EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE LUTTERLOH MUSEUM BUILDING!
Even though the Andrews House and grounds are still undergoing significant repairs, we are delighted to announce that the Lutterloh Building will be the venue for several exciting events in the coming months. We invite you to participate in these special gatherings as we celebrate and preserve the rich history and resilience of Cedar Key.
Save These Important Dates:.
February: "Month of Memberships" has begun!The museum's Lutterloh Building will be open every Saturday from February 8th to February 23rd, from 12 PM to 2 PM. Enjoy refreshments while members and those interested in joining have the chance to renew their memberships. The public is also welcome to come and learn about Cedar Key history from the museum director, Anna Hodges.
February 22nd, 2 PM - 4 PM: Don’t miss an engaging talk by Parks Wilson on the maritime legacy of the Stapleton family, highlighting the journey of his great-great-grandfather, Francis Stapleton, who emigrated from Georgia to Florida in the 1830s. Francis piloted vessels Cedar Key waters and married the daughter of an English captain, while his son, Robert William Stapleton, continued the family tradition by piloting vessels with just a compass. This is a great opportunity to explore the rich history and resilience of the Stapleton family and Cedar Key!
WHAT? Incumbent Jolie Davis and Contender Susan Rosenthal will
present their platforms and answer your questions.
WHEN?
Wednesay, February 19, 2025
TIME?
4 pm until 5 pm
WHERE?
City Hall
WHY? Cedar Key’s 2025 elections involve three open seats for the Cedar Key City Commission and one open seat for the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District.
Each Wednesday, at City Hall, at 4 pm, a one-hour presentation will feature the incumbent and the contender for an open seat.
Please, come, hear their platforms, and ask questions of the candidates.
The full schedule follows. February 19… Susan Rosenthal, Jolie Davis February 26…Andrea Dennison, Mel Beckham March 5… Steve Rosenthal, Se Colson for Water Board seat March 12…Dell Weible, Jim Wortham
Cedar Key resident and Cedar Key Beacon columnist Susan Engle Roquemore has compiled her writings into two wonderfully and cleverly titled books:
Turn Left at the Big Osprey Nest and Water Under the Number 4 Bridge: A Memoir of the Beacon Years (1988-1993)
These books are currently sold at: the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center, the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum, the Florida’s Nature Coast Conservancy events, and the Woman’s Club. These organizations receive the book’s full sales price.
For your reading pleasure and enjoyment of an incisive, often humorous view of Cedar Key two decades ago, Ms. Roquemore and the Cedar Key News intend to publish selected articles monthly.
Cedar Key News hopes you enjoy the articles. If you do, and should you purchase one or both books, the above non-profit organizations will certainly appreciate the effort.
A MEMORY OF WOODSTOCK II
(From A Little Trail Romance, Susan & David Roquemore 2022)
With our travel trailer in tow we pull into Woodland Valley Campground in the Catskill Mountains of New York. We both have missed our mountains all year and crave a little hiking with ups and downs. Smoke is in the air; this will be a woodsy experience, a return to trail memories. Time for lunch since we have checked into the campground early. I think a picnic lunch on a mountainside is indicated.
Written by OFFICE OF THE LEVY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Election Related Information for the 2025 Municipal Election Day
2025 February 10
The 2025 municipal election day will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Only residents whose residential address falls within the following municipalities are eligible to vote in the April 1st Election: Bronson, Cedar Key, Inglis, Otter Creek, or Yankeetown. In addition, the Cedar Key Water and Sewer district will also be holding an election.
"There are around 3,000 voters eligible to vote on April 1st. Although turnout is historically lower in municipal elections, it's important to remember these are the elections that tend to touch our lives on a daily. I encourage all eligible voters who live within one of the above municipalities to do your part and vote," said Tammy Jones, Supervisor of Elections.
Supervisor Tammy Jones would also like to remind voters the deadline to register to vote for the April 1st municipal election, also known as book closing, is Monday, March 3, 2025. To ensure voters are "election ready," they can register to vote or update their voter registration online at www.votelevy.gov or in person at our office.
For more information regarding the municipal elections, contact the city or town directly. The Levy County Supervisor of Elections office does not conduct any municipal elections.
Written by OFFICE OF THE LEVY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Supervisor of Elections Office begins campaign to remind voters to renew their Vote-by-Mail ballot request
2025 January The Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office will be contacting municipal voters about their expired Vote-by-Mail request. Municipalities within Levy County, excluding Fanning Springs, will hold qualifying in January to determine if an election will be held on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. "Our office wants to ensure that voters are aware that a vote-by-mail request is now only valid for each election cycle," said Supervisor Jones.
Voters can now request for the 2026 election cycle or the upcoming municipal election. A request can be made online at www.votelevy.gov/Vote-by-Mail or by contacting our office at 352-486-5163. Voters will be required to provide their Florida Driver's License number or the last four of their social security number when requesting a ballot. Later in the year, our office will include letters to voters who previously requested a Vote-by-Mail from our office and haven't renewed their request for 2026.
