And then this happened. Some days, being truthful, I wonder whether the whole blog thing makes any sense. I sit quietly in the Just Wright Citrus World Headquarters on the shores of Big Lake Henderson and question the sanity of investing so much time writing on the internet. Write about Citrus County local government for 35 years, you’d think I’ve seen it all. Then I have Cindi Guy and Ken Frink sitting across the table at Cattle Dog, and realize the learning never stops. Cindi is a Crystal River city councilwoman. Ken is the Crystal River city manager. It’s the worst feeling when writing about the government. Reviewing my notes, typing out a paragraph or two but then reaching a chilling conclusion: I wouldn't even read this. A chamber of commerce luncheon is the last place to find deep discussion on the community’s social ills. But there we were, 200 or so, packed into the Citrus Hills banquet hall at noontime Friday, listening intently as a sheriff’s Sgt. Rachel Montgomery explained in sobering detail why Citrus County has a problem with mental illness and drug addiction. Good morning and happy Monday. It’s happy for most of us. We might not like starting the work week and we’re a little off balance adjusting to Daylight Savings Time but, overall, it’s another day. Not for everyone. Let me tell you a little about Rodney MacRae. If Homosassa had a mayor, it’d be Rodney. Easygoing, quick with a smile, pure Homosassa in every way. Just look at today’s selfie. That’s Rodney all the time. Today’s topic: the vanishing left turn. Not just any left turn. The left turn onto practically any major roadway in Citrus County and a lot of the minor ones. Or left turns at some signalized intersections that don’t have the red/yellow/green arrow. Been through Holder lately on C.R. 491 to turn left at U.S. 41? With no turn arrow and a constant stream of cars coming from the opposite direction, it could be a long wait. Crazy busy day Tuesday so I’m saved once again by the county commission email, this week randomly from Commissioner Jeff Kinnard. Kinnard didn’t provide much in the way of replies, at least not yet. So naturally, I will: Today we get to experience a little political perception. This day is hugely significant to many people across the state. Yet others wouldn’t even know about it if someone like me didn’t tell them. It’s the first day of Session. Nothing shocks a politician more than when his own people turn on him. Sheriff Mike Prendergast is experiencing some of that after his agency assisted in the federal arrest last Monday of the so-called Sedition Panda, a Lecanto man who’s accused of breaching the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, wearing a bear head. |
AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 36 years. Archives
April 2024
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