The economic situation has everyone's attention. Budget cuts in Tallahassee have generated a proposal to "temporarily"close Cedar Key's Museum State Park. The economic slowdown most certainly will reduce tax income, both at the state and county levels. Lower sales tax income kicks in at the state level and lower property sales cause lower property appraisals, which then cut county tax revenues. Closure of this park can contribute to a downward economic spiral.
Across the board cuts are a bureaucratic device for making specific decisions while distressing everyone. Each park that is marked for closure has good points and bad points. Cedar Key Museum State Park is a prize-winning tourist attraction in a town that depends on tourist visits. Furthermore, Cedar Key citizens have added to the park's attraction by moving the historic St. Clair Whitman House to the park grounds and turning it into a museum of unique quality. The Whitman House addition to the park is staffed by volunteers from Cedar Key.
The citizens of Cedar Key have done much to make our island a tourist destination. We plan and carry out three major festivals each year. Our Arts Center sponsors shows nearly every month and have workshops that bring participants to town. Our Community Redevelopment Agency does much to maintain our fishing village atmosphere that attracts tourists and tourist dollars. Closure of a tourist attraction such as the Cedar Key Museum State Park may save a few dollars at the expense of our small community's attractiveness for tourists. The Cedar Key Commission is drafting a resolution regarding park closure. Do not expect our Commission to provide all the political heavy lifting. Here are the addresses of key legislators that can help keep our park open: Senator S. "Charlie" Dean, Sr.
311 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee FL 32399-1100
email: dean.charles.web@flsenate.gov
Rep. Larry Cretul
322 The Capitol
402 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee FL 32399-1300 Furthermore, the volunteer organization that staffs the St. Clair Whitman House at Museum State Park could use a few more volunteers. How better can one show our hospitality than becoming a docent at St. Clair Whitman House? | 