First victory: Every claims PGA Tour win at Bay Hill /B1
MONDAY TODAY CITRUS COUNTY & next morning HIGH 72 Mostly cloudy, LOW 50% chance of rain showers. 56 PAGE A4 www.chronicleonline.com MARCH 24, 2014 Florida’s Best Community Newspaper Serving Florida’s Best Community 50¢ VOL. 119 ISSUE 229
INSIDE STATE NEWS: Flood rates Cook tackles biggest problem fast The Legislature moves MIKE WRIGHT But the soft-spoken Cook week he and Duke reached Commissioners were im- forward on a plan to didn’t interrupt as Greene, or agreement on not only the pressed that Cook was able entice private insurance Staff writer the attorneys, or the Duke ex- 2012 and 2013 contested as- to find settlement just two companies./Page A3 INVERNESS — Les Cook ecutives, or their lawyers, de- sessments, but also the 2014 months on the job. CITRUS COUNTY FAIR: always had a plan. bated the company’s 2012 assessment as well. “What you see is his ability Every time he joined his and 2013 taxable assessments The agreement ends costly to find a conclusion to this Fair coupon boss, Property Appraiser that the two sides were litigation and gives local gov- that is very beneficial to our Find the coupon for a Geoff Greene, in negotiations nowhere near to solving. ernments breathing room in community,” Commissioner discounted midway ride with Duke Energy over the So it came as a relief to Cit- knowing the largest taxpayer Joe Meek said. “Regardless Les Cook armband./Page A6 power company’s lawsuits rus County commissioners in the county has its taxable of the final figures ... in the Citrus County against the county, Cook ar- and school board members value locked in for the com- property QUESTION rived ready to talk. when Cook announced last ing budget year. See COOK/ Page A11 appraiser. OF THE WEEK Monday CONVERSATION BOCC to So long at the fair ponder buying Contribute! Like us at facebook.com/ center citruscounty CHRIS VAN ORMER chronicle and Staff writer respond to our Question of the INVERNESS — With 150 agenda pages ad- Week. dressing the due diligence Smartphone users: research of buying the West Citrus Government What are your Center, county commis- favorite apps? sioners have facts for de- Lotte Furlong ciding whether to take the Publix to order subs plunge or continue leas- and lunch meat online ing the office space. and Trip Advisor to find new places to go. The purchase proposal will come before Tues- Jasmine Jahnke day’s meeting of the Cit- GasBuddy and Wal- rus County Board of greens for practical purposes. Facebook and Candy County Commissioners Crush for passing time. (BOCC) as the first item on Maureen Barton the county administra- Bissonette tor’s agenda. In January, county com- I’m retired, no need for a smartphone and I don’t want missioners by a 3-2 vote one. They need to lower the instructed county staff to prices and maybe more people look into whether buying would have them. the Meadowcrest building Kelley DeMaio that houses the county Word for Android. government’s west side Makes it much easier satellite office would be to present contracts with my lG MATTHEW BECK/Chronicle advisable. in a professional manner, and Citrus County Fair manager Hal Porter will oversee the day-to-day workings of the Citrus County Fair, which avoids the hassle of taking a County Administrator laptop or tablet. begins today. Above, Porter is pictured with a plastic cow that replicates the milking process so visitors can Brad Thorpe brought the try milking a cow for themselves. Theressa Foster potential purchase to the My Fitness Pal. board because the current lease for the building con- Katy Apicello Manager Hal Porter knows his business inside and out tains the option to pur- Instagram, Facebook, chase the building for Pinterest, Pic Flow, CHRIS VAN ORMER CHRONICLE: How did your $4,050,000 before May 31, Zulily, Etsy, YouTube, Hobby FAIR SCHEDULE involvement with the fair 2014. Lobby. Staff writer See what happening at the expand? The research, available Citrus County Fair POLL al Porter, manager of PORTER: After I became old on the county’s website, the Citrus County today./Page A9 enough to join our local 4-H starts with an executive ONLINE POLL: Fair, has been a fix- program, I did very many proj- summary followed by Hture at the fair since $200 cash awards and sheep ects, from the horse project to many supporting docu- Your choice? he was an 8-year-old showing exhibitors. the dog project. Then in 1971, it ments for more In speculating on the calves. Serving on the fair board CHRONICLE: What did it feel was the first year that we had information. circumstances for many years, he’s learned like to show cows as an 8-year- the steer show here at the According to the execu- of the tragic every aspect of putting together old? county fair. The extension agent tive summary, the Mead- disappear- all the elements that comprise PORTER: It was tremen- at that time, Quentin Medlin, re- owcrest office building is ance of the fair, from agricultural shows dously exciting for us as chil- cruited some of us that he knew a 76,507 square feet con- Malaysia to entertainment to business dren, because we’d receive a might be interested. Myself and crete block building on Airlines Flight displays, dealing with all the ribbon and then the fair also Larry Rooks are still involved 9.4 acres of land. The 370, what’s your hunch? challenges attracting crowds supplements you with what they on the board and we were part building is divided into A. Either technical can present. While sticking with refer to as premium money. I of the initial people who six rental units, of which failure and/or weather showed fat steers here at the three currently are likely caused it to crash the traditional features of the might get a check for $10 or $15 leased: county govern- in the ocean. fair, Porter brings something for my work, plus I got to be county fair. So we showed steers B. My guess is that the new to each year’s event. This here at the fair all week and through the ’70s. ment takes 25,000 square pilots committed a year’s firsts will include a take care of my animal and be Then I graduated in 1977 and feet, SunTrust Bank takes terrorist act and gospel music concert, a youth part of all the excitement of the crashed the jet. public speaking contest with county fair. See MONDAY /Page A9 See BOCC/ Page A11 C. I suspect terrorists commandeered the ■ WHAT: Citrus County plane, forcing it to Board of County crash. Commissioners D. I think the pilots meeting. disengaged the tracking ■ technology and safely Kids learn stroke signs in class WHEN: 1 p.m. Tuesday; public landed the jet at a pre-planned location Associated Press stroke and about 130,000 comments and and are holding the die. Some are caused by questions will be passengers hostage. NEW YORK — Andrea bleeding in the brain, but taken at 1:05 p.m. To vote, visit www. Esteban tried to smile the vast majority is ■ WHERE: Room 100, chronicleonline.com. with half her face, cross- caused by a clot that Citrus County Click on the word ing her eyes in the blocks blood flow, starv- Courthouse, 110 “Opinion” in the menu process, and her third- ing brain cells. The drug N. Apopka Ave., to see the poll. grade classmates giggled. TPA can dissolve those Inverness. Results will appear Matthew Velez struggled clots and reduce disabil- ■ next Monday. Find last AGENDA: Available to speak, “Luh, luh, uh, ity but only if it’s given on the county’s week’s online poll gronk,” and the kids within three to four hours results./Page A3 website, www.bocc. erupted in laughter. of the first symptoms, and citrus.fl.us, at the INDEX But the funny faces, the the sooner the better. Yet Lecanto Government gibberish and some arm only about 5 percent of Building or in the Classifieds ...... B7 flapping were all part of patients receive it, in part commissioners’ suite Comics ...... B6 a serious lesson to help because many stroke suf- on the second floor Crossword ...... B5 kids learn the telltale Associated Press ferers don’t get to the hos- of the courthouse in Editorial...... A10 signs of a stroke by imi- Third-grader Andrea Esteban tries to imitate the droopy pital in time for testing to Inverness. Entertainment ...... A4 tating them. The idea is smile of a stroke victim Feb. 25 at Montefiore Hospital tell if they’re a candidate. ■ Horoscope ...... A4 to enlist children, partic- The early warning WATCH: The meeting in the Bronx borough of New York. The hospital teaches will be televised live Lottery Numbers ...... B3 ularly those who may live signs include a droopy Lottery Payouts ...... B3 children to recognize stroke and get victims to a on cable TV on with older relatives, as an side of the face, slurred Movies ...... B6 hospital quickly. Channel 622 on or strange speech, and Obituaries ...... A6 army of eyes to help rec- Bright House and TV Listings...... B5 ognize the warning signs, do,” said 10-year-old ical Center in the Bronx the inability to keep arms Channel 71 on get help for victims more Madison Montes. “Run to is aimed at the most cru- raised. Comcast. The quickly and hopefully the phone and call 911.” cial factor when it comes “There’s a pretty good meeting also can be save lives. The experimental to a stroke: time. chance some children viewed live online in a “If my mom has a health education pro- Each year, about small digital format. stroke, I’ll know what to gram at Montefiore Med- 795,000 