It's been a fun-filled week attending the groundbreaking of the new Clay County Fire Station north of the city on SR-100 and celebrating award winning business members of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce at their 2018 Great Gatsby Gala.
While I can't speak for the entire council, I will share, for me, it is bittersweet saying goodbye to the current location of Station 11 tucked just inside the downtown district. I think because I'm a city resident, I've always felt safer knowing they were blocks from our home. I realize I will be as safe as I am now when they move but it will be a little different.
The new Station 11 is drop-dead gorgeous. It will be a show piece from an architectural stand point and certainly roomier and more comfortable for our fire fighters.
Thank you again, for what you all do for our community. I look forward to seeing the building rise from the ground and cutting the ribbon when it opens.
Part of the fun in attending a gala event is playing dress up and so I wandered the back roads to Micanopy where I met the delightful owner Dina Michael of Winters Past, a vintage clothing store.
She is a very knowledgeable vintage aficionado and was an enormous help selecting a 1920 vintage-inspired dress. Thank you, Miss Dina. You have a lovely store and personally made it a lovely experience.
Pam Whittle and the board of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce flat know how to organize and run an event. Smooth as silk, it is a fundraiser for the Bradford County Education Foundation hosting a live and silent auction. Dinner was excellent from the Steak House in Starke. Emcee Terry Vaughn might have told some bad jokes. ;-)
Thanks to city clerk Lynn Rutkowski for attending the event. It was wonderful to have company along with representatives of Shands Starke and Bradford Sportsmen's Club.
Last Friday evening, the City Council qualified candidates for Seats 3, 4, and 5. There will be an election in Seat 4 as I, and another council member will be running for Mayor. Please let me know if you'd like to help (any and all is gratefully accepted). I would certainly appreciate it and your vote (if you live inside city limits.)
Also on tap:
Council continues to discuss a framework for restarting a farmer’s market. Bathrooms at the Nature Park are an issue that could be solved by moving the market behind city hall where there is an existing bathroom.
The council approved a cost of living increase to council paychecks as the last adjustment was in 2008. Council members will receive $350 per month, up from $300. The mayor's position will receive a little bit bigger bump to $450 as there is increased responsibility in the job. These increases will begin after the April election.
Until next week…thanks for clicking on.