FYI-Levy Count Winter 2021

Levy County

FREE

WINTER 2021

For Your Information

A Special Publication of the Chiefland Citizen • Williston Pioneer Sun News

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FYI Winter 2021

Welcome

FYI Winter 2020

General Manager/ Editor Mike Arnold

L

evy County is a special place to call home.

From the migratory birds seeking their winter home to the abundant deer and wildlife populations in the thick, unspoiled forest, Levy has its own special charm.

If you love nature, Levy County has just the right touch. Take a trail ride in the Goethe Forest or for a less wild excursion, visit Williston’s botanical gardens.

A number of unique museums are available to visit and learn about the history and culture of the area. If searching for bargains is your cup of tea, visit one of the many thrift stores in the county.

Whether you are passing through or have decided to make this your permanent home, welcome to Levy County where the freshwater springs are a constant 72 degrees and nature unfurls her glory just for you.

From Fanning Springs to Inglis, Williston to Cedar Key and everything in between, there is something here for everyone. If it’s adventure you seek, you’ve come to the right place.

Who We Are General Manager/Editor Mike Arnold

Artistic Designer Cindy Connolly

Sales Manager Gina MacKenzie

Advertising Sales Representative Katrina Mallette

Staff

Vonnie Lee, Mark Berryman, Shawn Yorks

Call today to advertise

352-493-4796

About the Cover: If you are visiting the

tri-county area and are a fishing enthusiast, try your luck at a chance to land the catch of a lifetime. It doesn’t matter what your experience level is, this area is an angler’s haven from the lakes and rivers to the Gulf of Mexico.

Levy County FYI is a publication of the Levy County Newspaper Group–Chiefland Citizen, Tri-County Bulletin and Williston Pioneer.

Direct all questions or comments to editor@willistonpioneer.com.

To advertise in Levy County FYI please call 352-493-4796.

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In This Issue

New and improved boat ramp opens

Pages 8-9

Ellzey UMC still serving community

Pages 14-18

Manatees: gentle giants of the water

Pages 36-39

FYI Winter 2021

Also Newspaper History Chiefland Citizen Williston Pioneer Sun News ............................................................................. 6 Blue Spring ............................................................................. 7 RV Campgrounds ...................................................................... 10-11 Old Fashioned Stack Cake ........................................................................... 12 Splish Splash ........................................................................... 19 Boat Ramps ...................................................................... 20-21 Chicken with Basil-Pecorino Cream Sauce ........................................................................... 22 Broccoli Cheese Soup ........................................................................... 23 Levy County Schools ...................................................................... 24-25 RC racing: fun for all ...................................................................... 26-27 Government Services ...................................................................... 28-30 A little about Levy ........................................................................... 31 Shell Mound County Park ........................................................................... 32 Williston’s Blue Grotto ...................................................................... 34-35 Natural beauty of Manatee Springs ...................................................................... 40-42 Goethe State Forest ........................................................................... 43 Eggs in Purgatory ...................................................................... 44-45 Orange Cranberry Muffins ...................................................................... 46-47 Fanning Springs State Park ...................................................................... 48-49 Henry Beck Park ........................................................................... 50 Nature Coast State Trail ........................................................................... 51 Levy County Libraries ...................................................................... 52-53 Advertisers’ Index ........................................................................... 54

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FYI Winter 2021

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Chiefland Citizen:

FYI Winter 2021 The Community’s Conscience

For more than 70 years, the Chiefland Citizen has been the conscience of the community it serves. The Citizen was established in 1950 by Jack Holland, and purchased in 1973, by longtime newspaperman Walter Wilson and his wife, Wihlena, both hands-on owners who did all the work themselves.

One by one, staff was added, including Wilson’s brother, Fred, in 1978 until the newspaper boasted 11 employees. In 1974, the Wilsons began to publish the Tri-County Bulletin, a free shopper.

After Wilson died in 1995,

Williston Pioneer:

Wihlena and son, Chris, took over the publishing duties of the newspaper.

In 1999, the Wilsons sold the newspaper to Landmark Community Newspapers Inc., which holds the philosophy that the only first-rate newspapers are those that are independently operated by people who live in the community and who are responsive to community needs.

Today more than 98 percent of its editorial content is contained to Levy, Gilchrist and Dixie counties and focuses on the people who live here and the issues that concern them.

The Voice of Williston

Only 24 years after Florida became a state, and 18 years before the city of Williston was incorporated, a newspaper was founded on the island community of Cedar Key and placed its roots in Williston in 1879.

Originally called the Island City Herald, the evolution of the Williston Pioneer is as rich and storied as the people it has continuously served for over 140 years.

The paper has changed hands numerous times over its lifespan, and has undergone, several name changes, including the Williston Sun. It wasn’t until 1968 that the paper finally came back

into local hands when Bess Williams merged The Williston Sun with the Suwannee Valley News. For the next 23 years the newspaper played a key role in the community, even with the advent of the Williston Pioneer, founded by Skipper Hammond.

In 2001, Landmark Community Newspapers Inc., purchased both papers and merged them into the current Williston Pioneer Sun News–the oldest continuously published newspaper in Levy County and one of the oldest in Florida.

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FYI Winter 2021

Blue Spring

A

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nother local spring is the small, quiet Blue Spring just west of Bronson.

The outflow from Blue Spring, a second magnitude spring, forms the headwaters of the Waccasassa River, renowned for the adventurous spring sporting event, the Wild Hog Canoe Race.

Blue Spring itself is a small, unassuming bowl with a slight surface boil visible from the diving platform.

There is a concession stand and restrooms,

a volleyball court, and some covered and open picnic tables, along with a wide expanse of grass for laying out blankets.

Blue Spring is also a Levy County park, with swimming permitted from

April 1 to Sept. 30.

Access to Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area is just before the entrance to the spring. Devil’s Hammock features trails for hiking, bicycling and equestrian.

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FYI Winter 2021

By Shawn Yorks

Y

ankeetown and Inglis city officials dedicated the new Bird Creek boat ramp at the end of the Follow That Dream Parkway in Yankeetown earlier this year.

“We are very proud with the completion of this project and to see where it came from and where it is today,” said Levy County Commission Chairman Matt Brooks.

Commissioner John Meeks said the boat ramp was in disrepair for quite some time and needed some attention.

Concerned citizens from the Yankeetown and Inglis area approached

the county commission about the condition of the boat ramp, but the county did not have the money to repair it.

“Some friends of mine reached out and said that they had some sway with the legislature and the governor’s office, and if we put our mind to it and we work together, we could accomplish that,” Meeks said. “The fine folks at Dewberry got me in contact, and some other commissioners, in contact with the right folks and we started talking about this.”

Dewberry is a firm of planning, design and construction professionals who planned the reconstruction of the Yankeetown boat ramp.

FYI Winter 2021

“Come to find out we were eligible for a direct appropriation from the Legislature for $650,000,” Meeks added. “What you see before you right now folks is $650,000 of economic driver and improvement to not only this county, not only to the town of Inglis and the town of Yankeetown, but to the whole region.”

Residents of Marion and Citrus counties also use the boat ramp, as it is located where the Withlacoochee River empties into the Gulf of Mexico separating Levy and Citrus counties.

