Local News

It won't be called "Clamerica" but the Cedar Key Chamber of Commerce is reviving the July 4th celebration of all things clam.

Clamerica, a popular celebration that drew throngs of tourists to the island, celebrated the clam in its many culinary manifestations. That celebration was sponsored by the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association. 

Some clam fans have lamented that the festival, which went away shortly after the recession hit followed by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, has not been revived in recent years.

There must be a law in nature that says the smaller the meeting room the bigger the turnout. Such was the situation when the Levy County legislative delegation met last week to hear what county and municipal leaders and residents want to see come out of the upcoming legislative session.

Commissioner Royce Nelson wants the city to have a purchasing policy but he is meeting some resistance from City Commissioner Sue Colson. 

Nelson has been studying the City of Chiefland's policy written by Cedar Key and Chiefland City Attorney Norm Fugate. 

“The only part of this whole policy that needs to be dealt with is the first page and a half,” Nelson said. The rest of the policy is a compilation of Florida statutes governing purchasing. 

Motel and golf cart rental owner George Oakley was rebuffed by the city commission on his proposal to lease an island of land on the north side of the city marina area where the portable bathrooms are to locate an ice vending machine. 

Instead, the commission suggested he look at putting the machine on the corner of his property at A Street by 1st Street, even though he said it could cause traffic problems with motorists who trailer their boats when they stop to fill up their coolers.