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CITY NEWS

CK CITY DECALNOTICE:
CEDAR KEY BURN BAN
IS LIFTED.
1013 December 17
 
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CK CITY DECALCOMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY  WILL EET 2024 DECEMBER 17
2024  December 14
 
 
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CK CITY DECAL
 
CITY COMMISSION WILL MEET
DECEMBER 17 
2024  December 15
 
 
 
 
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CKWSD CELEBRATES
MCCAIN’S 46 YEARS WITH THE DISTRICT
2 December 2024
 
 
The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District board commissioners and the public celebrated James McCain’s nearly half century of service to the district’s customers Monday evening, December 2, 2024.
 
McCain Honored 02Dec2024xe1
 
Though technically retired some months ago, McCain has worked continuously since then as a district consultant and always there when needed. …which means most of the time. Through Hurricanes Debby, Milton, and Helene, James McCain was on board with all his professional expertise, connections, and energy.
 
The CKWSD commissioners used this evening’s meeting to present a plaque of appreciation for Mr. McCain’s service. Modest to the extreme, McCain declined any other formal celebration of his 46 years.
 
When prompted, several times, to speak, McCain said he came to Cedar Key as a young man and knew then that here is where he wanted to stay. He did precisely that, much to Cedar Key’s good fortune.
 
Audience members could not say enough about McCain. Comments included:
“If you want something done right, ask a McCain.”
“He was always there for me, any time I needed help, he was there.”
“This man embodies Cedar Key at its best: constant, expert, kind.”
“He means the world to this community: Volunteer Fire Rescue…Water Board…he could not be more valuable.” 
 
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 NOTICE:
DOCK STREET AT FIRST  AND C STREETS
2024 December 10

Levy County has notified us that they plan to commence work on Dock Street on either December 10th or 11th. This project is anticipated to take approximately two weeks to complete. During this time, Dock Street at the intersection of 1st and C will be closed. This information is subject to change.
 
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as this necessary work is carried out.
 
Please contact Levy County Parks & Recreation with any questions at 352-486-5127.
 
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Dawn Alexander Paddled Her Way to Success!
2024 dECEMBER 2
 
Brian Moore was driving across the Number 3 Bridge when something in the water caught his eye. He noticed that a group of White Pelicans was paddling away from the pilings; but one pelican was struggling to keep up and was left behind.

On a closer look Brian realized that the pelican had line wrapped around his leg and his wings, and was snagged on the piling.Pelican by piling a
 
Brian’s quick call to W.R.E.N. put the Bird Rescue Team into action! Both Doug Maple and Amy Horn quickly made it to the bridge to access the situation. They realized that the huge White Pelican could not be reached by a rescuer wading into the water. A boat or kayak was needed.
 
Enter our seasoned and daring rescuer, Dawn Alexander!

With wire cutters in her pocket, she eased her kayak into the water near the Number 3 Bridge.

Realizing she would need both hands to try to untangle this huge pelican, and she could therefore not paddle the kayak at the same time, she aimed her kayak up current so that she could drift toward the bird without paddling.
 
Upon reaching the pelican, Dawn cut the line and unwrapped his wings, checking for damage.

The Pelican was able to stretch and flap his wings but was still attached to the piling by line around his leg.

Carefully cutting and unwrapping the line around his leg, and checking for any lesions caused by the line, Dawn decided he was safe to release.

After a few test wing flaps, the released pelican paddled quickly then soared toward his buddies, no doubt giving them a word or two about leaving him behind!
 
White pelicans are huge, so how Dawn did this rescue on her own while sitting in a kayak is mind-boggling to other rescuers!
 
Please support W.R.E.N., the Cedar Key Bird Rescue Team:

1 - Email us to get information of ways you might help: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (subject line W.R.E.N)
2 - Stop by Seacoast Bank to make a deposit to the W.R.E.N. account.
3 – Mail us at Cedar Key P.O. Box #321, C.K. 32625
 
 
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CITY COMMISSION MET 19 NOVEMBER

The Cedar Key City Commssion met Tuesday,
November 19, 2024 - 5 pm at City Hall
 

PUBLIC COMMENT
LIBRARY
Friends of the Cedar Key Library chair Joyce DeHaan asked when the Library would become available for public use. Emergency Operations Manager Robert Robinson responded that the insurance company has settled, and a contractor has been hired to complete the restoration work necessary to reopen. The contractor can present no completion schedule as yet.
 
