AROUND LEVY COUNTY June 5, 2008 Levy County Journal Senator joins SRWMD on tour of the Suwannee LEVY COUNTY Senator Bill Nelson joined Suwannee River Water Management District governing board members and staff on an educational excursion down the Suwannee River May 28. The eight-mile outing began at Fanning Springs and ended at Manatee Springs. Prior to the boat departure, Nelson also attended a meeting hosted by the District in Cross City, where various environmental groups were given the opportunity to express their opinions and concerns regarding state and regional environmental issues. "1 want you to educate me," Nelson said in regard to the specific issues affecting the area. Concerns addressed during the hour-long meeting included water transfer, protection of the springs and river, and opposition to water bottling along the Santa Fe River. Nelson listened to suggestions made by several groups, such as "Save Our Suwannee," who suggested giving the Suwannee River a special designation under federal law that would make it more protected and less vulnerable to external pressures. The meeting concluded with Nelson thanking the attendees for enlightening him on the important regional issues that directly affect the area and assuring the audience that he would do his best to- assist the District with its mission. Following the meeting, Nelson and his staff made their way to Fanning Springs to get a first-hand look of what pure beauty North Florida has to offer. District staff explained to Nelson that this area of the state is the last piece of natural Florida that exists, and without proper preservation and protection, it will slowly .vanish. Staff asked for financial and political leadership to preserve, restore and protect the areas natural resources. Atthe end ofthetour,Nelson said hethoroughly enjoyed the boat outing and now has a deeper understanding of the troubles affecting our area. (Courtesy, SRWMD) Senator Bill Nelson walks up a ramp at Manatee Springs State Park. Bronson Youth League benefits from Alcoholics Anonymous By Kellie Parkin Correspondent Alcoholics Anonymous in Bronson has found a new home in the old town hall building. The Town of Bronson Council voted unanimously to allow the use of space every Tuesday and Friday evenings for AA meetings. The motion, made by Councilmember Melody LaFlam and seconded by Councilmember Berlon Weeks, offered the space at no charge to the 12-step program. "We don't charge anyone else to use the space, and I think it's a really good thing to have here," said LaFlam. Ray Samec, one of the group's organizers, thanked the Council but declined the free offer. "We have to pay something it's in our guidelines;" he said. "But it can be in the form of a donation to your favorite a charity." Upon further discussion, it was decided that the local AA chapter would donate its monthly building allowance of $35 to the Bronson Youth League as payment for the old Town Hall meeting space. The AA meetings, to be held each Tuesday and Friday, are open to the public and focus on recovery from all addictions. "The program defines addiction as any mood altering substance," said a participant. "I'm a member and it works." In other BYL business: Max Aguirre, Bronson Youth League Soccer Director, asked the Council to repair the Town's soccer fields by installing an automated'irrigation system. Due to the labor-intensive design of the current system, Aguirre said, the fields are not getting the water they need. "It currently takes eight hours minimum to water three fields," he said. The lack of proper irrigation has compacted the ground, hindering grass growth and making it.unsafe for players. "A local company (M&M Equipment Rentals) has offered to let us use an aerator for free," Aguirre said, "but without proper irrigation, it will just turn the fields into a dust bowl." The Council voted unanimously to move ahead and collect bids, contingent upon funds being available in the Parks and Recreation budget. The motion was worded so that the lowest bid could be accepted as soon as the mandatory three bids were collected. Aguirre said it will most likely be Smith Brothers, Inc., owned by a youth league coach in Live Oak, who offered to install the 4-zone per field, fully automated watering system with a 5-year warranty for an estimated $4700-$5000. "He's a fellow coach, and he wants to help," Aguirre said regarding the low price. Iat hers Day. 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