Americans have a See STROKE/ Page A2 A2 MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 NATION CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE STROKE Continued from Page A1 might witness a parent or a grandparent having a stroke,” said Jim Baranski, CEO of the National Stroke Association. “So if they’re armed with the GOGO VOTEVOTE FORFOR signs and symptoms, they could likely save a life.” Montefiore’s program, one of a handful tried THETHE UGLYUGLY across the country, has been used since 2012 with private schools in its neighborhood, where chil- dren are often in a grand- BACKYARD?BACKYARD? parent’s care because parents are absent or both working. The goal is to study the results and, if Associated Press successful, replicate the Third-graders — from left, Hunter Thomas, Matthew program across the Velez, Sebastian Mendez, Jayden Gonzalez and Elijah country. Farias — examine a plastic model of a brain Feb. 25 at “The kids get a kick out Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx borough of New York. Your Friend or Neighbor of it because they get to do a little acting,” said Dr. old is capable of this,” he $ Robert Glover, a neurolo- said, “but some certainly Could Win a 10,000 gist who helped develop are.” the program. “But when Similar programs have they’re done, they know been tried elsewhere. At Backyard Makeover about stroke and they can Harlem Hospital in Man- teach their families.” hattan, Dr. Olajide Dr. Kathryn Kirchoff- Williams uses hip-hop Torres, who led the class music to engage New York VOTING ENDS from St. Ann’s School in City fourth- through sixth- the Bronx, said the kids graders in three hours a are already “little message year of stroke education. APRIL 5 - NOON machines” bringing home “Beyond sixth grade, the from school what they kids become a little too learn about the benefits of cool,” Williams said. But exercise, not smoking and with the younger kids, eating well. Pencil erasers in the shape “we’ve shown that these At the start of the stroke of the human brain lie on a children can learn basic class last month, in a first- table at the hospital. stroke pathology.” floor room at the hospital, gious but can be caused by He said at least two chil- the doctor asked, “Who “high blood pressure, dren have been credited knows what a stroke is?” smoking cigarettes, junk with helping to save lives. “A heart attack?” one food.” A similar stroke educa- child offered. “What if we don’t have a tion study in the Corpus “Well, we like to call it a phone?” a girl asked. Christi, Texas, public brain attack,” Kirchoff- Kirchoff suggested ask- schools used Tejano Torres said. “It’s a problem ing a neighbor or running music. It was headed by with the brain.” to a storefront. Dr. Lewis Morgenstern, di- She then taught the chil- “What if you live in the rector of the stroke pro- dren to use the word desert?” was the follow- gram at the University of “FAST” as a memory de- up question, to which Kir- Michigan Medical School. vice. With cartoons and choff smiled and said, “It’s The 2007 study found music bringing the point a good thing you live in the that the youngsters re- home, they learned “F” is Bronx.” sponded well. for face, “A” is for arms, “S” After the class, the chil- “The data was highly is for speech and “T” is for dren were presented with positive in terms of knowl- time. pens labeled “FAST” and edge about stroke and After the play-acting and with pencil erasers in the their intention to call 911,” the multimedia show, the shape of human brains, Morgenstern said. “The doctor invited questions which were very popular. earlier we can make peo- from the children. One parent in atten- ple aware of stroke and “How do you catch a dance, Jason Sawtelle, that it’s arguably the most stroke?” one boy asked. said he felt the lesson treatable of all cata- The doctor assured him “plants the seed.” strophic conditions, the that strokes are not conta- “Maybe not every 8-year- better off we will be.”
THANK YOU! Our thanks to Citrus County for choosing us winner as the Best of the Best. We appreciate your votes. We look forward to 2013 serving you in the future!
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CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE Around the COUNTY Pipeline meeting March 26 Talent, sponsors PAT FAHERTY includes Sabal Trail and two re- River, U.S. 41, County Road 491 comments.. Detailed maps will be sought for show Staff writer lated pipelines. and U.S, 19. It would not provide available. Based on its prelimi- The sixth annual Citrus As proposed, Sabal Trail would any residential gas service. nary project review, FERC has Has Talent show will be Fri- On Wednesday, March 26, the be a 474-mile, 36-inch diameter In addition to the planned identified potential environmental day, April 11, at Curtis Peter- Federal Energy Regulatory Com- pipeline to bring natural gas from pipelines, Sabal Trail would in- issues including impacts on water son Auditorium at Lecanto mission will have a public meet- Alabama into Central Florida. clude the construction and oper- resources, karst terrain, land use High School, 3810 W. Edu- ing in Dunnellon on the proposed Plans call for a connector, re- ation of five compressor stations, and compressor station noise. cational Path, Lecanto. Sabal Trail natural gas transmis- ferred to as the Citrus County including one in Marion County The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. and sion pipeline. Line, of approximately 22 miles of near Dunnellon. The project has Wednesday at Rainbow Springs the show begins at 6:30. The commission, known as 24-inch pipe from the mainline to a projected in-service date of Country Club, 19330 S.W. 83rd FERC, announced it will prepare Duke Energy’s proposed natural May 1, 2017. Place, Dunnellon. For more infor- Tickets are $10 per person. an environmental impact state- gas generating plant near Crystal FERC staff will address poten- mation, visit www.sabaltrail.com. There’s no charge for those ment for the planned Southeast River. The proposed route would tial environmental impacts, an- Contact Chronicle reporter Pat younger than 10. Market Pipelines Project, which tunnel under the Withlacoochee swer questions and accept public Faherty at 352-564-2924. Both sponsors and talent are being sought. Call Marti Ball, executive secretary of the Department of Commu- nity Services, at 352-527- Band shell put to use in Crystal River Around the 5902; or email marti.ball STATE @bocc.citrus.fl.us. ACS plans Pompano Beach awareness-raiser Shooting, chase The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of In- ends in fatal crash verness/Lecanto is offering What began as a shoot- an opportunity for busi- ing has ended in a chase nesses and local communi- and fatal crash in Broward ties to show aware ness and County. support in the fight against The sheriff’s office reports cancer from Monday, two suspects shot at a man March 31, to Saturday, and woman at about 5 a.m. April 5. Sunday in Pompano Beach. Community members are Neither was hit. encouraged to display inside The suspects then fled or outside their home or and the victims followed. business purple ribbons or The suspects’ vehicle other purple decorations to crashed in the northbound show their support for ACS’s lanes of Interstate 95. One Relay for Life of Inver- occupant was killed and the ness/Lecanto. Residents other was taken to Broward can also Paint the Town Pur- Health North Medical Cen- ple by doing other activities. ter in critical condition. For information on the The investigation is American Cancer Society, STEPHEN E. LASKO/For the Chronicle ongoing. call 800-227-2345 or visit The King’s Bay Band Shell gets off to an official start Saturday with the band SPF 40 with Jimmy Hinton and Debra Van rocking the house with contemporary music from yesteryear and today. An estimated 200 cancer.org. attended the opening act enjoying food and drinks by the Crystal River Kings Bay Rotary Club and Oysters Tallahassee Soccer fields closing Restaurant. The Velvet Jones band followed SPF 40, playing rock n’ roll until the 8:30 p.m. closing. The King’s in April, May Bay Band Shell, located west of downtown Crystal River, officially opened Jan. 29 with a ribbon cutting. Elvis Gambling growth (impersonator) was to have performed the following Friday, but rain delayed the opening fuels legislative push The soccer fields at Cen- performance until March 8. The regular season for the band shell is October through April. Two more tral Ridge District Park will performances are scheduled before the summer break, with the Modolus band playing April 19 and T.J. Florida’s Seminole casi- be closed to public use Brown on May 17. Crystal River special events coordinator Leslie Bollin says she is “very excited to nos perform above many of from April 1 until May 30 introduce and showcase the King’s Bay Park and the concerts at the band shell.” their peers around the na- due to maintenance tion in terms of revenue. Performers Jimmy Hinton requirements. This is what keeps casino and Debra Van of giants Las Vegas Sands Contact Grounds Mainte- SPF 40 entertain the nance at 352-527-5760 with and the Genting Group crowd at the kickoff coming back to the state’s any questions. concert for the new capitol every year since Governing board to King’s Bay band shell in Crystal River. Hosted by 2010, hoping