council is scheduled to again learn more about what this project will cost and how it will help the environment and the Withlacoochee Gulf Area.

Levy County attempts
to stop CrabFest 2021
County Commission proclaims April
as ‘Williston Wants Peace
- No More Violence’ Month

Gussie Boatright of Williston shares a heart-wrenching story about the death of her grandson, and how she visits his grave. She sees his friends there, and they leave fresh flowers and mementos at the gravesite. Boatright, Frankie Jackson and others have done what they could to stop CrabFest 2021 from happening. Seen with her in the background are (from left) Pastor Willie Battles, Jackson and Pastor Johnnie Jones III. Both Pastor Battles and Pastor Jones have endorsed CrabFest in the past. After the 2013 shooting death of one man and four others being wounded with bullets, among the things Pastor Jones did was to join with the Levy County Prevention Coalition to provide meals and some support for the law enforcement officers who were needed there and then to help preserve life and property.

Story, Photos and Video
By Jeff M. Hardison © April 6, 2021 at 2:11 p.m.
     BRONSON – The Levy County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday (April 6) proclaimed April as ‘Williston Wants Peace - No More Violence’ Month.




In this video, which can be seen by clicking on the still photo above, which has the arrow on it, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum speaks to reporters. In this clip, he says he was at the first CrabFest years ago. He says he endorses cultural events such as the Williston Peanut Festival and the Williston Independence Day Parade and Festival. However, this annual CrabFest event has become a catalyst for crime and violence, and even murder. The sheriff said CrabFest can happen. It just needs to be in better venue to reduce the traffic problems and to better provide for peace and public safety.

One of the two TV reporters from Gainesville is seen at the meeting in Bronson on Monday as he listens to people speak about CrabFest.


Levy County Commissioner Matt Brooks holds up an aerial map to show where CrabFest impacts the area east of Williston.


Levy County Commissioner Mike Joyner (at left) watches as Commissioner Matt Brooks holds a chart showing the arrests for drug possession, weapons possession, DUI, driving while license suspended or revoked and active arrest warrants served at CrabFest in 2017, 2018 and 2019, as well as the cost to the Levy County Sheriff's Department. The global COVID-19 pandemic stopped CrabFest 2020. A Gainesville man is promoting CrabFest 2021, despite the county government and law enforcement informing him of its intent to stop CrabFest 2021 from happening.