The ramp features expanded parking with a turnaround at the end and two new docks.

“We certainly could not have done this without the cooperation of Sen.

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Rob Bradley, without our House member, Charlie Stone, and of course (former) Gov. Rick Scott,” Meeks added. “Beyond that it was the entire Legislature who unanimously approved this project for Levy County and for the citizens.”

The project was completed by D&L Contracting of Old Town.

“This is a testament to this board and the county commissioners to improve all areas of the county,” Meeks said. “I think that this will be a shining star and hopefully a model of things to come throughout the county.”

Dewberry plans a boardwalk and new pavilions at the boat ramp and is just looking for funding.

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FYI Winter 2021

Enjoy the Great Outdoors RV Parks and Campgrounds

BRONSON Black Prong Equestrian Village 450 SE CR 337, Bronson, FL 32621 (352) 486-1234 clayton@blackprong.com

CEDAR KEY Angler’s RV Campground

(62 sites) (Formerly Rainbow Country RV Campground) 11951 SW Shiloh Rd., Cedar Key, FL 32625 (352) 543-6268 natalie@anglersrv.com, Rainbowcampground.com, Pet Friendly

Cedar Key RV Resort (40 sites, 40 to come)

11980 SW Shiloh Rd., Cedar Key, FL 32625, (352) 543-5097 cedarkeyrvresort@bellsouth.net, cedarkeyrvresort.com Pet Friendly

Cedar Key Sunset Isle RV Park and Motel

Address: 11850 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625 Phone: (352) 543-5375

Low Key Hideaway Motel and RV (4 RV sites, 5 rooms) 12050 SR 24, Cedar Key, FL 32625 (352) 543-0700 info@lowkeyhideaway.com lowkeyhideaway.com, Pet Friendly

Shell Mound Park

(20 sites, 10 tent sites) Off County Road 347, 17650 SW 78th Pl, Cedar Key, FL 32625 (352) 221-4466 levymcpks@aol.com

CHIEFLAND Breezy Acres Campground

(50 sites, RV only) 10050 NE 20th Ave. Chiefland, FL 32626 (352) 493-7602 No email/no website Pet Friendly

Chiefland Market Place, (21 sites)

1206 N. Young Blvd. Chiefland, FL 32626 (352) 317-0968. No email/no website Pet Friendly

Chiefland RV Park

(60 sites) 600 NW 11th Ave., Chiefland, FL 32626 (352) 493-1493 No email/no website Pet Friendly

Manatee Springs State Park

(92 sites, RV and tents) 11650 NW 115th St., Chiefland, FL 32626 (352) 493-6072 800-326-3521 No email floridastateparks.org Pet Friendly

Southern Leisure

505 NW 21st Ave., Chiefland FL 32626 info@southernleisurervresort.com www.southernleisureresort.com

Strawberry Fields for RV’rs 1043 NE 4th St., Chiefland FL 32626 352-507-7035 strawberryfieldsforrvers.com

DUNNELLON Goethe Trailhead Campground & Equestrian Park

(73 RV sites) 9171 SE Levy County Road 337 Dunnellon, FL 34431 (352) 489-8545 Info@ocalatrailsrvcamping.com, goethetrailcamping.com

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FYI Winter 2021

Withlacoochee Backwaters MH/RV Park

Suwannee River Hideaway Campground

FANNING SPRINGS

Suwannee River Bend RV Park

(21 sites, 25 M.H. Sites, no tents) 19151 SE 135th St. Hwy 40 E, Dunnellon, FL 34431, (352) 489-6691. bbwbmpark@gmail.com, Pet Friendly

Fanning Springs State Park (5 cabins) 18020 NW Hwy 19, Fanning Springs, FL (352) 463-3420 floridastateparks.org

INGLIS Aurora Acres MH & RV Veterans Park

1218 SE 346 Hwy, Old Town, FL 32680 (352) 542-7800

28872 US-19, Old Town, FL 32680 (352) 542-7680

Yellow Jacket RV Resort

55 SE 503 Ave, Old Town, FL 32680 (352) 542-8365

(36 sites) 11240 N Northwood Dr. Inglis, FL 34449 (352) 447-2759 No email/no website

OTTER CREEK Shady Oaks Campground

Big Bass Village Campground

YANKEETOWN B’s Marina & Campground

(tents ok) 10530 SE 201 St. Inglis, FL 34449 (352) 447-3474 No email/no website Pet Friendly

Bubba’s Fin and Feather Campground (Primitive camping ok) 10930 SE 291st St. Inglis, FL 34449 (352) 447-2755 No email/no website Pet Friendly

Gatorland RV Park

(14 sites) 14951 SE Hwy 19, Inglis, FL 34449 (352) 447-4271 Rfantel4@aol.com Pet Friendly

Village Pines Campground

(30 sites) 8053 SE 140th Lane, Inglis, FL 34449 (352) 4472777 rvobert@bellsouth.net Pet Friendly

OLD TOWN Lucky Charm RV Park 4114 NE Co Rd 349, Old Town, FL 32680 (352) 542-0033

907-347-9775 442 SW 3rd St., Otter Creek

(30 sites, tents ok) 6621 Riverside Dr. Yankeetown, FL 34498 (352) 447-5888. info@bmarinacampground.com, bmarinacampground.com Pet Friendly

Eleanor Oaks RV Park

(70 sites, tents ok) 41 Cattail Lane, Yankeetown, FL. 34498 (352) 447-3050 No email/no website Pet Friendly

WILLISTON Devil’s Den Resort & Springs

(32 TV sites, tents, cabins) 5390 NE 180th Ave., Williston, FL. 32696 (352) 528-3344 Diveshop@devilsden.com, devilsden.com, Pet Friendly

Williston Crossings RV Resort

(450 sites) 410 NE 5th St., Williston, FL 32696 (352) 528-7100 info@willistoncrossingRV.com, Willistoncrossingrv.com

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FYI Winter 2021

Old-Fashioned Stack Cake

t 1 C butter t 1 C sugar t 1/2 C brown sugar t 4 eggs t 5 C plain flour t 1 tsp. cinnamon t 1/2 tsp. ground cloves t 1 tsp. nutmeg t 1 tsp. baking soda t 1 C buttermilk t 1 1/2 C molasses

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs one at a time, beating well. Beat in molasses. In a separate bowl, add baking soda to buttermilk and stir well.

Sift dry ingredients together and then mix all ingredients together. Pour 1 cup batter into greased and floured 8-inch iron skillets (cake pans work, but not as well. It also helps if you have two skillets so you can bake two layers at a time). Bake for 20 minutes. Turn layers onto wax paper to cool. Continue until all batter is baked. A good cake has a minimum of six layers.

Filling: t 3 C cooked dried apples,

cooked t 1 1/2 C sugar t 1 tsp. cinnamon t 1/4 tsp. cloves Mix ingredients: Place a cake layer on a plate, then spread filling evenly on the top. Alternate until each layer is staked. Top cake with more filling.

Tip: When cooking dried apples, soak fruit in water several hours or overnight and cook slowly without sugar, until tender.

