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CITY NEWS

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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NOTICE:  CURFEW LIFTED
2024 October 30
 
The City of Cedar Key is no longer under a curfew order.
 
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CITY COMMISSION MET 16 OCTOBER

The Cedar Key City Commssion met Tuesday,
October 15, 2024 at 5 pm at City Hall
 
 
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
TEMPORARY POLICE CHIEF
Police chief Mike Wilson is temporarily in place for Cedar Key Police Chief Edwin Jenkins, who is on medical leave.
 
MARINA USE
Use of the Marina is available to commercial entities only.
 
HAZARDOUS WASTE
Should a resident have hazardous waste to dispose of, call City Hall for pick up.
 
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is being planned on Second Street. No further details were offered.

PUBLIC COMMENT
CKS DECA PRESENTATION:
Cedar Key School’s Diversified Education Clubs of America sponsor, instructor Nicole Gill, accompanied by two students, presented their mission of bolstering their community. This month, the group is operating a canned food drive to assist the area. The threesome garnered applause from the audience.
 
GUDE, TREAT, THANK CITY, CKWSD
Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges Manager Andrew Gude expressed his gratitude to city and water board staff for the excellent planning and performance before and after the storm.
Resident Jeri Treat echoed Gude’s remarks and added, “I’m so glad you gave these employees the raise.”
 
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamber President Doug Lindhout noted that the Chamber’s Christmas tree will be placed in City Park sometime soon, and he will be calling for volunteers to help restore the currently damaged boughs and erect the tree.
He further noted that the Chamber staff is operating out of a trailer currently placed alongside the Welcome Center because of hurricane damage.
 
Lindhout hopes to somehow message to the public a “What’s newly opened this week?” notice weekly. The Island Hotel is this week’s subject; it is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, five days a week.
 
CEDAR KEY AQUACULTURE ASSOCIATION
CKAA President Rosie Cantwell reported that the aquaculture industry, nearly statewide, ha severely suffered from the effects of the hurricanes. Her group has lobbied US House Speaker Mike Johnson and others to raise awareness of its plight.
 
NATURE COAST BIOLOGICAL STATION
NCBS Director Mike Allen reported that, though the breakaway bottom floor of the station did as it was intended, enough damage to the electrical and plumbing was done by the hurricane for him to close and have staff work remotely until the building and its services are repaired. He hopes to be open in January.
 
Allen added that Seahorse Key has been badly eroded, putting the Lighthouse in a precarious position.
 
CEDAR KEY WATER & SEWER DISTRICT
Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John Rittenhouse
Updated the group with the following news.
• Two of the most important, helpful elements of resuming water and sewer systems operative were Orange County, out of Santa Rosa, Utilities who, in response to a pre—organized mutual aid agreement, returned to working order the island’s seventeen lift stations. The second factor allowing the restoration of water in Cedar Key was retired General Manager and Superintendent of the CKWSD James McCain.
• Both the water and the wastewater systems are operative. A boil water notice is in effect until testing shows salinity levels decreased, and water normalized. Homes in which plumbing and or electrical lines have been damaged are still without sewer or power services.
• And much, much more.
 
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
ORDINANCE NO. 557, SECOND READING
This ordinance amends the future land use plan map series in the Comprehensive Plan.
Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance.
 
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE
JAMES MORE HIRED
Commissioners unanimously agreed to hire James Moore, Certified Public Accountants, at a cost of $40,300 to assist the city clerk in the production of books to precede the city’s and the Community Redevelopment Agency’s annual audits.
 
PURVIS GRAY TO BE HIRED
Commissioners unanimously agreed to hire Purvis Gray, Certified Public Accountants,, at a cist if $4, 970, to perform the city’s and the Community Redevelop net Agency’s annual audits.
 
PERMIT FEES
The discussion of lowering permit fees ensued. Immediately resolved was that a fee would not be required for demolition of buildings damaged by Hurricane Helene.
 
Commissioners heard speakers expressing understanding why permits must require a fee. They heard another who believed that, as other counties in Florida, most larger and wealthier than Levy County do: they should eliminate the fees. And take the loss in revenue.
Commissioners declined to lower the fees as the city’s building department is not a profit making entity. The department charges only what it costs to cover administrative costs. Should they charge less for permits, the administrative costs would necessarily, and inappropriately, be paid by those residents not needing the services.
 