     Before the adoption of the resolution, which was passed by a 5-0 vote after a motion by County Commissioner Mike Joyner was seconded by Commissioner Rock Meeks (with Lilly Rooks voting via teleconference) there was information about the movement to stop CrabFest 2021.
     The County Commission passed another 5-0 vote to file an injunction against Kenuiel Gates in an attempt to halt his activity leading to a possible 2021 CrabFest – just east of the city of Williston. As repeatedly noted over the years, this festival began as a small party.
     It became an annual cultural event east of Williston in Levy County, however it grew and attracted people to the point of having thousands of participants. There was one shooting death and four wounded in 2013. CrabFest ties up traffic and costs thousands of dollars in expenses from law enforcement agencies and first responders who must be there for public safety.
     County Commissioner Matt Brooks, whose district includes Williston, and where he has previously served on the Williston City Council, championed the effort to have the County Commission work to stop problems, that came into existence after a relatively small, local cultural celebration became a huge block party attracting thousands of people from Gainesville, Ocala, other parts of Florida and even other states.
     The cost to Levy County taxpayers, Brooks noted, has grown over the years. He showed estimated costs from the Levy County Sheriff’s Office where the money required by that agency alone, which does not include added costs to the Williston Police Department, Williston Fire Rescue, Levy County Department of Public Safety {Fire-Rescue}, or other supporting agencies such as those from Alachua and Marion counties, and from state agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol.
     The LCSO spent to cover CrabFest the following totals in supplies and overtime: 2013 - $10,024; 2014 - $16,660; 2015 - $18,500; 2016 - $ 18,793; 2017 - $22,109; 2018 - $26,272; 2019 - $26,982. In seven years, from the LCSO coffers alone, that has cost more than $139,000.
     Gussie Boatright, Pastor Willie Battles and Pastor Johnnie Jones III all spoke about reasons they prefer not allowing a huge event that attracts thousands of people to a neighborhood east of Williston. Instead, they agree with Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum, other pastors and community leaders, and more than 60 neighboring property owners, that a cultural event can occur if it is better organized.
     Among the material provided to the County Commission was a document titled “Community Awareness Campaign Calling For Peace”
     It noted there has been “a takeover” of the area for too many years and that is has shown increasing violence. The author of the document noted “it's time to put a stop to it and bring peace.”
     “Kenuiel Gates (Activist/Promoter of CrabFest) has not heeded the cries of our community begging for peace in Williston,” the document noted. “Mr. Gates is not a resident of this community where this violence has been taking place, and appears to be concerned with only his own self-promotion and perceived notoriety.”
     Historically, CrabFest is said to have had humble beginnings and was an event that brought together friends, neighbors, and
family members in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston.
     Long ago, the event was safe and contained in a neighborhood on private property “and there were not thousands of people blocking streets and causing a public safety hazard,” the author noted the April 2013, ¬shooting death at CrabFest.
     The document goes on to note that in September of 2020, a mass shooting occurred in the area, leaving six people injured and homes in the community riddled with bullet holes from the chaotic scene.
     On Feb. 20, Gussie Boatwright’s grandson Khajon Spikes was senselessly shot to death. He left behind his loving and grieving
family, friends and community.
     Boatwright and Frankie Jackson have been in the Williston Community for many years. They came forward with the purpose to unite our community for peace and to ask for the violence
to stop.
     Florida State Rep. Joe Harding (R-Williston, Dist. 22) and State Sen. Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island, Dist. 5) both sent letters to show they endorse stopping CrabFest.
     County Commissioner Matt Brooks, in whose district the Williston area falls, sought an injunction against event organizer/promoter, Kenuiel Gates.
     Commissioner Brooks showed evidence from Facebook that Gates was promoting his event, CrabFest, to be held in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston on April 24-25.
     After hearing of this news, Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum and Levy County Coordinator Wilbur Dean agreed and recommended to staff that the county needed to deliver a notice of violation to Gates that such an event required a special
entertainment permit from the Levy County Board of County Commissioners for it to proceed.
     This notice of violation is pursuant to Article II, Chapter 10, Levy County Code of Ordinances, where CrabFest falls under the definition of “musical or entertainment festival.”
     Sheriff McCallum coordinated with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office to serve Gates this notification on the afternoon of March 23 Gates’ residence in Gainesville. Gates is now aware of the violation, as well as being aware that should he not apply and receive a permit and this event moves forward, then Levy County will be forced to take legal action.
     The proclamation highlights a movement by people in Levy County who see the traditional CrabFest event, conducted just to the east of Williston’s city limits as being undesirable.
     In the proclamation, the county notes, Whereas:
     ● the City of Williston has a great desire for peace in unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston City Limits and the cancellation of CrabFest to lessen
the opportunities for violence to continue; and
     ● we recognize CrabFest started many years ago as a small
neighborhood event that promoted the fellowship of families, friends and neighbors and posed no threat to public safety at the time; and
     ● the CrabFest event in more recent years has proved consistently to be the largest public safety challenge to Levy County and the city of Williston as it brings thousands of people from outside the Williston area; and
     ● in April of 2013, a shooting occurred at the CrabFest event killing one person and injuring four others while sending thousands of people scrambling for their safety; and
     ● in September of 2020, a mass shooting of six people occurred after a protest turned block party ran late into the night and into the early morning; and
     ● on February 20, 2021, Khajon Spikes, a young man from Williston was senselessly gunned down and murdered leaving behind a grieving family, friends and community; and
     ● we recognize the continuing and growing trend of violence in the unincorporated areas on the east side of Williston city limits and the need for it to stop here and now; and
     ● those who represent the community such as religious leaders,
leaders of government, law enforcement, teachers and business professionals within our community should set an example by their actions and words to promote the end of violence within our city, county, state and country.
     Then, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed that it supports “the efforts of everyone working together to end violence in our streets and we call upon all citizens of Levy County to do
your part to act responsibly, respectfully and be a part of the solution to end violence in our communities.”
     After the proclamation was adopted and the approval to move forward with an injunction against Gates, Sheriff McCallum met with some broadcast journalists from Gainesville to speak about injunctions.
     The sheriff said injunctions have civil and criminal penalties for people who are proved to have violated them. Gates has been warned, he said, and Gates should have heard the heartfelt words of Gussie Boatright, who mourns the recent loss of her grandson’s life to needless violence.