FYI Winter 2021

000YJNU

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FYI Winter 2021

FYI Winter 2021

By Mark Berryman

T

here’s a country church sitting at the intersection of Highways 24 and 336, and it’s been in that same location for quite a while. Ellzey United Methodist Church has been on the same property for 150 years.

“It’s the oldest church in Florida still serving on the same grounds,” said William W. Erwin, great-grandson of the church’s founder. Erwin has been a member of Ellzey for most of his life with the exception of a few years when he moved out of the area.

The church has a rich history, starting as a one-room log building built by an itinerant Methodist preacher named Robert Marvin Ellzey.

Sometime between 1850-1860, Ellzey felt the call to spread the Gospel to the “frontier” and with his wife, Averilla Williams Ellzey, made his way from Barnwell County, S.C. across Georgia and then into Florida.

Each time the couple stopped, Ellzey would preach and then ask for divine guidance as to where he should stop and build a church.

Ellzey stopped at Lake Butler

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and remained a while. While in Lake Butler, Ellzey’s wife died.

After the death of his wife, Ellzey moved 36 miles west of Gainesville to what was then called Eurika. The town would later change its name to Ellzey.

Upon his arrival, Ellzey said this was the place he was looking for and established a homestead grant and built a cabin.

After the completion of the cabin Ellzey, along with the help of area settlers, built a one-room log cabin to serve as a church. The settlers split the logs for the flooring and used wooden pegs for nails.

Exact dates have been difficult to come by. Many of the records were destroyed in a fire in Levyville as well as a fire that would also destroy the original church building.

During this time, Parson Ellzey (or Uncle Ellzey as many in the community affectionately called him) also remarried. Marthelia Ozeila Ellzey would prove to be the perfect helpmate for the Methodist preacher, raising four children, conducting Sunday School and even making arrangements to feed and lodge those from surrounding areas who came to attend services.

It is believed the original building burned in a fire somewhere between 1860 and 1865.

A Mr. Worthington agreed to cut lumber for a new church and area families agreed to help rebuild the church. Parson Ellzey held services in his home until the new structure was

See UMC/Page 16

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UMC

FYI Winter 2021 Continued from Page 15

completed. That structure is the one still in use today.

There are a few differences between the original building and the one standing today.

In 1889, a storm came through and blew off the steeple. Along with that, the original roof, which was made of Cyprus shakes, and several windows have been replaced. Four Sunday School classes were also added to the back of the church.

According to the few records remaining from that time, Parson Ellzey was admitted to the Methodist Conference in 1871 and in 1872 he preached in almost every corner of Levy County.

Along with the church he founded, Parson Ellzey also preached a circuit that included Bronson, Williston, Cedar Key, Archer, Shell Pond, Blitch Schoolhouse, Hardee Schoolhouse, Clyatt School, Levyville, Rocky Hammock and Oak Grove. Of the 11 churches, only five remain today.

According to stories handed down through the family, Ellzey was paid mostly in produce and small amounts of money he received. The money was used to buy clothes as well as the

long-tailed coat Parson Ellzey wore.

Around 1936, several residents in the area began raising goats. The goats were not properly managed by those residents and soon overran the church grounds as well as the church, according to records. Services were moved to the Ellzey Schoolhouse for about two years due to the problem with the goats.

A new preacher, the Rev. Skelley, started a campaign to reclaim the church from the goats and in a few months, services were returned to the original site. Some of the repairs made at that time included replacing windows and the roof as well as a front door with a lock.

Approximately a year later, some boys seeking refuge from a storm shot out the windows of the church, again forcing the congregation to move to the schoolhouse.

Church records indicate the windows were replaced by the Rev. M.B. Cox, Robbie Pinner, who was Superintendent of Sunday School, Parson Ellzey’s son W.W. Ellzey, N. J. Meeks as well as the combined efforts of church members. Once again, services resumed at the original location.

The church’s first homecoming was held in 1939 and has been held on the

FYI Winter 2021 first Sunday in May every year since that time.

For years the “Ellzey Homecoming” was attended by hundreds from far and wide, many traveling great distances to be there on that Sunday.

Shirley Meeks, who has been a member since she was 2 years old, said homecoming crowds were huge when she was growing up. “The church would fill up and there would be people standing outside.

When church was over, everybody went out there. Everybody brought food and put it out. You could eat here or yonder. You could get whatever you want,” said Meeks.

“The Baptist church and Bronson Methodist Church would close on that Sunday to come here,” said Erwin.

The church has fallen into disrepair a few times, the last time in 1983 when the homecoming preacher told those present the church must be repaired if services were to continue.

Funds were raised, including a $5,000 matching grant from the Historical Society of Tallahassee to restore the church. The Rev. Zimmerman, pastor of a church in Jacksonville, sent an architect to the site, who laid out a plan for the restoration, including new supports for the floor and new flooring. Some rafters were also replaced as well.

Erwin recalls how the church’s appearance has changed over time. “The building was totally different. The addition was not here. There was no ceiling. You just looked up at the roof.

It was all open. We had Cyprus shakes on the roof and in the summertime

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when they dried up, if it didn’t rain, or at nighttime, you could see stars,” said Erwin. “When it rained the Cyprus would expand and fill in the gaps.”

Seating was much different as well, said Erwin. “The benches we had back then, you couldn’t go to sleep on them, I can tell you that!”

Meeks said she also remembered the benches the church received from the old schoolhouse.

“We had two or three Sunday School rooms back here and an outdoor toilet in back of the church. It was a threeholer,” said Erwin.

Meeks said church members were going to keep the original Sunday School rooms when they decided to build the addition. “When we first started talking about adding on, we were going to leave the old building back there. When they got ready to start doing that, it had so many problems it was going to fall in so they had to take all of that off.”

“This was a thriving community,” said Erwin of Ellzey. “Otter Creek was probably the biggest town in Levy County and this was a big turpentine area. There was a school here. The

See UMC/Page 18

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UMC

FYI Winter 2021 Continued from Page 17

train came by here right over there across the road.”

“They took the school and the post office,” said Meeks. “They didn’t have that at Otter Creek, so they moved both of those to Otter Creek.”

Erwin said there weren’t many jobs in the area. “You either farmed, or you turpentined, or you cut pines. There wasn’t much to do.”

The church had about 80-85 members during its peak but that number dwindled to 8-10 and prior to the COVID pandemic was showing some signs of growing again.

Erwin said things were much stricter when he was growing up.

“You couldn’t play baseball on

Sunday. You couldn’t go swimming. It was a day of rest. Things were much different. You couldn’t hold hands with a girl. If you kissed her you were going straight to Hell. That’s what they preached back then.”

The current members are concerned about the future of Ellzey First United Methodist Church.

The membership has dwindled over the years and they are not seeing new members join. “If this church continues in the way that it’s going, this church will close up,” said Erwin.

Marie Meeks, who recorded much of the church’s history from memory, stated in her 1995 writing, “We are now known as the “church by the side of the road.” Our invitation to all who pass this way and stop to visit or take photographs is “Enter, Rest and Pray.”

That invitation is still open today.