to get into the meet in Brooksville the city, the event was game. The Southwest Florida sponsored by Citrus 95 While Gov. Rick Scott Water Management Dis- FM, Fox 96.7 FM and holds talks with the Semi- trict’s governing board will Tobacco Free Florida. nole tribe to revisit the meet at 9 a.m. Tuesday, First-time snowbird state’s revenue-sharing Jerrilyn Miller, visiting March 25, at the district agreement, legislators are from Hinesburg, Vt., considering a series of bills. headquarters at 2379 said, “Crystal River is Broad St., Brooksville. Some would allow Las fantastic! We’ve really Vegas-style casinos in To view the meeting on- enjoyed meeting the line, visit Watermatters.org South Florida. friendly people here and Some wonder if this and click on the “Live Video plan to be back again Stream” link. The video next year.” year’s push for casinos is a stream link becomes active last stand for outsiders to and the live video feed be- see laws approved that gins about 15 minutes be- would allow them into the fore the scheduled meeting state. time. State revives probe The meeting agenda and Lawmakers consider flood insurance changes of Bright Futures meeting materials are posted one week before the Associated Press true, said Sam Miller, exec- The U.S. Department of utive vice president of the meeting, and can be found Florida is home to 37 percent of Education’s Office for Civil MIAMI — The Florida Florida Insurance Council. online at Watermatters.org. Rights has revived a probe Legislature is moving for- the polices written under the “The best of all worlds into Florida’s Bright Futures —From staff reports ward on a plan to entice National Flood Insurance Program, would be to have the pri- scholarship program, which private insurance compa- vate market be it and have critics charge is increasingly nies to sell flood policies and state officials say the NFIP be the insurer of out of reach for the students ONLINE last resort. I think we’re a in the state that’s the most who need it most. long ways away from that,” POLL vulnerable to storm surge. congressional attempts to A spokesman for the de- It’s not clear, though, Miller said. overhaul the troubled program partment told The Miami RESULTS that many private insurers Congress backtracked on Herald will want to assume the its 2012 attempt to put the the office had re- risks of flooding and join have burdened many Floridians troubled flood insurance quested information from QUESTION: Last some Florida school dis- week, a bill two companies already with skyrocketing premiums or program back on sound fi- writing certain flood poli- nancial footing, which re- tricts, including Miami-Dade, went before the nation’s fourth largest Florida legis- cies in the state. homes they can’t sell without its sulted in huge premium lators propos- Florida is home to 37 increases for some home- district. He said the office ing that the percent of the polices writ- taxpayer-subsidized rates. owners. President Barack was investigating allegations speed limit on ten under the National Obama recently signed a the state uses eligibility crite- highways be Flood Insurance Program, can down the road,” Bran- Florida since his program bill that rolled back the in- ria that could have the effect raised to 75 and state officials say con- des said last week. “It is started targeting home- stant rate increases that of “discriminating against mph. Your gressional attempts to time for Florida to control owners facing instant rate had applied to recently Latino and African-American thoughts? overhaul the troubled pro- our own destiny and lead increases. He said the purchased homes, but it students on the basis of na- still lays the groundwork ■ 75 mph is too gram have burdened many the nation.” policies were popular, but tional origin and race.” fast and dan- Floridians with skyrocket- Tampa-based Home- he didn’t expect a lot of for hefty rate increases to The popular program has gerous. 19 per- ing premiums or homes owners Choice Property & competition in the market be phased in over time. awarded more than $4 bil- cent (93 votes) they can’t sell without its Casualty Insurance Com- because if private insurers According to Florida lion in scholarships, and an taxpayer-subsidized rates. pany Inc. began offering wanted to be in the flood legislators, roughly 268,500 ■ If you raise the outsized share of those A flood insurance bill flood coverage as part of a business, there would not policies out of the 2 mil- have gone to white or afflu- limit, drivers sponsored by Sen. Jeff homeowners insurance have been a need for the lion federal flood policies will go even ent families. Some of those Brandes, R-St Petersburg, policy in January. federal program. written in Florida got the faster. 31 per- recipients are from families is on track for approval by The flood policies writ- “The exorbitant rate in- subsidized rates. Pinellas cent (150 the Senate. Similar legis- crease is what created the County has more subsi- that were wealthy enough votes) ten by The Flood Insurance lation is moving through Agency in Florida and 17 opportunity for us to com- dized policies than any to pay for college without ■ Focus more on House committees. other states are identical to pete in terms of rate ade- other in Florida: 50,255 any help. raising the The legislation (SB542) the federal policies, though quacy. There was no reason out of 141,764 policies. In recent years, state slower speed provides flexibility and today the Gainesville com- to jump into the market be- Miami-Dade County is sec- lawmakers have raised the limits. 45 mph protections for consumers pany will extend the cover- fore,” Hecht said. ond with 47,442 out of standards to obtain a Bright is too slow. 16 and a free market for pri- age limits to $500,000 for a Insurance industry 366,376 policies. Futures scholarship, in- percent (77 vate companies that for home and $250,000 for per- groups are lukewarm on Under the new law, state creasing the minimum SAT votes) decades could not com- sonal property, said CEO Brandes’ bill. It might be legislators say about 50,000 and ACT scores to levels ■ Drivers should pete with federally subsi- Evan Hecht. The current giving people the impres- second homes in Florida that critics complain will fur- be capable of dized flood insurance limits under the federal sion that the insurance in- will see 25 percent rate ther exclude poor and mi- driving 75 rates, said Brandes. program are $250,000 for a dustry will be able to pick hikes per year until they nority students. mph. 33 per- “It’s a long-term solution home and $100,000 for per- up all the federal flood got to a rate that reflected Those changes appear to cent (160 to the National Flood In- sonal property. policies in Florida and the real risk of flooding, have restarted the probe, votes) surance Program. The fed- Hecht wouldn’t disclose offer rates competitive and 103,000 primary which many thought defunct. Total votes: 480. eral fix does not solve the how many private policies with the government’s sub- homes will lose their sub- problem, it only kicks the his company has written in sidies — neither of which is sidies if sold. —From wire reports A4 MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE Today’s Today in HOROSCOPES ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY Birthday — You will experience many Today is Monday, March 24, the new things during the year ahead. You are the ideal spokesperson to initiate im- 83rd day of 2014. There are 282 provements and reforms. Be certain, days left in the year. however, that any organization you ‘Homeland’ actor Today’s Highlight in History: choose to deal with reflects your ideals. James Rebhorn dies On March 24, 1989, the super- Aries (March 21-April 19) — There NEW YORK — James Reb- tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground on seems to be a lot of anxiety and frustra- horn, the prolific character actor a reef in Alaska’s Prince William tion in the air around you. Don’t get in “Homeland,” “Scent of a Sound and began leaking an esti- caught up in everyone else’s business. mated 11 million gallons of crude oil. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Don’t ex- Woman” and “My Cousin Vinny,” has died. He was 65. On this date: pect favors today. Propel yourself to the In 1913, New York’s Palace The- front of the crowd and let everyone know Rebhorn’s agent, Dianne Busch, said atre, the legendary home of vaude- what you want. ville, opened on Broadway. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don’t give Sunday the In 1939, “The Hound of the in to other people’s demands. Trying to actor died Fri- please everyone will leave you frazzled day at his Baskervilles,” the first Sherlock and ready to blow. Make romantic plans. home in New Holmes movie adaptation featuring Cancer (June 21-July 22) — A great Jersey. She Basil Rathbone as Sir Arthur Conan opportunity for a new position should be declined to Doyle’s famed detective (and Nigel considered. Resolve any issues that Bruce as Dr. Watson), premiered at give details on Associated Press could deter you from getting ahead. the Roxy Theatre in New York. the nature of Adrian Dargelos, lead vocalist of Babasonicos, performs Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don’t risk James Saturday during the Cumbre Tajin 2014 music festival in In 1958, rock-and-roll singer Elvis being criticized by someone because his death. Rebhorn Papantla, Mexico. Presley was inducted into the Army you strayed from the truth or didn’t stick In five decades of television and film in Memphis, Tenn. to the rules. Your reputation is at stake. In 1976, the president of Ar- Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Try not to be work, Rebhorn amassed more than 100 credits, ranging from a gentina, Isabel Peron, was deposed overwhelmed by an unpredictable situa- while less than some antici- Creatures.” by her country’s military. tion. Professional developments can work shipping magnate in “The Tal- pated, launches Lionsgate’s third Next week, Paramount Pic- in your favor if you remain in control. ented Mr. Ripley” to the prosecu- Ten years ago: The European franchise built on young-adult tures’ “Noah,” directed by Dar- Union slapped Microsoft with a $613 Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Share your tor in the series finale of best-sellers. ren Aronofsky and starring imaginative home-improvement strate- million fine for abusively wielding its “Seinfeld.” With an audience 59 percent Russell Crowe, will attempt to gies. Your creativity and originality will The lanky but piercing Reb- Windows software monopoly. shine if you put your plans into action. female and half under the age of cross over to mainstream audi- Five years ago: Citing the AIG de- horn, raised a Lutheran in Indi- 25, “Divergent” lured young ences with a Bible tale. Live up to a promise you made. ana, often played astringent bacle, Treasury Secretary Timothy Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — You are moviegoers with dystopian Estimated ticket sales for Fri- authorities, like the headmaster Geithner and Federal Reserve Chair- likely to become involved in a heated drama and an upcoming star. day through Sunday at U.S. and man Ben Bernanke asked for un- discussion. Don’t get drawn into a shout- in “Scent of a Woman” and “Divergent,” though, fell well Canadian theaters, according to lawyers on “Boston Legal” and precedented powers to regulate com- ing match. By keeping your temper in short of its forerunners: “Twilight” Rentrak. plex nonbank financial institutions. check, you will make it easier to get your “The Practice.” opened with $69.6 million in Final domestic figures will be On “Homeland,” he played the One year ago: Rebels overthrew point across. 2008, and “The Hunger Games” released Monday. Francois Bozize, Central African Re- Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — A trou- father of CIA officer Carrie began with $152.5 million in 1. “Divergent,” $56 million. public’s president for a decade. blesome issue can be resolved with help Mathison. 2012. 2. “Muppets Most Wanted,” Today’s Birthdays: Fashion and from a friend or loved one. If you trust $16.5 million. the suggestions being offered, you will Richie Fay, president of do- costume designer Bob Mackie is 75. ‘Divergent’ debuts 3. “Mr. Peabody and Sher- gain a valuable perspective on the cir- with $56 million mestic distribution for Lionsgate, Singer Nick Lowe is 65. Fashion de- cumstances. called it “a great beginning for man,” $11.7 million. signer Tommy Hilfiger is 63. Come- Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Refuse NEW YORK — To go with another franchise for the com- 4. “300: Rise of an Empire,” dian Louie Anderson is 61. Actor to let anyone draw you into an unsettling “Twilight” and “The Hunger pany.” A sequel is already in the $8.7 million. Robert Carradine is 60. Actress Kelly situation. Remain true to your beliefs. Games,” Lionsgate now has a works. 5. “God’s Not Dead,” LeBrock is 54. TV personality Star Let your feelings be known, and offer al- trio of young-adult franchises In the rush to adapt popular $8.6 million. Jones is 52. Actress Lara Flynn ternative suggestions that will allow you with the box-office leading young-adult fiction, Lionsgate 6. “Need for Speed,” Boyle is 44. Actor Jim Parsons is 41. to walk away from things. “Divergent.” has succeeded where many oth- $7.8 million. Actress Alyson Hannigan is 40. Ac- Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) — Find an The teen science-fiction thriller ers have floundered. “Diver- 7. “Grand Budapest Hotel,” tress Jessica Chastain is 37. Actress innovative way to boost your income. starring Shailene Woodley, gent,” made with a budget of $7 million. Keisha Castle-Hughes is 24. Consider your strengths and weak- 8. “Non-Stop,” $6.3 million. nesses, and devise a plan that will high- Theo James and Miles Teller (a $85 million from Veronica Thought for Today: “The history 2005 graduate of Lecanto High Roth’s best-sellers, follows less 9. “The Lego Movie,” of almost every civilization furnishes light your capabilities. $4.1 million. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — If you School in Citrus County) de- stellar results from youth- examples of geographical expansion want your plans approved, be up-front buted with $56 million over the focused films like “The Mortal In- 10. “The Single Mom’s Club,” coinciding with deterioration in qual- about any foreseeable difficulties, and weekend, according to studio struments: City of Bones,” “Vam- $3.1 million. ity.” — Arnold Joseph Toynbee, Eng- offer concrete solutions to them. estimates Sunday. The opening, pire Academy” and “Beautiful —From wire reports lish historian (1889-1975). LEGAL NOTICES in Today’s Citrus County Chronicle 000HH8G Bid Notices ...... B9 Lien Notices...... B9 Foreclosure Sale/Action Notices ...... B9 Termination of Parental Rights Notices ...... B9
CITRUS COUNTY
Florida'’s Best Community Newspaper Serving Florida’s Best Community To start your subscription: Call now for home delivery by our carriers: Citrus County: 352-563-5655 Marion County: 888-852-2340 13 weeks: $39.64* — 6 months: $70.63* — 1 year: $133.87* *Subscription price includes a separate charge of .15.5 per day for transportation cost and applicable state and local sales tax. Call 352-563-5655 for details. There will be a $1 adjustment for the Thanksgiving edition. This will only slightly affect your expiration date. The Viewfinder TV guide is available to our subscribers for $13.00 per year. For home delivery by mail: In Florida: $59.00 for 13 weeks Elsewhere in U.S.: $69.00 for 13 weeks To contact us regarding your service: 352-563-5655 Call for redelivery: 7 to 10 a.m. any day Today’s active pollen: Questions: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday Oak, juniper, bayberry 7 to 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday Today’s count: 7.0/12 Main switchboard phone numbers: Tuesday’s count: 6.1 Citrus County — 352-563-6363 Citrus Springs, Dunnellon and Marion County Wednesday’s count: 9.5 residents, call toll-free at 888-852-2340. I want to place an ad: To place a classified ad: Citrus – 352-563-5966 Marion – 888-852-2340 To place a display ad: 352-563-5592 Online display ad: 352-563-5592 I want to send information to the Chronicle: MAIL: 1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429 FAX: Advertising – 352-563-5665, Newsroom – 352-563-3280 EMAIL: Advertising: [email protected] Newsroom: [email protected] Who’s in charge: Gerry Mulligan ...... Publisher, 563-3222 Trina Murphy ...... Operations/Advertising Director, 563-3232 Mike Arnold ...... Editor, 564-2930 Tom Feeney...... Production and Circulation Director, 563-3275 Trista Stokes ...... Online Manager, 564-2946 Trista Stokes ...... Classified Manager, 564-2946 Report a news tip: Opinion page questions ...... Mike Arnold, 564-2930 To have a photo taken...... Rita Cammarata, 563-5660 News and feature stories ...... Charlie Brennan, 563-3225 Community content ...... Sarah Gatling, 563-5660 Wire service content ...... Brad Bautista, 563-5660 Sports event coverage ...... Jon-Michael Soracchi, 563-3261 Sound Off ...... 563-0579 The Chronicle is printed in part on recycled newsprint. Please recycle your newspaper. www.chronicleonline.com Published every Sunday through Saturday By Citrus Publishing Inc. 1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., Crystal River, FL 34429 Phone 352-563-6363 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Citrus County Chronicle 1624 N. MEADOWCREST BLVD., CRYSTAL RIVER, FL 34429
PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT INVERNESS, FL SECOND CLASS PERMIT #114280 CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 A5 S UPERIOR R ESIDENCES V s V JOIN US Come in this week & tour our beautiful community and we will register you for a drawing for a $ 1 00 Visa Gift Card New Memory Care in Lecanto At Superior Residences in Lecanto , we want our residents to feel at home. Our community welcomes those at all levels of Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diagnosis, supporting residents with the servic es, care and compassion they need. The new Superior Residences community in Lecanto has accommodations for up to 80 residents. Nursing care is provided around the clock, and residents’ safety is ensured by the latest building security techn ology. The new facility also offers onsite barber and salon services, outdoor activity areas , and scheduled transportation. We provide customized therapy programs and services for our residents in a comfortable, home-like en vironment. We strive to create a caring community that accommodates the unique needs and interests of our resid ents.