After thanking the commissioners for an effective, efficient hurricane recovery, Scott Denison warned that soon commissioners will experience a drop in property values and, resultantly, less revenue coming to the city and planning for that is important.
 
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Cedar Key Chamber of commerce President Doug Lindhout urged the easing of building and permitting regulations, as this would be helpful to the business community.
 
CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
The CKWSD requested permission to temporarily occupy space in the parking lot across from the Market to stage equipment used to refurbish the first set of lift stations. They will use as little space as possible. Commissioners unanimously approved the request.
General Manager John Rittenhouse announced an informational public meeting on December 2 when he and the refurbishing contractor will explain where and when city traffic might be interrupted and how it will be managed.
 
CLAM CELEBRATION
University of Florida Extension Agent Leslie Sturmer invited all to the November 30 Clam Celebration which will unveil four fie-foot clam shells decorated by local artists and to be placed about town.
 
CEDAR KEY ARTS CENTER
Mary Prescott announced that the Old Florida Celebration of the Arts Festival will happen but in an altered state. The board is reworking the size, the requirements associated by a juried show, and the number and availability of needed volunteers. More information will be forthcoming.
 

 
EXQUISITE YOGA PLATFORM
GRACES CEMETERY POINT PARK
2024 November 22
 
 
On Friday, November 22, 2024, seventeen graduating University of Florida architecture seniors celebrated the culmination of three months’ work: the designing and building of a yoga platform.
 
Built entirely of cedar, the 20 by 16 foot platform sports an instructor’s upper platform, a large practice space, a bench, stairs upon which to climb or be seated and a graceful white and blue canopy that eases the sun’s rays. The structure is elegant, graceful, and consummately useful.
YOGA 5112xe ckn
When asked what the intention of the piece was, students echoed Cedar Key. “We wanted it to reflect a combination of water, boats, waves, peace, and what is essentially Cedar Key,” one student remarked. The entire structure is made of warm cedar wood; the canopy reflects the blue and white of the sky and the clouds while it shades; and the base of the structure resembles the hull of a strong vessel. Indeed, the students achieved what they intended…quite magnificently.
 
In August, students began their semester-length Design/ Build architecture course with Professor Charlie Hailey, architect, writer, and School of Architecture, University of Florida, professor, Hailey received a Guggenheim Fellowship, two Fulbright Scholarships, and has authored six books focusing upon multidisciplinary approaches to the built environment.
 
Hailey’s Design/Build course is designed to have students interact with a community, explore a need/project, design that project, and build it from the ground up, working with the community throughout the process. Students met the community representatives in August, initially returned every two weeks to further design and building concepts, and finally returned weekly to finalize the construction project.
YOGA 5157xe ckn
YOGA 5127xe ckn
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Professor Charlie Hailey expressed pleasure and delight with his students and their product. “This was an amazing group of students; they are uniquely academic, creative, as well as practical, all very necessary qualities for successful architecture. We also really appreciate the chance to work with the Cedar Key community again. Additionally, this group was a complete pleasure with whom to work.”

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
2024 November 26
 
Bring Some Take Some 11 27 2024
 
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MSAnnies
 
 

CK CITY DECALNOTICE: 
CITY HAL CLOSURE
2024 November
25
City Hall will be closing at noon
Wednesday, November 27th
and will be closed
Thursday, November 28th,
and Friday, November 29th.
 
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CK CITY DECALNOTICE: 
LAUNDRY FACILITIES
2024 November 25
 
The laundry facilitiesS  will be
leaving the Island on
Friday, November 29, 2024.
 
Please do not  leave laundry unattended.
 
 
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CEDAR KEY COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
DECIDES UPON PARKING, BUDGET
2024 November 21

The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency met in a workshop first and then a meeting, two separate proceedings, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 5 pm in City Hall. This article recounts the meeting’s content.
 
Commissioners in attendance included: Chair Jim Wortham, Vice-Chair Sue Colson, Nancy Sera, Jeff Webb, and Jolie Davis. CRA member John Meeks was not in attendance.
 
BUDGET
FINAL BUDGET HEARING 2025
Commissioners unanimously approved the CRA 2025 budget. $634,325 carries over to the upcoming year’s budget.
 
RESOLUTION 2024-2
Commissioners unanimously approved the CRA budget for fiscal year 2024-2025.
 