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FYI Winter 2021

Splish Splash

• Blue Grotto

SCUBA diving - cave, full-service dive shop Open year round, 7 days a week 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

3852 N.E. 172nd Court, Williston, Fl 352-528-5770 www.divebluegrotto.com

• Devil’s Den Springs Scuba Diving Resort

SCUBA - open water, full-service dive shop, lodging, RV/camping and horseback riding, volleyball, picnicking Open year round, 7 days a week Monday — Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

5390 N.E. 180th Ave., Williston, Fl 352-528-3344 www.devilsden.com

• Fanning Springs State Park

Swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, boating, canoe/kayak, lodging, camping, picnicking, fishing, hiking. Open year round, 7 days a week 8 a.m. until sundown.

18020 N.W. Highway 19, Fanning Springs, Fl. 352-463-3420 www.floridastateparks.org/fanningsprings

• Gornto Springs County Park

Swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, camping Open year round, 7 days a week Sunup to sundown

2463 NE 816, Old Town, Fl

• Henry Beck Park

Swimming, snorkeling, picnicking Open from April to September.

3770 SE County Road 343, Morriston, Fl 352-486-5326

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• Hart Springs

Swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving-cave, lodging, camping, boating, fishing, nature trails and boardwalk Open year round, 7 days a week Memorial Day through Labor Day: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The rest of the year, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

4240 SW 86th Ave., Bell, Fl 352-463-3444 www.hartsprings.com

• Levy Blue Spring

Swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, playground, hiking and riding trails through Devil’s Hammock Wildlife Management Area Open from April to September.

4550 N.E. 94th Place, Bronson, Fl 352-486-3303

• Manatee Springs State Park

Swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving: open water and cave, boating, canoe/kayak, camping, picknicking, fishing, hiking and boardwalk, playground. Open year round, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. until sundown.

11650 N.W. 115th St., Chiefland, Fl 352-493-6072 www.floridastateparks.org/manateesprings/

• Otter Springs Park and Campground

Swimming, snorkeling, lodging, camping, canoe rentals, picnicking, fishing, hiking Open year round, 7 days a week Sunup to sundown

6470 SW 80th Ave., Trenton, Fl 352-463-0800 www.ottersprings.com

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FYI Winter 2021

Boat Ramps

Cedar Key

Chiefland

No. 4 Bridge Boat Ramp 11311 SW 153rd Court, Cedar Key

Clay Landing Boat Ramp 11850 NW 130th Street Chiefland

Cedar Key City Marina (2 ramps) 12780 FL-24, Cedar Key, FL 32625

Shell Mound Primitive Boat Ramp 17680n SW 78th St. Cedar Key

Camp Azalea Boat Ramp 4591 NW CR 347, Chiefland

Fowler’s Bluff Boat Ramp 15253 NW 46th Lane, Chiefland

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FYI Winter 2021

Inglis/Yanketown

Birdcreek Boat Ramp Follow That Dream Parkway Yankeetown Dewey Allen Park 1911 SE Allen Park Rd Yankeetown Elkins Boat Ramp 160 Elkins Road, Inglis

Kitty Lane Boat Ramp 20296 SE 5th Ave Inglis, FL 34449 Rest Haven Shores Boat Ramp aka Kitty Lane 20296 SE 115th Ave., Inglis Waccasassa Park & Boat Ramp 8060 SE 5th Ave., Inglis

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FYI Winter 2021

Chicken with Basil-Pecorino Cream Sauce Ingredients t 1 oz. Pecorino cheese t 2 T basil pesto (make your own

or buy it in the store) t 4 oz. light cream t 1 red bell pepper t 12 oz. red potatoes t 1 shallot t 2 medium boneless skinless

chicken breasts

Prep a. Cut each potato into eight wedges b. Stem, seed and remove ribs from bell pepper and cut into 1inch slices c. Peel and dice shallot into ¼ inch rounds d. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and a pinch of pepper.

Directions Preheat oven to 400°, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.

In a medium bowl, toss potatoes, shallot and pepper with 1 tsp. olive oil, ¼ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. Spread a single layer on prepared baking sheet, leaving room for the chicken later. Roast for 20 minutes.

While veggies roast, sear the chicken.

Use a medium pan over mediumhigh heat. Add one tsp. olive oil to skillet and add chicken when hot. Brown chicken 2-3 minutes per side. Do not clean the skillet.

After veggies roast 20 minutes, place chicken on the pan, top with the half the basil pesto and return to oven.

Roast until chicken reaches 165° – about 12 minutes.

When chicken reaches the correct temperature, remove pan from oven and let chicken rest 5 minutes.

While it rests, make the sauce.

Sauce Using the same pan used to sear the chicken, over medium-high heat, add the cream to hot pan and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, remove from stove, add remaining basil pesto and 2/3 of the Pecorino. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Place chicken and veggies on plates and liberally drizzle the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with remaining Pecorino. Bon Appetit!

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FYI Winter 2021

Broccoli Cheese Soup Ingredients t 3/4 C margarine t 1/2 C plus 2 T flour t 4 chicken bouillon cubes t 4 C water t 4 C half and half t 1 C fresh or frozen broccoli,

chopped finely (use the florets

to avoid stalks) t 1/4 tsp. baking soda t 1/4 tsp black pepper

(or more) t 1 8 oz. block of

Velveeta cheese,

cubed

a large Dutch oven on high until cubes dissolve. Add half and half, broccoli, baking soda and pepper.

Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir in flour mixture. Reduce heat.

Add Velveeta. Cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring often.

Garnish with broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cheese croutons or all three.

Directions Melt margarine over low heat in a small pan. Blend in flour with a wire whisk. Set aside.

Combine bouillon cubes and water in

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9am-7pm Mon-Fri • 10am-6pm Sat.

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24

FYIWinter Fall 2020 FYI

Lev y C o u nt y S c h o o ls

School Board of Levy County

Jeff Edison, Superintendent 480 Marshburn Drive Bronson, Florida 32621 Phone:(352) 486-5231 Fax:(352) 486-5237

Bronson Elementary School (Pre-K-5)

Cheryl Beauchamp, Principal P.O. Box 220, State Road 24 Bronson, Florida 32621 Phone:(352) 486-5281 Fax:(352) 486-5285

Bronson Middle/High School (6-12) Curtis Gaus, Principal 8691 NE 90th Street Bronson, Florida 32621 Phone:(352) 486-5261 Fax:(352) 486-5263

Levy Learning Academy 1 Eagle Drive Bronson, Florida 32621 Phone:(352) 486-5388

Cedar Key School (Pre-K-12)

Kathy Lawrence, Principal 951 Whiddon Avenue Cedar Key, Florida 32625 Phone:(352) 543-5223 Fax: (352) 543-5988

Chiefland Elementary School

Michael Homan, Principal (Pre-K-5) 1205 N.W. 4th Avenue Chiefland, Florida 32626 Phone:(352) 493-6040 Fax:(352) 493-6042

Chiefland Middle/High School (6-8) Matt McLelland, Principal 811 N.W. 4th Drive Chiefland, Florida 32626 Phone:(352) 493-6025 Fax:(352) 493-6048

Chiefland Middle/High School (9-12) Matt McLelland, Principal 808 North Main Street Chiefland, FL 32626 Phone:(352) 493-6000 Fax:(352) 493-6018

