Mayor settles with elections commission

USPS 114-170 — Keystone Heights, Florida
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
42nd Year — 31st Issue — 75 CENTS
Melrose, KH reach out
Mayor settles with
elections commission for Thanksgiving
Fined $100, admits to
displaying political
signs without
adequate disclaimer
BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE
HEIGHTS,
Dec. 2 - The Florida Elections
Commission settled allegations
of elections law violations
against Keystone Heights Mayor
Tony Brown by accepting a $100
fine and Brown’s admission that
he violated one statute.
In February, Community
Redevelopment
Advisory
Committee member Hayley
Gartee filed a complaint with
Brown
the
commission,
alleging
Brown violated four laws during of the vote.
must prominently assert that the
Brown’s campaign for Keystone
Florida law requires that any candidate paid for the ad and also
Heights Mayor. Brown won the political advertisement paid by
March 4 election with 81 percent a candidate, including signs,
See BROWN, 6A
Rollins joins county
commission, pushes
lakes resolution
Heritage Park in Melrose
and Keystone’s United
Methodist Church were,
once again, the sites for free,
community Thanksgiving
dinners.
In Melrose, about 70
volunteers and donors
contributed to the effort,
said organizer Linda Wilcox
of Trinity Episcopal Church.
In Keystone Heights,
cook Robin Jones, Olive
Inman
and
organizer
JoAnne Sayers led a team
of volunteers that served
hundreds
of
dinners
Thursday afternoon.
Top photo: Pictured serving
at Melrose’s Heritage Park
are (l-r) Hope Kessler,
Diane Connors, Elizabeth
Neal and Katherine Fusco.
Right photo: (L-r) Olive
Inman, Robin Jones and
JoAnne Sayers take a break
just before serving meals at
Keystone United Methodist
Church.
Vice Mayor leaving council
Senior Judge William A. Wilkes swears in Gavin Rollins as the District 4 Clay County
Commissioner during a ceremony in Green Cove Springs. Looking on are Rollins family
members (l-r) in front: Heidi, Naomi, James and Charlotte Rollins. In back: Brittany,
Jared, Megan, Toni, Perry, Chad, Dusty and Amber Rollins. Photo courtesy of Gavin
Rollins.
BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
GREEN COVE SPRINGS,
Nov. 25 - New Clay County
Commissioner Gavin Rollins
wasted little time getting into the
thick of county business during
his first commission meeting on
Nov. 25.
The former Keystone Heights
City Council member argued
for and won approval for a
county resolution asking the St.
Johns River Water Management
District to forgo lowering
minimum flows and levels
on Lake Brooklyn and Lake
Geneva.
Save Our Lakes President
Vivian Katz told commissioners
that water district staff appeared
ready to recommend that the
district lower the levels in
December, 2011.
“For three years, I feel like, we
have just about single-handedly,
held them at bay,” she said of her
600-member organization.
Minimum flows and levels,
which are periodically set
by Florida’s water districts,
determine when state law
requires water districts to take
action to protect water bodies.
When actual levels fall below,
or are anticipated to fall below
MFLs, districts must develop
recovery or preventive strategies
to raise actual levels to the
MFLs. Those strategies may
include implementing water
use restrictions or denying
consumptive use permits.
Katz
said
the
district
had planned to lower Lake
Brooklyn’s MFL from 101 feet to
81 and dropping Lake Geneva’s
from 98.5 feet to 83.
Now, Lake Brooklyn’s actual
level is around 86.5 feet and
Lake Geneva’s is around 82.1.
If the district lowered the
MFLs, then according to state
law, both lakes would be removed
from recovery status and the
district would no longer be
required to implement strategies
to raise the water levels of those
lakes.
“That would allow big
consumers like the Jacksonville
Electric Authority, who is the
biggest user and who has the
biggest impact on us, to continue
pumping, until the lakes got to
that. (new MFL),” Katz said.
Rollins
told
his
new
colleagues that the resolution
was nonbinding and that it would
cost the county no money if it
passed.
“But
it’s
important
symbolically,” Rollins said. “It
sends a signal that Clay County
stands united.”
Rollins noted that the county
commission has already taken
other steps to assist lakes
recovery in the Keystone
Heights-area by partnering
with the water management
district on an Alligator Creek
cleanup project and by allocating
$40,000 for future cost-sharing
projects with the district.
He also emphasized the vital
role lakes play in Keystone
Heights’ economic development.
“I think sometimes it’s easy
to get lost in thinking it’s about
skiing are just quality of life,”
he said, “but really it’s about
economic development, which
this board has presented as its
number one priority.”
Rollins added that since the
Keystone area is one of two
recharge areas for the Floridan
Aquifer, lake levels around the
town also affect water quality in
the aquifer.
“This isn’t just a Keystone
issue,” he said. “This is a
regional issue.”
The commission passed the
resolution 5-0.
BY DAN HILDEBRAN
Monitor Editor
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Dec.
1 - Vice Mayor Paul Yates said
he will not seek reelection for his
city council seat next year.
Yates, a certified public
accountant, said the city is
no longer facing the financial
challenges it was when he was
first elected six years ago and
that it is time to let the next
generation lead the city.
