My vote for Citizen of the Year: Us

Happy Thursday! Today we present the always popular (with me) photo page.

I was speaking Wednesday morning with David “Pasta” DeCarlo, who is heading up Sheriff Dave Vincent’s transparency and community engagement. We were discussing Tuesday’s investiture ceremony at the Old Courthouse during which Pasta noted I was rather animated.

“I’ve never seen you like that,” he said.​

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I’m usually the guy quietly surveying the scene, checking out angles here and there. Not Tuesday. No way. On Tuesday, I became part of the moment in a way I’ve never felt before.

There we had hundreds of people (some weirdo estimated the crowd size at 2,000) huddled in 50-degree weather (which felt like 20s after the sun disappeared), a mix of politicians, community leaders, and ordinary folks.

I’ve often wondered what “community” looks like. It was picture-perfect Tuesday. (And here’s the ceremony video.)

So, I present the Just Wright Citrus photo page from Tuesday’s ceremony. If you’re looking for actual real news photographs, I suggest the Chronicle. 

We start with the main photo of our new sheriff, slugging a Mountain Dew at the Depot celebration afterward, letting folks know that Leon McClellan’s BBQ was about ready to be served. You know what’s so cool about this? Our sheriff is a nice, ordinary fellow. I probably heard that said about the new sheriff more than any other description.

Sheriff Vincent will not put people off. Just the opposite.
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Master of ceremonies Sandra “Sam” Himmel had a little fun with Sheriff Vincent, while sharp-dressed deputies stood watch.

We can’t forget the officers in all this. Man, what a roller coaster ride they’ve been on the last year or two.

I mentioned to one of the deputies that officers are often in their dress uniforms for solemn occasions, such as memorials or funerals. I can’t remember the last time they gathered for a celebration.

Those men and women deserve stability in their very challenging job, and that’s exactly what they’re getting.

Was feeling rather nostalgic for something I’ve never personally experienced. In the old days, before Al Gore invented the internet, crowds would gather at the Courthouse steps to hear campaign speeches, participate in rallies, and be the first to receive election night results.

That’s what this felt like. Ordinary folks and political types braving the cold for something bigger than them. I’m telling ya…politics isn’t boring or routine. It’s people who place their trust and hope in someone or a cause.

Folks who showed up Tuesday were part of something special. I doubt any of them will forget it.

Not that the Chronicle asks me, but my suggestion for 2024 Citizen of the Year: Us. We can point to many individuals whose personal sacrifices and demeanor led to this victory. But none of it matters without overwhelming and diverse community support. Citrus County citizens deserve this recognition.
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Now, here’s a special photo sent to me by a friend: Charlie Dean taking the oath of office for sheriff in 1981 after he defeated B.R. Quinn. That was the last time a challenger defeated an incumbent sheriff in Citrus County. Until now.

Over 40 years. I’m telling ya…what happened here in 2024…just wow.

​Not going to rehash the whole campaign and Just Wright Citrus’ coverage of it. Let’s just say I was rather pleased with how all that went down, and thrilled to have played a small role in encouraging the community conversation that led to Vincent’s decisive victory.

But it didn’t hit home until I saw my name taped to a chair just a few feet from where this momentous event would take place. I had a seat at the place of Citrus County history. 

You know, I sometimes wonder whether Just Wright Citrus means a hill of beans to anything worthwhile. Am I just spitting into the wind each day, or is there a greater purpose?

Then I see a chair at Sheriff Dave Vincent’s investiture and know that I’m exactly where I should be. Incredible.

The pomp and ceremony are all concluded, and Sheriff Vincent has a ton on his plate. The accolades will soon end, and we’ll get down to the business at hand.

Can’t wait to see what that looks like.

It’s a great Citrus County Thursday. Enjoy it, friends.

Join the discussion on our Facebook page.
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