Creekside Christian School Ginny Keith 171 S.W. 3rd St., Otter Creek, Fl, 32626 Phone:(352)486-2112

Joyce Bullock Elementary School (P-2) Hillary Cribbs, Principal 130 S.W. 3rd Street Williston, FL 32696 Phone:(352) 528-3341 Fax:(352) 528-5541

Williston Elementary School (3-5) Jaime Handlin, Principal 801 South Main Street Williston, Florida 32696 Phone:(352) 528-6030 Fax:(352) 528-5458

Williston Middle - High School (6-12)

Joshua Slemp, Principal 350 Robert Philpot Way Williston, FL 32696 Phone:(352) 528-3542 Fax:(352) 528-2723

Yankeetown School (Pre-K-8)

Denee Hurst, Principal 4500 Highway 40 West Yankeetown, FL 34498 Phone:(352) 447-2372 Fax:(352) 447-3961

Whispering Winds Charter School (Pre-K-5)

Co-Directors Jennifer Pittman Kimberly Bartley P.O. Box 506 Chiefland, FL 32626 Phone:(352) 490-5799 Fax:(352) 490-7242

Williston Central Christian Academy (K-12)

Julie Alexander, Administrator P.O. Box 680 Williston, FL 32696 Phone: (352) 529-0900 Fax:(352) 529-0901

Vision Christian Academy April Plummer, Principal 18680 NE 75th St Williston Fl 32696 Phone: (352) 528-6606

Nature Coast Middle School (6-8) Charles Bowe, Director 6830 NW 140th St. Chiefland, FL 32626 Phone: (352) 490-0700 Fax:(352) 490-0702

Adult Education, College of Central Florida, Levy Campus Holly McGlashan, Provost 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland, FL 32626 Phone: (352) 658-4077

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2020/2021 Levy County School Calendar December • 16-18: Exam Days/ Early Release • 18: End of 2nd 9 Wks (42 days) • 19-31: Christmas Holiday (Schools/Offices closed) • 25: Christmas Day

March • 11: End of 3rd 9 Wks (44 days) • 15: Teacher Work Day (no student attendance) • 20-28: Spring Break (no student attendance) *12 month employees work

January • 1-3: New Year’s Day (Schools/Offices closed) • 4: Teacher Work Day (no student attendance) • 5: Students Return • 18: M.L. King Day (Schools/Offices closed) February • 15: Presidents’ Day (Schools/Offices closed)

April •

May • • • •

2: Good Friday (Schools/Offices closed)

8: Teacher Work Day 25-27: Exam Days/ Early Release 27: Last Day of School End of 4th 9 Wks (48 days) 31: Memorial Day (Schools/Offices closed)

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FYI Winter 2021

By Mark Berryman

I

t’s taken five years and a lot of elbow grease from Dusty Smith and his children but their work has paid off. The teacher and radio controlled racing enthusiast believes the track is ready for some real competition.

Smith said he got the inspiration for the track

because there wasn’t many things for children to do, and he has four of them - a daughter and three sons. “I wanted them to be able to invite their friends over as they get older and have something fun and different to do. We wanted the public to be able to race as well and enjoy the fun we have racing the cars,” said Smith.

Smith said it’s been a long road to get the track

to the point where he feels it’s ready for racing.

“We started building the track in 2014. It started as a clay dirt track. We got tired of dealing with the clay after it rained each time so we decided to pour concrete on it in 2015. We added the walls and catch fence that same month,” said Smith.

According to Smith, the track has humble roots. “I built the track in an old 20x30 dog cage,”

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said Smith.

Along with the concrete surface, lights and catch fence, the tracks also has a few more bells and whistles. “We have a timing system to keep track of the laps,” said Smith.

Smith has dubbed the track Chiefland RC Raceway and is ready to form a local racing league. The league will race specific types of cars.

“We will be racing new

cars manufactured by a company called 1RC. The cars are 1/18 scale midget, Sprint Cars, Silver Crown and Eastern Dirt Modified,” said Smith.

The racer said getting started can be costly, but the cars that will be used in the league are fairly reasonable.

“Getting into RC racing can be expensive and you don’t always know what to get. These cars come ready to run for

$200,” said Smith.

As for Smith, he is no rookie when it comes to radio-controlled vehicles.

“I have been tinkering with RC cars since I was 15. I’ve had everything from Nitro powered road course cars to monster trucks. I’ve always enjoyed racing and always enjoyed the technology in these little cars,” he said.

Smith said the main purpose of the racing league will be to have fun. “The main guideline is having fun. This is not NASCAR and we are not racing for millions of dollars. This should be fun for both kids and adults,” said Smith.

He also said it will be a family friendly environment as well.

“We ask that there be no foul language, tobacco or alcohol products,” said Smith.

There is also a prohibition on products with peanuts due to an allergy with one of his children.

The schedule will be posted on the league website, which can be found at http:// b3rsports.com/ chiefland-rc-raceway.

There is also a Facebook page for the track, which can be found at www. facebook.com/chiefland raceway.

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Government

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County Directory To obtain forms for building permits, employment and other department functions, visit: www. levycounty.org/online_forms.aspx Agriculture Center (Extension Office) Information and education services on agriculture, aquaculture, family and consumer sciences, 4-H Ed Jennings, Director 4-H Phone: (352) 486-5131

Animal Services Takes in unwanted or stray pets.

David Weatherford, Director

Telephone: (352) 486-5138 Email: levycountyanimal@netscape.net Board Administration Wilbur Dean, County Coordinator

Telephone: (352) 486-5218 County Commissioners District 1 - John Meeks District 2 - Rock Meeks District 3 - Mike Joyner District 4 - Lilly Rooks District 5 - Matt Brooks

Meetings: 1st Tuesday after the 1st Monday of the month and 3rd Tuesday at 9 a.m. or 6 p.m.; Levy County Courthouse, County Commissioners Room, 355 S. Court St., Bronson, FL 32621, Phone 352-486-5218.

Code Enforcement/Development Provides inspection to ensure that housing in unincorporated area meet standards under the county’s Minimum Housing Code. It handles complaints concerning nuisances such as inoperable vehicles and trash on lots. It is responsible

for enforcement of the County Zoning Code, and condemnation/demolition of unsafe structures. Development oversees the zoning and land use, code enforcement and building code operations for the county Janelle Lundy, Director

Phone: (352) 486-5514 County Attorney Provides legal services and representation to the Board of County Commissioners as well as the County Coordinator, county departments and quasi-judicial and advisory boards appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

Anne Bast Brown, County Attorney

Phone: (352) 486-3389

County Engineer Engineering services are provided to the county under contractual services through Mills Engineering Company.

Lee Mills, Mills Engineering Company

Phone: (352) 486-2872

Emergency Management Primary agency responsible for mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery for emergencies.

John MacDonald, Director

Telephone: (352) 486-5213 Emergency Medical Services Sole provider of emergency medical care in Levy County.

Landfill/ Solid Waste/Hazardous Waste/Recycling A transfer station where all items requiring lined cell are transported to a permanent waste site out of the county.

Also accepts and disposes of waste tires, white goods (old appliances),

Services

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construction and demolition debris, used oil, limb and brush. Recycling on-site but no household garbage, old appliances, furniture or yard trash.

