Today's News

What began as a prescribed burn last Thursday morning in the Cedar Key Scrub State Reserve quickly became a wildfire when unpredictable weather conditions caused fire specialists to lose control, said Senior Forestry Ranger Jerry Horton.

The 210-acre fire was 90 percent contained as of Tuesday night, according to Jeff DiMaggio, Florida DEP Fire Management Officer. “There are just a few hot spots left,” he said. Crews expect to have it contained by the end of the week, he said. They will continue to monitor it for the next couple of weeks.

The controversial issue of animal control is expected to be one of the topics discussed at length during the next City Commission meeting May 19 at 6 p.m. The May 5 meeting has been canceled, according to Mayor Heath Davis.

The current ordinance is outdated and in need of revision, said Chief of Police Virgil Sandlin.

Cedar Key's Third Annual Hurricane Preparation Day is taking a new form this year: a drive-by briefing designed to make the event more specific to the needs of each citizen. On Thursday, June 2 a series of pop up tents will be placed outside behind City Hall, each laden with representatives from numerous Levy County and Cedar Key-specific groups. The event will inform citizens of important facts about storm readiness, as well as what to do after a hurricane.

After three rounds of nominations and voting, Cedar Key commissioners welcomed Sue Colson as the city’s new mayor.

As Commissioner Heath Davis handed the gavel over to city clerk Francis Hodges, he offered the first nomination for mayor by recommending Commissioner Gene Hodges.

Commissioner Pat O’Neal nominated Commissioner Sue Colson next and then Commissioner Scott Dennison nominated Davis for another term.

Davis closed the nominations and the first round of voting began.

Hodges voted for himself.

Colson voted for herself.