Worthington woman injured when trucks collide

BY MARK J. CRAWFORDTelegraph Editor

A collision involving a Mack truck flipped a dump truck and seriously injured a passenger in a third vehicle Tuesday afternoon.

The March 28 accident took place on S.R. 121 and Southwest 75th Trail in Union County around 2:20 p.m.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol report, both the dump truck driven by 46-year-old Paul Jones of Starke and the semitrailer driven by 28-year-old Brian King of Glenn St. Mary were southbound on S.R. 121.

The dump truck slowed for a car in front that was turning onto Southwest 75th, but the tractor-trailer driver did not see the dump truck’s brake lights.

King used evasive maneuvers, according to the report, crossing into the northbound lane and into the path of a Ford F-150 driven by 57-year-old Johnny Rogers of Worthington Springs. The tractor-trailer simultaneously collided with the front bumper of the F-150 and the rear bumper of the dump truck.

The force of the crash caused the dump truck to rotate clockwise onto the shoulder of the road where it rolled over.

Both lanes of traffic were blocked in the aftermath of the accident. Jones and Rogers received minor injuries, but Rogers’ passenger, 57-year-old Cathy Rogers of Worthington Springs, was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville with serious injuries.

The report lists a charge of careless driving.

Strawberry Festival back April 8-9

BY MARK J. CRAWFORDTelegraph Editor

In its 19th year, the Bradford County Strawberry festival is still growing, both in what it offers and in the number of visitors it brings downtown.

Last year, the festival broke a record for the number of vendors who signed up, and North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce President Pam Whittle said they have broken that record again.

One-hundred eighty vendors of all types will set up downtown during the two-day festival April 8 and 9. They include returning vendors and some new things you may never have heard of, like anthill art, which Whittle explained is made by pouring molten metal into large anthills. The intricate pathways mold the metal into abstract and completely unique works of art.

But if you’d rather have jewelry, clothing, accessories, quilts, kitchenware or furniture, that and a lot more can be found lining the streets of downtown during the Strawberry Festival.

And, yes, that includes strawberries and other produce from local growers. Whittle confirmed production is up, which is good, because on top of the flats festival-goers carry away, there are always a number of local groups raising money through the sale of strawberry shortcake.

Other food for sale includes barbecue, seafood, country cooking, smoothies and more!

Entry and parking are always free, unlike some other festivals you may have heard about. Vendors charge for their products, of course, but there’s no cost to browse or enjoy the entertainment.

Tickets for the rides are sold for $1 each, with each ride requiring two to seven tickets, and the helicopter rides are $25 a person. A $5 wrist band will grant kids access to all the inflatables in the play zone, including the Sports Center bounce house, the Rainbow Water Slide, the Princess Castle bounce house and the Fun House Play Zone.

Other rides and games from Spotlight Amusements include the kids Ferris wheel, the Buzz Lightyear space ships, the Crazy Worm train, pony rides, a bungee trampoline, walking water bubbles, darts, basketball and fishing.

Other than the helicopter, which will be taking off from city hall and giving passengers a bird’s eye view of Starke, the other rides will be set up at the Downtown Square near the stage, from which entertainers will be playing both days. The lineup includes

Bradley spearheads new lake restoration projectBY DAN HILDEBRAN

Monitor EditorSen. Rob Bradley unveiled a

proposal Friday morning that would bring additional surface water to the Etoniah Chain of Lakes, restore water levels in Keystone Heights-area lakes and recharge the Upper Floridan Aquifer.

The $41 million Black Creek Water Resource Development Project would capture a portion of water flow from the south prong of Black Creek west of the intersection of S.R. 16 and Thunder Road. An 18-mile pipeline would then transport the water parallel to State Roads 16 and 21 to a spreader field south of Magnolia Lake.

In addition to recharging the

aquifer through the Keystone lakes, Bradley said the project could also supplement the Clay County Utility Authority’s water supply needs, reduce groundwater dependency, alleviate minor flooding on Black Creek and contribute to restoring lower water levels in the lower Santa Fe Basin.