Benny Jerrels, Director

Phone: (352) 486-3300 Human Resources Jacqueline Martin, Manager

Phone: (352) 486-5219

Maintenance Operations Provides required maintenance for the upkeep of the county’s capital investment and to provide employees and citizens with clean, healthy and safe facilities.

Jimmy Jones, Director

Phone: (352) 486-5215 Mosquito Control/ Parks & Recreation Matt Weldon, Director

Phone: 352-486-5127 Nature Coast Business Development Promotes growth of a strong, diversified and prosperous economy.

Public Safety Department Oversees the operations of the Emergency Medical Services and the County Fire Department.

James “Mitch” Harrell Director/Fire Chief

Non-Emergency: 352-486-5209 Emergency: 911 Levy County Fire Rescue Non-Emergency: 352-486-5209 Emergency: 911 Road Department Maintains county roads with grading, paving, re-surfacing, mowing, and tree trimming/removal.

Jessie Durrance, Construction Superintendent

Phone: (352) 486-5124

Soil and Water Conservation Board Delivers natural resources conservation technology and education to local land owners Phone: (352) 486-2125 ext. 3 Fax: (352) 486 1724 Transportation Provides transportation for citizens

David J. Pieklik , Executive Director

Connie Conley, General Manager

Planning Department Conducts research and analysis to assess and promote the county’s natural and physical resources and to develop policies, plans and ordinances to that end; reviews current development in a manner that is consistent with the county’s land use, economic and environmental policy.

Veterans Service Office Provides assistance to veterans, their survivors and beneficiaries.

Shenley Neely, Planning Director

Phone: (352) 528-4030 Toll Free Number: (877) 387-5673

Phone: (352) 493-6797

Phone: (352) 486-5405

Phone: (352) 486-3485

Robert Lowyns, Director

Phone: (352) 486-5210 (352) 486-3493 Visitors Bureau Tisha Whitehurst

More government page 30

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Sheriff Bobby McCallum Call: 352-486-5111 Detention: 352-486-5121 Visit: www.levyso.com

Williston Wednesday and Thursday 8:30-4:30 Call: 352-528-6091 Visit: www.levytaxcollector.com

Clerk of Courts Danny Shipp Open M-F 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Call: 352-486-5266 , Visit: www.levyclerk.com

Property Appraiser; Osborn “Oz” Barker Call: 352-486-5222 Visit: www.qpublic.net/levy

Tax Collector; Linda Fugate Open: Bronson M-F 8:30-4:30 Call: 352-486-5174 Chiefland M-F 8:30-4:30 Call: 352-493-4646

Supervisor of Elections; Tammy Jones M- F 8:30-4:30 Call: (352) 486-5163 Visit: www.votelevy.com

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FYI Winter 2021

A little about Levy

L

evy County was created in 1845, in development that followed the end of the Seminole Wars. It was named for David Levy, a planter elected in 1841 as the state’s territorial delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives and he served two terms.

When Florida was admitted as a state, Levy was elected by the new state legislature as one of Florida’s first two U.S. senators; he served from 1845 to 1851, and again from 1855 to 1861. He was the first Jewish American elected to the United States Senate.

Levy provided for long-term development in the state by constructing the first railroad across Florida, linking the deep-water ports of Fernandina on the Atlantic Ocean and Cedar Key

on the Gulf of Mexico. He developed a network of feeder railroads through central Florida as well.

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Shell Mound County Park

S

hell Mound County Park is located on CR 32, off of CR 347, north of Cedar Key. Set out in the beautiful grasses of Cedar Key, the park is home to many types of birds, hiking trails, wild flowers and an abundance of natures’ four legged friends. There are 20 campsites with water and power hookups, 10 primitive camping sites, restroom and shower facilities, boat ramp, fish cleaning area and an RV dumping station. A play set with swings, jungle gym and a slide keep kids entertained, along with a volleyball area and basketball court.

The boat ramp is a favorite to air boaters. The park has a state approved water system.

Shell Mound Trail and Archaeological

site is approximately 1/2 mile west of the park on CR 32. An observation deck extends out into the water, along with a sheltered area of information about the history of the shell mound. The boat ramp is readily accessible with convenient restrooms.

Shell Mound County Park has an attendant on duty 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It accepts cash only, takes no credit cards and does not take reservations. There is a seven-day limit for camping. Camping rates are: RV and travel trailers $15, tents with electric $10, tents without electric $5. Levy County residents over the age of 65 or 100 percent disabled are eligible for half off park admission rates. Leashed pets are allowed. For more information, call 352-221-4466.

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34

Williston’s Blue Grotto filled with fresh compressed air that allows you a unique opportunity to stop and talk with your buddy under the water.

Descending from there, at 50 feet a permanent guideline brings you to the crescent shaped cavern where you will experience an array of fossils along the walls of the chamber and an abundance of aquatic life waiting for a free handout.

A permanent guideline takes you across the top of the debris pile.

For more information, visit www.divebluegrotto.com

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W

elcome to the clear water cavern in the heart of freshwater spring country – Williston’s Blue Grotto.

Dive down to depths of 100 feet in crystal clear water that is 72 degrees year round.

The dive begins at the mouth of the cavern, which is 80 feet wide and 20 feet high.

Blue Grotto is known for its exceptional visibility. At 30 feet below the surface is the only air bell available to spring divers in the region,

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32nd Annual Central Florida Peanut Festival Saturday, Oct. 3rd Heritage Park

352-528-5522

P.O. Box 369, Williston willistonflcoc@gmail.com

Williston - A good place to live, work and play

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Manatees:

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37

the gentle giants of the water

T

he gentle creature, the manatee, which shares its name with Manatee Springs near Chiefland, graces the state park with its presence in the cooler months of the year.

Though it can’t be said for sure exactly how Manatee Springs came to be called so, as early as the 1700s, the area was referred to as Manate Springs, with only one “e”, in the writings of

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the naturalist William Bartram, who traveled down the Suwannee River and chronicled his visits to many of the springs.

While their movements are about as predictable as the Florida weather, there’s no promise there will be manatees visiting the spring at any given time. Normally, though, anytime it starts getting cold, they move into the See MANATEES/Page 38

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MANATEES

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Continued from Page 37

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spring waters, which stay a steady 71 to 76 degrees depending on the time of year.

Some guests visit with the goal of seeing a first magnitude spring and are familiar with the concept of the manatee, but have never seen one in person.

There are various types of manatees, with one such as the West Indian Manatee being a larger species. They are very passive, very friendly and generally unafraid of anything else in the water.

Unlike other bodies of water where every creature is armed to the teeth within the food chain, these docile creatures are pretty harmless.

Manatees, however, are a protected species.

For more information on the dos and don’ts of manatee interaction and protection laws, visit myfwc.com

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Natural beauty of

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Manatee Springs A

t the end of a long quiet road, just west of Chiefland, is beautiful Manatee Springs State Park. The deep, narrow pool and long spring run at Manatee Springs make for a very different kind of swimming, diving or boating experience. Like nearby Fanning Springs, Manatee Springs is one of Florida’s 33 first magnitude springs, pushing out at least 100 cubic feet of water per second, or at least 64 million gallons per day. The very high water output at the vent makes for energetic swimming, with a slight current always pushing the swimmer back toward the shallow steps. The pool’s 35-foot depth makes it attractive to scuba divers who may like to explore the steep limestone walls of the spring.