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Assisted Living License # AL12256 000HN72 A6 MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE Obituary Food PROGRAMS ■ and appliance store in FOOD PANTRIES SO YOU KNOW Our Father’s Table — Massachusetts. Bob’s pas- 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sat- ■ St. Anne’s Anglican sion was the Lion’s Club. Submit information or changes for this feature via urdays at St. Anne’s Anglican Bob was a life member Church — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. email to [email protected] or fax Church, one mile west of the and former president of daily in the administration to 352-563-3280, attention “Food Programs.” Plantation Inn on West Fort Robert ‘Bob’ the Dedham Lions Club as building. Island Trail. 352-795-2176. ■ Mitchell, 86 well as district governor of Annie Johnson Senior & www.crumc.com. the third Saturday monthly, ■ Inverness Church of 33 K, a life member of the Family — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. HOMOSASSA ■ Nature Coast Ministries 4950 N. Lecanto Highway, God — Noon the first and American Legion Post 18, Monday through Friday, 1991 — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tues- Beverly Hills. Serving Beverly third Sunday monthly, 416 Robert W. “Bob” Dedham, Mass., and had W. Test Court, Dunnellon, is days and Thursdays, 999 Hills, Lecanto and Citrus U.S. 41 S., Inverness. 352- Mitchell, age 86, a 30-year been for many years an ac- open to Citrus County resi- State Road 44, Crystal River. Springs. 352-746-2970. 726-4524. resident of Homosassa, tive member of the Ho- dents. 352-489-8021. 352-563-1860. Fla., formerly a 40-year mosassa Lions Club, ■ The Salvation Army — 9 ■ FREE MEALS GIVEAWAYS resident of Dedham, where he had been the eye We Care Food Pantry — to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. must be a Homosassa or Ho- ■ First United Methodist ■ The New Church With- Mass., died Friday care chairman (glasses for Monday through Friday (ex- Church of Inverness God’s the needy program) for 22 mosassa Springs resident. out Walls gives food boxes evening, March 21, 2014, at cluding holidays), 712 S. Kitchen — 11:30 a.m. to Kindred Hospital in Ocala years and bingo chairman 352-228-4921. away at 5 p.m. Mondays at School Ave., Lecanto. 352- noon Mondays, 3896 S. after a of the Homosassa Auxil- ■ Beverly Hills Community the neighborhood park in 513-4960. Church — 11 a.m. to noon Pleasant Grove Road. 352- Hernando off Railroad Drive brief ill- iary for 10 years. He was ■ ness. He also voted Lion of the Year Daystar Life Center — and 6 to 7 p.m. the last Tues- 726-2522. where feeding the homeless 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Monday was born twice. After his 61 years of day monthly, 82 Civic Circle, ■ Floral City United takes place. Call 352-344- in Boston, perfect attendance, he was through Friday (excluding open to Beverly Hills resi- Methodist Church — 7 to 2425. one of six awarded life membership. holidays), 6751 W. Gulf-to- dents. 352-746-3620. 9 a.m. Tuesdays in Hilton ■ St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Lake Highway, Crystal River. children, In his spare time, Bob ■ Suncoast Baptist Church Hall, 8478 E. Marvin St. 352- Catholic Church in Citrus and loved anything to do with 352-795-8668. — bread distribution from 344-1771. Springs serves those in need ■ served his model trains — and he had Citrus United Basket 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays; ■ St. Margaret’s Episcopal with free boxes of food. Call country in Robert an attic full of them to (CUB) — 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. bagged canned goods, dry Church’s Feed My Sheep 352-465-6613 on the third the U.S. Mitchell prove it. If you couldn’t Monday through Friday, goods and meat from 9 to outreach — 11:30 a.m. Tuesday monthly to sign up; Army dur- find Bob at the Lions Club, 103 Mill Ave., Inverness, to 10:30 a.m.the second Wednesdays. 352-726-3153. distribution now begins at he would be found in the ing the 1950s. assist Citrus County resi- Wednesday monthly at 5310 ■ Salvation Army Canteen 9 a.m. the following Saturday. He was the beloved hus- local Dairy Queen. dents facing temporary hard- S. Suncoast Blvd., Ho- — 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays ■ El-Shaddai food min- band of Joyce (Lehmann) A funeral tribute to ship. Call CUB at 352-344- at the Homosassa Lions istries “brown bag of food” Bob’s life will be at 1 p.m. mosassa Springs. Open to Mitchell for over 62 years, 2242 or visit online at Club, one-half mile east of distribution is from 10 a.m. to and a loving father of Don- Wednesday, March 26, Homosassa residents only. citrusunitedbasket.org. 352-621-3008. U.S. 19 on Homosassa Trail. 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Crystal namarie (Tom) Gugliotta, 2014, at the Chas. E. Davis ■ First Baptist Church of ■ Floral City First Baptist 352-513-4960. River Church of God, 2180 Robert “Bobby” W. Funeral Home with Cre- Crystal River — 10 a.m. to matory. Burial will follow Church — 1 to 3 p.m. the ■ Calvary Chapel of Inver- W. 12th Ave. Although food is Mitchell Jr., Barry (Susan) 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday Mitchell and Stacey (Troy) with military honors at third Wednesday monthly. ness — “Feed the Hungry,” distributed once a week, fam- and Thursday, 700 N. Citrus Allen; grandchildren Florida National Ceme- ■ Serving our Savior noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays, ilies are only eligible for food Ave. 352-795-3367. Tommy (Rachel) Gugliotta, tery in Bushnell. The fam- (SOS) — 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. soup kitchen from 11:30 a.m. once a month. Call 352-628- ■ Tiffany Gugliotta; Melissa, ily invites friends to join Our Lady of Fatima — Thursdays at Good Shep- to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, 960 S. 9087 or 352-302-9925. Aprille and Robert them for visitation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday herd Lutheran Church, 439 U.S. 41. 352-726-1480. ■ Hernando Seventh-day Mitchell III; Anastasia, 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the through Friday, 604 U.S. 41 E. Norvell Bryant Highway, ■ “Feed the Hungry” pro- Adventist Church, 1880 N. Logan, Luke and Allen; Chas. E. Davis Funeral S., open to needy residents Hernando. gram from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trucks Ave., Hernando, pro- of Floral City, Hernando and and great-granddaughter Home with Crematory. ■ Calvary Church — 10 the fourth Saturday monthly vides food distribution for Lilliana Gugliotta. He also Please consider memorial Inverness. 352-726-1707. a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, at Hernando Church of the needy families from 10 to ■ leaves a brother Edward donations to NEADS, P.O. Our Lady of Grace 2728 E. Harley St., Inver- Living God, 3441 E. Olean- 11:30 a.m. the second Tues- Box 213, West Boylston, C. (Marge) Mitchell. In ad- Catholic Church — 9 to ness, open to Citrus County der Lane, Hernando. Call day monthly. Call 352-212- dition to his parents, he MA 01583, a program that 10 a.m. the third Tuesday residents. 352-637-5100 or 352-726-3103. 5159. was predeceased by a provides assistance dogs monthly, 6 Roosevelt Blvd. www.invernesscalvary.com. 000HI5I brother Harry T. Mitchell for many, including deaf 352-527-2381 or 352-746- Jr.; a sister Marjorie G. and disabled Americans ■ North Oak Baptist 2144. Church Food Pantry — Mitchell; and twins Edith and combat veterans with ■ St. Margaret’s Episcopal 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the and Ethel Mitchell. physical disabilities across Church — 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. the United States. last Thursday monthly. Serv- Before retiring to Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Florida, Bob operated his Sign the guestbook at ing Citrus Springs, Dunnel- 352-726-3153. own refrigeration business www.chronicleonline.com. lon and Beverly Hills. Call ■ Conquer Your Our Patients Are First Presbyterian 352-746-1500. Food is dis- Hearing Loss! Super Hearo’s Church of Crystal River — tributed at the Youth Building Blood DRIVES 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the second from Elkcam side. and fourth Tuesdays monthly, ■ First Baptist Church of 1501 S.E. U.S. 19. 352-795- Beverly Hills Helping Hands AUDIOLOGY LifeSouth bloodmobile Vista Heath Fair, 2125 2259. schedule for March. To find a Skyview Crossing, Hernando. Food Pantry — 9 to 11 a.m. Crystal River • Inverness • Call For A Free Consultation (352) 795-5700 ■ Citrus County Veterans donor center or a blood drive Free 6-inch sub. Coalition (CCVC) — 9 a.m. ■ near you, call 352-527-3061. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to noon Tuesdays, 1039 N. Donors must be at least 17, Thursday, March 27, Wal- Paul Drive, Inverness. Open or 16 with parental permis- mart Supercenter, 1936 to Citrus County veterans sion, weigh a minimum N. Lecanto Highway, and their family members in of 110 pounds and be Lecanto. need. Food Bank manager in good health to be ■ Noon to is Gary Williamson. Call eligible to donate. 7 p.m. Friday, 000HJEF LifeSouth is the 352-527-4537. A photo ID is March 28, Wal- ■ also required. sole blood provider Crystal River United mart Super- Methodist Church — 9 a.m. The for Seven Rivers center, 2461 to 1:30 p.m. the second and Lecanto Regional Medical Center and W. Gulf-to- fourth Thursdays monthly, branch office Citrus Memorial Lake High- 4801 N. Citrus Ave., Crystal is at 1241 S. Health System. way, River. 352-795-3148 or FREE Lecanto High- Inverness. way (County Road ■ Noon to 491), open from 3 p.m. Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays March 29, Inverness Elks Visit Our New Website (7 p.m. Wednesdays), Lodge No. 2522, 3580 E. For Great Specials 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays Frames Lemmon Drive, Hernando. Frames and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free lunch. • Wood • Carpet $ Sundays. ■ 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, • Laminate • Vinyl ( 89.00 Value) The Inverness branch March 29, Walmart Su- • Tile • Area Rugs is at 2629 E. Gulf-to- percenter, 2461 W. Lake Highway, open Gulf-to-Lake Highway, www.cashcarpetandtile.com with Purchase of from 8 a.m. to Inverness. 776 N. Enterprise Pt., Lecanto 4:30 p.m. weekdays, ■ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lenses AND Get