POST HURRICANE, FIRE PERMITTING PROCESS, TRAILERS
Commissioners reported that JPI, the city’s Building Department officers, have determined that, after events such as a hurricane or fire, residents and businesses may have a trailer on their property for up to 36 months.
 
PUBLIC WORKS
Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain reported his hurricane damaged or lost equipment. Commissioners unanimously approved him, working within his budget, to replace those items.
 
CONSULTANT HIRE
At the suggestion by audience member Bill Clark, Consultant Harry Henderson of Virginia was hired at $1,000 per month. No other consultants were discussed or considered. His task was unclear, it was either: to help plan the future of Cedar Key or to access the possible federal monies coming in disaster relief.
 
HURRICANE UPDATE
Emergency Operations Director Robert Robinson updated commissioners.
• Old City Hall has shifted on its foundation.
• The insurance company insuring the library and the Welcome Center has begun clean up and repair operations.
 
The meeting adjourned at 5:42 pm..
   
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W3C MET OCTOBER 2024
2024 October 17
The Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative, the W3C, met in Otter Creek, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1 pm.
 
HURRICANE HELENE AND HURRICANE MILTON UPDATES
Chair Robert Partin asked Mayor Colson to update the W3C group about the status of Cedar Key after the hurricanes. Colson articulated much detail about the preplanning efforts that made the disaster less disastrous and the ongoing work thereafter:
• working closely with the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District, providing portable toilets, washrooms, showers, and laundry facilities shortly after Hurricane Helene and communicating the status of conditions to the public with alacrity;
• having precontracted debris removal on site within days;
• working closely with local churches to provide water, breakfast, lunch, and dinner for all, distributing cleaning supplies, and providing sleeping space on their floors for utility workers on four- or five-day stints on the emergency crews;
• coordinating with other police departments to monitor entry and reentry to the island, prevent looting, enforce curfews, and provide general comfort to residents;
• coordinating volunteers to assure a record, for possible EMA reimbursement, registering each volunteer, and assuring that those residents and businesses needing assistance got precisely what they needed, everything from simple debris pick up to heavy duty machine work; and much, much more.
 
Chair Partin also asked Cedar Key Water and Sewer District General Manager John Rittenhouse to update the group. Among the plethora of information articulated by Rittenhouse were the following items.
• Two of the most important, helpful elements of resuming water and sewer systems operative were Orange County, out of Santa Rosa, Utilities who, in response to a pre—organized mutual aid agreement, returned to working order the island’s seventeen lift stations. The second factor allowing the restoration of water in Cedar Key was retired General Manger and Superintendent of the CKWSD James McCain.
• Both the water and the wastewater systems are operative. A boil water notice is in effect until testing shows salinity levels decreased, and water normalized. Homes in which plumbing and or electrical lines have been damaged are still without sewer or power services.
• And much, much more.
 
 
W3C UPDATE
Dennis Davis, representing Robert Beltran, Dewberry Vice President, presented a PowerPoint explanation of the tasks being performed to date. Little has changed since last month. Davis reported that the group was working on its engineering and developing a pricing structure for users when the project ends.

CK CITY DECALNOTICE:  
CITY CEMETERY REOPENED
2024 October 16
 
Please exercise caution when entering.
Fallen trees require clearance.
Our team is working to clear the area of debris
and ensure the safety and accessibility of the surroundings.
 
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CK CITY DECALNOTICE: 
POST OFICE BOX FEES 
2024 October 17
  


POST OFFICE  BOX CUSTOMERRS:
please disregard any messages about fees that are due.
There are no fees forpost offaice box fees at this time.
 
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CKWSD FAUCETCKWSD APPLAUDED,
STORM’S EFFECT UPDATED

2024 OCTOBER 17



The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District met on Monday, October 14 , 2024, at 5 pm, at the Cedar Key City Hall, due to Hurricane Helene’s damage to its office on Third Street.

APPLAUSE
Nature Coast Biological Station Director Mike Allen, and audience members, lauded the CKWSD staff for their quick, dogged response to the storm and the speed with which water was restored. A chorus of applause was heard throughout the room.

FURTHER APPLAUSE
Both the CKWSD and the City of Cedar Key worked closely before, during, and after the storms to foresee, plan, and actualize solutions for needs. The portable toilets on nearly every block were part of that planning. Audience members expressed thanks and much needed comfort seeing the coordination of the two entities..

