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Editorial: Editorial: Cedar Key News Annual Meeting March 29
March 8th, 2008

Editorial: Let School Board Know What Should Be Taught
February 15th, 2008

Editorial: What Is a Fair Tax?
February 4th, 2008

Editorial: Inconsistent Appraisals Harm Taxpayers
December 17th, 2007

Editorial: Energy Crisis?
November 30th, 2007

Editorial: Florida Water War Heat Up
October 16th, 2007

Editorial: Nobel Prizes in Medicine
October 5th, 2007

Editorial: Editorial: Same Rules for Everyone
September 22nd, 2007

Editorial: Demand Action on Bridge Repair
August 8th, 2007

Editorial: Local Response Needed to Stem Clam Poaching
July 24th, 2007

Editorial: Money, Money, Money...Votes
July 9th, 2007

Editorial: We Celebrate Independence and Clams
June 26th, 2007

Editorial: Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?
June 12th, 2007

Editorial: The Sources of Progress in Medicine
May 30th, 2007

Editorial: A New Era of Politics and Religion
May 17th, 2007

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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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