Yates added that he would like
to continue serving as a citizen
member of the city’s budget and
finance committee.
Yates’ seat, in addition to
that of Council Member Steve
Hart’s, will be up for reelection
on March 3. Qualifying for
both offices will take place from
January 6 to February 3.
Yates
Melrose couple hosts UF medical alumni
MELROSE, Dec. 2 - Dr.
Walter “Terry” Marshall and his
wife Jean hosted 48 members of
the University of Florida College
of Medicine’s class of 1969 on
Nov. 15.
The group was part of a multiyear reunion in Gainesville for
that weekend. Events on campus
included lectures, tours of some
of the College of Medicine’s
newer facilities and a banquet.
After the events in Gainesville,
members of the class of 1969
went to the Marshalls’ home
on Melrose Bay to enjoy a meal
catered by Blue Water Bay.
UF officials told the Marshalls
that the class of 1969, which
graduated 55 students, had the
highest rate of participation in
the weekend event.
According to Jean Marshall,
the college’s first graduating
class in 1960 included another
well known, Melrose resident:
Dr. Mark Barrow.
Pictured, around a cutout of founding College of Medicine
Dean Dr. George T. Harrell, are 1969 graduates (left) Dr.
Joe Palatinus of Oak Ridge, Tennessee and Dr. Walter
“Terry” Marshall. Photo courtesy of Jean Marshall.
Deadline Monday 5 p.m. before publication • Phone 352-473-2210 • Fax 352-473-2210
•
lrmonitor@bellsouth.net •
www.StarkeJournal.com
•
2A
Lake Region Monitor • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
Keystone drama team wins district Jaycees share Thanksgiving meals
BY CAITLIN CHARRIER
Keystone Heights High School
GAINESVILLE, Nov. 15 The Keystone Heights High
School Drama Club competed
in a district-wide competition
at Buchholz High School
on Nov. 15.
Teams from
schools competed in costume
construction, solo musical,
ensemble acting and in other
events during the thespian
district festival.
Judges
graded
the
performances on a scale from
poor to superior.
Those
graded
superior
qualified
for
the
State
Thespian
Festival in Tampa. Judges
evaluated the performances
on characterization, emotional
commitment,
delivery,
choreography,
and
vocal
delivery.
Approximately 30 members
of the KHHS Drama Club
performed at the competition
The Keystone Heights Jaycees provided Thanksgiving meals to 35 Lake Region
and 15 of them qualified for the
families. Members purchased food, packed baskets and delivered them to area families.
state festival.
Volunteers included Aimee Gross, Duke Marsh, Hunter Marsh, Cassie Griffith Erica
One member, Aidan Margo
Bassett and Whitney Tanner. Pictured are (l-r) Whitney Tanner, Duke Marsh and Erica
earned three superiors in
Bassett.
solo musical, duet acting and
costume construction. Margo
also received the Critic’s Choice
Award for costume construction.
Critic’s Choice was an award
buried in the Keystone Heights
The Institute for
Wreaths Across
given to the top competitors and
Cemetery. Each one will be
Workforce Innovation America
was chosen out of 2,000 high
honored on Dec.13 with a wreath.
school students.
Remember our fallen veterans
Keystone Heights Drama Club
by attending this ceremony at
members also scored a superior
the Keystone Heights Cemetery.
for their large group musical
Thursday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m.
Noon, Saturday, Dec. 13
number from “When You’re
Please join us for an
There are over 400 veterans
An Addams,” from “Addams
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Family the Musical.” The Club
Workshop, provided by the
will present “Addams Family
the Musical” this January at Aidan Margo with his award-winning costume, which is local chapter of the Alzheimer’s
being worn by Caitlin Charrier. Photo by Jolene Miller.
Association.
Learn
about
KHHS.
Alzheimer’s, dementia, care
100 percent of the time is not an performance of 95 percent giving, and available resources
easy goal to reach, but one that or above across all reported for help.
with coupon
has been achieved through the accountability measures.
This workshop will be held at
3 saw limit per
dedication of our physicians,
• achieving performance of The Landing in Melrose.
coupon/person
nurses and other caregivers.”
95 percent or above on each and
Top Performers are recognized every reported accountability
Community Church
each year for improving measure where there were at
7333 Kyle Street
Patient care excellence performance on evidence-based least 30 denominator cases.
interventions
that
increase
the
•
having
at
least
one
core
LakeAreaSmallEngine.com
Keystone Heights
for two consecutive
chances of healthy outcomes for measure set that had a composite
Thursday, Dec. 4, 4 to 7
years
patients with certain conditions, rate of 95 percent or above, p.m.
Shands
Starke
Regional including heart attack, heart and (within that measure
Friday, Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 4
7266 Airport Rd
Medical Center has been named failure, pneumonia, surgical set) all applicable individual p.m.
a 2013 Top Performer on Key care, children’s asthma, stroke, accountability measures had a
Starke, FL 32091
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to
thromboembolism, performance rate of 95 percent noon
Quality Measures by The venous
care,
inpatient or above.
