On November 1, 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection became the proud owner of Weeki Wachee Springs, the latest of the 161 parks in the State Park Service. The deal had been signed on February 18 for a couple of ‘fins’!
Ten bucks and what do you get? Breathing room for “The Only City With Live Mermaids”! After nearly three decades of declining tourism, thanks to Disney and other exotic attractions, the survival of the Springs has ‘sprung’ back to life.
In celebration, bring out the bubbly! through air hoses, giving life support to those wide-tailed beauties!
The depth of the Springs, at 403 feet, is considered the deepest of known natural springs in the United States. Some changes can be expected with the removal of the water slide and a review of the boat ride. Safety and environmental concerns of the Southwest Florida Water Management District, SFWMD or Swiftmud, were factors in the lengthy legal battle with the previous owners of the Springs.
The Springs may never reach the popularity it once had in the 50s and 60s but there’s a strong belief that, with the State Park Service in control, it will be rehabilitated to a newfound glory with Buccaneer Bay, Florida’ only spring-fed waterpark, providing visitors with fun in the sun with its white sandy beaches.
The State can’t do much about the declining water level, which in the past pumped 117 million gallons of 72-degree water from the depths of the Florida Aquifer, but there’ll come a day when Weeki Wachee will be as glorious as Wekiva Springs in Apopka, Florida. Such is my belief, albeit with a unique character of its own.
Just as Blue Springs State Park, in Orange City, and Wekiva, manatees are an attraction in themselves. Big and cumbersome in appearance and endangered by the ways of humans, they’re such lovable creatures, especially when seen lolling about with their young. Such was a sight I witnessed with inspiration and a sense of peace and harmony. Another wonder of Mother nature!
And here I sit with guilt that, as yet, I haven’t taken the time to visit Weeki Wachee. After living in Florida in excess of half my 58 years of life, I’ve not made a trip to Key West. With a personal commitment, this won’t be the case with the Springs located a mere five miles from my home. Shameful.
We should all be honored that Weeki Wachee Springs is safe, secure and reassured that the “Only City With Live Mermaids” will continue to be one of most treasured gifts to Hernando County, knowing the grace and beauty of those aquatic wonders will keep those fins a-flappin’.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
A Rose Is Still A Rose
In every election there are disappoints whether it be the a national, state or local candidate. The broadest perspective places the voting for the President of the United States of more importance than all other political contests, followed by other national contests, namely Congressional races.
Getting closer to home, the selection of state representatives will shape the direction of where and how taxpayer dollars will be spent.
It’s the local elections that can make the biggest difference in the next four years. County and city candidates have a large control of the landscape of your daily living and what the view outside your front door will be.
In my singular opinion, there’s a sense of regret that the most outspoken and un-molded personality will no longer be among the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners.
Although I fail to understand the importance of the political party affiliation of local officials, it’s the branding of the reds and blues of elected representatives that gives me cause to pause and dwell on the implications that will follow the two defeated Democrats, Chris Kingsley and Diane Rowden. Their lives will go on as will that of the rest of us and yet there’s a sense of loss that’ll bring a time of adjustment.
Chris is an exceptional neighborhood friend and has been considerate of issues most important to constituents. I’ve taken a bit of interest in the goings on in the County these past two years, since Election Day 2006, and feel a loss for what will be his lack of input in making local decisions. His vocal inquiries at County hearings always seemed timely and appropriate.
Diane is a woman consistently vocal in her opinions, taking issue with unabashed determination to make her individuality something of contention to get down to the nitty gritty. Chances have often been 4 to 1 that her viewpoints would be different from the mold of special interests. She hasn’t always displayed the kindest of expressions but, while some people have expressed a certain dislike (without giving specifics because they’re “too numerous”), others have placed her among the best at listening, responding and taking action when warranted.
Diane has been the sole Board member consistently expressing a concern about the too often acceptance of one development after another. I’m talking the Hickory, the Sunrise and the Hideaway decisions. Those decisions are not what I call “forward thinking”. S.O.S.O comes to mind.
Jeff Stabins, in spite of running as a Republican, which I write in jest, remains fully seated for the next four years. He’s still my District 1 Manager, so to speak. Actually, I’d be pleased to nominate his placement as permanent Chairman with his quirky comments and, at times, attire. Nonetheless, he has a mind of his own and makes it known.
Change is good, otherwise this great nation wouldn’t be the leader of this planet called Earth.
I was more in line with the recommendations of the Hernando Times than Hernando Today on local candidates but on this Day 1 after the General Election all is not lost to the past.
James Adkins and John Druzbik will join the Board alongside Rose Rocco and David Russell. Congratulations to both. Whatever influence on future changes in the County, no one can doubt their sincere goals to make Hernando a better community.
I can’t help but make reference to Rose. She must feel the lonely one. She’s a minority of 1 times 2 – a woman and a Democrat. Stand firm, dear lady. Two years on may bring an opponent too familiar to the Board – a Republican man. Stand firm, indeed!
Getting closer to home, the selection of state representatives will shape the direction of where and how taxpayer dollars will be spent.
It’s the local elections that can make the biggest difference in the next four years. County and city candidates have a large control of the landscape of your daily living and what the view outside your front door will be.
In my singular opinion, there’s a sense of regret that the most outspoken and un-molded personality will no longer be among the Hernando County Board of County Commissioners.
Although I fail to understand the importance of the political party affiliation of local officials, it’s the branding of the reds and blues of elected representatives that gives me cause to pause and dwell on the implications that will follow the two defeated Democrats, Chris Kingsley and Diane Rowden. Their lives will go on as will that of the rest of us and yet there’s a sense of loss that’ll bring a time of adjustment.
Chris is an exceptional neighborhood friend and has been considerate of issues most important to constituents. I’ve taken a bit of interest in the goings on in the County these past two years, since Election Day 2006, and feel a loss for what will be his lack of input in making local decisions. His vocal inquiries at County hearings always seemed timely and appropriate.
Diane is a woman consistently vocal in her opinions, taking issue with unabashed determination to make her individuality something of contention to get down to the nitty gritty. Chances have often been 4 to 1 that her viewpoints would be different from the mold of special interests. She hasn’t always displayed the kindest of expressions but, while some people have expressed a certain dislike (without giving specifics because they’re “too numerous”), others have placed her among the best at listening, responding and taking action when warranted.
Diane has been the sole Board member consistently expressing a concern about the too often acceptance of one development after another. I’m talking the Hickory, the Sunrise and the Hideaway decisions. Those decisions are not what I call “forward thinking”. S.O.S.O comes to mind.
Jeff Stabins, in spite of running as a Republican, which I write in jest, remains fully seated for the next four years. He’s still my District 1 Manager, so to speak. Actually, I’d be pleased to nominate his placement as permanent Chairman with his quirky comments and, at times, attire. Nonetheless, he has a mind of his own and makes it known.
Change is good, otherwise this great nation wouldn’t be the leader of this planet called Earth.
I was more in line with the recommendations of the Hernando Times than Hernando Today on local candidates but on this Day 1 after the General Election all is not lost to the past.
James Adkins and John Druzbik will join the Board alongside Rose Rocco and David Russell. Congratulations to both. Whatever influence on future changes in the County, no one can doubt their sincere goals to make Hernando a better community.
I can’t help but make reference to Rose. She must feel the lonely one. She’s a minority of 1 times 2 – a woman and a Democrat. Stand firm, dear lady. Two years on may bring an opponent too familiar to the Board – a Republican man. Stand firm, indeed!
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