Tri-County Area FDOH units scheduling
COVID-19 vaccinations for people
who are 18 years and older as of April 5
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 25, 2021 at 11:11 a.m.
Updated April 5, 2o21 at 8:11 a.m.
     TRI-COUNTY AREA – Starting April 5, individuals who are 18 years old and older can schedule COVID-19 vaccinations through the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) units in Dixie County, Gilchrist County and Levy County, according to information a video press release from the Florida governor’s office of communications.
     As of today, Monday, April 5, all individuals aged 18 and older will be eligible to receive the vaccine in Florida.
     The previous low-end age ranges of 65, 60, 50 and 40 years old are now opening to any adult in Florida, according to information from Florida State Surgeon General Scott A. Rivkees, M.D.
     The Florida Department of Health Department units in the Tri-County Area are accepting appointments to schedule receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by calling: 352-498-1360 in Dixie County; or by calling 352-463-3120 in Gilchrist County; or by calling 352-486-5300 in Levy County.
     Scheduling will continue until vaccine allotments are depleted. Residents are encouraged to be patient as phone lines may be busy and scheduling will start and stop as allotments change from week to week.
     Dr. Rivkees leads the FDOH, which has a stated vision for Florida “To be the Healthiest State in the Nation.”
     The mission of the FDOH is “to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.”
     Levy County Emergency Management has been continually active in assisting the Tri-County Area FDOH in providing information to the public about COVID-19. The Levy County Emergency Management website is at https://levydisaster.com/.
     Vaccines are regulated by the Florida Department of Health.
Please do not contact Levy County Emergency Management to set an appointment. The staff there we cannot schedule appointment. Instead call the telephone numbers at the various Florida Department of Health counties' units listed earlier in this story.

Inglis election results provided
Drew White elected as mayor
No runoff election required
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 17, 2021 at 7:11 a.m.
Updated March 19, 2021 at 2:11 p.m.
     INGLIS -- The municipal election in Inglis successfully concluded that election on the evening of March 16 under the direction of Town Clerk Darlene Slattery.
     The election was from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
     In her post, Town Clerk Slattery is the supervisor of elections for those elections. Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones provides support services to assure a fair and accurate election occurs in this municipality, as well as other towns and cities in Levy County.
    Slattery has served the residents and visitors of Inglis since August of 2001. Starting in the Water Department as water clerk for 14 years, she was promoted on May 5, 2015 to deputy town clerk, and now serves as the town clerk.
     Town Clerk Slattery provided information about the election. Information about her career of service to the public is from the town’s website.
     There is going to be a runoff election between the top two of the following three candidates for mayor – Harry Brodhead and Michael Andrew “Drew” White.
     Below are the vote tallies for the three candidates seeking the duties of mayor of Inglis:
Cleve Boatright 71
Harry Brodhead 133
Michael Andrew “Drew” White 148
     Although there was a thought that a runoff election would be needed, Inglis Town Attorney W. Blake Fugate said his review of the Town Charter shows a simple majority is all that is required to declare the winner.
     Therefore, Michael Andrew “Drew” White is the incoming mayor of Inglis.
     Outgoing Mayor Drinda Merritt chose against running for reelection, because she and her husband are moving to Alabama to be closer to their other family members.
     Two people were chosen from the four running for commissioners.
     The top two are Scott Levesque and Steve Schwing.
     The vote totals for the four people running for those two positions are shown below:
Scott Levesque 202
Steve Schwing 184
Betsy Webb 145
James Williams 147
     There were 307 ballots cast at the polling place (Inglis Town Hall), according to information Slattery provided. There were 50 mail-in ballots sent and 48 returned, and counted. There were zero provisional ballots.
     Levy County Commission Chairman John Meeks, County Commissioner Lilly Rooks and County Coordinator Wilbur Dean served as the canvassing board for this election. The above-noted numbers are “unofficial,” and they will be again confirmed by this same canvassing board. While the numbers are officially listed as unofficial, they are what is anticipated to be the same when the ballots are reviewed again.
 