Joint Commission, the nation’s perinatal
It’s rummage sale time at
psychiatric
services
and
“Delivering the right treatment Community Church, located
leading accreditor of health care
immunizations.
in the right way at the right time behind Ace Hardware in
organizations.
Shands
Starke
Regional is a cornerstone of high-quality Keystone Heights. The popular
The
honor
recognizes
hospitals that excel at meeting Medical Center was recognized health care,” said Dr. Mark R. early-bird shopping continues
the commission’s stringent for attaining and sustaining Chassin, president and CEO on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4
measurements for exemplary excellence in accountability of The Joint Commission. “I to 7 p.m. Admission for early
patient care. This is the second measure performance for the commend the efforts of Shands shopping is $5 per family.
time Shands Starke Regional excellent care provided in the Starke Regional Medical Center
There is no admission charge
s
Medical Center has earned the areas of pneumonia and surgical for their excellent performance for the regular sale dates on
er’e
y
u
care.
on the use of evidence-based Friday and Saturday.
B oic
designation.
Ch
Shands
Starke
Regional interventions.”
Only 1,224 — or approximately
Saturday is Dollar-A-Bag Day.
Medical
Center
is
one
of
just
For
more
information
about
the
one-third — of eligible United
Many holiday items are
IC
States
hospitals
achieved 712 hospitals to have achieved Top Performers program, please available including decorations,
EXOT
e
riencack) regular
this distinction for attaining this accomplishment for two visit www.jointcommission.org/ toys, clothing, shoes, kitchen
e
p
x
E around tr
accreditation/top_performers.
price
and sustaining excellence in consecutive years.
necessities, tools and things you
available on our website
(2 laps
$175
“We
are
proud
of
our
physicians
aspx.
certain clinical measures. The
can’t find anywhere else.
For more information about
prestigious annual list was and clinical staff for their hard
We
promise
something
released in the commission’s work to provide safe, effective Shands Starke Regional Medical reasonably-priced for everyone.
Call Kim to book your date.
2014 annual report, “America’s care across the hospital,” said Center, visit ShandsStarke.com. Proceeds serve many needy
Great gift for a loved one! (352) 473-2999
Dr.
Kevin
McBride,
Shands
Hospitals: Improving Quality
projects.
Starke’s
chief
of
staff.
“The
Joint
and Safety.”
“Give me six hours to
“This honor means that our Commission’s recognition of our
chop
down a tree and I
community can turn to Shands efforts is very gratifying for our
will spend the first four
entire
team.”
Starke Regional Medical Center
To be a 2013 Top Performer, sharpening the axe.”—
with confidence, knowing that
Abraham Lincoln
we strive to provide excellent care hospitals had to meet three
every day,” said Andrew Emery, performance criteria based on
the hospital’s chief executive 2013 accountability measure
officer. “Following evidence- data, including:
•
achieving
cumulative
based clinical protocols close to
Alzheimer’s
Workshop
Wreath Laying
Service
CHAINSAW INSPECTION
9
$
Shands Starke
recognized as
top performer
99
LAKE AREA SMALL ENGINE
Rummage Sale
e
l
b
a
l
i
a
v
A
“I wondered if my family could
manage all the care I needed after
leaving the hospital.”
A Special Kind of Caring...
Specialty Coffee ~ All Natural Ice Cream ~ Unique
Gifts ~ Local Artists ~ Music...And More!!
307 SR 26, Melrose, FL
Lake Region Monitor
USPS 114-170
Published each Thursday and entered as Periodical Postage
Paid at Keystone Heights, Florida under Act of March 3, 1879.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to:
Lake Region Monitor
P.O. Drawer A - Starke, FL 32091
7382 SR 21 - Keystone Heights, FL 32656
Phone: (352) 473-2210 • (352) 473-6721
John M. Miller, Publisher
Subscription Rate in Trade Area
$39.00 per year:
$20.00 six months
Outside Trade Area:
$39.00 per year:
$20.00 six months
Editor:
Sports Editor:
Advertising:
Dan Hildebran
Cliff Smelley
Kevin Miller
Darlene Douglass
Eileen Gilmore
Typesetting
Advertising and
Newspaper Prod. Earl W. Ray
Classified Adv.
Heather Wheeler
Bookkeeping:
Joan Stewart-Jones
A dedicated team of
compassionate,
highly skilled healthcare
professionals who treat their
patients like family
is our hallmark.
•SKILLED NURSING
• PHYSICAL THERAPY
• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
• CARDIAC CARE
• CERTIFIED HOME
HEALTH AID
• DIABETIC CARE
• ORTHOPEDIC REHAB
• UROLOGY CARE
• SPEECH THERAPY
• OUTPATIENT RECOVERY
Committed to the
Highest Quality Home Care Services.
SERVING CLAY and
BAKER COUNTIES
155 Blanding Blvd • Suite #1
Orange Park, FL 32073
904-272-7607
Excellence Through Senior Advocacy
LIC#299994021
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 • Lake Region Monitor
3A
KHHS National honor Society inducts 26 new members
BY CAITLIN CHARRIER
Keystone Heights High School
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Nov.
10 - Keystone Heights High
School held its annual National
Honor
Society
induction
ceremony at the school’s
auditorium on Nov. 10.