POST HURRICANE HELENE AND MILTON UPDATE
Among many items, General Manager John Rittenhouse reported the following.
• Responding to Cedar Key’s mutual aid agreement, Orange County responded to CKWSD’s gutted lift stations. With consummate equipment and expertise, Orange County staff rescued and repaired inundated, battered, partially or completely destroyed stations, repairing them structurally as well as electronically. The mutual aid agreement involves a cost; that cost will come in an invoice later.
• CKWSD staff worked 12-hour days for approximately 11 days
• Staff is now working out of a trailer, due to damage to the district’s offices. Health officials, including a hygienist, are scheduled to deduce the safety of the building.
• Salinity in the water system is decreasing daily but not at levels low enough to rescind the boil water notice. Testing occurs daily. When the notice is reminded, the public will be notified.
• When the water is cleared of saline, chlorine may be added, thereby assuring residents of no bacteria within. Then, after testing, the boil water notice may be rescinded.
• The sewer system is operative. The CKWSD’s 17 lift stations are operating by themselves without generator backup.
• Some homes have grinder units, smaller, separate, individual lift stations, depending upon how low their homes are. These units have electrical control boxes, many of which were inundated or destroyed during the storm. Homeowners, many of whom do not know they have such a unit, are responsible for their homes’ equipment. These units must be maintained regularly for proper functioning. The CKWSD’s responsibility ends where private water lines connect to the water meters.

REVENUE LOSS POST HURICANES
Commissioners considered mechanisms by which to continue operations with the potential loss of revenue from customers in upcoming months and longer. As requests for disconnecting services come from customers, Rittenhouse will provide updated numbers for commissioner consideration.

Comissioner Sturmer reminded her colleagues that now is the time to be speaking to state legislators in Tallahassee about our losses and our needs.

NEW EMPLOYEE
Recently hired field technician Nick Hansel was welcomed by the board and the audience. Hansel comes highly certificated from Manatee County.

COMMISSIONER CONCERN
Commissioner Jonathan Ferguson, briefly but earnestly, vented about the lack of breadth, depth, and substance of the media, social and network, repeating the mantra that “Cedar Key is gone.” Emotional, generalized information appears to be gathered and repeated ad infinitum, damaging the area’s reputation and resilience capacity, he lamented. Commissioners heartily agreed.

 
OPEN LETTER
Jim Wortham, Cedar Key City Commission
 
Cedar Key has been battered by the worst storm we have seen here in generations and the highest storm surge on record. While storm waters were still receding Cedar Key officials were working with County and State authorities to secure resources and emergency response personnel. Within days, Porta-Johns and restroom trailers, water and meals, military and law enforcement personnel, med units, and additional fire and rescue assets were in place to assist in the response and recovery. This pouring in of support resources far outpaced other communities hit equally or worse by Helene and is testimony to those folks who planned and prepared for a nightmare event such as this.

Divisiveness does not help, but thankfully there are many, many more of us who, in the Cedar Key tradition, put any differences aside and do everything necessary during these times to make sure that our friends and neighbors get back on their feet and have everything they need as quickly as possible.

During the past few weeks, we as a community, have suffered a catastrophic fire that consumed many of our businesses, participated in a coastal cleanup to benefit our amazing surroundings which are the reason why many of us are here, we prepared and braced for a monster hurricane, responded to the call and comforted our shell-shocked neighbors as we began to dig out, we dropped everything to prepare for another storm which exploded in the Gulf, and now we are on the long road to recovery and re-building our community.

As we embrace this recovery process, we all want to preserve as much as possible that which makes Cedar Key the best place in the world to live, but we also want to do what we can to guard against having to again suffer this level of damage and destruction. To accomplish this, some things in Cedar Key will have to change. We have already seen many City facilities move to higher ground; more will follow after this storm. Building requirements designed to strengthen structures against this type of onslaught while protecting neighboring structures will mean that new houses and businesses will look somewhat different than what we have had in the past. It will also mean that Cedar Key, as a community, will have to adopt a new focus toward permanent development only on higher ground and smarter, maybe movable businesses and facilities in lower areas. We will also need to reimagine our economy, of course aquaculture will remain once our farmers recover from these immediate losses, but we will need to carefully manage our visitor economy so that we can capitalize on Cedar Key’s natural beauty and charm in such a way that our restaurants and entertainment venues can thrive for the benefit of both visitors and residents alike. We also need to do what is necessary to keep those essential businesses upon which we all depend such as grocery, hardware, medical, and post office services.