746-7830 000HJEG (6:30 p.m. Wednesdays), Sunday, March 30, Walmart Visit our Showroom Next to Stokes Flea Market on Hwy. 44 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays Supercenter, 2461 W. Gulf-to- a 2nd Pair of Glasses and closed Sundays. Lake Highway, Inverness. Visit www.lifesouth.org for ■ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon- FAUX WOOD BLINDS, TOP TREATMENTS details. day, March 31, Walmart Su- FREE ■ 10 a.m. to 4:55 p.m. percenter, 1936 N. Lecanto DRAPERY, SHADES, SHUTTERS Monday, March 24, Walmart Highway, Lecanto. MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE. Supercenter, 2461 W. Gulf-to- VERTICALS See store for details. Expires 4/30/14 Lake Highway, Inverness. S ■ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues- day, March 25, AAA Roofing, 2012 1000 N.E. Fifth St., Crystal Funeral Home River. With Crematory 72 HOUR ■ 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. LIND • Burial • Shipping BLIND FACTORY Wednesday, March 26, Terra B 1657 W. GULF TO LAKE HWY • LECANTO • Cremation 000HIYP www.72-hourblinds.com 527-0012 To Place Your Eyecare Express
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Located in the Center of Citrus County CHRONICLE NIGHT 2400 N. Heritage Oaks Path (Hwy. 486 Citrus Hills) OFFER VALID 10 min. from Inverness, Crystal River and Beverly Hills FOR $2 OFF A Mon.-Fri. 9:30am-6:00pm • Sat. 10am-2pm MIDWAY OFF 000HHK4 $ ARMBAND ON 5430 West Gulf to Lake Hwy. WEDNESDAY 352-249-9252 20/20 Eyecare MARCH 26 *CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS APPLY. THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE Lecanto, FL 34461 Richard T. Brown MIDWAY FOR PAYMENT HAS A RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT, OR BE Licensed Funeral Director REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT, WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO 352-795-0111 2 ARMBAND THIS FREE, DISCOUNTED FEE, OR REDUCED FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR Fax: 352-795-6694 TREATMENT. * ORDERS CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER SPECIALS. [email protected] / www.brownfuneralhome.com 000HCQP CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 A7
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ment for the youth of our TODAY’S FAIR MONDAY CONVERSATION MONDAY county in our livestock programs creates a great ■ Chronicle’s Continued from Page A1 Monday, March 24 The Monday Conversation feature sits educational tool and also down prominent members of the community for a ■ the ton of responsibility. MIDWAY IS NOT OPEN TODAY short chat about their jobs and their lives. had a couple of years off It’s extremely gratifying to ■ Time: 5 to 10 p.m. and then I became a mem- watch the children have a To recommend someone, email Managing Editor Charlie Brennan at [email protected] ber of the board of direc- successful end to their ■ Admission: $5 general (ages 11 and older); or phone the newsroom at 352-563-5660. tors. Monkey Hagar and projects. $3 ages 5 to 10; ages 4 and younger free. some of the other people One of the few things ■ Parking: Free. that were on the board at that I really did want to that time kind of solicited change when I came on ● 5 p.m. Opening of the Fair — exhibit buildings me to become involved in board was the food venue open; Citrus Shrine Club — Jacobs Building; TNT I believe the fair has to the fair, and I became a itself. I felt like we needed Pony Rides; Daisy Mae the Cow educational change annually in some fashion. member of the board of di- a little bit of an upgrade. display; Citrus Model RR club exhibit, Otto Allen rectors and for many years Not necessarily the food Building U.S. 41; Charles & Yvonne Viet organ But the county fair is always my involvement was wasn’t any good, but the grinder; Sheep show & showmanship, Indoor Arena. mostly in the livestock pro- appearance of the trailer ● 5:15 — The Wade Henry Show — Strolling. going to want to be part grams of the fair. I served or the stand or something ● as chairman of livestock of of that nature, so that was 5:45 — The Sweeney Family Band — Main Gate of the old-time traditions of the fair for many years. one of my goals when I Stage. agriculture, our heritage. As time progressed, I be- started and I feel like ● 6 — Oscar the Robot — Strolling. came executive officer of we’ve done that and of- ● 6:45 — Lloyd & Willy — Main Gate Stage. Hal Porter the fair; vice president. fered a variety. manager, Citrus County Fair. And actually I served as You can’t ever go status ● 7 — Mercy’s Well — Auditorium; Youth Heifer Show president of the fair on quo on everything. I & Showmanship - Livestock Complex; The Wade CHRONICLE: What’s week. There is a show or several occasions through brought back the tractor Henry Show — Strolling. new for this year? sale or both every day of the years. My last execu- display and the hit-and- ● 7:45 —Lloyd & Willy — Main Gate Stage. PORTER: There are a the week down in the live- tive duty was office of sec- miss engine display. I couple of new things hap- stock complex. Sheep will retary of the board of thought that was impor- ● 8:30 —The Sweeney Family Band — Main Gate pening this year at the fair. be here on Sunday and directors. In October of tant for our heritage for Stage; Oscar the Robot – Strolling. The gospel concert on Monday. 2006, the previous man- people to see those things. ● 9 — The Wade Henry Show — Strolling. Monday night is a new CHRONICLE: Anything ager Jean Grant was Other than that, we keep thing. We have not done ● else? named manager emeritus trying to make sure that 9:15 —Lloyd & Willy — Main Gate Stage. gospel in the auditorium. PORTER: I just encour- by the board of directors what we offer when folks ● Mercy’s Well is going to be 10 p.m. — Exhibit buildings close. age everybody to go to and I became manager of come in the gate, that it here for one show at citruscountyfair.com; click the fair. looks good, that there’s a Pre-Opening Events (Enter south gate only) 7 o’clock on Monday night, on the fair icon and they CHRONICLE: Was the correct variety of things the 24th. That concert ● 8:30 a.m. — Open Rabbit Show & Showmanship — can find out a whole fair manager’s job a big job we’re supposed to have. costs nothing extra. The Indoor Arena. wealth of information to tackle? CHRONICLE: How do you gate price to get in Monday about what’s happening. PORTER: I’d been an attract people who attend ● 11:30 a.m. — Pen of Meat & Youth Rabbit Show & night is $5. So that concert And I’d like to thank all the executive officer of the for entertainment? Showmanship — Indoor Arena. is included while seats last sponsors in all the differ- fair, and when you are the PORTER: We just in the auditorium. ● 3 p.m. — Open, POM & Youth Rabbit Awards — ent areas of the fair. There executive officer of the started two years ago try- I’m excited about that. I Indoor Arena. are sponsors from trophies fair, you learn a whole lot ing to have a little bit more think gospel music fans to belt buckles to prizes for about the broad-range of a name act on Monday and the young folks and the educational process spectrum of what is re- night. Two years ago, we will kind of continue. committee liaisons from some of the other people, we call Skillathon. There quired. I believe I had a had the group Confederate CHRONICLE: Is the fair the board of directors. as well, will enjoy it. We in- are also sponsors for what training period as a board Railroad. Last year, we as exciting to you as when Many of the directors here vite them to come out and we call our gold premium member of the Citrus had the group Restless you were a child? offer leadership in a spe- enjoy it. awards. And of course the County Fair to prepare me Heart. This year, we have a PORTER: Not all the ex- cific area. So I work with Another new thing this buyers come fair week. to become the manager. tremendous gospel group citement is exactly the them to make sure that year is a youth public The Citrus County Fair is But the great thing was the called Mercy’s Well. So same. This is a tremen- their needs are taken care speaking contest. Farm truly blessed to have com- manager emeritus, Ms. that’s one of the things we dous jigsaw puzzle. My du- of and that the officers are Credit of Central Florida munity support, sponsors Grant, was available to me try to do to enhance our ties include: Do we have totally informed. Even sponsored this event. and buyers and we have a if I had a bump in the road entertainment. But the Cit- all the cash and money though it is a huge puzzle, We’re going to give out host of volunteers that or needed some advice. I rus County Fair Associa- preparations that we they are a lot of help to fit $200 to three different di- make the fair complete. think it was a pretty tion and the committee need? Do we have enough each piece together. Nor- visions of youth for public The Citrus County Fair As- smooth transition. that’s in charge of special toilet paper? Do we have mally, we don’t run into an speaking contest. That’s on sociation functions with CHRONICLE: Are you events searches high and enough sawdust for the an- emergency too much, just Wednesday the 26th.We’re the help of all these folks. I producing the same pro- low for one we think will imals? Do we have all the what we call a bump in the excited with offering that want everybody to know gram or are there new be appealing to our crowd. electric meters turned on road. Most everybody has opportunity. we truly appreciate it. things each year? We use a lot of what we properly that are ready for done their due diligence, And of course, the live- PORTER: I believe the refer to as strolling enter- the onslaught of people their homework, to take stock programs here at the Contact Chronicle re- fair has to change annually tainment, the way our that are going to come care of their judges. The fair are adding sheep this porter Chris Van Ormer at in some fashion. But the grounds is set up. We use, here and has the power preparatory work makes year. We haven’t had 352-564-2916 or cvanormer county fair is always going like, Oscar the Robot. We been tested? It is a huge, fair week go smoothly. sheep. Livestock is a full @chronicleonline.com. to want to be part of the use a clown and a juggler. huge puzzle. And until old-time traditions of agri- We use a magic guy with you’ve done it, you don’t culture, our heritage. It’s all kinds of tremendous understand what it entails. one of the few places that tricks and magic. We’re a But I have to say that the you see people that you fan of the strolling enter- Citrus County Fair Associ- don’t see at any other tainment here on our ation functions with the place. Also the involve- grounds. I think that that manager and then the
