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Editorial: Myths, Misinformation and Propaganda
December 16th, 2008

Editorial: Editorial: Will Park Closure Just Make Things Worse?
November 29th, 2008

Editorial: Editorial: October and November Surprises
October 30th, 2008

Editorial: Is the Sky Falling?
September 24th, 2008

Editorial: Editorial: Who Reads Cedar Key News?
September 19th, 2008

Editorial: The First Hurdle for Every Child
September 3rd, 2008

Editorial: A View of China from Cedar Key
August 18th, 2008

Editorial: Who Killed the Real Estate Market?
August 8th, 2008

Editorial: Editorial: It`s Clamerica!
July 1st, 2008

Editorial: Can the City Commission Limit Noise?
June 6th, 2008

Editorial: Unintended Results Rock the Boat
May 29th, 2008

Editorial: Creeping Gas Prices
May 13th, 2008

Editorial: Cedar Key Election Soon
April 30th, 2008

Editorial: Questions fo the Candidates
April 2nd, 2008

Editorial: Coming Elections: National County and City
March 19th, 2008

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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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