Tag Archive for florida

Lt. Gov. Resigns

March 13, 2013 Front Page Comments Off

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has resigned. On Tuesday, she was interviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement regarding her work with Allied Veterans of the World, while serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. Gov. Rick Scott’s office issued the following: “Individuals were arrested Tuesday for a racketeering and money laundering charges in connection with Allied Veterans of the Worlds illegal gambling companies. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll consulted for Allied Veterans while serving as a member of the Florida House of Representatives in 2009 and 2010. She was interviewed by Florida Department of Law Enforcement officers Tuesday regarding her work with the company. Lt. Gov. Carroll resigned in an effort to keep her former affiliations with the company from distraction from the administration’s important work on behalf of Florida families. She made the right decision for the state and her family.”

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Video of Gov. Rick Scott’s Weekly Radio Address

March 23, 2012 Uncategorized Comments Off

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War of the Border All Star Game Set For Saturday

January 9, 2012 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

War of the Border All Star Game

Saturday January 14th, 2012

2:00 pm Kickoff

Mack Tharpe Stadium Colquitt County High School

 

Madison Co kids in it are: Tommie Young, Tevin Roundtree, Keldrick Williams, Gavin Stephens and Charles Brown.

 

Head Coach- Mike Coe

 

 

Columbia Youth Football East West Shrine Bowl

Saturday January 14th, 2012

2:00 pm Kickoff

Columbia Co Memorial Stadium

 

Madison Co kids in it are: Willie Gavin, Rashad Guyton, Trent Robinson, Jay Wallace

 

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FDLE announces crime in Florida down for first half of year

October 21, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Commissioner Gerald Bailey joined local, state and federal criminal justice officials today to announce the 2011 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report. The report reflects that crime in Florida declined 2 percent for the first half of the calendar year over the same period last year. Total violent crime (murder, forcible sex offenses, robbery and aggravated assault) is down by 3.2 percent for the first six months of the year, while total non-violent crime (burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) declined 1.8 percent.

“The decrease in crime volume is yet another sign that Florida is a safe state, and we are open for business,” said Governor Rick Scott. “I commend Florida’s law enforcement agencies as well as our citizens for their commitment and dedication to keeping Floridians and visitors to our state safe.”

“Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement and Florida’s citizens, our state continues to be a safe place to work and live,” said Attorney General Bondi. “I am proud to recognize their dedication to protecting our citizens and visitors.”

The report also showed a 3.1 percent decrease in the number of murders, a 4.3 percent decrease in robberies, a 3.4 percent decrease in aggravated assault, a 1.6 percent decrease in burglary, a 1.2 percent decrease in larceny, and a 9.4 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts. The number of forcible sex offenses increased 1.1 percent. Domestic violence offenses declined 0.6 percent.

“These first six months’ results are a strong indicator of what we will see for 2011, and the downward trend of Florida’s crime numbers is a positive sign,” said Commissioner Bailey. “We’re aggressively working to safeguard our streets and communities.”

The report also contains information on officers killed feloniously. Five officers died from criminal causes during the first half of the year; two were officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department and three were officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department.

The report includes data submitted by 409 of the state’s 416 law enforcement agencies, which represent 99.2 percent of the total population of the state. The report reflects crime volume only; crime rate, which takes into account population, is calculated in the annual report. The complete 2011 Semi-Annual Uniform Crime Report, including county-by-county breakdowns, can be found on FDLE’s website at www.fdle.state.fl.us/fsac/ucr/.