of Citrus County
Life Care Center of Citrus County will be hosting a “Made to Order” Waffle Breakfast. Tuesday, March 25th from 8:00 am to 10:30 am Life Care will custom make your waffle breakfast for $5.00. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross in honor of American Red Cross month. Life Care Center is located at 3325 W. Jerwayne Lane, Lecanto 000HPZS Any questions please contact Melissa Dickinson at 352-746-4434
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CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE The election is not quite over EDITORIAL BOARD emocrats are reeling. Not quite. They lost in her first job; the divorced Gerry Mulligan ...... publisher They’re playing defense, Florida because they did not mother supporting two kids as a Mike Arnold ...... editor Dnot offense. Their loss in turn out enough of their own waitress; the aged widow living Charlie Brennan...... managing editor a Florida election for a vacant voters. They have to do a better on Social Security. What many Curt Ebitz ...... citizen member House seat — in a district Presi- job in November, and they have of them have in common is eco- Mac Harris ...... citizen member dent Obama carried twice — was some positives to build on. nomic vulnerability and that a devastating blow. As For one thing, makes them open to the Demo- Rebecca Martin ...... citizen member Robert Gibbs, the polling numbers on cratic emphasis on income Founded Brad Bautista ...... copy chief by Albert M. president’s former Obamacare are inequality. Williamson Logan Mosby ...... features editor spokesman, admitted slowly turning One example: In the Journal on NBC’s “Meet the around. As more peo- poll, half of all men said they’d “You may differ with my choice, but not my right to choose.” ple sign up for insur- — David S. Arthurs publisher emeritus Press:” “There’s a be more likely to support a can- real, real danger that ance, as the benefits didate who backs raising the Democrats could suf- of the law become minimum wage. Among women, fer big losses” this fall. more tangible, De- the number rose to two out of WHAT’S FUELING THE COUNTY Obama’s favorable mocrats have better three. rating in the latest stories to tell. In the Add in access to abortion and Wall Street Jour- Cokie and latest CNN poll, sup- contraception. Republicans can nal/NBC poll dipped Steven Roberts port for the Afford- come across as a party of old to 41 percent, the OTHER able Care Act ticked men telling young women what lowest of his presi- upward, from 35 per- to do with their own bodies. dency. The New York VOICES cent to 39 percent; “Women have become a core Alternatives Times reports: opposition dropped constituency of the Democratic “Obama Factor Adds to Fears of by 5 points. Party,” David Axelrod, one of Democrats.” Democratic poll- For another, Democrats re- Obama’s political advisors, told ster Geoff Garin told the Times: tain a huge edge in the technol- the Journal, “and they tend to “The state of Democrats is very ogy of politics and the ability to be more sensitive to family, to gas might much tied to the state of the contact — and galvanize — po- pocketbook issues and funda- president, and in that regard, tential supporters. mental issues of fairness.” these are far from the best of Democrats also retain a large Young voters are also a “core times.” advantage among Hispanic and constituency” of the Democrats. A president’s party almost al- Asian voters, and Republicans They voted 60 to 37 for Obama be above ways loses Congressional seats are allowing hard-core conser- in 2012, and in a recent Pew in the sixth year of his term, but vatives in the House to block poll, half identified with the the administration badly aggra- immigration reform — a self- Democrats, only one-third with vated that trend by botching the defeating position that under- the Republicans. introduction of Obamacare. cuts GOP attempts to court In the Pew survey, 68 percent “The rollout left a bad taste in those groups. of voters under age 33 backed our station people’s mouths from Day 1, The Democrats’ best hope for gay marriage, an issue strongly and it’s hard to create a new fla- recovery is this: Two large vot- linked to Democrats. Fifty- o one is happy with tion at $25,000 to $35,000 and vor now,” says Rep. Steve ing blocs, young people and three percent said they would the price of gas, but a CNG fueling station at Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat. women, actually agree with prefer a bigger government that Nfew of us are willing $500,000 to $1.5 million. Good news feeds on itself. them on many key issues. The provides more services, an- to do anything about it. Now That much cash buys a lot Republican donors smell blood question is whether the party other basic Democrat precept. the county has to decide of gas. How much liquid and are opening their check- can get past the “bad taste” of Today the political landscape whether it wants to try. propane or compressed natu- books. The eagerness of former Obamacare, and the president’s heavily favors Republicans. But Sen. Scott Brown of Massachu- pallid popularity, and focus at- Democrats could alter that ter- At the March 11 meeting of ral gas it buys ... well, that’s not as certain. There are setts to consider a Senate run in tention on those issues. rain if they can manage to the Board of County Commis- Obama lost the male vote by 7 other considera- neighboring New Hampshire frame the election around is- sioners, county reflects that growing optimism. points in 2012 but won women sues that matter to young and Fleet and Trans- tions besides the The reverse is also true. The by 11. That gender gap was ac- female voters. And get them to port Management THE ISSUE: price per gallon decision by several senior House tually based entirely on single the polls in November. Director Don — Commissioner Democrats to retire next year women, who voted Democratic County considers ■ Johnson gave a Rebecca Bays testifies to the party’s pessimism. 67 to 31 (married women fa- ——— ——— converting fleet to presentation on rightly pointed So it’s over, right? The elec- vored Romney by 7 points). Steve and Cokie Roberts can liquid propane or the costs and ben- out that any con- tion in November is a done Single women include the re- be contacted by email at compressed efits of converting version would af- deal. The Democrats are toast. cent college grad looking for [email protected]. natural gas. the county’s fleet fect county to run on either gas-tax revenues, liquid propane or OUR OPINION: and Commis- compressed natu- See what makes sioner Joe Meek ral gas, or CNG, sense, but put a raised the possi- rather than gaso- high price on risk. bility of partner- line. The impetus ing with the for the presenta- school district to tion was the forthcoming pur- offset expenses — but Com- chase of seven new buses. missioner Scott Adams The logic goes thusly: Under pointed out the idea’s biggest state law, the county must re- shortcoming. tire buses after a certain As much as it seems like amount of time. A number of the price of gasoline fluctu- buses are aging out of the ates, it’s relatively stable, his- county’s fleet, and the torically, compared to its Florida Department of counterparts. For the sake of Transportation is going to comparison, we’re going to cover 90 percent of the cost of leave CNG aside for the mo- the replacements. So if you’re ment because Johnson and going to switch to an alterna- the board rightly balked at tive fuel — which, at current the upfront costs of conver- prices, represents a signifi- sion. Comparing gallons to cant long-term savings — why gallons — and keeping fuel not do it when you can also efficiency in mind — let’s save $30,000 to $100,000 on look at some historical the cost of converting your prices. While the cost of gaso- bus fleet? line might fluctuate 10 cents Johnson’s to be com- over the course of a month, or mended for trying to take ad- 40 cents of the price of a year vantage of the state’s — as it did between March of largesse, and for bringing the last year and now — propane idea to county leadership. prices are as capricious as Here’s the problem: It’s a the weather. When the polar LETTER to the Editor huge gamble. vortex cold snap had most of to the Constitutional way of the U.S. in its grip earlier this Catching flies OPINIONS INVITED In Johnson’s presentation, government by the people (etc., year, demand for propane available on the board’s web- The author of the essays crit- ■ The opinions expressed in etc.), the way it was intended, spiked and, with it, the price. site, he gives a detailed ac- icizing Commissioner Adams’ Chronicle editorials are the promised and should be. On Jan. 6, the average price opinions of the newspaper’s counting of the potential efforts to reign in too big, ever- editorial board. It seems that if it is fun, gov- of wholesale propane was costs and savings. Briefly, growing, ever-spending, ever- ■ ernment takes control of it, tax $1.68 a gallon. By Jan. 27, the Viewpoints depicted in political here’s the bottom line: Com- taxing government is certainly cartoons, columns or letters do it, or outlaw it, and take it price had risen to $3.54 a gal- pressed natural gas and liq- demonstrating this paper’s not necessarily represent the away. There are rules and laws lon — 26 cents higher than opinion of the editorial board. uid propane are both preference toward the absurd and codes manufactured in the the national average price of ■ currently cheaper than gaso- too many rules and laws that Groups or individuals are guise of being necessary be- gasoline on the same day. bureaucracy has traditionally invited to express their opinions line, but offsetting that sav- cause “it’s for your own good” Propane prices have settled heaped upon the common in a letter to the editor. with some very lame reasoning ings are the costs of down as the mercury’s risen, working persons paying the tax ■ Persons wishing to address the or outright propaganda. Fact constructing a fueling infra- but ask your