Scuba divers with a taste for more exploration can check into the nearby Catfish Hotel. This small sink, a few steps east of the main spring, is about 60 feet deep in it’s own pool. Open water certified divers may dive the main area and meet the catfish that See SPRINGS/Page 42

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SPRINGS

Continued from Page 41

inhabit the bottom, giving the sink its name. However, only cavern certified divers may carry lights and explore the traverses from Catfish Hotel to other outlets. Don’t forget to bring a buddy with the same qualifications - Manatee Springs does not permit solo diving.

In addition to diving and swimming, the combination of a canoe and a long narrow spring run equals great bird watching opportunities. During the warm months, the spring run connecting the pool to the Suwannee River is a great place to watch herons, ibises, and other large and small waders work the mucky cypress stands for bugs, fish and small reptiles and amphibians.

Many types of songbirds can also be seen among the trees, all the way to the dock.

Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks at the concession or bring their own.

From April through November, canoes may be launched right into the spring run, alongside the pool. During the winter, however, manatees fleeing the cold Suwannee River come into the spring run to warm up in the 72 degree water. At this time, no one may enter the run at the risk of disturbing the manatees. Instead, canoes must be launched from the floating dock on the Suwannee River, which is reached via the boardwalk that lies alongside the spring run. Paddlers can simply paddle upstream as far as their energy will take them, then coast back down to the floating dock, or they can stage a pickup vehicle downstream at another location. Check with rangers to see what access points are available.

Manatee Springs has extensive

FYI Winter 2021 camping areas, with 80 campsites that have power, water, picnic tables and barbecue grills. There is a large group of sites maintained for tent camping only. Sewage hook ups available at some sites, and each camping area has restrooms with showers. Several of the campsites are handicap accessible, as is the boardwalk that goes from the spring area to the river dock. Most campsites can be reserved through Reserve America, but the park does reserve some sites for walk-up traffic.

As if swimming, diving, canoeing and camping weren’t enough, Manatee Springs has still more to offer. The 2,400-acre park has about eight and a half miles of trails that go through a wide variety of habitats.

When entering the trailhead, self guided tour maps are available with a list of numbered features that appear at intervals along the trail. The pleasant quiet and soft smell of the woods may make you want to linger at certain spots along the way.

There are picnic tables scattered throughout the open area near the spring and a concession stand that serves BBQ, fantastic sweet tea and frozen treats. Enjoy a good meal cooked out on the grill, sleep out in the woods, then get up and do it all again.

There’s too much to do at Manatee Springs to cram into only one day.

Manatee Springs is located six miles west of Chiefland at the end State Road 320, off U.S. 19/98. Admission to the park is $6 per car from the road or $2 per person from boats coming off the Suwannee River. For information about the park and upcoming events, call 352-493-6072 or visit www. floridastateparks.org/manateesprings.

To reserve a campsite, visit www. reserveamerica.com/.

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FYI Winter 2021

Goethe State Forest

D

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on’t expect much more than flora and fauna when entering the Goethe State Forest.

Named for J.T. Goethe, from whom most the land was purchased under Florida’s Conservation and Recreation Lands Program in 1992, the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Forestry, was given lead management responsibility for the Goethe State Forest.

The Goethe Trail Systems extends throughout the forest with access available at three separate trailheads.

The forest is open during the daylight hours for visitors to enjoy picnicking, bicycling, fishing, wildlife viewing and horseback riding.

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Eggs in Purgatory

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Total Time: 45 min Prep: 20 min Cook: 25 min Yield: 4 servings Level: Easy Ingredients t 2 tablespoons butter t 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes t 1 egg, lightly beaten t 1/3 cup flour t 6 tablespoons grated Italian

blend cheese, divided t salt, pepper, granulated garlic

to taste t 1 cups panko bread crumbs t 3 cups favorite marinara sauce t 1/2 teaspoon crushed red

pepper flakes t 3 slices crisp bacon-crumbled t 1 tablespoon fresh basil, rolled

and cut into strips (chiffonade

cut) t 4 large eggs Directions 1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Mix potatoes, one egg, flour, 4 tablespoons grated Italian cheese, salt pepper and garlic in a medium-sized bowl until all ingredients are incorporated.

3. Take 1/2 cup of potatoes, carefully pat out into round cake and dredge in bread crumbs. Place in skillet and cook 3-4minutes until brown on first side.

Turn cakes and brown on the second side, another 2-3minutes.

4. Remove cakes from skillet and tent with aluminum foil.

5. Wipe the pan and add the marina sauce and crushed red pepper flakes.

Cook the sauce about five minutes until

it thickens slightly (Scrape the pan with a spatula. If the sauce is thick enough to leave a trail it is ready).

6. With a large spoon, make an indent in the sauce and fill the indent with an egg. Repeat this four times. Sprinkle remaining Italian cheese on top of each egg and cover.

Cook until whites are done but yolks are still runny.

7. Sprinkle remaining Italian cheese on top of each egg and cover. Cook until whites are done but yolks are still runny.

8. To serve, place a potato cake on a plate, then scoop an egg with marinara sauce onto the top of the cake. Top with crumbled bacon and fresh basil. Serve immediately.

FYI Winter 2021

Five tips 1. Use large eggs rather than extralarge or jumbo. The larger the egg, the more egg white and the bigger chance you will overcook the yolks while

45 getting the whites completely done.

2. A non-stick pan keeps the potatoes and eggs from sticking but it’s not a necessity. I use a cast iron pan without any problem. Use what works best for you.

3. Use latex gloves when forming the potato patties.

This will help keep your hands clean.

4. You can also keep the potato cakes warm by placing them in the oven at a low temperature. When I use the second method I put the cakes directly on the plate they will be served on.

5. Break the eggs into a coffee cup and then gently add them to the marinara. This will keep you from experiencing the heartbreak of a broken yolk in the dish.

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Orange Cranberry Muffins Ingredients t 2 C flour t 3⁄4 C sugar t 1 tsp. baking

powder t 1⁄2 tsp. baking

soda t 1⁄2 tsp. salt t 1 C cranberries t 1 egg t 3⁄4 C orange juice t 1⁄4 C vegetable oil t 1 tsp. grated

orange rind Combine dry ingredients.

Stir in cranberries.

Beat egg, orange

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juice, oil and orange rind.

Add to dry ingredients all at once.

Stir just to moisten.

Spoon into greased muffin cups. (I line mine with paper) Fill ¾ full. (Should make 12 regular size muffins although Perkins’ muffins are ginormous).

Sprinkle tops lightly with a bit of sugar.

Bake in pre-heated 400° F 15-20 minutes until lightly browned and firm to the touch.

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Fanning Springs State Park barred owl and various snakes.

The less densely wooded festival area is an open space area for several gopher tortoises where burrows provide shelter for smaller animals. The crystal clear spring hosts the endangered manatee along with a variety of fish and turtles.

