COLSON MUSES
2025 April 4
2025 April 4
In a March 31, 2025, interview with Mayor Sue Colson, the 22-year civil servant to the City of Cedar Key, expressed appreciation and some concern. This was her last day as mayor of Cedar Key.
Of primary appreciation and concern was the City of Cedar Key staff. Much interview time was spent extolling their expertise. Nearly impossible tasks, Colson detailed, are regularly, seamlessly, and routinely accomplished by each department head with little interruption or public notice. The cross-trained groups works as a tight, trusting, collaborative lot, able to open City Hall within days after hurricanes and other calamities. Mayor Colson expressed hope that staff will remain as fully supported as they have in the past. Her parting letter to staff included the following memorable note: “…I hope this letter will serve as a reminder that we love and cherish our fragile and beautiful city wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the service of you….”
Colson also mused about the voluminous number of volunteers she has had the privilege with whom to work. Pre and post hurricane and storm events, fires, children lost on the water, and more rely on volunteer assistance, which has bee abundant through the years. Such help, Coolson hopes, will continue to be nurtured.
Colson also expressed appreciation to the University of Florida’s Nature Coast Biological Station which has supported the city resilience studies, grant management, and much more, since their arrival on the island. Years of clearly documented scientific data, integral to the longevity of Cedar Key, forms the basis of many influential state and federal allies that have buttressed Cedar Key initiatives. Colson expressed the hope that the many combined efforts between the city and NCBS remain in the forefront.
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