The project would be completed over a five-year period, with $5 million spent in the first year for partial engineering and design, environmental assessments, permitting and land and right of way acquisition. Year two of the project would take another $5 million for final design and permitting, bid solicitation and the beginning of construction. Years three through

five would cost $31 million and would entail completion of the intake, pipeline and spreader field.

Bradley: “The lakes have left us.”

During his announcement, Bradley recalled his early memories of Lake Brooklyn, telling the crowd at Keystone Beach that as an Indian Guide attending Camp Immokalee, he swam in the lake while growing up.

“They are some of the best memories I had as a child,” he said.

He added that as a student at the University of Florida, he drove

• editor@bctelegraph.com • www.StarkeJournal.com •Weekly deadline is Monday at 5 p.m. • Phone 904-964-6305 • Fax 904-964-8628

Leadership changes announced at several schoolsBY MARK J. CRAWFORD

Telegraph EditorThe Bradford County School

District announced administration changes at two elementary schools beginning next year.

Other positions are opening up to applicants as a result of the changes as well, including the top two position in the district.

Superintendent of Schools Stacey Creighton polled administrators to see who planned on returning for the next school year, and two announced they would not be: Starke Elementary Principal Talitha Chestnut, who was hired in 2014, and Anthony

McCallum, who was promoted to assistant principal at Bradford High School in 2013.

While McCallum’s replacement has not been found, Jennifer Vaughan, currently principal at Lawtey Elementary School, will be moving back to Starke Elementary as of July 1. Vaughan was assistant principal at Starke Elementary before being promoted to her position in Lawtey.

Creighton said because budget cuts were forcing the principal’s job at Lawtey to be cut back to 11 months, she offered Vaughan the 12-month position in Starke.

Vaughan said she’s had a

meaningful three years at Lawtey.“I’ve truly grown as a person and

educator, and the faculty and staff have been like family to me,” she said. “As administrators, we always have to be open to new challenges, and I’m very excited about the opportunity ahead.”

Vaughan said her prior time at Starke Elementary means she can approach the new opportunity with a great deal of familiarity and with the experience of having been principal of a smaller school, where the administrator wears a lot of hats.

USPS 062-700 — Starke, Florida Thursday, March 30, 2017 137th Year — 34th Issue — 75 CENTS

The Sweetest Strawberries this side of Heaven

Joint reunion for BHS classes of 1956 and 1957

The Bradford High School classes of 1956 and 1957 will hold a reunion on Saturday, April 1, at the Starke Woman’s Club. The meet and greet begins at 1 p.m., and there will be a catered lunch beginning at 2 p.m. Come enjoy music, dancing and lots of catching up.

Don’t miss the Spring Fling plant sale

Bradford County Master Gardeners are sponsoring their annual Spring Fling plant sale on Saturday, April 1 from 9 a.m. to noon. This year we’re delighted to be joined by two local businesses — Starke Landscape and Jarmon’s Ornamental Concrete — that will have garden items on hand for sale.

Master Gardeners are excited to be adding to their list of plants on sale! This year they’ve included several native plants, several easy-to-grow succulents, and a variety of blueberry plants that are well suited for north Florida. You can also buy bromeliads on decorative hangers. Again, we’re selling the ever-popular flowering butterfly and hummingbird plants. There will be 12different kinds including pentas, native milkweed, salvia, purple porterweed, cat’s whiskers, guara, red hibiscus, bulbine and cigar plant.

The best thing about the sale will be the rock-bottom prices! Most plants will sell for $3 (cash only, please). The plants are top quality — nursery grown and inspected so they are disease- and pest-free.

There will also be free mini workshops on topics of interest to gardeners:

9:30 a.m. — Home Irrigation.10 a.m. — Container

Gardening. 10:30 a.m. — Blueberries.11 a.m. — Tool Sharpening.There will be Master

Gardeners on-hand to assist you in loading your plants, to answer your questions related to plants and gardening, and to perhaps introduce you to some new exciting things for your spring garden. Since they are affiliated with the University of Florida, there will be all kinds of publications available on garden topics.