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North Central Florida Regional Planning Council Awards Roy Ellis For Outstanding Attendance

August 9, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Roy Ellis was honored for outstanding attendance at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting. L to R:  Scott Koons, Executive Director of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Commissioner Roy Ellis, Madison County and Louie Davis, Chair of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Roy Ellis was honored for outstanding attendance at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting. L to R: Scott Koons, Executive Director of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council, Commissioner Roy Ellis, Madison County and Louie Davis, Chair of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

Madison County Commissioner Roy Ellis was awarded a Certificate of Outstanding Attendance at the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council meeting recently by Scott Koons, Executive Director of the Council.  The Certificate was awarded in recognition of his attendance at every scheduled Council meeting during Program Year 2010-11.  Ellis has served on the Council since 2001, representing Madison County as a local elected official.

The Council, whose members are local elected officials and gubernatorial appointees, administers a variety of state and federal programs for north central Florida including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union Counties.  Programs include development of the Strategic Regional Policy Plan, technical assistance to local governments in development of comprehensive plans, land development regulations and grant management, and administration of developments of regional impact, local mitigation strategies, hazardous materials, homeland security and economic development programs.  In addition, the Council staffs the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area, the North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee, the North Central Florida Regional Hazardous Materials Response Team and The Original Florida Tourism Task Force.

Ellis has been very active in the organization over the past several years.  He has served one term as Chairman and Vice-Chairman and two terms as Secretary-Treasurer.  He has also served as Chairman of the Finance, Nominating and Program Committees, and has been a member of the Board of Directors for nine terms.  He is currently serving as Chairman of the Finance Committee.

The Councils offices are located in Gainesville.  More information about the Council can be found at ncfrpc.org.

 

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Additional Unemployment Compensation Reforms to Take Effect August 1

July 27, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

TALLAHASSEE – Beginning Monday, August 1, 2011, several changes to Florida’s Unemployment Compensation program that were signed into law last month will take effect. These reforms will save the state money, reduce taxes on employers and help get Floridians back to work.

Changes taking effect August 1 include:

· Internet Filing and Certification of Weeks – Initial and continued claims must be filed over the Internet. The change will improve government efficiency and provide a projected $4.7 million savings annually in administrative costs. AWI’s unemployment compensation hotline will be available to answer questions about the filing process.

· Work Search – Claimants are required to contact at least five potential employers per week and provide this information over the Internet during their bi-weekly certification for benefits. A quick, efficient way to contact employers is by using the Employ Florida Marketplace at employflorida.com, the state’s online job matching system where you can search thousands of job postings and apply for jobs.

If a claimant is not able to make at least five employer contacts in a week, meeting with a representative at a local One-Stop Career Center for reemployment services will satisfy this requirement for that week.

· Skills Review – In order to receive benefits, claimants filing new claims must complete an initial skills review over the Internet. The results of the review will be used by local One-Stop Career Centers to assist claimants with job searches.

· Severance Pay – If a claimant’s severance pay per week is equal to or greater than the claimant’s weekly benefit amount, the claimant is not entitled to benefits for that week. Severance pay does not impact the total amount of benefits that can be paid on the claim.

For more information, please visit www.floridajobs.org.

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UNEMPLOYMENT IN NORTH FLORIDA

July 21, 2011 Editorials Comments Off
Business & Tax Insights
By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.Guest Columnist

Our recent economic crisis, or The Great Recession, as it is more often called, is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression of the 1930’s.  Although it technically ended in mid-2009, most areas of our country, including Madison County and the North Florida area, continue to feel its effects.

Obviously, plummeting real estate pricing, tighter lending practices and other economic changes have certainly been hard to swallow, but one of the most notable areas of our economy to be impacted is that of the job market.  Unemployment hit a high point in Florida in December, 2010, at a rate of 12.0%.  The rate has somewhat improved but is still at an astounding rate of 10.6% as of May, 2011, slightly higher than the national average of 9.2%.

Madison County’s unemployment as of May 31, 2011 was slightly above the state average at a rate of 10.8%.  Fortunately, our area has not been hit as hard as other areas in the state such as Miami-Dade County, with an unemployment rate of 13.7%.  Nevertheless, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, we have 759 unemployed individuals in Madison County alone.

