County Oks Demolitions Along US 17
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
“Serving DeSoto County since 1887” SAVING THE PLANET MAKES CENTS Find out how you can recycle your cans and make some extra I I C IXI)IAN change, too! Thursday, FebruaryRCADIAN 13, 2014 - 24 pages / 50 cents A PAGE 9 A section of the Sun County OKs demolitions along U.S. 17 By STEVE BAUER the code violations. The county has physical redevelopment of the county, a more broader scope.” ARCADIAN ASSISTANT EDITOR identified four structures that would and removing these structures is a part Hines assured Miller the funding meet the criteria for demolition. Two of that.” would not be solely used on structure The DeSoto Board of County are abandoned, while the others are Commissioner Bob Miller said he improvements, but said improving the Commissioners unanimously agreed to occupied. Hines added EDAC agreed was disappointed the committee didn’t U.S. 17 South corridor is a definite need use redevelopment funding to demol- removing the structures would be the have a more creative plan for utilizing for the county. “EDAC’s discussions ish some dilapidated structures along best use of the funding to make imme- the funding. “I frankly want to see have focused on this corridor, and in the U.S. 17 South corridor. diate improvements to the county. EDAC to come up with something the committee’s opinion improving that County Coordinator Mandy Hines, “We felt the demolition of these more challenging,” he said. “This area is a top priority,” she said. speaking on behalf of the Economic buildings are the ‘low hanging fruit’ as doesn’t help economic development, Commissioner Gabriel Quave also Development Advisory Committee, far as having an impact on the county,” and I don’t want this money spent only had concerns on how the funding said the money would be used as part she said. “We’re asking to use these on brick and mortar projects. That’s would be spent. “I’m all for doing of the standard code enforcement funds now to allow us the proper time not what it was intended for. I guess I something grand, but $150,000 won’t process, which will give owners time to develop more long-term plans. The need a little more clarification, as I was to make improvements and correct whole intent of this fund is for the hoping this funding would be used on COUNTY | 21 Seminoles’ Exhibit, Brighton Field festival w1 Day features Duck Dynasty, showcase Gator Boys stars By SUSAN E. HOFFMAN the arts ARCADIAN EDITOR STAFF REPORT The Seminole Tribe of Florida continues its longstanding tradition The DeSoto Arts and Humanities in rodeo, celebrating the 76th Annual Council held its second Art of the River Brighton Field Day this weekend. and Rio de la Paz Festival last weekend But this year, the Seminoles have ARCADIAN PHOTOS BY SUSAN E. HOFFMAN, [email protected] at the DeSoto campus of South Florida added another special attraction State College. New track lighting provid- Gordon “Mac” Martin, left, photographer Rhett Butler, and County Commissioner Bob Miller pose sure to draw crowds to the multi-day ed by SFSC helped feature more than in front of Butler’s photo of the Peace River Bridge in DeSoto. Martin and Miller worked with the rodeo festival: Uncle Si Robertson, 125 works of art entered in the contest. DeSoto Arts and Humanities Council to donate Butler’s photo to the county, and it will soon be on Martin and Godwin of A&E’s Duck On Friday, an invitation-only recep- display in the County Administration Building. • Turn to page 12 for more photos. Dynasty fame will be there on tion was held for artists and sponsors Saturday and Sunday. to mingle, and for people to buy art. ART WINNERS Mary Brannon, Joanne DeBoer, Anderson Turner And as if that weren’t enough, on Saturday’s festival opened the show Anne Tuttle and Joan Cranor Friday and Saturday, Jimmy Riffle of to the public, and included several Two-Dimensional: Photography: Animal Planet’s Gator Boys will be artisans’ booths, environmental dis- First: Guy LaBree, “Old Timers” Three Dimensional: First: Rhett Butler, “The Creek” there for an alligator show. plays from groups such as Peace River Second: Katie Dobson Cundiff, First: Lawrence Paquin, Second: Jerry Waters: Great Blue In between these celebrity ap- Audubon Society, food vendors, and “Parrish Morning” “Standing Ibis” Heron in Flight pearances, the Seminole Tribe will Third: Joanna Karpey, nurseries offering some native Florida Second: Jennie Novak, “Puzzled Third: Sally Rockefeller, “FLA Post showcase its culture and traditions, plants. The festival originated in 2013, “Osprey Flats” Pottery Grape Vase” #4143 VFW Riders” Honorabe Mentions: including authentic foods, crafts, the 500th anniversary of the Spanish Third: Susan E. Hoffman, Honorable Mention: storytelling and dancing. arrival in Florida, celebrated in the state Bruce Brayton, Victor Amemiya “Seminole