If you haven’t visited the Bradford County Extension office lately, you’re in for a treat? While you’re visiting the plant sale, come look at the year-old butterfly demonstration garden next to the building right behind the plant sale area. Although the plants may not be at their peak due to recent weather, the plants are labeled. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer questions about the garden plants.

April

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See FESTIVAL, 2A

See CHANGES, 2A

Rotary guests feast in GrahamThe Bradford Sportsmen’s Farm once again hosted Starke Rotary’s Beast Feast, a fundraiser, but also an excuse to pile plates high with favorite dishes and lesser known delicacies. Andrew Bryant’s plate looks to be workt the price of admission. Did we mention there was banana pudding? For more on the Beast Feast, see inside.

Sen. Rob Bradley announced his proposal to fund the Black Creek Water Resource Development Project during a media event at Keystone Beach. Standing behind Bradley are (l-r) Save Our Lakes Organization President Vivian Katz, Clay County Commissioner Gavin Rollins, Keystone Heights Mayor Tony Brown, Rep. Bobby Payne, Rep. Travis Cummings, Clay County Commission Chairman Wayne Bolla and St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Ann Shortelle.

See LAKES, 6A

2A Bradford County Telegraph • Thursday, March 30, 2017

Fish Camp & Bait Shop

Sat. April 1st3 p.m.

SW 75th Ave • 3 miles west of Starke off SR 100 • 904.964.9374

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Oody promoted to AP position at Starke Elementary

BY MARK J. CRAWFORDTelegraph Editor

After more than 20 years of teaching in Bradford and Union counties, Beth Oody has been appointed the new assistant principal at Starke Elementary School.

Oody is replacing Brett Beckett, who was on the job for less than a year but received a position with a matching salary closer to home and his children, Superintendent Stacey Creighton said.

Just as she followed her mother’s example in becoming a teacher, Oody said she always planned to follow the path of her father — a former Starke Elementary principal — into administration.

While this new opportunity is a step forward for Oody, it is also a return to the elementary school atmosphere where she first honed her skills in education. She taught at the elementary level for 12 years, then at the middle school level for five years, and finally at the high school for four years.

“Now with this job I’m going back to my elementary roots,” Oody said. “I absolutely love it,” she added, recalling the affectionate hugs she received from kindergarteners on her first day. “I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness! I have missed this so much!’”

Spending time with the students has been rewarding and getting to see her daughter at school is another perk, she said.

A closeness to students is something that has always motivated her. During her years at the front of the classroom, Oody earned a reputation as an effective and caring teacher, one that built relationships with her students. She was awarded for that work, being named a districtwide Teacher of the Year and winning the Invested in Excellence Award from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and Florida Power and Light.

Before accepting this new position, Oody spent this past year working as a reading coach at the middle school and the high school, which is a bit like having a foot in both the instructional and administrative camps. She has loved being able to go into the English and social studies classrooms at both schools to model instructional methods for teachers and help them dig deeply into student test data to direct instructional decisions.

As assistant principal, she is working with students in a different capacity. In charge of discipline, for example, she is bringing her own style to the job.

“I think sometimes students are expecting to be yelled at or berated, and that’s not my style,” she said. “I just really am a strong believer in mutual respect. I think if you respect students, they’re going to respect you back, and then once you develop that really good relationship with them, they don’t want to disappoint you. Kids, especially at this age, want to please adults, and they value a nonthreatening environment.”

Her experience in discipline comes from being a mother as

well as a teacher for students as young as kindergarten through 10th grade. There are students in her office she calls “frequent fliers”— those with more severe issues — who are requiring her to be a little tougher to get to the root of the problem.

Most of her day, is spent tackling administrative duties like filling teaching positions, but beyond the everyday, Oody has a vision that includes improving communication, establishing structure and raising expectations.

“I want us to become a model school, and I want my faculty and staff, as well as parents and students, to take pride in our school.”