Bringing in 26 members, the
National Honor Society was
ecstatic to welcome these new
recruits. The new members
qualified for the society by
earning a grade point average
of at least 3.75, and having an
outstanding stature in school.
These newly-inducted members
represent the best of their grades
through leadership, scholarship,
character, and service.
They hold to the motto of
“Noblesse Oblige,” which states,
“One must act in a fashion that
conforms with one’s position,
and with the reputation that one
has earned.”
Members
also
perform
community
service
while
representing the society.
NHS sponsor, Patsy Lee, said,
“[I] hope that we will bring on
a new wave of youth that will
inspire and be role models for
their peers.”
Keystone
Heights
High
School National Honor Society
members include sophomores:
Samantha
Anderson
Daughter of Danny and Charlene
Anderson;
Hunter Collins - Son of Rusty
and Kandace Collins;
Mason Davis - Son of Tessa
and David Davis;
Michael Dickinson - Son of
Chuck and Lynn Dickinson;
Riley Dingman - Daughter of
Jeanne and Derik Dingman;
Anna Fields - Daughter of
Patsy Lee, National Honor Society sponsor, speaks during the induction ceremony for new members. Seated (l-r) are Theresa Whitfield, National
Junior Honor Society sponsor, National Honor Society President Kathy Ngyen, Vice President Jessica Grimaldo, Secretary Hailey Johns and
Treasurer Hannah Fox. Also pictured standing are (l-r) first row: Samantha Anderson, Autumn Bostick, Hunter Collins, Mason Davis, Michael
Dickinson, Riley Dingman, Anna Fields and Rachael Garvey. Second row: Grayson Goolsby, Delaney Grantham, Alexandra Hamlow and Abbi
Loose. Third row: Aidan Margo and Charlee Montford. Fourth row: Rachel Farquaharson. Photo courtesy of Keystone Heights High School.
Teresa and Frank Fields;
Rachel Garvey - Daughter of
Scott and Melinda Garvey;
Jennie Getz - Daughter of
Michael and Belinda Getz;
Grayson Goolsby - Son of
Randy and April Goolsby;
Delaney Grantham - Daughter
of Jeff and Dana Grantham;
Alexandra
Hamlow
Daughter of Missy Hamlow and
Steve Hamlow;
Breanna Heptinstall-Ricks Daughter of Rebecca Chapman
Jordan Jennings - Daughter
of Jennifer Fender and Keith
Jennings;
Danielle Laraway - Daughter
of Jeff and Susan Laraway;
Abigail Lesch - Daughter of
David and Gracie Lesch;
Abigail Loose - Daughter of
Tim and Cindy Loose;
Aidan Margo - Son of Anthony
Margo and Lisa Dunn;
Larann Massey - Daughter of
Patti and Ralph Leibold;
Charlee Montford - Daughter
of Bob and Tammy Jo Montford;
Allison Scherer - Daughter of
Nancy Scherer-Petty;
Jordan Shepherd - Daughter of
Linda Power and Bill Shepherd;
Joshua Shepherd - Son of Josh
and Sheri Sheppard;
Brialee Singletary - Daughter
of Brian and Tara Singletary;
Madison Stanford - Daughter
of Tim and Debbie Stanford;
Maura Tran - Daughter of
Thanh and Lana Tran;
Connor Turner - Son of Jamie
and Carrie Turner;
Hailey Turner - Daughter of
Marvin and April Turner;
Chelsea Tussinger - Daughter
of Greg and Tyra Tussinger
Joshua Velez - Son of John and
Brenda Velez;
Anna Wilkes - Daughter of
Joey and Dawn Wilkes;
Marissa Williams - Daughter
of Calton and Michelle Williams
Makenna Wylie - Daughter of Ron and Kimberly Zinkel.
Tommy and Sarah Wylie.
Seniors:
Juniors:
Morgan Gibbs - Daughter
Jason Dillard - Son of David Bruce and Shelley Gibbs;
Dillard and Lalana Dillard;
Taylor Morris - Daughter
Rachel
Farquharson
- Jimmy and Stacey Morris;
Daughter of Dennis and Ingrid
Lindsey Murphy - Son
Farquharson;
Chris and Betsey Murphy;
Spencer Hawkins - Son of
Taylor Paddock - Daughter
Bryan and Lee Anne Hawkins;
Kathy Paddock;
Eleanor Marshall - Daughter
Meadow Parks - Daughter
of Rich and Peg Marshall;
Andrea Parks;
Mackenzie
Tomlinson
Ciera Williams - Daughter
Daughter of Robbie Tomlinson; Cathy Brown.
Jennings Wilkes - Son of Joey
and Dawn Wilkes;
Bailey Zinkel - Daughter of
First Baptist Church has Melrose Library
First Baptist Church of
produced this event for the last
Keystone
14 years. Free admission.
Moosical
First Baptist Church of
Keystone Heights is located at
550, East Walker Drive. For
more information, call the
Friday, Saturday and church office at 352-473-7201.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 6 and 7,
6:30 to 9.