THIRD STREET PROPERTY
Commissioners voted three to two, to not approve the purchase of property on the south side of Third Street from the Carmen Project.
No backup paperwork was provided for this item in the agenda packet.
 
For the past year, the CRA and the Carmen Project have been in negotiations about this property. It contains six lots on the south side of 3rd Street, behind the Island Hotel. The asking price was initially $525,000. The property was later appraised at $415,000. Tonight’s’ price, after Attorney Fugate and the Carmen Project representative met, was $415,000.
 
Mayor Sue Colson again articulated the community’s need for the property, citing hopes to raise a sinking Third Street,, its current value as parking, and the need for the city to own property for later catastrophes, public works staging, and other yet unknown complexities.
Commissioners Jim Wortham, Jeff Webb, and Jolie Davis voted not to purchase the property while Sue Colson and Nancy Sera voted to purchase it.
 
Wortham, Webb, and Davis said that they might purchase the land later if and when they were more certain of funding. Caryn Stephenson, Carmen Project co-owner, responded that, though she believed the land should be in the city’s hands, her project would move forward, and it may not be available to them in the future.
 
SECOND AND A-STREET PARKING
For the second time, the issue of possible parking spaces and retaining wall on the northwest corner of the Second Street and A-Streets intersection surfaced. Currently, the narrow road, A-Street, has no authorized parking, nor has it a pedestrian path/sidewalk.
 
Tonight, commissioners voted to provide a retaining wall and four parking spaces on A-Street at the intersection of Second and A-Street, site of the Sellars Bakery property, at a cost of $41,000. The vote was 5-0.
 
No informational backup paperwork was provided for this item in the agenda packet. The site plan showing the proposed parking and retaining wall was not available prior to the meeting to allow for public comment.

CK CITY DECALCEDAR KEY
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
WORKSHOP 
2024 November 21
 

The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency met in a workshop first and then a meeting, two separate proceedings, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 5 pm in City Hall. This article reflects the workshop contents.
 
All commissioners were in attendance: Chair Jim Wortham, Vice-Chair Sue Colson, Nancy Sera, Jeff Webb, and Jolie Davis. CRA Member John Meeks was not in attendance.
 
WORKSHOP PREFACE
Chair Wortham announced the workshop’s intention: to hear from business owners how, after Hurricane Helene, the Community Redevelopment Agency, could help them. He expressed his concern that should businesses not succeed, Cedar Key may go the way of Suwannee or Yankeetown.
 
INVITED PANEL
Specifically invited to this “panel” were business individuals, for whom ten seats were reserved immediately before the commission dais. Of the city business community, five Cedar Key businesses representatives, Ronnie Taylor, Dell Weible, Denis Gull, Pat Bonish, and Caryn Stephenson, attended.
 
Wortham abbreviated the CRA’s history, some of its accomplishments, budgeting logic , some specifics it could legally and not legally do, and tax increment funding expectations to come.
 
RESPONSES
Responses from the invited panel were varied and often contradictory. To cite a few: easing land code regulations regarding building height as well as building on ground level, fully dredging the marina as well as filling in part of the marina to make a parking lot, installing moorings in the channel for large boats, placing marine gas facilities dockside or have a gas truck available to supply gas to boat people touring the coast, and gas available at the airport, adding more parking, adding more floating docks and, returning the post office truck to its previously rented property, businesses in residential areas, replaing some of the County housing with city buildings and businesses, fixing the pier, paying businesses’ permitting fees, and more.

Many of the ideas had been discussed at previous city workshops and shown to be unworkable and environmentally unsafe.
 
Many comments were regarding parking. Some saw it as a problem of people having to walk two or more blocks to a particular business.

Repeatedly, Wortham, Webb, and Davis implied that Community Redevelopment Agency dollars, for the businesses, were there for the asking, should the asking be within the legal limits of the agency. You need to “guide us, not vice versa,” articulated Wortham. Webb suggested the CRA give matching grants, not to be repaid, to help businesses rebuild.

CEDAR KEY
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
WORKSHOP MEETING

2024 November 21
 

The Cedar Key Community Redevelopment Agency met in a workshop first and then a meeting, two separate proceedings, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 5 pm in City Hall. This article reflects the workshop contents.
All commissioners were in attendance: Chair Jim Wortham, Vice-Chair Sue Colson, Nancy Sera, Jeff Webb, and Jolie Davis. CRA Member John Meeks was not in attendance.
 