Leaving the high school was bittersweet because of the role she played there in positive behavior support, team building and promoting school pride. She also speaks of how much she learned from the administration at the school, calling Principal Bryan Boyer a mentor who, along with Assistant Principal Anthony McCallum, gave her opportunities and intiatives to expand her experience. As a reading coach, she has also worked closely at the middle school with Principal Mallory McConnell, whom Oody called an inspiration and role model.

Oody is also drawing upon her experience working for Union County, which she considers a “well-oiled” school district.

Creighton said Oody always brings ideas to the table — such as using the college success course at Santa Fe as a model for a high school success course. That’s an idea Creighton wants to implement at BHS next year, and it was ideas like that — and her background in elementary education — that impressed the superintendent.

“I know she’s already started off doing a great job. I’ve heard only wonderful feedback from teachers that she’s been very supportive,” Creighton said, including going from class to class, asking teachers what they need and how she can help. “That’s exactly the environment I would like. I want my teachers to feel supported by their administrators.”

Easing the transition for Oody is the warm welcome she has received from the teachers and staff at Starke Elementary. After the announcement was made, the phone calls and emails began, welcoming her to the family, she said.

Lisa Prevatt volunteering last year at the back-to-school fair.

Jennifer Vaughan is pictured when she was just starting as principal at Lawtey. Here she poses with students Andrew Pendarvis, Chase Lamoree, Jackson Smith, Christopher Strong, Keith Ardley and Eric Pendarvis.

“I’ve been moved by the outpouring of support that I’ve received from the teachers at Starke Elementary,” she said. “Together I’m confident we can roll up our sleeves and accomplish great things.”

The principal position in Lawtey will be filled by Lisa Prevatt, who has been the assistant superintendent for the district for 10 years, working under four different superintendents. This is also a homecoming for Prevatt, whose first teaching and principal positions were at Lawtey Elementary.

“I am so excited to be returning to Lawtey,” Prevatt said. “I first started teaching there in 1989 and then returned as principal in 2003. The Lawtey staff and community helped me grow as a professional and an individual because of their

caring, respectful attitudes and support of education and each other.”

Over the years, Prevatt said she’s taken the lessons she learned at Lawtey down the roads God led her.

“I have been honored to serve the district’s parents and students and to work with such superb district and school administrative staffs. What a blessing they are! I cannot thank each of them enough for all their hard work and dedication to the employees, parents and children of our community and I wish them all the best,” she said.

“I have enjoyed my educational journey but I am now ready to return ‘home’ to the place where it all began for me and where, together, we will continue the important work of educating our children.”

Beth Oody was recently promoted to the assistant principal position at Starke Elementary School as well (see

related story). Earlier in the year, another high school teacher, Lindley Adkins, was appointed to an assistant principal position at the school, and with McCallum leaving, there is still one AP position at the school to be filled.

The assistant superintendent position is also open, and word travels fast because the superintendent is already receiving inquiries.

Creighton hasn’t made that decision yet, and isn’t ready to announce any other administration changes until sometime in May. She said she didn’t want to announce everything at once, but gradually, yet still give employees time to look forward and plan for where they will be this July.

Two more administrative

positions must also be filled, but only one is being advertised at the moment. The coordinators of teaching and learning will replace the director of accountability and special programs, one specializing in elementary and the other in secondary education. Applications for the elementary position are being taken now. To avoid applicants for these and other positions, like assistant superintendent piling up, Creighton said she is staggering the hires.

Teachers, meanwhile, will be finding out this week whether they are being offered a position for next school year. The district has until April 1 to let them know.

CHANGESContinued from 1A

Beth Oody

Bradford Fest Talent Showdown winners Southern Sass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, followed by Brett Russell at 1 p.m., Southern Burn at 3 p.m. and South of Savannah at 5 p.m. On Sunday, John Emil will perform at noon, followed by Frazzled at 1:30 p.m. and Creature at 3:30 p.m.