The City, particularly through the Local Planning Agency (LPA) and the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), can help. We need to quickly understand and implement policies and programs that allow our community to build back smarter and stronger without unnecessary hardships for residents and businesses. Because I am not an expert in any of these, I know enough to seek out those that are, and with these goals in mind, I am proposing a CRA workshop for the coming weeks to invite key business owners, residents, legal experts, and planning professionals to a panel discussion. The hopes are to identify and pivot toward affordable and meaningful actions that the City can take to enable our community and economy to recover as quickly as possible.

Unfortunately, Cedar Key has been rapidly pushed to a crucial precipice. We have lost many of our businesses and homes in the relative blink of an eye. Many of us suffer from storm fatigue, heartbreak, and a wariness to invest more of ourselves after having to rebuild so many times. However, if we choose to do so, we can also make this an opportunity. The past few weeks can be the shove that we needed to finally embrace this new reality and build a community accordingly. If any town has a hope of accomplishing this goal, it is us, but only if we work together.
 
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CK CITY DECAL
 
CITY COMMISSION WILL MEET
OCTOBER 15
2024  OCTOBER 13
 
 
 
 
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CKWSD FAUCET

 

CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
WILL MEET MONDAY OCTOBER  14

2024 OCTOBER 14

 

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA

 

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CITY COMMISSION MEETS:
FINAL BUDGET HEARING;
IN SPECIAL SESSION, REGARDING
FIRE AND HURRICANE HELENE
2024 September 24
 
The Cedar Key City Commission met Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5 pm at City Hall.
 
MILLAGE AND FINAL BUDGET
After six budget meetings, much conversation, some exasperation, and much transparency, commissioners unanimously approved the final millage rate of 4.4936 and passed the budget for fy 2024-2025.
This Final Budget Hearing ended at 5:05 pm.
 
SPECIAL MEETING: DOCK STREET FIRE, HURRICAN HELENE
DOCK STREET FIRE
Mayor Colson remarked that all federal, state, and county agencies responded to the fire in efforts to assist Cedar Key. Colson’s more full-throated accolades were for city staff, public works, police, office staff, emergency director, and volunteer fire rescue personnel.
 
Colson reported that Duncan’s debris removal should be completed tomorrow morning, Wednesday. The monumental effort to remove the debris before the oncoming storm and before pollutants fouled waters for clamming was first assisted by Levy County personnel. efforts were completed by a private debris hauler.
 
HURRICANE ELENE
Emergency Operations Director. Fire Chief Robert Robinson reported on his National Hurricane Center webinar earlier in the day that the Center predicted Hurricane Helena’s projected storm surge is the highest they have seen, some 12 to 17 feet.
 
ROBINSON‘S MESSAGE TO CEDAR KEYANS IS CLEAR:
• Leave this town.
• Understand that no food, no medicine, no housing, no help, no water, no power will be available to you.
• No ambulances will be able to get to you.
• Even if Cedar Key does not get a direct hit, it will be affected, direly.
• Your remaining on the island puts his staff and himself in harm’s way.
 
RETURN TO THE ISLAND
• People returning to the island must have a reentry pass. No exceptions. Even though you may be well known, you may not reenter without a pass.
• Understand that looting has occurred in the past.
• Understand that the re-entry pass is for your protection and your property’s protection.
• Should the situation dictate, a curfew will be in effect from sunset to sunrise. Protection of residents from floating gas tanks, downed power lines, and more may necessitate this measure.
 
WATER CONCERNS
The best thing to do is, as Robinson says, leave the island when a storm approaches.
John Rittenhouse, Geral Manager of the CKWSD,  announced that:
• Water will be turned off.
• Water service will be restored as soon as possible.
• It takes time for water staff to assure that lines are safe and secure.
 
The meeting adjourned at 5:42 pm.
 