WORKSHOP PREFACE
Chair Wortham announced the workshop’s intention: to hear from business owners how, after Hurricane Helene, the Community Redevelopment Agency, could help them. He expressed his concern that should businesses not succeed, Cedar Key may go the way of Suwannee or Yankeetown.
 
INVITED PANEL
Specifically invited to this “panel” were business individuals, for whom ten seats were reserved immediately before the commission dais. Of the city business community, five Cedar Key businesses representatives, Ronnie Taylor, Dell Weible, Denis Gull, Pat Bonish, and Caryn Stephenson, attended.
 
Wortham abbreviated the CRA’s history, some of its accomplishments, budgeting logic , some specifics it could legally and not legally do, and tax increment funding expectations to come.
 
RESPONSES
Responses from the invited panel were varied and often contradictory. To cite a few: easing land code regulations regarding building height as well as building on ground level, fully dredging the marina as well as filling in part of the marina to make a parking lot, installing moorings in the channel for large boats, placing marine gas facilities dockside or have a gas truck available to supply gas to boat people touring the coast, and gas available at the airport, adding more parking, adding more floating docks and, returning the post office truck to its previously rented property, businesses in residential areas, replaing some of the County housing with city buildings and businesses, fixing the pier, paying businesses’ permitting fees, and more.

Many of the ideas had been discussed at previous city workshops and shown to be unworkable and environmentally unsafe.
Many comments were regarding parking. Some saw it as a problem of people having to walk two or more blocks to a particular business.
 
 LEFT UNATTENDED

Commissioners did not discuss in the workshop how they were managing some of the other community’s daily needs and safety.  To name a  few:

  • the washboard road on First Street at the corner of Gulf Boulevard,
  • the other washboard road failing on G Street and Third Street,
  • the lack of adequate lighting in City Hall  parking lot,
  • safe street lighting through out the city,
  • the refurbishing of City Park.

IN ATTENDANCE

Staff in attendance included: City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate and Interim City Clerk/Building Clerk Jennifer Sylvester.
Among those in the audience were: Ronnie Taylor, Dennis Gill, Dell Weible, Pat Bonish, Caryn Stephenson, Maureen Magee, ,Doug and Sandy Lindhout, Andrea and Scott Dennison, and the Cedar Key News’ Mandy and Frank Offerle.
 
The workshop adjourned at 6:40 pm.
  
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CK CITY DECALSTORM DEBRIS REMOVAL ENDED
2024 Novvember 19
 
Pick up for storm debris has ended.
Expect removal as quickly as possible.
 
No new construction waste should be placed in debris piles.  New coonstruction waste removal is the responsibility of the builder/property owner.
 
 
 
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CK CITY DECALCEDAR KEY
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WILL MEET 
NOVEMBER 21 
THURSDAY
2024 AUGUST 28
 
 
 
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CK CITY DECAL
 
CITY COMMISSION WILL MEET
NOVEMBER 19 
2024  November 16
 
 
 
 
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FOOD PANTRY LOGOLIONS DONATELIONS
SUPPLIES, FREEZER TO  FOOD PANTRY
2024 November 14
 
 
 
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CKWSD
MET IN NOVEMBER
2024 November 11
 
 
The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District met on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key City Hall, due to Hurricane Helene’s damage to its office on Third Street.
 
HURRICANE HELENE UPDATE
The water and sewer lines are fully operative. The boxes of water distributed at the Baptist Church will be no longer available, as the current resources are depleted. Some water lines have been damaged in the debris removal process, as heavy debris was placed on top of them or/and heavy machinery removing the debris has damaged them; all have since been repaired. Individual residents still with water problems may have damage to the lines within their property.
 
LINE OF CREDIT
CKWSD has applied for a 1.5 million dollar line of credit with Seacoast Bank to serve as a bridge should FEMA, the DEP, or insurance companies be slow in reimbursing the district. The fee for this four-year, tax free, revolving line of credit is $7,500. The bond attorney fee is an additional $20,000; the district is investigaing a lower fee.
 
Commissioners will review the agreement with Seacoast, will refer it to their own counsel, and revisit it in the December meeting.
 
LIFT STATION REFURBISHING, PHASE 1
Preparations are underway for the refurbishment of two of the district’s seventeen lift stations. General Manager John Rittenhouse plans to ask the City of Cedar Key to approve the use of half of the Third Street and State Road 24 parking lot for a staging area.
 