Many factors and criteria go into the makeup of the published rate, but the truth of the matter is the rate is actually higher than that released through government statistics.  For instance, unemployed individuals are no longer considered “unemployed” at the point in which they become discouraged and actually stop looking for work.

Additionally, those marginally attached to the labor force and the “underemployed,” such as those who have accepted part-time jobs when they are really looking for full-time employment, are excluded from the rate as well.  The true unemployment rate in the state of Florida is considered to be as high as 19.0%.  That’s nearly one in every five Floridians that are out of work.

Obviously, the unemployed in our area continue to suffer and, unfortunately, a quick reversal doesn’t seem to be on the horizon in the immediate future.  To make matters worse, for those who are unemployed and are receiving unemployment benefits, a surprise awaits at tax filing time.  Unemployment compensation benefits are taxable.

However, if you or someone you know is unemployed, here are a few thoughts on how the tax bite might be reduced.  First, remember that job-search expenses may be deductible.  They are deductible to the extent that they exceed 2% of adjusted gross income. Resume preparation, long-distance phone calls, internet charges, and travel expenses related to job interviews are some expenses that may qualify as job-hunting costs.

Moving expenses may also be deductible if you move to take a new job.  The move must be at least 50 miles more than the distance between your old job and your former home in order to take the deduction.

If you sell your home to take a new job, remember that the law now generally makes selling your home a nontaxable event.  Unless the profit from the sale is more than $250,000 ($500,000 if you’re married), you won’t have to pay taxes on the gain.  The general rule is that you must have owned and lived in the home for two of the last five years.  If you haven’t met this two-year requirement, you may still be able to exclude some of the gain if you sell your home because of a change in employment.

If you need to withdraw money from an IRA to pay for health insurance premiums while you’re out of work, you will pay income tax on the withdrawals, but you won’t have to pay the 10% early withdrawal penalty. (Certain requirements apply.)

Saving tax dollars while you may be out of work obviously isn’t the cure for being unemployed, but it certainly helps.  The unemployment rate remains high, but it is improving.  The employment picture in North Florida will see brighter days soon.

Mark Buescher, CPA is owner and principal of Buescher and Ruff, LLC, a local full service accounting firm in Madison, specializing in tax preparation, business consulting and tax planning.  Tax laws contain varying effective dates and numerous limitations and exemptions that cannot be summarized easily.  For details and guidance for your specific situation, contact your tax advisor.
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Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday August 12-14

July 12, 2011 Front Page One comment

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Friday August 12, Florida will begin their annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday. The sale will last until midnight on Sunday August 14. During this holiday there will be no sales tax placed on clothing, footwear and some accessories that cost $75 or less. Some school supplies, costing under $15 will also be included in the sale. Some books will also be on sale as long as they are under $50.
According to www.stayathomemoms.about.com some of the clothing items eligible to be tax-free include: Baby clothes, belts, bibs, blouses, caps and hat, coats, diaper bags, diapers, dresses, gloves, formal clothing, jackets, jeans, rain coats, socks, sleepwear, sweat suits, sweaters, undergarments and uniforms. School supplies that will be exempt from Florida sales tax are: binders, calculators, colored pencils, compasses, composition books, construction paper, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, highlighters, legal pads, lunch boxes, markers, notebooks, paste, pencils, pens, poster board, rulers and scissors.
Books exempt from taxes on these days include Bibles, books with a publisher, foreign and old books, instruction manuals, music books and textbooks

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Take Stock In Children Launches New Online Virtual Tours Of Florida Colleges

June 28, 2011 Education Comments Off

NFCC Included In The 15 Colleges Selected

 