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INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN UP
IN CEDAR KEY 2024
2024 September 21
 
 
CCleanUp 4673xe
CCleanUp 4657xeCCleanUp 9302xe
 
DEBRIS COLLECTION
Local boats gathered fishing nets, other fishing gear, wood, and other debris and deposited it in the waiting garbage bins.
Students, both local and from Williston, picked up cigarette butts along Dock Street, and First and Second Streets. Later the butts will be counted and added to the long list of those collected in earlier years, with students hoping the number will diminish.
 
All about the island folks wandered, stooping, collecting, carrying bags upon bags. Understanding the effort’s importance, Gainesville’s Ty Washington brought out his fifteen-person crew from Coca-Cola to help Cedar Key.
 
Two large black containers were on site to collect the marine debris found. Well before 10:30 am, one container was overflowing and the second partially filled. Mostly filled with cover nets, other debris included clam bags, buoys, oyster bags, and lease markers.
 
 CCleanUp_4652xe.jpgCCleanUp 4696xeCCleanUp_4698xe.jpg

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MUSIC WAFTED
Music wafted about the volunteers, making the day more enjoyable. Mike and Mary Peterson played and sang, Buffet-like, Cedar Key-ish tunes brought forth many a smile from workers and volunteers alike.
 
LUNCH
Lunch was served by members of the Woman’s Club. Hot dogs, bratwurst, fresh fruit cups, chips, and cookies were the fare, much appreciated by the tired workers.
 
 
CCleanUp 4686xe CCleanUp 4689xeCCleanp 4728xe
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEAN UP HISTORY
The International Coastal Cleanup began more than 30 years ago when Linda Maraniss and a colleague at the Ocean Conservancy, Kathy O’Hara, reached out to the Texas General Land Office, local businesses, and ocean lovers. This became the Conservancy’s first clean up. They asked the volunteers to not only pick up the trash, but also to record the trash to learn how to keep trash out of the oceans. Now, over 30 years later, this has become the largest single-day ocean cleanup event in the world.
  
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CK CITY DECAL
 
MAYOR UPDATES PUBLIC
REGARDING DOCK STREET FIRE PROGRESS
2024 September 20
 
 
Speaking to a room of reporters and locals, Mayor Sue Colson updated the community on the events surrounding the Dock Street Fire.
 
THE SITE
• The fire personnel was dispatched at 5:29 am on Thursday, September 19, 2024. Some fifty firefighters fought the fire throughout the day.
• Fire Chief Robert Robinson watched over the scene and equipment all Thursday night.DockSt Fire 4480xe
• Debris removal is Colson’s greatest concern now, fearing that the debris, in and about to fall into the water, will foul waters enough to impact clamming.
• Since the press conference, even with calm weather, debris has been found at the outlying areas of Dog Island and North Key.
• In an effort to speed debris removal, Colson was referred to, spoke to, and received permission to remove debris from the premises on Monday, from the Tallahassee fire bureau chief.
• The property owners have been notified that removal of debris will occur on Monday, September 23, 2024, and advised that if insurance personal need to see the area, such a visit must occur before Monday.
• The Trading Post and Steamers are damaged and possibly beyond repair; the Rusty Hook Fishing Shop and what was Duncan’s Restaurant before Hurricane Idalia are lost to the fire.
• Access to Dock Street from First Street and C Street was shut down and reopened Friday.
 
SUPPORT
• State and county officials have been attentive and helpful. Senator Rick Scott, Cat Cammack, and Marco Rubio’s office telephoned. Levy County Commissioners Matt Brooks and Desiree Mills have spent hours in town.
• Fire personnel and equipment from Levy, Citrus, and Dixie counties were on site.
 
RESILIENCY
• Cedar Key businesses and residents are working hard to assist those now out of work find work, food, and other assistance. The Cedar Key Food Pantry has an emergency fund set up for such purposes.
• “Cedar Key is resilient,” said Colson. As with hurricanes, we assess our losses, then focus on our strengths and what we can do to help one another.”
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CITY SPECIAL MEETING SEPTEMBER
2024 September 20
 
 
09 24 2024 Special Comm. Mtg. Agenda Dock Str Fire 
 
 
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CITY FINAL BUDGET HEARING 
SEPTEMBER 24 AGENDA
2024 September 20
 
 JPG24 2024 FY2024 2025 Final Budget Millage Hearing Agenda Packet
 
 
 
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NOTICE:  DOK STREET CLOSED
2024 September 19
 
Dock Street Closed 09 19 2024
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