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Fire/police departments sinking

Earlier this year, perhaps in February, Williston Fire Chief Lamar Stegall and Deputy Chief Danny Wallace noticed some loose panels around the station.

They fixed them, but six weeks later they were loose again and then they noticed buckling.

What has ensued since mid-March is the city's fire and police departments are located on a sink hole and it's critical both departments relocate.

Tuesday night, an hour-long discussion about what needs to be done dominated the regular meeting of the Williston City Council.

Williston man fatally shot; sheriff turns to public for info

A shooting that left a Williston man dead last Saturday is still under investigation as authorities look to the public for information on who pulled the trigger that killed Leo Rives, 31.

According to the Levy County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call came in around 10:20 p.m. July 5. The caller reported a suspicious vehicle and a possible shooting.

Deputies and officers from the Williston Police Department responded to the scene at the intersection of NE 218 Avenue and NE 35 Street, east of the city.

Cal Byrd is Citizen of the Year

Longtime Williston resident and city councilman Cal Byrd was named Citizen of the Year by the Junior Woman’s Club during the Independence Day celebration last weekend.

The text from the announcement is as follows:

"The Citizen of the Year is a man who has always been around supporting our community in a most steadfast but quiet manner.

"He has never been one to hog the spotlight but now is the time to give this man the very public recognition that he so rightly deserves. Williston’s 2014 Citizen of the Year is Cal Byrd.

Gene Hodges dead at 77

Cedar Key’s former Mayor Eugene “Gene” Hodges was born into a politically connected family, an heir to knowing how to get things done for the island community and district that he represented in the Florida House from 1972 to 1988. His father, Randolph, was a state senator from 1952-62, a Senate President and later a lobbyist.

The son, a lifelong Democrat, made his mark in politics by being smart and likable. He used his quick wit that way a carpenter uses a wood plane–smoothing and finely shaping the final debate.

Just passing through

When told he had only five weeks to live, Rodger Howell, 63, sold everything he had and took to the open road with two horses and a dog. His goal: to live every day as if it were his last, visit family and friends and see America.

That was a year ago, and this week Howell passed through Williston on his quest to reach Niagara Falls by Christmas.

A former Tennessee police chief, Howell drives his buggy four days a week and rests three, plus he never travels on Sunday.

He averages 20-25 miles per day and enjoys meeting the people he encounters.

ISO rating lowered

Home and business owners in the city of Williston can look for some savings on their fire/homeowners' insurance premiums thanks to the efforts of the Williston Fire Department.

City Manager Scott Lippmann announced Tuesday night that the city's ISO rating, the means by which fire protection is graded, was lowered from six to five. Lippmann added the new evaluation was 4.5 points from being a four, and can be appealed.

What that means is savings to the consumer because the better the fire protection, the less premiums are.

Levy County Sheriffs Reports

 

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests:

• June 25, Carlos Alonzo Allen, 41, Gainesville, dealing in stolen property. Bond $25,000.

Know beach conditions before heading out for summer fun

 

Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) officials remind beachgoers to check the surf conditions at public beaches.  Understanding the beach warning flags will help to keep you and your family safe as you enjoy the waters.  When red flags are flying, swimming in Florida’s coastal waters can be dangerous.

Donated ambulance helping save Nigerian lives

 An ambulance that was retired from Levy County due to attrition and high mileage is finding a new life in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, the Levy County Department of Public Safety, with approval from the Board of County Commissioners donated a decommissioned ambulance after a request from Missionary Alex Abiola.

Levy County Sheriff's Report

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests:
• July 5, Jonah Lee Arthur, 31, Bronson, three counts burglary, grand theft, damage to property, dealing in stolen property. Bond $152,500.
• June 30, Valrize Latrice Bristol, 34, Bronson, harassing in non-criminal proceeding. Bond $5,000.
• July 4, Justin Bryan, 29, Alachua, disorderly intoxication. Bond $1,000.
• July 4, Sean Bush, 30, Hernando, DWLS. Bond $2,500.
• July 2, William Edward Coggins Jr., 42, Inglis, two counts DWLS. Bond $5,500.
• July 5, Stacey Lynn Deer, 42, Chiefland, domestic, child abuse. Bond $10,000.