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Editorial: Air Boats and the Golden Rule
February 2nd, 2004

Editorial: A Year of Opportunity
January 24th, 2004

Editorial: Sports on TV
January 15th, 2004

Editorial: Mad Cow Disease in the US
December 26th, 2003

Editorial: Jeb`s Water War
November 25th, 2003

Editorial: Citizen Input Needed
October 27th, 2003

Editorial: Congrats to Our Commission, Now We Must Help
October 17th, 2003

Editorial: Remember Owens Valley
September 29th, 2003

Editorial: Gold Plating Reality, Reconstruction Chic
September 21st, 2003

Editorial: The Responsiblities of a Journalist
August 27th, 2003

Editorial: A Fable: The Great Guano Concord
July 24th, 2003

Editorial: Music for Children
May 26th, 2003

Editorial: Speak Out
May 15th, 2003

Editorial: Parking: Our Biggest Problem?
May 2nd, 2003

Editorial: Vote and Vote Well
April 22nd, 2003

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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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