Rittenhouse offered a map showing the areas that will be impacting traffic and assured commissioners that one lane will always be operative on impacted streets and a flag person would be in place. The CKWSD is planning a public informational meeting within the next three weeks.
 
W3C UPDATE
Commissioner Johnathan Ferguson, who attended the W3C meeting in Commissioner Joe Hand’s place, reported that the W3C’s consultant, Dewberry Engineering, has begun work on establishing a price for water when the pipeline is finished.
The next W3C meeting is scheduled for November 20th at 1 pm, in Bronson.
 
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
During the Commissioner Comments, commissioner Ferguson asked the question of why the Water District offices continue to be housed at its current site. He then passed out information on a package decentralized wastewater treatment system that can be used to service small communities.

CITY OF CEDAR KEY
LAND/LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY MET 7 NOVEMBER
NOVEMBER 7
 
 
The Cedar Key Land/Local Planning Agency met on Thursday, November 7, 2024, In City Hall at 5pm.
 
LAND/LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY
In the Laws of Cedar Key, the Land/Local Planning Agency is referenced under both titles.
 
Over the years, the city’s Land/Local Planning Agency has changed. At given points, the five member panel was filled by the five commissioners on the Cedar Key Commission at the time. At other times, commissioners sought help from community members with expertise in architecture, construction, and other trades applicable to land planning. Currently, the Cedar Key Commissioners are acting as Cedar Key Land/Local Planning Agency members.
 
The Land Planning Agency has no power to dictate anything. Its purpose is to study issues and forward its advice to the Cedar Key Commission.
 
TONIGHT’S TASK
Mayor Sue Colson characterized the evening’s task as “planting seeds,” seeds that may germinate or may not, but some of which might serve as a future picture of Cedar Key. She explained that no decisions would be made this evening.
 
RESILIENT CEDAR KEY VIDEO
Narrated by Nature Coast Biological Station Director Mike Alen, the audience was reintroduced to the video Resilient Cedar Key.https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/6e0018f57f2c4faf98cd603436f8255c
 
 
Available for the past several years, the City of Cedar Key and University of Florida produced video which is a must see for all area residents. The comprehensive, interactive piece demonstrates what happens to each and every piece of land in Cedar Key in flooding events.
 
ADVISORY BOARD
Colson suggested that the commissioners may need advisors, as they do not have individual land planning expertise, nor do they know what Cedar Key citizens want the area to be post hurricane.

The commission decided that each commissioner would speak to a different group to hear local concerns and wishes. Colson would speak to aquaculture representatives, Wortham environmental representatives, Sera history representatives, Webb commercial representatives, and Davis the residents.

On the advice of City of Cedar Key Attorney Norm Fugate and to bypass Sunshine Law concerns, the gathering of these groups will not be formal, noticed, or reported on directly. How the public is to hear of such meetings, be or be part of such remains a mystery.
 
AUDIENCE INPUT
Only four audience members had input.
Maureen Magee suggested that commissioners articulate a vision and focus upon what kind of visitor the city wishes to attract.
 
Susan Rosenthal expressed her concern about excess traffic in the areas where she resides, including the school and the Whiddon and Gulf intersection.

Jeri Treat reminded commissioners that individuals may belong to more than one of the groups with which each commissioner will meet. Many individuals represent more than one of those groups. How these individuals will interact with various groups was not addressed.
 
Scott Dennison suggested that the public properties around City Hall be reinvestigated for use.

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 pm

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CK CITY DECALHISTORIC PRESERVATION BOARD WILL MEET...
NOVEMBER 13
 
 
2024 November 10
 
 
 
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CK CITY DECALNOTICE: 
WASHERS,  DRYERS
 

The washers and dyers will remain across
from the Fire Station through Monday, November 11, 2024,
and are scheduled for removal
Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
 
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CK CITY DECALNOTICE:
CITY OF CEDAR KEY
LAND PLANNING AGENCY MEETING
2-24 November
 
The LPA will meet Thursday, November 8, 
at 5 pm in City Hall.
 
 
 
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DEMOCRACY imagesUNITED STATES GENERAL ELECTION

VOTE AT CITY HALL
SIXTH STREET
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
TUESDAY
7 AM UNTIL 7 PM
 
CITY HALL SERVICES WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE THIS DAY
BECAUSE OF VOTING TAKING PLACE IN THE FACILITY.

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FEMA HOUSING ASSISTANCE
2024 October 30
 
 
 
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