Cedar Key Citizens Build a Legacy If you're awake, you already know that this little fishing/clamming village is THE destination point in Levy County. When folks from Gainesville, Jacksonville or St. Pete want to get away from their own Florida hometown, they fly, bike, paddle and drive to this serene little town on the Gulf. It's been that way as long as most natives can remember.
There are so many reasons why. Many envy the slow pace of the small community lifestyle, or are drawn to the delicious seafood served fresh, or it's the "location, location, location" on the Gulf, but for many, it's the proximity to the spectacular natural beauty surrounding Cedar Key.
Mother Nature tucks her winged ones and their young away in nests along the Refuge island shorelines out in the protective reaches of the Gulf for their survival. Birds of many colors, rare and not-so-rare, can be seen from State Road 24 and the four bridges that lead to Cedar Key. Each year more and more affluent birders with disposable incomes are being drawn to our community by a small core group of volunteers who produce the first and only birding and wildlife event in the area, the Nature Coast Birding & Wildlife Experience.
Your friends and neighbors, officials from state and federal conservation lands, and Chamber of Commerce representatives have for nearly three years been a part of bringing non-consumptive visitors (eco-tourists) to benefit your business and your community. Month after month they meet to creatively plan events that will expose tourists interested in the ecology (natural balance) of our Gulf community, to the vast acres of public lands that make it perfect for fish and wildlife as well as people.
If you are an exceptional high school student or a Bright Futures Scholar looking for volunteer hours, we can offer you opportunities to improve your professional skills and learn the ins and outs of producing and coordinating a special event. You will meet and work with local public lands officials and professional photographers and nature guides. Computer (Excel, Word), writing and digital camera skills are needed. After successful service, letters of reference will be provided to you for your future employment.
If you are a business owner, a retiree or one who values the non-consumptive use of your community, join in the effort to promote ecological commerce to Cedar Key and bring your talents and love of nature to the next meeting of the Nature Coast Birding & Wildlife Experience '06. Call Judy Johnson at the Chamber of Commerce, 543-5600, for more information. | 