FDOH, pharmacies and grocery stores
offer scheduling for COVID-19 vaccines

Sharon Hardison of Levy County gets her first COVID-19 shot on March 17.

Story and Photos By Jeff M. Hardison © March 19, 2021 at 9:11 a.m.
     TALLAHASSEE -- The Florida Department of Health Department units in the Tri-County Area are accepting appointments to schedule receiving the COVID-19 vaccine by calling: 352-498-1360 in Dixie County; or by calling 352-463-3120 in Gilchrist County; or by calling 352-486-5300 in Levy County.

A Florida Department of Health nurse looks at patients waiting in the waiting area after being vaccinated to assure they are suffering no serious side effects. The Moderna vaccine is among those that have proved to be safe and effective.

     The FDOH provided hundreds of shots of the first dose of the Moderna vaccine and of the second dose of the Moderna vaccine to patients on Wednesday (March 17) in the former football field of the old Bronson High School, located behind the Levy County Government Annex (formerly BHS), which is behind the Levy County Courthouse in Bronson.
     Levy County Emergency Management Assistant Director David Peaton on Thursday (March 19) noted some pharmacies and grocery stores in Florida are offering COVID-19 vaccines as well.
     The Levy County Walmart is not among the vaccination points. The Winn Dixie in Williston is listed on that website, although the Winn-Dixie in Chiefland shows it is scheduling shots as being administered there too.
     As of Friday morning (March 19), all of the vaccines available at the CVS in Chiefland are full, according to its website. There are no Publix stores in Levy County, Dixie County or Gilchrist County, however neighboring Alachua County and Marion County have several Publix stores.
     Below are websites to consider using for more vaccine scheduling resources beyond the FDOH of the Tri-County Area. The websites may not be up to date, however; so, sometimes visiting the grocery stores and pharmacies can be a method to use, too.
     ● Winn Dixie: https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
     ● Wal-Mart: https://corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine
     ● CVS: https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine
     ● Publix: https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine

Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones awaits in the audience before speaking with the Levy County Commission on Tuesday, when she explained why the county would spend a certain amount of money on machinery and software needed to conduct elections. The County Commission understood and voted 5-0 to approve her request.

Story and Photos
By Jeff M. Hardison © March 17, 2021 at 4:11 p.m.
     BRONSON – On a motion by Levy County Commissioner Mike Joyner, seconded by County Commissioner Lilly Rooks, the Levy County Commission voted 5-0 Tuesday (March 16) to exercise the county’s option to buy certain voting machines, as requested by Levy County Supervisor of Elections Tammy Jones.

County Commissioner Rock Meeks and County Commissioner Lilly Rooks


County Commission Chair John Meeks (right) and County Commissioner Mike Joyner (not pictured – Commissioner Matt Brooks, although he was present and active via the telephone)

