Trick or Treat Story Trail
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Chili Cookoff
Page 13A Our 118th Year, 44th Issue Thursday, November 5, 2015
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Board approves new Coastal VFD Ochlockonee Bay and Panacea Volunteer Fire Departments consolidate to meet insurance rating standards By NICOLE ZEMA nzema@thewakullanews.net
Commissioners voted unanimously to consolidate the Ochlockonee Bay and Panacea Volunteer Fire Departments into one unit called Coastal Volunteer Fire Rescue Department. The resolution to consolidate the departments came about to minimize the county’s ISO, or fire insurance rating. The Insurance Service Office rates each protection area, and will credit VFD
Ochlockonee Bay and Panacea Volunteer Fire Departments have moved forward with consolidation to become Coastal Volunteer Fire Department. member response from each department. While fires in Wakulla County get a quick response and handled effi-
ciently, members from some stations cannot respond every time, which increases the rating, and therefore the insur-
ance costs. The required minimum number of certified firefighters responding to a structure fire
WHS Homecoming 2015
is four. Because of a decline in volunteers, Ochlockonee Bay could not get enough responders out for a couple of calls. “The ISO guy came and gave us our inspection, and told us we’ll probably go to a 10 (previously a 5), because we haven’t turned out enough people on two calls that we had,” said Ochlockonee Bay Fire Chief Bill Russell. “We asked what we could do to make our situation better. He recommended combining with another fire department.” Turn to Page 5A
Adam Putnam lauds Wakulla’s ‘sustainable growth’ Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner praises WEI Oyster Aquaculture program’s farming techniques By NICOLE ZEMA nzema@thewakullanews.net
PHOTO BY KEN FIELDS/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS
Ali Hamilton and Bradley Erwin were crowned Homecoming Queen and King for 2015.
Black Lagoon Ball was spooky success
Economic growth was served on a half shell at the Wakulla County Republican Executive Committee Fall Fellowship at Wildwood on Oct. 27. A packed house of more than 140 local officials, business people, educators and citizens turned out to hear two featured speakers: Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam and Rep. Halsey Beshears. REC Chairman Chris Russell said the purpose of the event was not to talk politics, but to bring people together. There were several registered Democrats in the crowd. Discussion focused on the emergence of TCC Wakulla Environmental Institute’s Oyster Aquacul- Agriculture Commisture Program as an eco- sioner Adam Putnam nomic advantage for the area. Local oysterman Matt Hodge supplied fresh oysters to the guests, which were served before the seafood dinners. Beshears took the podium and discussed the legislature’s special sessions, the possibility of future budget surplus, and the state’s economic climate. “Florida is a state for entrepreneurs now,” Beshears said. “It’s a consistent business environment what’s friendly for job growth.” He introduced Adam Putnam and said he sets a high standard as agriculture commissioner. “He is a normal guy like us,” Beshears said. “He is who we want at the helm.” Putnam oversees the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and serves as a member of the Cabinet, alongside the Governor, Attorney General and Chief Financial Officer. Turn to Page 7A
OBITUARIES Steve Gilbert
INDEX
PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY GREG COHEN / WAKULLA SPRINGS LODGE
Movie-goers, left, enjoy “Creature of the Black Lagoon” in 3D. Roger Crawford, right, unveiles the Creature’s mask. Staff Report The first-ever Black Lagoon Ball at the Lodge at Wakulla Springs was an unexpected success with 415 guests. There were so many people that the 3D screening of the 1954 classic “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” which was filmed
at Wakulla Springs, required two showings in the parlor. Lodge Marketing Manager Greg Cohen said the biggest complaint he heard was, “Why don’t you do this more often?” The Lodge was able to procure a mask of the creature, which was
unveiled by Roger Crawford at the ball. Cohen said guests came from as far as DeFuniak Springs. “And I’m fairly certain this was the first time the film was shown in 3D in Wakulla County,” Cohen said. “We’ll do it again next year, but with a twist!”
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