If you have any questions, please visit www.votelevy.gov or contact the Levy County Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-486-5163 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30
John O’Connell, resident at the Cedar Key RV Resort presents Cedar Key Lions President Steve Rosenthal with a $1,000 donation from residents of the RV resort in support of the Lions’ community services. Many thanks neighbors at the RV Resort!
EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE LUTTERLOH MUSEUM BUILDING!
+2025 February 6
Even though the Andrews House and grounds are still undergoing significant repairs, we are delighted to announce that the Lutterloh Building will be the venue for several exciting events in the coming months. We invite you to participate in these special gatherings as we celebrate and preserve the rich history and resilience of Cedar Key.
Save These Important Dates:.
February: "Month of Memberships" has begun!The museum's Lutterloh Building will be open every Saturday from February 8th to February 23rd, from 12 PM to 2 PM. Enjoy refreshments while members and those interested in joining have the chance to renew their memberships. The public is also welcome to come and learn about Cedar Key history from the museum director, Anna Hodges.
February 16th, 2 PM - 4 PM:Join us for an engaging presentation on Black History featuring Carolyn Cohens, the Levy County Historian of the Year Award Winner and author of two notable books on Levy County and Black History. Carolyn will share her historical knowledge, and we will enjoy guest speakers, singing, and a Drum Call and Libatory Blessing for Cedar Key. $3.00 donation requested towards hurricane damage.
February 22nd, 2 PM - 4 PM: Don’t miss an engaging talk by Parks Wilson on the maritime legacy of the Stapleton family, highlighting the journey of his great-great-grandfather, Francis Stapleton, who emigrated from Georgia to Florida in the 1830s. Francis piloted vessels Cedar Key waters and married the daughter of an English captain, while his son, Robert William Stapleton, continued the family tradition by piloting vessels with just a compass. This is a great opportunity to explore the rich history and resilience of the Stapleton family and Cedar Key!
Saturday, March 8th, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM: Get ready for our Annual Membership Meeting and Potluck Dinner! We are excited to gather with our members and invited guests, for an evening filled with delicious food, enjoyable company, and important updates about the museum's future. We encourage everyone to bring their favorite side dish and their ideas to share as well. During the event, members will vote to install new board members and witness the unveiling of a fantastic new exhibit featuring Cedar Key Native American artifacts, generously donated by Randy Beckham. Members and Invited Guests Only!
We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events! Please RSVP a few days prior to any event to reserve seating.
To stay updated on the Museum’s progress please revisit our website, www.cedarkeyhistory.org.
GARDENERS DELIVER AGREENS TO FOOD PANTRY 2025 January 31
On Wednesday, January 29, Cedar Key Community Gardeners gathered, harvested greens, and toted them to the Cedar Key Food Pantry.
Collards, spinach, parsley, carrots, kale, and more filled four cartons. Every laf, stem, and flowere was grown organically, with much care, and using no pestticides.
Delighted Food Pantry clients were as pleased to receive the vegetables as the Community Gardeners were to offer them.
The Garden / Pantry effort is spearheaded by Community Garden Leader Tom Deverin and Gardener Vince
On January 25, 2025, the Cedar Key Historical Society Museum held a special event to celebrate Linda Parker Hudson, whose dedication has played a major role in shaping the museum over the past decade.
Despite facing challenges like hurricanes, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda’s steadfast support has been vital for the museum's survival. Her contributions have helped this small nonprofit recover from severe storm damage and financial hardships. Recently, Linda has funded ongoing repairs caused by Hurricane Helene, which was a Category 4 storm.
The event featured the unveiling of a plaque that dedicates one of the museum's largest rooms after Linda. Guests, including many of Linda’s friends and family members, were welcomed with enchanting violin music performed by Lisa Mitchell and Gail Taylor, creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere as attendees arrived.
The ceremony started with a greeting from Museum Director Anna White Hodges. She emphasized Linda's essential financial support during tough times, saying, “Without Linda, we simply would not be standing here today.” Her remarks highlighted just how impactful Linda’s contributions have been.
Next, Nancy Sera, the Vice-Mayor of Cedar Key, spoke warmly about Linda’s efforts to preserve the area’s rich history. Her appreciation resonated with the audience, reinforcing Linda’s important role in the Cedar Key community.
Following Mayor Sera, Carolyn Cohen, Vice-President of the Cedar Key Historical Society, discussed the various histories preserved in the museum. She pointed out that Linda’s generosity has aided the restoration of important buildings that house many stories, both old and new. Carolyn entertained and educated the crowd with her knowledge of Cedar Key and Levy County history.
With great excitement, Hodges and Cohen unveiled the plaque, which reads: "The Linda Parker Hudson Room: In Deep Appreciation of Her Exceptional Support and Dedication." This plaque stands as a lasting tribute to Linda’s spirit and commitment to preserving Cedar Keys heritage.