     The other positive votes came from County Commission Chairman John Meeks, County Commissioner Rock Meeks and via phone County Commissioner Matt Brooks.
     Supervisor Jones explained in detail why she wholeheartedly endorsed the purchase of the machines from Dominion Voting Systems Inc. (DVSI).
     These machines were first purchased in 2014. Previously, Levy County’s voting equipment was serviced by DVSI.
     Levy County never had any issues with voting totals while using the current equipment, Jones noted, adding that all audits and recounts conducted on the votes have been 100 percent accurate.
     Why is Levy County buying equipment in 2021 when it was bought in 2014?
     On Jones’ recommendation in 2014, the Levy County Commission in 2014 entered a managed service agreement with DVSI. This created less of a burden for taxpayers over the past eight years, Jones explained. The final payment of $38,222.16 is due by Nov. 30 of this year to retain the hardware.
     The total cost for the eight years of service, including this final payment for hardware is $435,455. If that fee had been on one budget year, it would have been more difficult for the county to purchase. The extended method caused no interest or added costs, while allowing taxpayers to pay over the years.
     With the purchase of the hardware, at $38,222.16, there will be recurring costs starting in fiscal year 2021-22 of $8,970 for the total license cost on all 30 units -- with the unit price being $299.
     The annual warranty to cover all 30 units is $8,250. The license and warranty costs for 30 units equals a total annual cost of $17,220.
     The known cost to update batteries is $7,320.
     Levy County Supervisor of Elections Jones provided the County Commission members, as well as members of the media and members of the general public with facts showing that every vote in Levy County was tabulated and counted correctly during the 2020 General Election.
     Below are seven numbered facts that were shared.
     1. The Florida Department of State (Division of Elections) has certified every voting system currently used in our state. At this time there are only two certified voting system vendors. Those vendors are Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. and Election Systems and Software, ESS.
     2. Our voting tabulation server has never been hooked to the internet or a network.
     3. Our tabulation machines are publicly tested before each election. The public testing for the General Election was held on October 14, 2020. Members of the Levy County Canvassing Board oversee the testing process. Please note public observation is always encouraged. Upon completion of the testing, each piece of equipment is sealed. Test cards from the test will be sealed and documented as well. On Election Day, Poll Workers are required to check the seals before setting up any of the equipment. This ensures that there has been no tampering with the voting equipment.
     4. Every Levy County voter is given a paper ballot to cast their vote on. Paper ballots are retained for at least 22 months.
     5. Canvassing Board members verify all of the results on election night.
     6. After each election an audit is conducted during a public meeting. The Canvassing Board will randomly select a precinct and race to audit. Early Voting, Vote by Mail, and Election Day ballots for that specific precinct are hand counted by Canvassing Board members. Results from the audit are verified to the reported results from the Official Certification. The public audit for the 2020 General Election was held on Nov. 16, 2020. Our office is pleased to say that 100% accuracy was found during the 2020 General Election Audit.
     7. After every election the aggregate total number of ballots cast in each precinct as reported in the precinct-level election results are compared to the aggregate total number of voters with voter history to ensure reconciliation. Our numbers matched exactly.
     “Since receiving the voting equipment in 2014,” Jones noted, “I have made it a priority to learn the tabulation software and hardware. I personally am responsible for programming the election database in order to ensure that every vote is counted. My staff and I are rigorously involved in the pre-testing of each piece of equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly. No vendor is a part of the testing process. If a question does arise a representative from Dominion Voting Systems Inc. will provide telephone support.”
     Jones told the County Commission, further that she is currently in the final negotiations to purchase a system called Clear Audit.
     Clear Audit will help take the audit process to an event greater level of verification. All of the ballots will be separately tabulated through an independent system as a cross reference. Clear Audit is the only system capable of tabulating other systems ballots to provide a comparison of results for the sole purpose of post-election audits.
     The total upfront cost of this system from Clear Audit is $27,910.80.
     “I value the concern of every voter regarding our democratic process,” Jones said. “I would like to mention that Florida has great election laws to help keep our elections fair and safe. Through my 26 years of elections experience, I’ve learned from past elections how to make voting in Levy County more safe and secure. I hope that I have earned every voter’s trust and that you can rest assured that your vote will be counted correctly in Levy County.”
     Levy County Supervisor of Elections Jones is a former president of the statewide association of supervisors of elections.
     She assured HardisonInk.com in unequivocal terms that if she saw the slightest glimmer of reason to suspect Dominion voting machines of not providing 100 percent accurate readings, she would not use them. These machines have served the voters of Levy County very well in the past eight years, she said, and they have another five to eight years of life left in them to continue accurately recording ballots.