A new collection of virtual tours of Florida’s most popular colleges has been launched by Take Stock in Children, a statewide non-profit organization with a 16 year history of helping low-income and at-risk youth break the cycle of poverty by providing scholarships, mentors and hope. With funding provided by the Helios Education Foundation, this free online service gives students who do not have the means to travel and tour schools the chance to “visit” them online, and consequently eliminates the financial burden and costs associated with individual campus visits.
Available exclusively through Take Stock in Children’s website, www.TakeStockInChildren.org, the online virtual tours will highlight key aspects of various state college campuses in order to assist students during the college selection process. Scholars will be able to virtually visit 15 of the most-attended state colleges throughout Florida including: Brevard Community College, Broward College, Indian River State College, Florida Gateway College, Miami Dade College, Palm Beach State College, Valencia Community College, College of Central Florida, Tallahassee Community College, North Florida Community College, Florida State College at Jacksonville, Santa Fe College, St. Petersburg College, State College of Florida Manatee-Sarasota and Edison State College.

The online virtual tours serve as an invaluable resource to our program participants and all those pursuing a post-secondary education,” says Richard Berkowitz, State Board Chair of Take Stock in Children.

“Many of our students are first generation college attendees and are not familiar with the different aspects of a college campus, and this gives them direct access to view the most popular state colleges in Florida at any time.”
The launch of online virtual tours is part of Take Stock in Children’s continued efforts to enhance technology and improve college enrollment across Florida through a $1 million donation from the Helios Education Foundation. Alongside the online virtual tours, a portion of the donated funds are providing students with college survival toolkits and online educational modules in several languages including English, Spanish and Creole.
“The Helios Education Foundation recognizes the importance of preparing students for success through post-secondary education,” says Paul Luna, President and CEO of the Helios Education Founda- tion. “We are proud to support Take Stock in Children and such an important program that will assist our youth to advance in their pursuit of education.”
“We are excited that Take Stock in Children has launched this online resource allowing students to further explore each college, and thus make a better informed decision about their future studies,” says Will Holcombe, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “It is yet another way that this important organization is helping to provide and increase access to a college education in Florida.”
Students enrolled with Take Stock in Children are identified in middle and high school, and then sign a contract pledging to remain drug and crime free, as well as maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or greater. All students that fulfill these obligations and successfully complete the program then receive full scholarships to a state college or university.
To learn more about Take Stock in Children or to become a valued mentor or supporter, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.
About Take Stock in Children
Take Stock in Children is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization with a solid 16 year history of providing mentors, educational scholarships and hope for Florida’s low-income and at-risk youth. The organization has provided educational support and college scholarships for over 17,000 children in partnership with more than 800 public schools throughout 67 counties in Florida. It is the only scholarship mentoring program with the mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through education, and has attained a high school graduation rate of 92 percent in Florida (as compared to Florida’s average graduation rate of 76%). The program’s multi-year commitment to students and their comprehensive program services begin in middle school and continue through high school graduation and into college.  Special emphasis is placed on student accountability and specific measurable outcomes. Take Stock in Children students pledge to meet with their assigned mentor once a week, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and remain drug and crime free.  Upon successful high school graduation, as a fulfillment of their contractual agreement, students are then awarded a college scholarship to any college, university or vocational school in the state of Florida. To learn more about Take Stock in Children, please call 888-322-4673 or visit www.takestockinchildren.org.

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Statement from Governor Rick Scott Regarding Florida’s Fallen Firefighters

June 21, 2011 Uncategorized One comment

“As Florida faces a significant threat from more than 400 wildfires across our state, we are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of two of our veteran firefighters, Josh Burch and Brett Fulton. We pray for the comfort and strength for their families and fellow firefighters.

“I had the privilege of meeting many of our dedicated firefighters last week, and am not at all surprised to learn of the heroic efforts of co-workers to rescue them. The selfless commitment displayed by all of the firefighters across the state deserves our utmost respect.”

