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Letters to the Editor: Levy County Planning
September 5th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: May Day in July
July 31st, 2007

Letters to the Editor: A Letter from Brian Hussan
May 9th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: Candidate Withdraws from Commission Race
April 20th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Recipe for Tax Disaster
March 26th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Study Merger of Water & Sewer District into City
March 12th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: Levy County Tax Rebel Meeting
January 5th, 2007

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Law Enforcement Budget and Attitude Concerns Resident
December 18th, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Invite to Fish Fry
December 7th, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Ferel Cat Program
November 28th, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Tax Reaction
November 1st, 2006

Letters to the Editor: A Recent Visit to Cedar Key: Jogging My Memories
October 26th, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Tax Rebel Letter
October 23rd, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Letter: Operation Cedar Key is Successful
October 19th, 2006

Letters to the Editor: Answer to "Crime Pays" Letter
October 9th, 2006

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Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Mike Hodges

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in regards to the Clam Lease Expansion Proposed by the Department of Aquaculture and Consumer Services (DACS).

Last week DACS decided to shelve the High Density Portion of The Proposed Clam Lease Expansion, we unanimously applaud this decision, however, we still have grave concerns about DACS allowing Lease Applications to be submitted for 5 acres per person. If the first of these applications are approved it will open PANDORA`S BOX, and set a precedence for all other applications which could tally into the hundreds.

Approximately 15 years ago, we had a similar situation with the Pelican Reef Expansion, many of the lease applicant`s had no intention of planting clams, selling their leases to make a quick profit. It was like an old fashioned land grab. After that, DACS stopped accepting lease applications. During that time the clam market could absorbed the added production, clam prices were double what they are today. Making the same mistake now, with the shape we are in, would be disastrous. We have been over producing for some time now, causing prices to plummet. More clam leases means more clams. What we need now is a marketing plan.

The vast majority of Cedar Key Clammers want the Governor and his Cabinet to vote No on all upcoming lease applications. The Dept. of Agriculture has a duty to manage our submerged lands responsibly, considering the fact that the submerged lands we use to farm clams, are owned by the Citizens of Florida.

Thank you,
Mike Hodges

Flow us on Facebook @ Save the Clam Farmers of Cedar Key Fl.

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