 It’s a long week when I get to Thursday and the tank is empty.
This week felt like a month. Heavy government stuff. I had a blog about a particular subject planned for Thursday but delayed it because I knew it would bring a slew of debate. I’m all about that, but we need to pace ourselves. Then came word that Fort Island Gulf Beach had reopened, and I couldn’t get over there fast enough.  And another thing about the barge canal.
Ha! Just kidding. I think we’ve punched that bag plenty. Fun, wasn’t it? The county managed to create and expel a controversy, all in one week. Talk about efficiency!  There I was minding my own business when a shot zinged across the bow.
It happened during Tuesday’s County Commission meeting. Commissioner Jeff Kinnard had just made a convincing plea to ditch the “American Freedom Canal” proclamation so we can think this through some. I sat in my regular seat, back row on the aisle, typing notes. Kinnard finished and Commissioner Diana Finegan spoke up.  One more thing about the barge canal, then I’ll shut up (for today).
Poor Steve Howard is taking it on the chin for coming up with the American Freedom Canal idea. The Citrus County administrator said he was only trying to improve things and can’t understand why anyone would oppose a patriotic name. The reasons have been well explained here. But I totally get his issue.  Super Monday! Let’s jump right into it.
Few things get my goat more than the government trying to pull one over on people. When it’s something stupid — renaming a historic body of water — one has to wonder the real purpose. If commissioners are willing to go behind our backs for this, what’s next? Port Citrus II? We’re referring to the “proclamation” on Tuesday’s County Commission agenda that renames the Cross Florida Barge Canal as the “American Freedom Canal.”  It’s Friday, so let’s ramble:
— Very cool not having workplace authority. I’ll admit to it. I like coming and going as I please, writing what I want to write, and visiting where I want to visit. All the editors I worked for had pluses and minuses, but they had one thing in common: They wanted me to do what THEY wanted. I couldn’t walk into the editor’s office and say, “Nah, I don’t think I’ll write about the Inverness City Council. Think I’ll write about caves in the forest instead.”  Happy Thursday!
Many years ago, I attended a zoning hearing with the Inverness City Council. My recollection is fuzzy, but a businessman wanted a zoning change that would allow outdoor lighting. The neighbors were opposed. It was the typical back-and-forth. The council approved the zoning with an odd reason: The businessman had a good reputation.  Just when I think I’ve heard it all, comes this ridiculousness.
There is a movement in Citrus County government to rename the Cross Florida Barge Canal to — ready? — the American Freedom Canal. No idea where this originated. County Administrator Steve Howard’s name is attached. I’ve heard Sen. Rick Scott is said to be in favor. At least two commissioners are on board as well.  Happy Tuesday! Coming off a great three-day rest and jumping back in with another scintillating “One for All” sales tax blog.
(Hey! Wake up!) Let me explain a little of what I hope to accomplish. Before we can have a talk about whether the community would support a penny sales tax increase, we first must understand the process of getting there. |
AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 37 years. 
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