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Videos: Scenes From Maroon and Silver Game

May 20, 2011 Sports Comments Off
ertzbergerplayerssideline

Videos from the Maroon and Silver game, played at Boot Hill on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at Boothill in Madison, Florida online at http://www.youtube.com/user/greenepublishingusa

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BEMBRY SPONSORS STATE PARK BENEFITS FOR FAMILIES OF FALLEN MILITARY, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND FIREFIGHTERS

May 10, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – State Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville) is pleased to announce that the Florida Legislature has approved a bill he sponsored to allow parents of deceased military veterans, as well as spouses and parents of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters, to join a select group of people eligible to receive lifetime free entry to Florida State Parks.

The legislation (House Bill 95), which will be presented to Governor Rick Scott for consideration, builds on legislation Representative Bembry passed last year that made state park passes available to spouses of deceased members of the United States Armed Forces, National Guard, or reserves who have fallen in combat.

“I am proud to help Florida continue a tradition of being a veteran-friendly state by passing legislation that provides free lifetime family passes to parents who have lost a son or daughter who has fallen in military combat,” said Representative Bembry. “House Bill 95 also will allow spouses and parents of fallen law enforcement officers and firefighters to obtain annual entrance passes to state parks at no charge.

“I believe this is a thoughtful way for a grateful state to thank those who have sacrificed so much for our nation. It is only fitting that this legislation was voted on during the month that we commemorate Memorial Day,” added Representative Bembry. “I look forward to Governor Scott’s favorable consideration of this deserved legislation.”

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Florida Bicycle Safari To Bring 200+ Bicycle Enthusiasts To Madison County

April 19, 2011 Around Madison, Outdoors Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Florida Freewheelers Bicycle Club will be riding out on their 31st annual Florida Bicycle Safari, April 30 through May 5, 2011.
Based in Orlando, the group of avid bikers pedal out almost every weekend on bike trails in the Central Florida area, but once a year, they undertake the Florida Bicycle Safari, their “springtime adventure that features supported rides over some of the best cycling roads in North Florida and South Georgia,” according to the event website, www.floridabicyclesa-fari.com.
The Safari is limited to 250 bikers, plus volunteers who run the rest stops and lunch stops along the trail, drive the trucks with the camping equipment and mark the routes.  This year, about 225 Florida Freewheelers will be participating in the Safari.
Also this year, Michael Halley, Greenville Town Council Member and avid cyclist himself, will be joining the group, and he wants to alert Madison County residents that there will be a lot of people in the area on bicycles during the first few days of May.  “We don’t want anyone to get run over,” he said.
Also, with over 200 club members in town, “that’s a lot of people who’ll be spending money locally.”
After first spending the weekend at the Suwannee County Fairgrounds near Live Oak, and touring the different bike trails there, the group will arrive at the Cherry Lake 4H Campground, Monday, May 2, and spend the next three days touring the trails throughout the county and in South Georgia.
While they are in Madison County, they will also visit places of historical interest, such as the Ray Charles house in Greenville.  Tuesday evening, May 3,
Greenville Mayor Elesta Pritchett and Bob Bunning of Treasures of Madison County will visit the group at the 4-H Campground, where Pritchett will share stories of growing up in Greenville, and Bunning will talk about some of the history of the Madison County area.
In addition to riding the trails all over the county and spending money in the local economy, the Freewheelers will be promoting awareness of cyclists sharing the road with automobiles, while emphasizing responsible biking and personal safety for all cyclists – whether for diehard enthusiasts like themselves, or those who enjoy just pedaling around their neighborhoods.
With that issue of safety in mind, some of them will also visit Greenville Elementary School, Wednesday, May 4, at 10 a.m. to educate the students about bicycle safety and to present them with bicycle helmets.
“This is my first Bicycle Safari,” said Halley. “But, it probably won’t be my last.”
Halley, who is also on the Chamber of Commerce’s Cycling Committee, a member of Greenville United Methodist Church and the chair of United Methodist Cooperative Ministries, will be undertaking an even longer tour after finishing the Safari – a 1600-mile trip to Michigan.
That’s a lot of pedaling.