snowbird neigh- to be spent at another’s whim. editorial board, which meets is, it is for control of you by structure and converting ex- weekly, should call Charlie bors how hard it can be to It is too obvious this publica- “your” government. isting fleet vehicles to run on Brennan at 352-563-5660. budget for heating fuel in the tion embraces government. I, Not everything may be the new fuel. ■ All letters must be signed and winter if you want an idea of and very many others, do not include a phone number and agreed with or how things are Both fuels would, theoreti- what the county could have to trust “government,” and en- hometown, including letters being approached by Mr. cally, save the county a signif- courage Scott Adams to con- sent via email. Names and Adams, but I say we see where deal with. hometowns will be printed; icant amount of money in the tinue in his efforts to adjust this commissioner is heading. We commend the county for phone numbers will not be long term, but it’s going to the government to be closer in published or given out. So far, or for the most part, I investigating the option and take some time to recoup the control by the people rather ■ the right to edit see doors being opened and trying to save residents’ tax We reserve costs of conversion — John- than what government has be- letters for length, libel, fairness the smoke screen starting to dollars. Citrus’ larger neigh- son estimates a year and a come and is, controlling the and good taste. clear from some of the bors to the north and south half to two and a half years citizen. We the people of Citrus ■ Letters must be no longer than shenanigans from the past to have converted some of their 600 words, and writers will be for liquid propane, and three County have finally got an in- now. Way too big and ever- fleets to CNG because they’ve side man, much to the dismay limited to four letters per to four years for CNG. month. growing expensive government done the math and found of those that love making laws should never have been al- ■ During that period, the new they have the population and and rules. SEND LETTERS TO: The Editor, lowed. For example: Why are fuel won’t practically be 1624 N. Meadowcrest Blvd., economic wherewithal to re- Mr. Adams shows he is a very Crystal River, FL 34429. Or, fax we allowing this county to have cheaper than gasoline, but alize substantial savings. Cit- hard worker and favors the in- to 352-563-3280, or email to so much real estate? [email protected]. significantly more expensive. rus likely doesn’t, and the terest of hard workers. His Thank you for reading my To get an idea of what kind commission might be better methods of approach to be rant and more so, this newspa- of money we’re playing with, served to consider changing heard may be stroking the but something must be done to per for allowing it. Johnson estimates the cost of that before considering feathers of some of his colleges nudge this government by gov- C. Krantz a liquid propane fueling sta- changing fuels. (and this paper) the wrong way, ernment, for government back Inverness
THE CHRONICLE invites you to call “Sound Off” with your opinions about local or statewide subjects. You do not need to leave your name, and have less than a minute to record. COMMENTS will be edited for length, libel, personal or political attacks and good taste. Editors will cut libelous material. OPINIONS expressed are purely those of the callers. CITRUS COUNTY (FL) CHRONICLE LOCAL MONDAY, MARCH 24, 2014 A11
Four estimates for appraisals are The board will be included in the package. A building COOK We have BOCC evaluation is included as are cur- Continued from Page A1 in place a Continued from Page A1 asked to approve a rent leases for SunTrust Bank and
lease agreement American Door and Hardware. long term, we have a stable “framework to 2,600 square feet and American ■ At 1:50 p.m., a public hearing understanding of our Door and Hardware takes 2,025 with the Rotary Club will be conducted to consider largest taxpayer and resolve square feet. amending the fee schedule of largest employer.” The current county lease costs of Crystal River the Planning and Development It was tragedy that re- whatever “ $100,728 annually, plus insurance Department. sulted in Cook being in a differences we and property taxes. to use vacant ■ At 2:10 p.m., BobbiJo “BJ” position to settle the Duke The two other current leases county-owned land Jarvis, the new Extension Services lawsuit. have every would provide $58,650 annual in- director, will be introduced. In early January, Greene come to the county if it owned the on County Road 490 ■ At 2:15 p.m., a public hearing instructed Cook to reach year. property. will be conducted regarding the out on his behalf to Duke Currently, the county pays $24,000 to assist The Path procedures for the disposition of after a judge in November Les Cook of the $45,000 annual tax bill for this county real property. destroyed the property ap- property appraiser, about property in accordance with the with a fruit tree grove. ■ At 2:30 p.m., the board will re- praiser’s chief argument Duke Energy. lease. The county’s purchase of this ceive the county’s comprehensive $255,771 and $160,771 for the first annual financial report for the fis- in a ruling that crippled county commission and property would remove the other two years of ownership, the third cal year ended Sept. 30, 2013. his defense. school board set the tax $21,000 from the tax bill. year would show a surplus of ■ The board will be asked to ap- Cook made the call. rate — the millage — to re- The county conducted an evalua- $313,505 with the maturity of 2008 prove a lease agreement with the Just days later, Greene ceive the revenue needed tion of the building, which was capital improvement refunding Rotary Club of Crystal River to use took his own life. The next to operate programs and found to be in good condition. The bonds and rental income from all vacant county-owned land on day, a Monday, Cook re- services. annual maintenance cost to the units. County Road 490 to assist The Path ceived a call from Gov. “I wanted to hear them county has been $45,000. The board will be advised that it with a fruit tree grove. Rick Scott asking him to out,” Cook said. “They The research shows tables for po- has two options: ■ The board will be asked to ap- step into the full-time role knew I had the authority to tential revenues by years when the 1. Continue to lease for the re- prove the closure of all libraries on as property appraiser. settle and they respected five other units are leased. It also maining seven years of the 10-year Friday, May 16, for an annual pro- Suddenly the 33-year that.” shows expenditures for bond pay- lease. fessional development day. veteran of the office, who The settlement de- ments, facilities and grounds main- 2. Ask for formal property ap- Commissioner Scott Adams will had served under four creases Duke’s taxable tenance, property tax payment loss praisals to further determine the introduce discussions about the property appraisers, found value from what the prop- and insurance. cost benefit of purchasing the Floral City bypass and Sugarmill himself with the title and erty appraiser had set, but Although the purchase would building. Woods. the responsibility of lead- increases it from what cause annual operating costs of ing staff members grieving Duke used to make its from the death of a their “good faith” payments in boss. 2012 and 2013. “Geoff was a very outgo- The result is a $14 mil- ™ ing person,” Cook said. lion, three-year increase Beltone “It’s taken a while for nor- split among taxing districts Introducing First – malcy to take place.” above Duke’s earlier pay- Along with his new re- ment and what it projected sponsibilities, plus reas- to pay in 2014. the first and only Hearing Aid suring the staff that “It’s not a windfall,” nothing major was going to County Administrator of its kind with direct take place, Cook didn’t let Brad Thorpe told the the Duke situation slide by Chronicle Editorial Board the wayside. last week. “It’ll be millions, connect technology He stepped up the dis- but not $19 million.” cussions, hoping to end the (No other devices needed for connectivity) Cook said that over the litigation well in time for three years, Duke will pay local governments such as about $3 million more in the county commission property taxes than it and school board to know would based on the com- the Duke taxable value be- pany’s own projections. fore starting to develop He said Duke bargained their budget plans for in good faith, especially 2014-15. after a judge ruled in No- Just days after Greene’s vember that the Property death, Cook received a re- Appraiser’s Office had to turn call from the Duke ex- assess Duke’s pollution- ecutive. They set up a control equipment as sal- Jan. 21 meeting in Tampa, vage, significantly without lawyers in the re ducing the value. room, to begin the process “They could have pulled of reaching settlement of the trigger any time,” Cook the lawsuits that had sent said. “They weren’t out to the county commission, in destroy Citrus County.” particular, in a tailspin From here forward, The industries best Hearing with the sudden drop in Cook said he will handle revenue from Duke’s re- Aid for understanding speech- Duke’s annual assessment duction in tax payments. himself rather than farm it in-noise with GPS to help you When he was close to out to a consultant. settlement, Cook met with locate your hearing aid if it “We have in place a officials with the county framework to resolve was lost. commission and school whatever differences we board — the largest taxing have every year,” he said. districts in the county — to Cook has announced Nominated for the let them know what the he’ll run for the position final taxable value would Smithsonian and the Thomas this year to fill the remain- look like and what that ing two years of Greene’s Edison Awards. would mean to their bot- term. So far, he is tom lines. unopposed. The property appraiser and taxing authorities Contact Chronicle re- Make an appointment today have different roles. porter Mike Wright at 352- Cook’s office sets the tax- 563-3228 or mwright@ for your FREE Hearing able value of property. The chronicleonline.com. Screening and Demonstration CLICK & SAVE Check out local deals offered at www.chronicle online.com. A new Click & Save deal will be offered every week.