Today's Features

Chunky Pond, Levyville, Bronson–no matter what it was called, it was always the center-piece of Levy County. That was but one of the hundreds of historical snippets shared Saturday as Levy County celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Atlantic to the Gulf Railroad that connected Fernadina Beach to Cedar Key.

The brainchild of David Levy Yulee, Florida senator and the first Jewish member of Congress, the railroad began in 1856 and after several starts-stops, at last reached Cedar Key in 1861. 

Soon, historic downtown Cedar Key will transform into a celebration of fine art. Old Florida Celebration of the Arts is celebrating its 47th anniversary, and for the second consecutive year, the Cedar Key Arts Center proudly presents one of the premier outdoor fine arts festivals in the state. Three city blocks on Historic 2nd Street will be showcasing 125 fine artists who specialize in a variety of mediums. Festival visitors will have the opportunity to meet these artists, sample wonderful local cuisine, and enjoy live entertainment in City Park.

You may have walked or driven by a house on Fourth Street numerous times and barely noticed it was there - half hidden behind low limerock walls that terrace the sloping yard and overgrown cabbage palms.  Or, perhaps, you stopped to take a photo of the pair of adirondack chairs, swaths of ferns and pile of bleached out shells on each side of the stairs.

It is one of those houses that could go either way - photo op or you might pass right by and not look up. 750 Fourth Street - home of Luz Beckham Kraujalis and her husband, Walter. 

A new book, "Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day" by Arnie Spiel details the not-so-romantic history of Feb. 14, that includes Roman executions in the 3rd Century.

Luckily, that was not the case in Cedar Key on Monday, when 150 people met to celebrate at the Community Center and enjoyed a dinner catered by the Island Room and music by the Dock Street Band.

Among the sold-out crowd at the event, sponsored by the Lion’s Club, were three couples who revealed a thing or two about their relationships and a little bit more.