After the unveiling, guests moved to an adjoining room where they could enjoy a variety of appetizers and drinks. Live music by Mike and Mary Peterson further enhanced the celebratory atmosphere.
The gathering not only honored Linda Parker Hudson but also highlighted the strength and resilience of the Cedar Key, united in their mission to preserve the rich cultural heritage that defines this beloved island community.
To stay updated on the Museum’s progress please revisit our website, www.cedarkeyhistory.org.
The College of Central Florida invites anyone thinking about college to attend the Preview event on Thursday, March 13, from 10 a.m.-noon at the CF Jack Wilkinson Levy Campus, 15390 N.W. Highway 19, Chiefland.
Preview is a chance for anyone considering college to learn about everything CF has to offer – for high school students to retirees and everyone in between. At CF’s largest event of the year, representatives from admissions, financial aid, student services, clubs and organizations will help attendees plan their successful college experience.
The $30 application fee is waived for anyone who applies at the event. Attendees who complete a survey will get a CF T-shirt and will be entered to win free tuition for one 3-credit undergraduate class at the in-state tuition rate.
Additional Preview events will be held at the Wilton Simpson Citrus Campus on Thursday, March 6, 5-7 p.m. and the Ocala Campus on Tuesday, March 11, from 5-7 p.m.
This piece waswritten by Cedar Key School's Jessica Crosby.
Hi, Everyone! Please note this week's activities around campus. Happy Literacy Week!
It's Literacy Week! Lauren has planned some exciting events for each day. I've attached the schedule below.
FUNDRAISEERS Tickets are now on sale for the Love Bug Ball (a Valentine's Day-themed dance for our elementary students) on Friday, 2/7, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are $10 each, and students must be accompanied by their adult(s) for the entirety of the dance. Tickets must be purchased in advance, ideally by Wednesday, 2/5. Please see Jessi with any questions.
This piece waswritten by Cedar Key School's Jessica Crosby.
Hi, Everyone! Please note this week's activities around campus. Happy Homecoming Week!
I think the kids jinxed us when they chose "Hollywood" as this year's homecoming theme... Is it too soon to call this week "Hollyweird?" A three-day homecoming week due to cold weather conditions in Levy County is certainly a first. Because of Wednesday's school closure, we have rescheduled the parade to Thursday at the same time.
The Cedar Key School Parent Teacher Organization is proud to announce the launch of The Patty Jett Scholarship for the Arts. Patty Jett was a beloved teacher and volunteer at our school, for many years. She touched the lives of hundreds of our students, sharing her love of the arts and her gift for creating art.
The scholarship is offered to a graduating student who is continuing his or her education, at the next level, in any art related area of study. This includes academic or vocational programs. Applications and guidelines are available from Jenni Lyn Hudson-Lane at the School Guidance Office.
We are thankful to Scott and Andrea Dennison for hosting their annual Christmas party, in honor of Patty. It was a wonderful evening of sharing memories of her and the amazing contribution she made to our students and the Cedar Key Community. In the Christmas spirit of giving, gifts were offered to keep the memory of Patty Jett alive! The generous donations made to the Scholarship Fund of $2500 are so greatly appreciated.
Please join us in honoring Patty. Consider a donation to the PTO Scholarship Fund in care of Jenni L. Lane, Guidance Counselor. It is our hope that the memory of Patty Jett will live on, and that her passion for art in education will forever be shared with Cedar Key students.
Written by OFFICE OF THE LEVY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS
Florida Supervisors of Elections Association Announces Scholarship Opportunities for College Students
Levy County, FL - The Florida Supervisors of Elections Association is proud to announce an exciting scholarship opportunity aimed at supporting our next generation of leaders. In a commitment to furthering education and civic engagement, the Florida Supervisors of Elections is offering three $1,200 scholarships to college students across the state, according to Levy County Supervisor of Elections, Tammy Jones.
Applicants must be registered Florida voters and live in the state for at least the preceding two years.
Applicants must be either a Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Journalism/ Mass Communication major and be at least a junior in college. Students must be enrolled or accepted as a full-time student in a senior college or university in Florida and have maintained at least a "C" average or above for the previous year.
The deadline to apply for a scholarship is March 7, 2025. Applications are available online at www.votelevy.gov or may be picked up from the Levy County Supervisor of Elections office, 421 S Court St, Bronson, FL 32621.
Eric Colin Dale passed away December 20th at Haven Hospice. Colin was born December 7th, 1935, in Lancing, England. He was a transport economist and worked internationally. He is survived by his wife Linda and two sons, Peter and Patrick.
2025 CEDAR KEY ELECTIONS...
HISTORICAL SOCIETY 
CEDAR KEY LIONS RECEIVE GIFT 
ELDER OPTIONS OFFERS VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE SESSIONS IN FEBRUARY
On Wednesday, January 29, Cedar Key Community Gardeners gathered, harvested greens, and toted them to the Cedar Key Food Pantry.
