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Editorial: Sign Thefts - Fear of the Opposition?
October 14th, 2004

Editorial: Police Arrested a Person
October 7th, 2004

Editorial: Korean Cloud on the Horizon
September 14th, 2004

Editorial: Moratorium Battle Heats Up
August 30th, 2004

Editorial: Orders From the Top
August 12th, 2004

Editorial: On the Value of Art
July 14th, 2004

Editorial: Of Voles and Men
June 24th, 2004

Editorial: Clam Poaching, are We Number One?
June 4th, 2004

Editorial: Leadership Overcomes Flawed Process in Missile Range Decision
May 10th, 2004

Editorial: Bomb Range Inn
April 25th, 2004

Editorial: Is the President Above the Law?
April 8th, 2004

Editorial: The "Good Old Days"
March 15th, 2004

Editorial: Access to Public Records
March 1st, 2004

Editorial: Sunset Park: A Reality?
February 23rd, 2004

Editorial: The "Tree Ordinance"
February 9th, 2004

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Fire Protection, Fire Insurance and Tax Justice

Fire Protection, Fire Insurance and Tax Justice

Editorial

After four hurricanes in one year we are all aware of how to get ready for a natural disaster, or at least we should be. But are we well prepared for a disastrous fire?


The problems of fighting a fire became clear during the November fire that leveled the McJordan home on Piney Point. To put out a fire there must be firefighters, water, and access to the fire. Wind and summer heat can make a fire even harder to stop. Notwithstanding aid from other fire departments, the Cedar Key Fire Department was stretched very thin at McJordan's. Access to the home was difficult and the water supply was inadequate. The Cedar Key Fire Department has excellent equipment and fine facilities. However, several department members are clammers and may be off shore when fire breaks out. Several members are still in training and cannot enter a burning building.


Cedar Key`s Historic District has tiny lots and some buildings share exterior walls. Nearly every building in Cedar Key is a wooden structure, including one hundred units in three story condominiums. The fires that destroyed Cedar Key School twice and the great dock fire of 1950 may have been unstoppable, but with modem equipment there might have been a chance. That is with available water and firefighters.


The water supply influences fire insurance coverage. Some residents in the area are having difficulty securing fire insurance. Adequate water for fire fighting has opened discussions of tax payers getting fire protection. Furthermore, will Levy County residents on the island annex into the City to help get a better water supply for everyone?


The mix of insurance needs, annexation, and the responsibility of the City may result in better fire protection for everyone. These issues are on the agenda at the next Cedar Key Commission meeting, February 1. Mark your calendar, and expect a standing room only meeting.

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