![]() One thing confirmed this week: Citrus County in 2024 is ga-ga over local politics. Been doing this kind of work for a few days. Overseen newspaper coverage of local elections here and there. Gotten to a point where I can tell when there’s enthusiasm, or if voters’ minds are elsewhere. ![]() One day, I had an idea. Tuesday afternoon, I saw it play out. This story began decades ago when the CREST school opened in Lecanto. That closed the old Lakeview School at the corner of U.S. 41 and Parsons Point Road in Hernando, and much debate followed as to what to do with the property. ![]() One of those days when we’re just going to jump right in: — First off: Great forum Monday night, Chronicle! The Fairgrounds Auditorium had 500 chairs set up and it wasn’t enough. The place was PACKED. — The video is on the Chronicle’s Facebook page. Take a gander at it. ![]() Happy Monday! Enjoy the long Independence weekend? Got those warm fuzzies for America? Good. Cuz it’s politics time. The Chronicle’s political forum is tonight at 6 at the Fairgrounds Auditorium. Doors open at 5. I’ll be there at about 5:01. (The Chronicle says it will livestream the event on its Facebook page.) ![]() It’s only Wednesday, and already I’m out of words. That’s what happens during July 4 week. By July 2, I’m thinking of the July 3 Patriotic Evening at Liberty and Wallace Brooks Parks in Inverness. July 4th week to me is like Christmas to an 8-year-old. I can’t sit still. So, it’s a special Happy Birthday America photo page. Not that these photos have any particular theme. In fact, the theme is I’m too lazy to write a full blog today. ![]() Happy Tuesday of America’s Birthday week! In today’s photo, the smiling face to my left is Earnie Olsen, supervisor of the Marine Science Station in Crystal River. I’ve known Earnie for so long I don’t recall not knowing him. ![]() Happy Monday! Welcome to America’s Birthday week. If ever you wonder why I chose a writing career in county politics, without moving up the ladder to the state capital or Washington, D.C., Thursday night’s display of awfulness explains it. I don’t recall ever being so disappointed in a political debate. I mean…ever. Local, state, or national. ![]() Jesse Rumson was not my favorite candidate. I told him that the first time we met. Local Trump-leaning Republicans wanted to use Jesse’s Jan. 6, 2021 “sedition panda” fame in a County Commission District 5 race against Holly Davis, whom they loathe. After 15 minutes of conversation, I quickly surmised Jesse hadn’t a clue what he was doing. Nothing since then has changed my mind. ![]() Here’s a fun Thursday topic: campaign donations. To say I spend an inordinate amount of time poring over campaign reports is the understatement of the day. I break these things down into ridiculous details, convincing myself that this data actually means anything. For example, I discovered one day that I could come up with the average contribution per donor. I reasoned this would give me a better understanding of a candidate’s reach. |
AuthorMike Wright has written about Citrus County government and politics for 36 years. Archives
July 2024
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