Step back in time and be a
“Hollywood is a place
part of the sights and sounds where they’ll pay you a
of the city where Christ was thousand dollars for a kiss
born. Experience a live drama and fifty cents for your
featuring some of the miracles in soul.”—Marilyn Monroe
Christ’s life.
Walk Through
Bethlehem
VeRonica R. Owens
Attorney at Law
• Last Will and Testament
• Power of Attorney
& Living Wills
• Living Trusts
• Probate Administration
• Real Estate and Closings
• Deed Preparation
• Contracts
• Family and Juvenile Law
• Criminal and Traffic Matters
LAKE AREA SMALL ENGINE
Mowers • ATVs • Golf Carts
LakeAreaSmallEngine.com
7333 Kyle Street
Keystone Heights
ONE TRACTOR MANY USES
We are the First BCS Dealer in Florida
James 4:12 — There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save.
ARE
FirmofVeRonicaROwens@aol.com
www.VeRonicaROwens.com
189 S. Lawrence Blvd.
Keystone Heights, FL
UNTIL DECEMBER 31ST
Rental Equipment
by the Day • Weekend • Week • Month
Contact us about our great rental rates
COME WALK THRU
Bethlehem
Close your eyes before you enter the city gates and let your mind take you back 2000 years in
time. Walk with a guide thru the market place & see the sights & sounds of the city where Jesus
was born. Hear the villagers talking about the wonderful event about to unfold in their small
town. Then experience a live drama featuring miracles of Christ from His birth to His
resurrection. The drama music and period costumes will take you back in time.
Please join us in a wonderful way to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas this year!
There is no charge for this event.
Holiday
Program with
Anna Moo
of
of
of
of
of
Keystone Heights
Junior/Senior High
School
The 8th annual
Miss Junior
High Pageant
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m.
Anna Moo will visit the
The event will be held in the
Melrose Public Library on
Saturday, December 6th at 11 KHHS Cafeteria. Tickets are
a.m. This special family-friendly $5.00 and will be available at the
musical program will introduce gate. Gates will open at 6:30 pm.
children to the December This year’s theme is Frozen from
holidays. Anna Moo’s programs the Disney production. Miss
have been described as “terrific, KHHS 2014, Moriah Combass
Homecoming
Queen
jazzy, inspirational” by the Los and
Angeles Times. The community 2014, Abby Darty will host the
is excited that Anna will be event. Miss Junior High 2013,
performing for the library’s McKenzie Santos will be on
annual family holiday program, hand to crown her successor.​
54” DECK
it DIXON
is sure to SPEED
be a livelyZTR
and funfilled
Anna’s
with event.
Kawasaki
24 hpprogram is Faith Presbyterian
a joy for children
and
adults
of
PROMO
PRICE
$3299.95
-$200.00 Dealer Discount Church
all ages.
-$250.00
Factory
Discount
This Putnam
County
Library
*
System program is free and
everyone is invited to attend!
DIXON
ZTR 42”callFABRICATED
DECK
For
moreSPEED
information
the
with 21.5
hp Kawasaki
Melrose
Public
Library at (352)
$3599.95
475-1237. ThePROMO
libraryPRICE
is located
-$200.00 Dealer
Discount Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m.
at 312 Wynnwood
Avenue,
-$200.00
Factory
DiscountFrom 2:00 to 2:45, tour our
behind the Post Office. The
*
Christmas villages.
Melrose Library Association is miniature
Then relax and listen to the
sponsoring Anna Moo’s visit.
DIXON 42” STAMP DECK
sounds of the season by Santa Fe
with Briggs 19.5 hp
Brass, playing from 2:15 to 3:00
“The fear PROMO
of the PRICE
LORD$2599.95
is in the sanctuary. At 3:00, we will
-$200
Dealer Discount ring the bell for Faith’s choir to
the beginning
of knowledge:
-$200 Factory
Discount begin Joel Raney’s cantata, “Let
but fools despise
wisdom
*
and instruction.”—Pr. 1:7
the Whole
World Sing,” followed
*Plus taxes and fees. **Financing Available **With Approved Credit W.A.C.(Taxes
Paid Upfront)
by & Fees
fellowship
with treats and
sweets. Child care provided.
Faith Presbyterian Church
at Midway is located at 2738
S.R. 21 (at the intersection of
Southeast C.R. 21B). For more
information, call 352-475-1721.
Across from City Hall
Please enter through the church sanctuary.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF KEYSTONE HEIGHTS
550 E. Walker Drive on SR-100
352-473-7201
www.fbckeystone.org
of
KeystoneHeightsFarmersMarket.com
Celebrate
Christmas
with Faith
4A
Lake Region Monitor • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
KH lawyer commutes to Tallahassee weekly Keystone proclaims hospice month
Commuter profile
BY JAMES WILLIAMS
Special to the Monitor
VeRonica Owens says that
while her law office in Keystone
Heights is her main priority, she
travels to Tallahassee and other
cities throughout Florida once a
week for appointments and work
she does for the state.
Owens is also known in the
Lake Region as the prime force
behind the back-to-school-shoes
event, part of the Community
Church of Keystone Heights’
annual back-to-school-clothing
giveaway.
