BUSINESS “TOWN HALL” WITH MAYOR
December 20, 2018
Approximately forty-two folks gathered last evening at City Hall at 6 pm to talk. Mayor Heath Davis opened the meeting explaining that he wished to talk to the Cedar Key business owners and requested that the Chamber of Commerce inform them and invite them to this meeting.
The reason, explained Davis, is that he hears from some owners and not others, he hears some good things and some not-so-good things and considered that a forum such as this evening’s would be beneficial. Davis asked the University of Florida’s and the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce’s Mendy Davis to take notes on newsprint as the conversation flowed.
Davis further explained that he wanted to listen to what the participants had to say rather than try to solve concerns that evening. Follow up will come by email or perhaps follow-up gatherings.
Aung the forty-plus in attendance were new business owners, older business owners, artists, real estate agents, clammers, watermen/women, and non-profit organization operatives.
Among the concerns raised were:
- speeding cars within city limits;
- possible sign ordinance changes;
- golf cart parking and age requirements;
- security deposits on garbage;
- possible traffic signage changes;
- paving in the city’s marina;
- FEMA is too demanding;
- The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is too demanding.
More seasoned Cedar Key business owners reminded the newer owners of the times, not so long ago, when Cedar Key had such stringent enforcement of traffic laws that we were labeled the “mini-Waldo” which led to far fewer visitors.
Clammer Rosie Cantwell thanked the city for continuing to support the aquaculture industry. John Blouse thanked the mayor for hosting the town hall. Others complimented the caretakers of City Park for its consistently clean and attractive appearance. Many commented that they appreciated the forum and looked for more conversations such as these.
Davis brought the meeting to a close after attempting to rank the four pages of newsprint notes. Instead, he explained that he would amass concerns and email the group in the near future.
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