|
Dear LCCC Members,
Welcome back from the summer! Vacations are all over and the kids are back in school, whatever shape the schools are in -- and we are headed to fall elections. Please, everybody, exercise your American right and go to the polls to vote!
There are three elections coming up. The first is very soon, Tuesday, September 5th and it is crucial. The next one is October 3rd and the last one, the general election at which we elect the President of the United States, will be on November 7th. The September and October elections are primaries in which you generally vote for your Republican or Democratic candidates. But this year, because of a Constitutional amendment we adopted in 1998, there is a special wrinkle.
There's something called a Universal Primary Contest. This year, it covers three positions. State Attorney for tile 5th Judicial District (all of Lake County is in the 5th Judicial District), County Commissioner from District 1 and from District 3. (Though the candidates for these two offices come from specific districts, we, as citizens, vote for them countywide.) So, when you go to the polls to vote, starting in the September 5th primary. Democrats, Republicans and Nonpartisans can vote for the same people. The candidates for these positions will be listed on your ballot as Democrat, Republican and Nonpartisan. You no longer need to feel cheated if you have wanted to vote for someone, and she or he was in the primary of the other party in which you were not registered to vote. This year you can vote "universally" in either party, so don't let it get away from you!
The October 3rd primary will only be held if someone in the September 5th primary did not get 50% of the vote plus one -- so go to the polls in September, and you may not have to go again in October. By the way, that nonpartisan school board elections, so we all vote for members of the school board, regardless of party.
Quite apart from the elections, we will have our first fall program meeting on the third Thursday of the month, on September 21st. It should be an interesting one. Ann Vanek, who is a member of CREP, Citizens for a Rational Energy Policy, will present a program dealing with merchant power plants, a subject about which many of us know nothing. We’ve read a little bit about one proposed in the Leesburg area, but we haven’t heard about the other 24 proposed throughout the state of Florida. Come and learn.
See you at the polls!
Return to top?
 |
.Ocklawaha River Restoration After more than five years with about every environmental organization in the state campaigning to bring it about, it seems that the restoration plan for the Ocklawaha River may finally move ahead. On July 14, Governor Bush announced his support for restoring the river by breaching the Rodman Dam. Immediately, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) submitted their longterm plan to the US Forest Service. It has taken 30 years, term limits, manatee deaths, expiration of forest leases and the untiring dedication of countless people to bring about a resolution to the unfortunate and illadvised damming of the beautiful Ocklawaha River so many years ago. Now, we must keep up our support for the restoration of the river. Isn't it time for another canoe trip this fall?
LCWA Candidates Many a good environmentalist has filed and qualified as a candidate for the Lake County Water Authority Board election in November. More on that election in the October LCCC Newsletter.
CARA Goes to the U.S. Senate The Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA, HR 701) is ready to be considered by the U.S. Senate. This legislation would provide federal conservation funds of $40 Billion over the next 15 years going to state and local conservation programs. It has already passed the U.S. House with a strong bipartisan vote. It has the support of 52 cosponsoring Senators and all 50 Governors. The funding comesfrom offshore gas and oil lease revenue. You can let our Senators know of your support with a short phone call to Senator Bob Graham at (202) 2243041 and to Senator Connie Mack at (202) 2245274 or drop them a line. See phone book for addresses.
PEAR Update The Palatlakaha Environmental and Agriculture Reserve Committee (PEAR) was pleased to receive word from University of Florida Vice President Mike Martin that the University is vacating the site south of Leesburg and will be ready to relinquish their lease with FDEP on January 1, 2001. At that time, Lake County can assume the lease and the PEAR project can move forward. Yvonne Rice is the LCCC representative on the PEAR Committee. The committee is formed under the Lake Soil & Water Conservation District and is guiding a partnership approach to the development of this regional park.
Return to top
|
Tuesday, September 5.
Primary Election Day.
Be sure to vote!
Thursday, September 21 -- 7:30 p.m.
LCCC Regular General Meeting
Guest speaker: Ann Vanek with a program on merchant power plants.