Owens and her
mother, Rose, spend all year
tracking down shoe sales at
budget shops in the area, so kids
in local families can return to
classes with pride as summer
ends.
Owens said she can’t discuss
the work she does outside the
Lake Region but could say,
“We frequently make home and
hospital visits for clients and,
through the years, these visits
have proven to be some of my
most precious times with clients
and their families. Meeting
someone in their time of need
and being able to offer kindness
in a difficult situation is one of
the greatest blessings of my job.”
Owens has been making
the Tallahassee trips for
approximately four years, while
simultaneously holding regular
appointments in the Keystone
Heights office. She created a
stir of excitement in Keystone
Heights when she married
another attorney, Peter Penrod,
in 2012.
“He understands the travel
requirements of our business,”
she said.
Their first child,
also named Peter, was born on
Valentine’s Day this year.
“Since that time, we have
worked to make sure Peter is
with the two of us or his family
at all times. I bring Peter to the
office with me. Thankfully, our
Santa Fe College
‘Nutcracker’
comes to
Starke
Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m.
Santa Fe College is bringing
the Dance Alive National Ballet’s
production of “The Nutcracker”
to Bradford County at 3 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Bradford
High School Auditorium, 581
N. Temple Ave. in Starke.
Children are admitted free when
accompanied by an adult and
adult admission is $3.
“The
Nutcracker”
is
sponsored in part by the SF
College Fine Arts Department,
the SF College Foundation and
Arts Patron program, the Florida
Hello
H
REAC A
ID
FLOR
Veronica Owens and her husband, Peter Penrod, drove
during the 2013 Our Country Day parade.
clients love seeing him at the
office. Many of them stop by
regularly to visit him. (He gets
more presents at the office than I
do,)” she said.
When VeRonica takes work
related trips, Peter also goes
along.
“Fortunately, he is a great
traveler. He has been with me
this year to Tallahassee, Miami,
Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota
for work.”
All of which is to say that Owens
makes frequent “commuting”
trips to Tallahassee and other
cities throughout Florida for
work and legal hearings. A trip
to Tallahassee takes about twoand-a half hours one way, she
said, or a five-hour commute
round trip.
On short trips, she drives her
Cadillac Escalade; however, on
longer trips, she usually rents a
vehicle.
The Escalade is a fairly heavy
vehicle, strong and sturdily
built, which means gas mileage
is at the lower end—she will
be spending a bit under $40 per
round trip commute on gas; less
since prices went down.
But the tradeoff is peace
of mind, given the security
of the Cadillac’s heavy frame
protecting her and the baby.
“If I am going to Tallahassee,
I usually go through Lake City
Department of State Division of
Cultural Affairs, and the Florida
Council on Arts and Culture.
For more information, call
Kathryn Lehman in Gainesville
at 352-395-5355 or the director of
the SF College Andrews Center,
Cheryl Canova, in Starke at
904-964-5382.
and get on I-10,” Owens said.
“However, I have clients in
Gainesville that often require
home or hospital visits, so
I’ll sometimes handle an
appointment in Gainesville and
then take I-75 to I-10.”
She uses the travel time—and
the trip--for a much needed break
from the stress of lawyering. “I
usually pray, listen to the radio,
and catch up with my aunt who
lives in Tennessee,” she said.
Despite the fact that she’s on
the Interstate the entire way,
she doesn’t find the trip taxing.
“Generally, I don’t really have
any difficulties,” she said. “I
really enjoy traveling I-10. I
don’t particularly enjoy I-75 due
to the traffic.”
Owens added that as long as
her law office continues to grow,
she anticipates making the outof- town commutes for her work.
The Keystone Heights City Council proclaimed October as hospice and palliative
care month during its October meeting. Pictured is Mayor Tony Brown reading the
proclamation with Deborah Strickland, Haven Hospice Palatka administrator, Vice Mayor
Paul Yates and City Council members Marion Kelly and Steve Hart looking on.
Rotary Club of
Keystone Heights
baking needs.
pecans, in addition to cashews
This year, Rotary also offers
praline and chocolate covered
See PECANS, 5A
Holiday
Pecan Sale
The Keystone Heights Rotary
Club has begun its annual
fundraising pecan sale. Available
now are 12-ounce and 16-ounce
bags of pecans.
The pecans come in four
varieties: pecan halves, pecans
in pieces for all your holiday
KEYSTONE UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH
4004 SE State Road 21 • Keystone Heights, FL 32656
South of Santa Fe College Watson Campus
352.473.3829 www.keystone-umc.org
Myra Carr will be speaking
“Get Ready”
Prescription Glasses
Sunglasses
Contacts
(352)
475-3992
Optical Hours
W.H. Marshall, M.D.
Opthamologist
EXAMS AVAILABLE
Mon — Thurs • 9:00 - 11:30 am
& 2:00 - 4:30 pm
Fridays • 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Contemporary Worship
Traditional Worship
with Dr. Tom farmer, Jr. preaching
Sunday School classes and childcare
available throughout the morning
Each Wednesday
with Dr. Tom Farmer, Jr.