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SpringTime Tallahassee 2011

March 31, 2011 Uncategorized Comments Off

Downtown GetDown – April 1, 2011
Capital City Bank and United Way of the Big Bend, along with our partners and sponsors are proud to present the eighth annual Capital City Bank Springtime Tallahassee Downtown GetDown. Join us Friday night from 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Adams Street Commons as we kick off the weekend festivities at the GetDown street party. Dance the night away to live music, delicious food, and street entertainment. Open to the public. For more information visit www.uwbb.org or call (850) 487-8087

Andrew Jackson’s Florida Legacy Exhibit – April 1, 2011
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum welcomes you to the opening of our newest exhibit Andrew Jackson’s Florida Legacy from 5 – 8 p.m., Friday April 1. The event is Free to the public and will feature a special guest speaker at 6:30 p.m. in the restored House of Representatives Chamber.  Come Enjoy an evening at the Historic Capitol, with free food and activities. More information at (850) 487-1902 and on the web at www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Springtime Celebration- April 2, 2011
The Florida Historic Capitol Museum welcomes you to its first annual Springtime Celebration. Come visit the Florida Historic Capitol Museum, Saturday April 2, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for special tours, programs and an opportunity to meet the museum staff. The event is FREE to the public and 100% of donations support our educational programs.
12:30 p.m.- “Meet the Exhibit Curator” Andrew Jackson’s Florida Legacy
Meet with museum staff for a special tour and discussion about the Historic Capitol’s newest exhibit Andrew Jackson’s Florida Legacy.
1:30 p.m. -“Meet the Collector” Buttons ‘n Badges, Ads ‘n Chads
Don’t miss this special opportunity to see one of our most popular exhibits in its final days and to meet collector John Clark for a special presentation about his collection of political memorabilia dating back to George Washington.
More Activities TBA
More information at (850) 487-1902 or on the web at www.flhistoriccapitol.gov

Presented by our Title Sponsor
Tobacco Free Florida.com

Gulf Winds Track Club presents the
Springtime 10K and 1 Mile
The Gulf Winds Track Club presents the Springtime 10K/5K/1 mile road race on Saturday, April 2, 2011. The race will take place in Downtown Tallahassee and is a USATF certified course. The course begins with a 3/4 mile downhill stretch, covers rolling hills through the beautiful Meyers Park neighborhood and finishes flat and fast one half mile from the start area. The 1 mile race will begin at 7:45 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K races starting at 8:10 a.m. For more information please visit www.gulfwinds.org; email jalexander98@comcast.net or call Judy Alexander at (850)383-1361.

Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade
10:30 a.m.
The 43rd Annual Springtime Tallahassee Grand Parade will see “What’s Cookin?…Springtime Tallahassee” on April 2nd at 10:30 a.m. The parade begins at the intersection of Monroe Street and Thomasville Road and travels south on Monroe Street past the Florida Capitol ending at Gaines Street. The first Springtime parade featured many costumes and only horse drawn units. Today, the parade still includes horse-drawn carriages to provide a bit of nostalgia; however, it also boosts elaborately clad characters and spectaular mechanical floats from all over the southeastern United States. Springtime Tallahassee is considered one of the biggest southeastern parades and craft shows, attracting over 70,000 spectators.

Jubilee in the Park 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Let the good times continue…as the Jubilee winds its way through downtown Tallahassee offering a plethora of sights, sounds, and activities. Music, food, arts and crafts will abound. Arts and Crafts booths will showcase over 250 local, regional and national vendors. There will literally be something for everyone. The Jubilee will take place off Monroe Street on Adams Street, Duval Street, Park Avenue, and College Avenue.
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Food Court
Adams Street
The food court will offer a wide variety of cuisines with international flavors, bringing a little something for everyone! Delight in the “Flavor of Tallahassee” with the likes of grilled sweet corn, Greek specialties, kettle corn, corn dogs, and so much more!