Saturday, September 30 -- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m
Florida Black Bear festival
At the City Park in Umatilla. Bring the WHOLE FAMILY!! Field trips into bear habitat, bear gift and food vendors
, children’s activities, artists, wildlife presentations, Florida authors and a Teddy Bear repair clinic. Also: Join Jim Fowler from Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom and his bear friend for a special program and a 5K run for the
bears for more information visit the Florida Black Bear Festival Website
Tuesday, October 3.
Universal Primary Runoff Day.
Be Sure to Vote
Thursday, October 19 7:30p.m.
LCCC Regular General Meeting
Guest speaker: Representative from Ocala National Forest on offroad vehicle use in the forest.
Tuesday, November 7
General Election Day.
See you at the polls!
Thursday, November 16 7:30 p.m.
Regular LCCC Meeting.
Details in October newsletter
Return to top?
|
Kudos to Ann Griffin
LCCC Member Ann Griffin was recently given an Eckerd’s Salute to Women Award for her work to improve her
community. Ann’s efforts on behalf of Lake Griffin and water quality and quantity issues was brought to the attention of the donor by Janet Davis when she nominated her. Ann served as Recording Secretary of LCCC,
then continued on with her grass roots efforts when she was the LCCC Water Issues Committee Chairman for several years. She is a careful researcher and cares deeply for Lake County and our environment. Congratulations Ann!
Return to top?
|
Stop by the Lake Soil & Water Conservation District office at 32235 Merry Road, Tavares to obtain a good rain gauge for a $3.00 donation. While there, talk with the friendly folks and learn about the conservation services provided to the public.
Return to top?
|
Lake County Citizens’ Academy.
If you would really like to know how Lake County government works, then sign up for the September class in the Lake County Citizens’ Academy. You will receive in depth understanding of the services provided and will gain an appreciation for the complexity of county operations. Each department will describe their operations and provide you with a wealth of reference material for your future use. All you need to commit is a few hours of your time per week for nine weeks. Classes are held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evenings. If you miss out on the September class, another one will begin in January 2001. LCCC numbers Nancy Fullerton, Hal Turville, Roy Hunter and Nadine Foley were part of the March 2000 class. Call 352-343-9782 for more information.
Return to top?
|
Conference on Water Management
The 2000 Annual Conference on Water Management will be held October 4 - 6 at the Grosvenor Resort, Lake Buena Vista, FL hosted by the five Water Management Districts and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. It will be a forum for state and local leaders discussing the challenges of managing our water for people and the environment. There will be panel discussions and field trips. Anyone interested in water policy and issues is welcome to attend. For registration information call McRae & Co. at (850) 906-0099 or contact Tammy Smith via email at tammy@mcraeco.corn.
|
Bill Belleville of Sanford has written a wonderful book called "River of Lakes: A Journey of Florida's St. Johns River" which makes for fascinating reading. Now Bill is partnering with Bob Giguere of WMFE to produce a comprehensive documentary about the Wekiva River showcasing the uniqueness of the river and the treasure we have in our own backyard. The documentary "Wekiva: Legacy or Loss?" is scheduled for broadcast on WMFE Channel 24 in November and then will be available on video. It can be ordered at the website maintained by the Friends of the Wekiva River
Return to top?
The Trout Lake Nature Center near Eustis has an active environmental education program and conducts outdoor classrooms for school students and field trips for groups of all ages. This presents an opportunity for you to share your love of the natural side of Lake County with others and to contribute to the science education of children. It only takes a few hours per month and training is provided. An excellent curriculum is provided to guide your presentations. If you are interested, call 352-669-2398 to learn more.
Return to top?
LCCC Member Bill Shaner of Umatilla died on August 6th. After a long career working around the US and abroad. Bill chose to enjoy his retirement in the countryside around Umatilia. He loved playing golf and appreciated the friendly community atmosphere in Lake County. We extend our sympathy to his wife Nancy Penn Shaner and to his family and his many friends
Return to top?
As promised in our last issue of the Lake County Conservation Council Newsletter, we’ve prepared an index of acronyms that pop up frequently in environmental discussions in Lake County. We’re giving the index its own “slot” here on the LCCC Website. To decipher an acronym, jump to Lake County Environmental Acronyms.
Return to top?
This is an on-line transcription of the quarterly newsletter of the
Lake County Conservation Council
1118 Old Mt. Dora Road
Eustis, FL 32726
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lake County,
FL