Senior Pastor, Dr. Craig Moore
“Half of the American
people have never read
a newspaper. Half never
voted for President. One
hopes it is the same
half.”—Gore Vidal
“He that passeth by,
and meddleth with strife
belonging not to him,
is like one that taketh a
dog by the ears.”—Pr. 26:17
Reach Florida with a
single phone call !
Advertise in 100+ top newspapers
statewide. Add other states to your
buy without making another call.
CONTACT
the
Kevin Austin
t
e
G op
321-283-5276
sco kaustin@reachflorida.com
TOOT YOUR OWN HORN!
Promote YOUR
Service
with a
Classified
Photo Ad
siness
Ad Sample
Actual Size
Stand out from the crowd
all for only
covering Bradford, Union & Clay Counties
in our weekly community
giveaway paper:
a
/wk
Email your med-to-hi-resolution digital photo (150dpi+) & ad text to:
by 5pm Monday OR bring it to:
Bradford County Telegraph • Union County Times • Lake Region Monitor
(904) 964-6305
We’ll help you design your ad • cash/check/credit cards accepted
Order online through our website
www.TheOfficeShopofStarke.com
Visit us in person at
110 W. CALL STREET
STARKE, FL 32091
If you find a lower price at a competitor’s site, call us at
904-964-5764 for a price match. We can DELIVER Office Supplies & more.
Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014 • Lake Region Monitor
5A
Scouts sample local politics Keystone business gets
Florida dealership for
Italian tractor maker
KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, Dec. 1 - Members of Boy Scout Troop 146 sat in on the November
meeting of the Keystone Heights City Council to learn more about local government.
Pictured are (l-r) front row: Brett McClendon and Thomas Slocumb. Second row: Adrian
Valentine, Lake Beck, John Lingg and Jonathan Booth. Back row: Ben Wacha and
Matthew Forster.
Ministries, the Keystone
Youth Soccer League and other
local youth sports programs, the
Continued from 4A
and mixed nuts Halves and Clay County Science Fair and
pieces are $9 per 16-ounce bag; Rotary International’s campaign
the covered pecans, cashews and to eradicate polio worldwide.
mixed nuts are $9 per 12-ounce
bag. All pecans are from this
year’s fresh Georgia crop.
Santa Fe Audubon
Pecans may be ordered
through any Rotary club
member, but are also available,
while they last, at the Keystone
Heights Brian’s Ace Hardware
and at the M&S Bank.
Funds raised through the
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.
sales go toward various Rotary
Santa Fe Audubon’s annual
projects, such as Lake Area
PECANS
Annual
Conservation
Celebration
Ed Hudnall (left) and Artis Hudnall demonstrate two features of the BCS two-wheeled
tractor: the swiveling and reversing handlebars and quick-release attachments which
Conservation Celebration will require no tools.
be on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 6:00 p.m.,
BY DAN HILDEBRAN
the state and that they plan to set were impressed with the BCS
at Trinity Episcopal parish hall,
Monitor Editor
up additional outlets throughout products’ versatility and quality.
204 SR 26 in Melrose.
BCS,
an
Italian-based Florida. The Keystone HeightsThey added that the company’s
The Celebration features
Dr. Jeff Smith, showing his manufacturer of two-wheeled based business is also retailing offerings are perfect for the
recently
awarded the
walk-behind
tractors homeowner with a large garden
magnificent bird and wildlife tractors,
photos. Dr. Smith’s amazing Lake Area Small Engine with which feature attachments for or for a small farm.
Lake Area Small Engine’s
photos reveal birds up close and a dealership for the State of tilling, plowing, mowing, wood
Florida.
chipping, log splitting, sweeping, first sale of a BCS product was
in fine detail.
Brothers Ed and Artis snow plowing and other uses.
to an organic farm south of
Come for a chili and cornbread
The pair said some of Ocala. The Hudnalls said they
supper at 6, a silent auction of Hudnall, of Lake Area Small
unique nature-related items, and Engine, said the deal gives their their customers asked for the have fielded sales inquiries from
camaraderie with new and old company exclusive rights to business to sell tillers, and as Okeechobee, Ft. Lauderdale,
friends. Lots of possibilities for market the BCS product line in they researched the market, Lakeland and Tampa.
Christmas gifts!
Saturday, Dec. 13, 6 p.m.
Other
conservation – Sierra Club, Putnam Land to Pine Street (just past Betty’s
This
year’s
theme
is
organizations will be represented Conservancy, Little Orange Pizza). The route then turns
Creek Nature Park, Putnam Co. west on Pine Street and ends at “Christmas in the Park.” The
Environmental Council, Gold Pine and Centre Street.
parade route begins at the corner
Head Branch State Park, and
This year’s theme is “The of South Lawrence Boulevard
others.
Magic of Melrose.”
and Peach Street. The parade
For more information, contact
Judges will award certificates will continue north on Lawrence
Joyce King, 352-475-1999, or to entries for the following Boulevard to Flamingo Street.
email sjoyceking@comcast.net categories: Best Interpretation
Judges will award trophies for
of Theme, Most Original, Most the following categories: Judges’
Parade Participants and Best Choice, Most Original, Closest
Melrose Business
Overall Entry.
to the Theme, Best youth Entry
and Community
and Best Marching Unit.