Rainbow Necklace” Susan E. Hoffman Awards of Merit: Lisa Mayle, And there are several days of as Viva Florida, and the name reflects Honorable Mention: Patricia Award of Merit: Jerry Waters Eastern Indian Rodeo Association the state’s heritage as well as the impor- and Professional Rodeo Cowboys tance of the Peace River to the region. Association rodeo action, wrapping Judges were Mollie Doctorow, curator up with Xtreme Bulls on Sunday. of SFSC’s Museum of Florida Art and “The Brighton Field Day was begun Culture, who judged the two- and 76 years ago by two teachers on the three-dimensional categories; and not- Seminole Reservation who wanted ed Florida photographer, who judged Linda Butler of Skunks as Pets to create a ‘Day of Fun’ involving the photo category. gets a lot of attention with competitive games and recreational DAHC aims to promote the arts in her furry, descented friend. events,” said Amos Tiger, one of the DeSoto through contests, exhibits, key organizers of this year’s event. classes and opportunities for artists and “Seminole communities came from writers to share their work. For more all over to take part at the Brighton information, visit http://desoto artscouncil.org. SEMINOLE | 22 Arcadian 50¢ LARIATS RULE: Roping contest honors Quitmon Brown ................................................. 13 FFA CLAIMS DISTRICT X WIN: Next stop — state competition .............................................. 13 INSIDE VETS HONORED: Live Oak RV Resort remembers those who served ...................................... 21 Editorial ...............4 Family Album ..........6 Obituaries .............9 Sports ...............14 7 @'05252"51621 1 6 Calendar ..............5 Police Beat ............8 Religion ..............10 Agriculture ...........18 Arcadian | Page 2 www.sunnewspapers.net The Sun / Thursday, February 13, 2014 Cats and canine Valentines Romeo — given that romantic name in honor of Valentine’s Day — is a Misty is a smoke gray and white kitten, 5 months old. She is a shorthair, 2-year-old male classic tabby with a beautiful, striking coat. He is very but her fur is luxuriously thick. She is a little purr machine and is quiet friendly and gets along well with other cats. He is quite curious! Visit the and relaxed. She gets along with other catsw but is a bit nervous around ARCADIAN PHOTO BY SUSAN E. HOFFMAN, DeSoto County Animal Shelter at 2048 N.W. McKay St. between 10 a.m. dogs. If you want to make Misty your Valentine, stop in at Animal [email protected] and 4 p.m. to adopt Romeo or any of the other terrific animals there. Services at 2048 N.W. McKay St. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Big Boy is a 10-month-old male black lab who was found as a stray. Big Boy is good on a leash and knows a few basic commands such as sit, lie down and stay. If you are looking for a canine Valentine with brains and classic good looks, this is your boy. Visit DeSoto County Animal Services at 2048 N.W. McKay St. to see him. r I No matter what I I I I you’re looking for, I I I I Check the I I I I Sun Classified I I I Juliet, a Siamese/Tonkinese mix, has a luscious I first! I cream and gray coat and beautiful blue eyes. I From a new job to a I She is about 10 months old and has a very I place to live, Classified I elegant appearance. She would love to be your I has what you need! I Valentine. Call DeSoto County Animal Services L. - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - . - -- at 863-993-4855. If you’re thinking about chocolate for Valen- tine’s Day, check out Dot: a chocolate spotted v V daschund mix. (Mixed with what? It’s not DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED clear.) Dot is 6 months old and has a pretty Crystal was found by the DeSoto County Sheriff’s FOR FILING EXEMPTIONS chocolate coat. She will get bigger as she grows Office in the course of a drug bust. She’s a Socialy Security Number Florida’s Drivers License up, maybe up to 30 pounds. She needs some 10-week-old brindle pit. She’s very friendly and Florida Vehicle Tag Number work on the leash but she is friendly and gets playful and full of energy, and she loves giving Votery Registration (if applicable) along well with other dogs, and with cats. Call kisses. If you would like to be Crystal’s Valentine Immigration information (if applicable) 863-993-4855 if you’d like to take chocolate Dot and give her a forever home, call the DeSoto NOTICE Dependent Children School Information a Checking/Savings Account Statement home for Valentine’s Day, County Animal Shelter at 863-993-4855. to Property Owners Paid Utility Bill with Current Address March 1 is the Skipper family the focus DEADLINE to file for: of Historical Society meeting • Up to $50,000 - Homestead Exemption • $50,000 - SeniorExemption (Age 65 or older)* By CAROL MAHLER Family Service Center Annex (old West • $5,000 - Disabled Veteran’s Exemption DESOTO CO.