Kid’s Park
Duval Street & Park Avenue
This fantastic day of fun filled activities include aquarium touch exhibit provided by Gulf Specimen Marine Lab, face painting, inflatable attractions, games, snow cones, and more.

Cooking Demonstration
McCarty Park
Park Avenue Chain of Parks
Join us for the ‘What’s Cookin’ Demo at the Jubilee in the Park from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. with special guests from Keiser University, Publix, New Leaf Market, and our very own, Richard Musgrove!

Rock Jazz Blue Stage
Jefferson Street & Adams Street
Live music by the following acts from great local and regional acts.

Community Stage
College Avenue and Duval Street
Come support some of the best performing and musical acts from our community!! Acts include local dance teams, ballet, performing arts, and more.

Main Stage Music Festival – 12 noon – 5:00 p.m. at Kleman Plaza
Wind your way down to Kleman Plaza to take part in the Springtime Tallahassee Seafood Festival, BeerGarden, and live regional entertainment starting at 12:00 noon. Come taste some of the best seafood offered from along the Florida Coastline as you dance the day away with some of our incredible entertainment acts that are sure to ROCK Kleman Plaza making it impossible to stay in your seat.

Springtime Tallahassee Seafood Festival & Beer Garden- 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
at Kleman Plaza
The fifth annual Seafood Festival will offer a variety of cuisine guaranteed to ignite your taste buds. Come taste the best seafood around from vendors joining us from across the Florida coastline. Menu items include: crab fritters, Baha fish tacos, grilled crab cakes, grouper platters, calamari, crawfish etouffee, and much more!

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The Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee Attend The Annual State Women’s Conference

March 31, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off
Farm9061

by Tall Timbers.
Florida Farm Bureau President, John Hoblick was also on the program and in his presentation, challenged the Farm Bureau Women to keep up their effective and hard work on many Farm Bureau programs and projects.
Madison County Farm Bureau had more Farm Bureau women to attend this Meeting than any other county Farm Bureau in Florida.  Eleven folks attended this excellent meeting.
Another key program idea that was discussed was Ag In the Classroom, of which the Madison County Farm Bureau is involved with.  Ag Education for school children is extremely important to Madison Farm Bureau’s Women’s Program.

The Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee recently attended the Annual State Women’s Conference which was held this year at the Hotel Duval in Tallahassee.
Usually, this Annual Conference is held in the Southern part of Florida, but this year, the meeting was held in North Florida.
Nearly one hundred and twenty-five farm women from all over the state attended the event.  A certain highlight of the meeting was a tour of several interesting forestry-based operations in Gadsden and Leon Counties.  Perhaps the most interesting stop on the tour was the Coastal Plywood plant just north of Havana.  The ladies got to see up close just how plywood is manufactured.   Coastal Plywood is one of the most modern facilities in the country, and there are many forestry owners in North Florida that sell their timber to the Coastal plant.
Another stop for the ladies was a huge ornamental nursery located near Havana.  The May Nursery is a total family-owned operation that has been in operation for over 50 years.  The May family is also heavily involved with Farm Bureau, and have been for many years.  At May Nursery, the primary varieties grown are woody ornamentals, and most of their production is shipped to Atlanta and up the eastern seaboard to as far as Canada.
The last stop on the tour which also included dinner was the Tall Timbers Research center, located north of Tallahassee.  This facility has done tremendous work with growing forestry products, but enhancing wildlife predication as well.  Wild quail production has definitely benefited from the research done by Tall Timbers.