There is a fee to enter the Fanning Springs State Park. Vehicles with two to eight people cost $6, with each additonal person costing $2 more. Vehicles with one person are charged $4. Pedestrians and bicyclists are charged $2, along with those arriving by boat, the latter of which pay at the honor box on the dock.

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anning Springs State Park invites people to enjoy land and water-based recreation. Among the activities in the park are hiking, observing wildlife, camping in cabins, picnicking and swimming.

The state park on the west side of U.S. 19 includes the springs, a floating dock, a boardwalk, concession area and hiking trails.

Boats and canoes may enter the short spring run that empties into the Suwannee River, which creates the northern border for the park.

Animals dwelling in the uplandmixed forest include white-tailed deer, gray squirrel, red-shouldered hawk, pileated woodpecker,

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Henry Beck Park

H

enry Beck Park, located in Morriston, wraps around a short stretch of the Wekiva River. The Wekiva is a spring run about two miles downstream from privately owned Wekiva Springs. From a wide open spot where the road crosses the river, the stream narrows and winds as it runs under the shade of oaks and palmettos.

The river access for swimming starts at the bridge over CR 343 and continues downstream several hundred feet to the park boundary. As a spring-fed river, the water is uniformly cool and very clear except during flooding.

There are steps down to the river and plenty of spots to run and jump off the sandy bank.

In addition to swimming, the park has a basketball court, sand volleyball, and a large number of picnic sites with barbecue grills that are available firstcome, first-served. There are covered pavilions that may be rented, one available with a large brick oven for cooking. A small footbridge separates the picnic and play area from the quieter grassy area across the river. In the open, front area of the park, there are also swing sets and a play gym.

The park has restrooms, showers and a concession stand.

April 24, 2021

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Nature Coast State Trail

U

tilizing one of the best examples of recycling is a 32-mile strip of asphalt that invites people to discover Levy County by walking, jogging, running, riding bicycles and horseback riding.

The Nature Coast Trail State Park offers hikers, bikers and horseback riders the opportunity to travel from the historic Chiefland Train Depot through both Fanning Springs State Park and Andrews Wildlife Management Area. The trailheads for this state park are at Chiefland (east of U.S. Highway 19 on South East Second Avenue near the Train Depot), Fanning Springs, Trenton, Old Town and Cross City, which are in Levy,

Gilchrist and Dixie counties. The Chiefland Trailhead provides parking, restrooms and picnic shelters. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Greenways and Trails division maintains the linear park.

Along the trail, small mammals, reptiles and songbirds can be spotted or bird watchers may opt to rest at one of the many benches along the way to see if they can spy a warbler.

Also among the trail’s highlights is a historic train trestle that crosses the Suwannee River near Old Town.

The trail also runs close to the Fort Fanning Historic Park and Fanning Springs State Park. It is open from 8 a.m. until sundown every day of the year.

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WE STRIVE TO SUPPLY ALL YOUR OUTDOOR NEEDS! FRESH LOCAL SEAFOOD! Gator Tail • Jumbo Shrimp Oysters • LIVE Crawfish • Crabs • Clams Manufacturer Certified for Archery Sales & Service/Set Up Free Annual Maintenance & Check Up

Hunting & Fishing Supplies Cast Nets • Garmin & Animal Baits & Feeders

306 Main St., Chiefland, FL Open Thurs. - Mon. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

HUNTING

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ARCHERY

FISHING

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352-490-4868

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Open a world through books Bronson Public Library 600 Gilbert St., Bronson Phone: (352) 486-2013

Cedar Key Public Library 460 Second St.. Cedar Key, Phone: (352) 543-5777

Luther Callaway Public Library 104 NE 3rd St., Chiefland Phone: (352) 493-2758

Williston Public Library 10 SE 1st St., Williston, Phone: (352) 528-2313

A.F. Knotts Public Library 11 56th St., Yankeetown Phone: (352) 447-4212

Library Director 7871 NE 90 Street. Bronson Phone: (352) 486-5552

Head 2 Toe

Credit Cards Accepted

Fashion & Beauty World Consignment Men, Women & Children

Shop Local!

352-658-8111

Tues - Sun 9am - 6pm

806 E Wade St. Trenton, FL

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• Clothes & Shoes • Hair Extensions & Wigs • Make up & Perfume • Jewelry and much much more!

T

he Levy County Library System, a department of the county, provides library service to the residents of Levy County.

There is a headquarters housing the library director, an administrative assistant and a youth services coordinator.

The library director and the administrative assistant provide administrative support for the five branches. The youth services coordinator provides programming for children and youth ages birth to 18 at all five library branches.

The administrative support consists of centrally ordering books and other library materials, library and office supplies, equipment, services (telecommunications, printing, book lease, copier maintenance, computer maintenance, etc.).

The library director coordinates branch activities, represents the system to the County Commission, to other county departments and to the public. The library director plans the system’s development, works with state library representatives

53 and other library directors to improve the System’s programs and activities.

She and the Administrative Assistant work with vendors to obtain the library materials, supplies, equipment, services, etc. required for the System’s efficient operation. A central automation system is operated from the headquarters to provide a catalog of library materials and circulation services.

The five branches of the Levy County Public Library System each serve a unique community. The library staff at each branch is responsible for the day to day activities of the library; collection development, circulation and maintenance; seasonal displays; and supervision of volunteers. They work closely with each branch’s Friends of the Library group to provide programming and other benefits to the library. Four of the library buildings are owned and maintained by the municipalities in which they are located while the fifth one is owned and maintained by a Woman’s Club.

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Ad Index Antiques & Gifts Head 2 Toe Fashion & Beauty World Consignment..................................... 52 Point of View.......................................... 45 Tri County Outreach Thrift Store........... 20

Auto Body/Repair Tri County Collision Inc........................ 30

Dining Burger Spot............................................ 18 Garden Patch Cafe................................. 23

Farmer’s/Flea Market

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Levy County Visitor’s Bureau................ 49 Williston Airport.................................... 33 Williston Chamber of Commerce.......... 35

Home Improvement All Seasons Air & Electric..................... 48 Karlton’s Heating & Air......................... 47 Showers of Blessings............................. 47 Spann’s Heating and Air........................ 53

Mobile Homes Prestige Home Center............................ 18

Real Estate

April & Jeff’s Farmers Market............... 30 Chiefland Farmer’s Flea Market............ 21

Jim King Realty..................................... 38 Nature Coast Realty Inc......................... 55

Financial

Recreation

Suncoast Credit Union............................. 7 Sunstate Federal Credit Union............... 56

Levy Quilt Museum............................... 43

Funeral Home

Otter Springs RV Resort........................ 43 Southern Leisure RV Resort.................. 46 Suwannee River Bend RV Park............. 35 Yellow Jacket RV Resort.......................... 2

Knauff Funeral Home............................ 20

Heathcare SIMEDHealth........................................ 37

Hunting/Fishing Supplies The Deer Camp...................................... 51

Government City of Williston..................................... 13 Dixie County Chamber of Commerce... 50 Levy County Sheriff’s Office................. 34

RV Resorts

Veterinarian Chiefland Animal Hospital....................... 5 Kanapaha Veterinary Services............... 39 Trenton Animal Hospital........................ 39

Wedding Venue Cannon Farm Plantation........................ 48

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