Today's Features

Data collection specialists with the Suwannee River Water Management District spend long hours installing, maintaining and collecting data from gages along our rivers, lakes, and streams, but they can’t do it without the help of a few volunteers that supplement their efforts.  More than 30 volunteer observers help collect  rainfall and water-level data from manual gages within the District’s 15-county region.

In these tough economic times, more people are looking for different ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Birding is one outdoor activity that is increasing in popularity, and Levy County has a plethora of sites to view and enjoy the unique aspects of Florida birdwatching.

To help get people started with the new hobby, the College of Central Florida is offering a Birding Basics course Friday, Aug. 20 at the Levy Center in Chiefland. The class is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the cost is $15 per person.

The Social Security Stories Project is seeking stories from individuals about the importance and impact of Social Security in their lives, with a goal of receiving 1,000 stories by the end of July.

The submitted stories will be reviewed for possible inclusion in a new book to be published in honor of the 75th anniversary of Social Security on Aug. 14, 2010.

There are 10 stories featured in a new video that can be viewed on YouTube. The video uses photos submitted by the story tellers, as well as audio captured through a special toll-free number set up for the project.

A new CD now available in local shops features Cedar Key resident Matthew Chatowsky sings and plays all the instruments on the album – which he recorded in his home.

Matt says the album and its songs are uniquely Cedar Key. “The CD is entirely local,” Matt said. “They’re about Cedar Key and produced in Cedar Key – all done in my Cedar Key house.”

The music doesn’t fit into any one particular genre.  It’s part blues, part country, a little rock, and some folk.