Chronicle roots as deep as Citrus

Darrick Buettner’s mom isn’t going to like this news.

The Chronicle has decided it can survive without my words gracing its Sunday Commentary section.

Editor Jim Gouvellis notified me this week in an email that he was “pausing” the column.

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“The response from our readers hasn’t been what we expected,” he wrote.

He didn’t come out and say so, but I believe feathers were ruffled with some recent pokes. I may be a little too independent for their tastes.

First off, I have no issue with the editor’s decision. That’s why he’s the editor.

And I’m super appreciative of Jim and Publisher Trina Murphy for this opportunity. 

But if anyone thinks I’m anti-Chronicle, some perspectives:

I’ve been a Chronicle subscriber for decades, paying for home delivery of the newspaper when I could get it for free every day at work.

I carried my identity as the Chroncle’s senior reporter with pride. The Chronicle was the dream job for a reporter like me.

When I retired in August 2021 and started writing the blog, I was able to see the Chronicle’s role in the community from a clearer vantage point. I determined from the start that Just Wright Citrus would keep the Chronicle front and center in this community as THE source of local news.

That’s why I link Chronicle stories in my blogs. It’s why I’m constantly talking up the Chronicle — its role is that significant. We as a community are in big trouble if the Chronicle ever dries up.

Of the current reporting staff, I’ve worked with both Mike Bates and Nancy Kennedy.

Mike is hands down the best county commission reporter I’ve seen. I read EVERY SINGLE ONE of his stories. He is all over that beat. Between Mike Bates and Just Wright Citrus, our community has the best county government coverage since the St. Pete Times/Tampa Tribune/Ocala Star-Banner days.

As for Nancy, three things:

• She introduced me to Jesus. That turned out well.
• Nancy once wrote a column about me thanking God for fixing my toilet.
• She taught me the difference between “eager” and “anxious.” Thanks to Nancy, I cringe every time someone says they’re anxious about something when they’re really eager.

Something else about Nancy Kennedy: She cares deeply for our community’s downtrodden. They have a voice at the Chronicle through Nancy.

Plus, let’s be honest. We all want Nancy to write our Postscript, right?

My purpose isn’t to take shots at the Chronicle. 

I will continue to talk up the Chronicle, subscribe to the Chronicle, and link Chronicle stories in my blog. I’ll also continue to speak my mind because that’s what you’ve asked.
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Now. About Darrick Buettner’s mom.

Darrick is director of Secondary Education for the Citrus County School District. I got to know him during his years as head of the International Baccalaureate program at Lecanto High School. 

Two years ago, Darrick connected me with two of his brilliant IB students, Joshua Brunk and Noah Breder, who designed my website.

In recent months, Darrick started sending me texts of his mom, Mary Ann, reading the Sunday morning Chronicle with her blueberry pancakes, searching for my column.

I had to break the news to Darrick a few days ago. I’m giving his mom a Just Wright Citrus T-shirt as consolation.

Look. Column or not, I’m a Chronicle homer. If you wanna go after our community newspaper, go through me first.

— Congrats to loyal Just Wright Citrus reader Charles Leazott for correctly identifying the location of the “Welcome to Citrus County” sign that is the 2024 Facebook page cover photo.

The sign is on S. Southpoint Avenue, and I couldn’t even begin to tell you how to get there. I was headed east on Hernando County Road 476 just past the half-dinosaur when I turned left toward Istachatta Acres. I kept driving on the paved roads, and when coming around a corner, this welcome sign stopped me cold.

Readers had many guesses for the location, and I’m impressed how many know the remote regions of our county.

I’m also impressed with the county worker who installed this sign. How did this even get onto a work order? Look, no offense to the fine folks of Citrus and Hernando counties who live in the greater S. Southpoint Avenue region, but we’re really talking hinterlands.

Now, of course, my quest is to discover an even more remote “Welcome to Citrus County” sign for 2025. I’m up for the challenge.

Have a great weekend, friends.

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