The month of September, 2007 was a month of assisting` other agencies and individuals. This included The Levy County Sheriffs Department; Emergency Medical Services; stranded motorists; the Cedar Key Fire Department, and our favorite "Clam Cop," Officer Shawn O`Steen, Florida Department of Agriculture. Too, we were busy with criminal mischief complaints, which involved the Anchor Hole Subdivision; the Second Street Jiffy Store; and slashed tires adjacent to the Island Hotel. Anyone having any knowledge of these problems will receive a reward for any information leading to the arrest of those individuals involved. Sgt. John McMullen worked a grand theft from a vessel parked in the Cedar Key Marina parking lot, which occurred while the owner was dining in a local restaurant. Several expensive fishing poles and a hand - held GPS was taken in the theft. A reward is also being offered for the return of the missing items, as well as information leading the arrest of those involved. Officer Mike Cosseboom, September 22Dd, 2007, arrested Mr. William Oliver, age 42, Cedar Key, FL on a Writ of Bodily Attachment, warrant for non support, and transported him to the Levy County Jail, where he was booked in on the appropriate charge. Mr. Oliver could purge himself out of jail for $1000.00. Corporal Eddie Merritt, September 25th, 2007, approximately 8:45PM, received a call from the Levy County SO Communications Center that a sick, or impaired, person was coming into Cedar Key on SR24 and requested that Cpl. Eddie check (hem out. A vehicle matching the description was observed by Cpl. Eddie and upon initiating a traffic stop, the driver, Ms. Linda Thomas, age 44, of the Rosewood area, attempted to complete roadside sobriety tests, but failed them. She was placed under arrest for DUI; transported to the Levy County Jail where she awaited first appearance. Coconut`s Bar/Lounge is providing "Taxi Service" for those individuals who they believe may have consumed too many drinks of alcoholic beverages for a nominal fee; which is much less than the loss of driver`s license; attorney fees; Court costs and traffic fines; plus the possibility of jail time and/or probation. I would, at this time, lik to give an "Atta-boy" to those responsible for this extra protection being offered by Coconuts, as we still maintain a Zero Tolerance for impaired drivers in the Cedar Key area. I cannot believe those individuals on Death Row are calling the State of Florida`s Lethal Injection a cruel and inhumane process for initiating the death penalty. I have said it before, but I believe it is necessary to say it again; "Use whatever manner those found guilty of causing the death of another as a means to carry out the Order of the Court. Apparently they did not consider their means of taking someone`s life as a cruel and inhumane action, so why not consider their means and get on with the program. I cannot believe those supporting the murderers involved have ever had a family member, friend or loved one, viciously murdered by someone, or I am quiet sure they would have a different opinion of those poor souls
on death row. I do not believe it is the taxpayers responsible to,maintain a place for them to live the rest of their lives for their heinous actions and I hope the Supreme Court, in all of their infinite wisdom, will not disallow the use of Lethal Injection as the means of caring out the law as it is written. Remember, this is my opinion only and I know everyone has their own, but I stand by my convictions. The Senior Class of Cedar Key High School wishes to thank all of you who made their "bake sale" on Saturday, September 29, 2007, a huge success. They want to thank those who provided the cakes and cookies, as well as the purchasers of their products. Practically everything they had was sold and all the customers went away happy, especially since everything that was sold was of the "non-fattening variety. The Levy County Sheriffs Office personnel, including the following School Resource Officers, Steve Ellis, Grant Sandlin, our own Ken Maddux and their Supervisor, Lt. Sean Mullins, put a lot of effort into providing a driver`s training class for students ages 14 to 18 years of age. The students enjoyed a presentation by Deputy Sandlin, which showed them what can occur while driving impaired. Then each student was given the opportunity to drive a golf cart through an area of pre-arranged cones. First they drove through the cones with no impairment; then they drove the same course while dialing and talking on a cell phone; finally they drove the course while wearing glasses that simulates driving under the influence of alcohol. Some of the cones were knocked down while on the cell phone, but entire lanes were bumped over when they drove the simulated DUI course. The students definitely came away with a different point of view of impaired driving after completing the course. Again, thanks for the School Resource Officers and their continuing dedication to our students. I personally thank Sheriff Johnny Smit_for allowing his personnel for this most worthy presentation to all of those students in Levy County. Ms. Frances Hodges, City Clerk, was given a surprise birthday party on Friday afternoon by employees of City Hall, although her birthday was actually on Saturday, 09-29-2007. She received some wonderful gifts and the cake was very delicious. Then on Sunday, 09-30-2007, her son Randy, and other family members, had another dinner for her at Randy`s home in Crystal River. I understand it was quiet a gathering. I had an invite, but due to mitigating circumstances I was unable
to attend. I know I was a loser in this deal. We all wish you a belated happy
birthday, Ms. Frances. I, too, would like to thank the editors of The Beacon and The Cedar Key News for allowing me to keep their readers aware of the problems being addressed by your Cedar Key Police Department, as well as my deeply rooted convictions, which I may get carried away with occasionally. I am a dedicated American and regardless of what many may think, even if you disagree with the decisions of our nation`s leaders, we still live in the best country in the Universe. |
