I am certainly proud of the fact that crime remains at a low ebb in our little community, as your Police Officers continue to stress prevention instead of having to initiate arrests the past several weeks. The Officers patrol Dock Street regularly, advising those that appear to be inebriated that it behooves them to get a designated driver to take them home, rather than being charged with Driving Under the Influence of an alcoholic beverage. So far this has proven to be an effective tool and it is not our desire to "bulge the walls of the Levy County Jail" by transporting people to an already overcrowded facility. The cost of incarceration continues to escalate and if we can assist the Sheriffs Office by helping our citizens in a positive manner, when they cooperate, then we will pursue this "Officer Friendly" attitude. We believe in Community Policing, with the protection of our citizens and visitors continuing to be our number one goal. Again, as we have stressed in the past, please do not hesitate to call us if you see areas, or people, of concern and we will respond immediately. We definitely appreciate your concerns and cooperation in these matters, as your eyes can benefit the continuing protection and safety of all our citizens. Speaking of cooperation; When you are stopped by an Officer for speeding, or any other violation, please do not be negative, as you may talk yourself into a traffic citation, or even a trip to the Levy County Jail. Most of the time, if you are courteous to an Officer, he/she will give you a warning, but if you become demeaning, belligerent, or too objective, you will, in all probability talk yourself into a costly situation. Remember, the State of Florida sets the traffic fines, not the person issuing the citation, and just about every year traffic fines increase. Apparently those in authority probably have a apparent reason for this, it discourages speeders in an effort to prevent injury, or death, on our streets, highways and byways. Speeding in our little community can be a very dangerous situation, due to our overcrowded, narrow streets, which is an increasing concern for our children and the elderly. We have a large contingent of walkers, both local and visitors, on our streets all hours of the night and day. Please respect these individuals at all times, protecting them by providing them the right-of-way. GOLF CART DRIVERS: City Ordinance requires drivers to be 18 years of age, have a valid driver`s license, and yield to automobile traffic at all times. Please pull off to the roadside, allowing vehicles to pass you by, and obey all State of Florida traffic statutes at all times. Golf Cart Owners: Please continue to advise those renting, or driving, your golf carts that they are not to be on SR24 at anytime, except to cross the road at established intersections. Some golf carts have become "street legal;" That is, they have been converted to meet specifications as established by State Statue, which includes being registered and titled with a Florida license plate issued to the vehicle. These carts can be driven upon the state roadway system. Thanks to each and every one of you for complying with the City Ordinance, as well as the Statutes of the State of Florida; it makes for a safer community.
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REMEMBER: "SCHOOL BEGINS IN APPROXIMATELY FOUR (4) WEEKS AND IF YOU ARE CAUGHT SPEEDING THROUGH THE SCHOOL ZONE THE FINES ARE DOUBLED." Please drive courteously at all times, as the life you save, or the injury you prevent, could be yours; a family member; a friend; a loved one, or maybe someone you don`t even know, but we do know one thing for sure; everybody`s safety is dependent upon our individual driving habits. July 15,2007, approximately 1:17AM, Officer Mike Cosseboom observed a vehicle traveling north on SR24 driving upon the double yellow center line and back on to the white fog line on three occasions. Officer Mike conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle, making contact with the driver; Mr. Paul D. Gill, Cedar Key, requesting his driver`s license, insurance card and vehicle registration. While speaking with Mr. Gill Officer Mike detected a strong odor of what appeared to be the impurities of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. Mr. Gills` speech was slurred and Officer Mike asked him to submit to a battery of field sobriety tests, to which he consented. Officer Mike, upon the completion of the tests, determined Mr. Gill to be under the influence of alcohol; transported him to the Williston Police Department, where he consented to an Intoxilizer Test to determine the Blood Alcohol Content of his body. The results, 0.173 and 0.177, indicated Mr. Gill was over double the .08 BAC, as allowed by State Statute. He was then transported to the Levy County Jail; booked in on the aforementioned charge of DUI and awaited first appearance when a bond would be set by a local magistrate. 
Deidra Slaughter
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Wednesday, July 18, 2007, approximately 7:00 PM, many relatives and friends gathered at Robinson`s Seafood Restaurant, Rosewood, to surprise a local favorite; Ms. Deidre (Deeg) Slaughter, who will be joining the ranks of our U. S. Coast Guard on July 30, 2007.
Deeg, a recent graduate from Cedar Key High School, although
receiving a Bright Future Scholarship, chose to enter the Coast Guard over her college education at this time; but will consider continuing her education at a later date. Carl and Eve Robinson, Deeg`s employers and cousins, established the party and provided very succulent seafood for those attending.
Also, Deeg`s Aunt Charlotte and Uncle George Hathcox provided some of the best smoked pork and pork ribs I have ever had the privilege of over-indulging in. Hoping I am not leaving anyone out, family members attending was: Grandmother Priscilla Rowland; Aunt Kathy Polk; Aunt Charlotte, Uncle George and daughter, Shonna Hathcox. Uncle David Rowland, Wife Robin and son David (Little Man); Cousins Liz Castell; Alysha and Tyler King (newlyweds) and their daughter, Abby King; Tom Sakelson; Pearl Robinson; Lindsey Fine and son Brody; Lisa Fine; Lindsey Gilbert; Ms. Missy Casto; Ms. Calley Robinson and her new son; Ann and Hubert Richburg; Fred Alford, wife Missy and daughters Aubrey Ann and Nicole and Lacey Coulter; Also, a very dear friend of Deeg`s, and the family, Ms. Becky Linan and children; many other friends and loved ones; last and probably least of all, me, Bubba Castell (G`Daddy.)
Approximately 75 or 80 people attended the festivities and all reported having a great time. We wish Deeg the best in her future endeavors and request that everyone keep her in your prayers, as this will be a new and exciting adventure for this very special young lady. She thanks all who attended the outing; giving a "special thanks" to those preparing and providing the overabundance of food enjoyed by all. I previously mentioned the wedding of my Granddaughter, Alysha Sakelson to Mr. Tyler King, but forgot to mention their soon to be two (2) year old Daughter, Abby King, who was present for the wedding and festivities. Also, present was Alysha`s Mother, Ms. Liz Castell; Father, Tommy Sakelson, who gave the bride away; and Brother, Tom Sakelson, Jr.; Grandmother`s, Ms. Linda Martineau and Ms. Barbara McKee and Husband, Mr. Sonny McKee. Too, the Groom`s Mother, Ms. Toni Fair; Brother, Mr. Michael Fair, and Grandmother, Ms. Evelyn Barber were present supporting the newlyweds in their new beginning as husband and wife. Your local police department can never thank each and every one of you enough, as you continue to be our eyes and ears when we are not present. I, as your Chief, representing all of our personnel, personally request that you never hesitate to call your department, regardless of how trivial you may believe your situation to be. We constantly work toward the safety and welfare of everyone in the greatest community in the State of Florida at all times and your continuing assistance in these matters simplifies our job very much. Until next time, stay off the center line and the fog line; children, always respect your parents, teachers, and the elderly.
Everyone, please buckle your seat belt, and stay within the posted speed limits of our city; giving praise where it is due and living the way your Grandparents would expect you to live. |