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Florida Wildfire Update (PDF)

March 3, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off

Mar 3 2011 WildfireUpdate

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Help For Livestock Producers Who Suffered Winter Losses

February 28, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page, Outdoors Comments Off

Gainesville, FL – February 28, 2011 — Tim Manning , State Executive Director for the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that permanent disaster assistance programs created in the 2008 Farm Bill allow FSA to offer relief to producers affected by adverse weather.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides livestock producers with benefits for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including blizzards and wildfires. For livestock producers, ELAP assistance may be available for feed losses due to a major weather event. ELAP benefits paid are based on FSA’s calculation of the value of feed lost compared to the feed needs of the livestock during the disaster period. Producers should document any additional costs associated with transporting feed to livestock.

“Many farmers and ranchers have faced a rough winter, and they need to know FSA has programs that offer relief when they need it most,” said Manning. “For LIP benefits, producers should document the number and kind of livestock that died due to the winter storms and notify our office as soon as possible,” he said.

To meet eligibility requirements under LIP, producers must file a notice of loss within 30 days from when the loss is apparent to the producer. It is also important that the verification of death loss is verified by an unrelated third party.

Another disaster assistance program available to livestock producers is the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) which provides financial assistance to producers who suffer grazing losses due to drought or fire. LFP requires that producers obtain a policy or plan of insurance for the grazed forage crop under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (FCIA) or file the required paperwork and pay the administrative fee by the applicable state application closing date for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

“Although we don’t often think of drought and snow in the same context, it is very possible that both weather conditions are occurring at the same time and LFP is available to help alleviate the financial strain caused by drought, “said Manning.

Manning stressed that applications received for any of the livestock disaster assistance programs are considered on a case-by-case basis and producers should be prepared to provide required information to determine eligibility and applicable benefits.

Producers who have questions regarding livestock disaster assistance program eligibility and the application process should contact your County FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

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Weekly Gas Price Update Feb. 21

February 21, 2011 Editorials, Front Page Comments Off

Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 1.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.13/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 4.1 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.16/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 46.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 1 cent per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 6.9 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 51.5 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

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Obituary: Elizabeth “Beth” Hunter Sims

February 7, 2011 Obituaries Comments Off

Elizabeth “Beth” Hunter Sims, passed away on Saturday, February 5, at the age of 89.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

She was raised in Crescent City, Florida and graduated with a BS from Florida State College for Women (FSCW) and a Master’s from Florida State University (FSU). She took an active part in Madison community life, having taught Business classes in the local high school, served as Den Mother for the Cub Scouts, Troop leader for the Brownie Scouts, and president of the PTA, Woman’s Club, and Madison County Historical Society. She wrote history articles for the local Madison paper and a well-received book, The History of Madison County, Florida. She enjoyed needlework and traveling.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Carl A. Sims, Sr. and their six children, Guy M. Sims, Agnes S. (Page) Hite, Durlie S. Barati, Carl A. Sims, Jr., Hunter M. Sims, and Howard R. (Tatiana) Sims plus three grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Agnes S. Studstill.

Ashlyn’s Rose Petal Florist of Madison will be handling the flowers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education, Inc. (MCFEE), P. O. Box 181, Madison, Florida 32341, or to the First United Methodist Church of Madison, P. O. Box 294, Madison, Florida 32341.

Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel, (850) 973-2258, was in charge of arrangements.

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Florida State Gas Price Update

February 7, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

Florida, February 7- Average retail gasoline prices in Florida have risen 1.5 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $3.10/g yesterday. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.11/g, according to gasoline price website FloridaStateGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Florida during the past week, prices yesterday were 44.1 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 1.1 cents per gallon higher than a month ago. The national average has increased 5.1 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 45.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

About FloridaStateGasPrices.com

GasBuddy operates GasBuddy.com, FloridaStateGasPrices.com, and over 225 other local gasoline price-tracking websites that follow prices at over 125,000 gasoline stations in the United States and Canada. GasBuddy also uses Facebook (facebook.com/gasbuddy) Twitter (twitter.com/gasbuddy), and phone apps to keep motorists ahead of changing gasoline prices. GasBuddy.com was named one of Time magazine’s 50 best websites and to PC World’s 100 most useful websites of 2008.

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