Cedar Key Police Report

Currently we have at least twenty (20) young men and women serving in the Armed Forces from our area, which is an exceptional number, due to our limited population. Also, I respectfully request that we all continue to keep them, and their families, in our daily prayers. Let them
know how proud we are of their accomplishments, when they return home for a few days and how much we appreciate their on - going sacrifices so can enjoy our peace and tranquility in the best little community in the old U. S. of A.

November 1, 2007, approximately 12:44 a.m., Officer Mike Cosseboom, while patrolling on First Street observed a vehicle which appeared to be exceeding the posted 20MPH speed limit. Upon engaging his radar Officer Mike clocked the vehicle at 28MPH in the posted 20MPH zone. He began to pursue the vehicle as it turned on to G Street and later on to Whiddon Avenue, where his radar indicated the driver was driving 36MPH in the posted 20MPH zone. Officer Mike initiated a stop of the vehicle on SR24 at the Number Two Bridge. The driver, Mr. Gerald G. Rigoli, Jr, age 51 of Cedarville, NJ, had a strong smell of the impurities of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, when Officer Mike spoke with him at the traffic stop. When asked by Officer Mike, Mr. Rigoli admitted to having been at a Halloween party and had been drinking, but he refused to do field sobriety tests to determine if he was too intoxicated to drive a vehicle. Mr. Rigoli was placed under arrest by office Mike; transported to the Levy County Jail, where he agreed to take an Intoxilizer test to determine his blood alcohol content. The results were: 0.154 and 0.151, almost twice the 0.08, as stated in the Florida State Statute. Mr. Rigoli was booked into the` Levy County Jail to await first appearance and the bond setting procedure. He also refused to sign the Uniform Traffic Citations for the unlawful speed and the DUI charge, which resulted in additional criminal charges being filed.

There has been a rash of bicycle thefts during, and since, the Seafood Festival, but it is believed those involved were not locals, since none of the bicycles have been seen, or recovered, by your police officers. If anyone has any knowledge of these incidents please contact the Police Department and you will be rewarded for your information.

Other than these isolated incidents your small community has otherwise been quiet, except for loud music complaints, or an occasional animal complaint. Speeding has even slowed down, which is also appreciated by your police officers. Speed is a definite concern for us at all times, due to our narrow and crowded streets, and the fact our children have the tendency, as always, to play in the streets. We definitely want to extend a personal THANK YOU for everyone abiding by the posted speed zones in our community and respectfully request that trend continues on a daily basis.

We will not have another press release prior to our Thanksgiving Holidays and we, at the Cedar Key Police Department, would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a Special Holiday Blessing at this time. Please, be safe, have fun and do not do as I will probably do, over eat. Not that myoid high school body could not stand a few more pounds, but my current post high school body surely cannot stand any more pounds than I already have.

As I have stated in the past, we are always proud to serve the citizens of Cedar Key, and Levy County, when called upon and appreciate the continuing opportunity to be here when you need us. Please, do not hesitate to call us anytime you observe suspicious activity inside, or outside, the city as it may protect your neighbor`s property, as well as your own.

We are still seeking information reference the destruction of the Anchor Hole parking lot fence, and the $500.00 is still available for the information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) that inflicted the damage. Also, as previously stated, there is an additional $500.00
reward if the information provided leads to the conviction of the individual(s) involved. That would certainly make a nice Christmas bonus for someone.

Speaking of Christmas, let us not forget the reason for the season and it is not only for giving, unless we give in the manner as the Wise Men did so many years ago, out of respect for our Lord and Savior. Please, be safe, and if you have to drink alcohol do so respectably; with concern for your family, friends and loved ones. Remember: We still have Zero Tolerance for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs, or always have a designated driver to assist you. An alternative for you is to use the vehicle provided by The Coconuts Bar and Grille. Otherwise, it could be a costly night out, if we observe you in an inebriated state.

Have a great Thanksgiving and never forget to tell your family how much you love them, since we never know when the Good Lord will come to take us home. It could be in the blink of an eye and we need to always be prepared. Until next time: May GQd bless and keep you safe at all times and please; keep it between the lines and ditches, as the life you save could be your own, or a family member.