Association
Melrose Library
Lake Region Kiwanis
Association
Merry Melrose
Christmas
Parade
Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m.
The parade will proceed east
on Bellamy Avenue (S.R. 26),
from Centre Street to S.R. 21,
and then go north on S.R. 21
Club
Keystone
Heights
Christmas
Parade
Private
Camellia
Garden Day
Sunday, Dec. 14, noon to
4 p.m.
Hosts Chuck Ritter, one of
the top camellia exhibitors in
the nation, and his wife Bev are
growing almost 1,500 camellias.
Besides touring the garden,
there will be talks and
demonstrations, camellias for
sale, a silent auction, and a
cookie sale. This will be an
opportunity to see varieties not
in commerce and grown only in
a few places. Entry is $5. Golf
carts will be available for those
needing assistance. Proceeds
will support programs and
activities at the library.
The Ritter’s address is 202
Mason Road. Mason Road is
two miles east of Melrose off S.
R. 26.
“The
best
argument
against democracy is a
five-minute conversation
with the average voter.”—
Winston Churchill
6A
Lake Region Monitor • Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
BROWN
organization without obtaining
a written statement from the
organization that it supports the
candidate.
Gartee’s complaints about
Brown stating his political
affiliation during a nonpartisan race stem from two
advertisements he placed in
the Lake Region Monitor. The
disclaimers on both ads read,
“Approved by Tony Brown,
Republican for Mayor.”
The complaint of failure of a
committee to report to elections
officials stem from two other
advertisements in the Monitor.
In each ad, the disclaimer on
the bottom of the ad reads, “Pd.
Pol. Adv. Sponsored and Paid for
by Friends of Tony Brown for
Mayor.”
According
to
elections
officials,
no
organization
named “Friends of Tony Brown
for Mayor” filed the required
paperwork with the City of
Keystone Heights nor with the
Clay County Supervisor of
Elections.
According to Brown, one of
his supporters in Jacksonville
purchased both advertisements.
He said he was not aware of the
disclaimer or the existence of
any committee named, “Friends
of Tony Brown for Mayor.”
Gartee’s complaint about
Brown’s failure to receive a
written statement from an
organization when claiming to
receive support from the group
relates to the February, 2014
issue of the Save Our Lakes
Newsletter.
The publication
contained an article titled, “Save
Our Lakes Member Tony Brown
running for Mayor of Keystone
Heights.”
Gartee wrote in her complaint,
“There are not any disclaimers
stating who paid for this
publication, nor that it is an ‘inkind’ donation by the SOLO
organization.
The commission’s consent
order did not address the
additional claims by Gartee, only
the violation of an inadequate
disclaimer on Brown’s campaign
signs.
Brown said Gartee’s additional
claims lacked merit.
“They
(the
commission)
found that the only thing they
had any concern about was that
the disclaimer was not exactly
the way they wanted it to be,”
he said. “Everything else (in
the complaint) was found to be
insufficient.”
Clay County
Legislative
Delegation
Meeting
278-5761 by noon on Monday,
Dec. 15. All materials or
handouts for this meeting
must be in Representative
Cummings’ office no later
than Monday, December 15,
2014. Local Bill information
and procedures are available
at www.myfloridahouse.gov
under the reference materials
section.
In accordance with the
Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and Chapter
286.26 Florida Statutes,
persons in need of special
accommodations
to
participate in the meeting,
including
agendas,
interpreters
or
assisted
listening devices shall contact
the office of Representative
Travis Cummings no later than
two weeks prior to scheduled
meeting so accommodations
can be satisfied.
The Clay County Legislative
Delegation meeting is open to
the public.
Continued from 1A
state what office the candidate is
seeking.
In her complaint, Gartee
asserted
that
Brown’s
disclaimers on his signs were not
prominent enough, claiming the
disclaimers were less than one
percent of the size of the signs.
In the consent order, Brown
admitted that the size of the
disclaimers were not large
enough.
However, in an interview,
Brown said he broke no laws,
and only signed the consent
order to avoid more expenses
and time.
“I could have paid up to
$1,000 per charge,” he said of the
complaint. “I was completely in
compliance.”
“I’m good with it,” he said of
the settlement. “It’s over with.
Let’s move on.”
In her complaint, Gartee also
claimed Brown violated three
additional laws.
She wrote
that the mayoral candidate: (1)
stated his political affiliation
in an advertisement during a
nonpartisan race, (2) organized
a political committee that failed
to report to elections officials
and (3) claimed support from an
Dec. 1, 4 to 6 p.m.
The public hearing will
take place at the Clay County
Administration
Building,
477 Houston Street, Green
Cove Springs, FL 32043 for
the purpose of taking public
testimony on issues facing
the State of Florida and
consideration of local bills.
Interested
citizens
wishing to be placed on
the agenda for the Dec. 16
public hearing are asked to
contact Representative Travis
Cummings’ office at 904-
“As a mad man who
casteth firebrands, arrows,
and death,
so is the man that
deceiveth his neighbour,
and saith, Am not I in
sport?” —Pr. 26:18