If you would like to help raise some money for the Relay for Life’s fight against cancer while getting some exercise, join the Shands Starke Disney Dreamers for the Strawberry Stampede 5K Fun Run. The race walk will begin and end at the Downtown Square at 8 a.m. on Saturday. It is open to all ages, and the entry fee varies from $15 to $25. Adding to the fun, there will be prizes for the best costumes! Register online by going to http://bit.ly/2nyA4hX, and don’t forget to enter your shirt size for your free Strawberry Stampede T-shirt.

Word gets out via hotel-tax-sponsored television and other advertisements, attracting thousands to the festival each year. That’s good for the festival, but it’s also good for merchants and restaurants downtown who will be open for business right alongside the street vendors.

Whittle recently told the county commission that doesn’t just provide a two-day sales boost for these local businesses. Once people come to downtown Starke and see what it offers, they come back, she said.

The Strawberry Festival returns April 8 and 9. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The festival is pet friendly, and there are conveniences like ATM machines, cell phone charging stations and free train rides down Call Street.

Call Street from U.S. 301 to Water Street will be closed beginning at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7, to begin setup, which means traffic will also be blocked from crossing Call at Walnut, Thompson, Cherry and Church.

For more, visit www.bradford countystrawberryfestival.com or look for the festival on Facebook.

You can also drop by the chamber of commerce office at 100 E. Call St. to pick up a festival T-shirt. They are available now.

FESTIVALContinued from 1A

FFA plant sale coming

Bradford FFA Alumni will host a plant sale Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8, at the Bradford-Union Technical Center FFA building. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. There will be a variety of plants, shrubs and trees from which to choose.

Come support FFA and make your yard beautiful.

Free transportation

Communities in Schools of Bradford County offers free transportation to employment, daycare, and job training or other educational services. Please call 904-964-7776 to see if you qualify.

Thursday, March 30, 2017 • Bradford County Telegraph 3A

Boy Scouts to honor Dolph Reddish

Local Scout leaders to hold dinner in former sheriff’s honor

Boy Scouts, volunteers, business leaders and local elected officials will gather on April 27 at the Starke Armory to recognize former law enforcement officer and Sheriff Dolph Reddish as their honoree for the Starke American Values Dinner. The event, presented by Community State Bank, will begin with a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by

dinner at 7 p.m.“We are proud to present

this honor to Mr. Reddish as he exemplifies the values of Scouting found in the Scout Oath and Scout Law. He is servant leader to the community and has always been helpful to the Boy Scouts of America,” said Bradford County Commissioner Chris Dougherty, who serves as chairman for the dinner. “This event is the single largest fundraiser for the Boy Scouts in Bradford County. Funds raised provide direct support to local volunteers as we work to instill values in the nearly 500 youth that we serve. One-

hundred percent of the funds we raise stay right here in the local community.”

Also serving on the host committee for the American Values Dinner is Terry Vaughan, Bradford County supervisor of elections. “The Reddish name has long been synonymous with public service in Bradford County. In a span that covered four decades, Dolph and his father before him (P.D. Reddish) proudly wore the sheriff’s star in a distinguished manner. Dolph certainly epitomizes the principles that we continue to promote in this effort and The American Values Dinner is a

great way to ensure that we can have a viable Scouting program for years to come.”

The Boy Scouts will also recognize another local law enforcement officer, John Palmer, the assistant regional director for the Florida Department of Corrections, with the Montgomery Service Award for his support of local Scouting units.

There is no cost to attend the dinner, but the committee asks that attendees make a donation to the North Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. If you would like to attend the American Values Dinner or sponsor a table,

contact Lindsay Reddish at the Starke Branch of the Capital City Bank at 904-964-7050.

Dental Career Opportunities Forum

Discover a new world of rewarding professional opportunities in dentistry. Join the faculty and students of the Santa Fe College dental programs as they describe the different career tracks within the Dental Office, including the employability, salaries and

unique career personalities.Additionally, the program

advisor will be on-hand to explain the application and entry process.

Programs include: —Dental assisting: 10.5-month

vocational certificate. —Dental hygiene: 18-month

Associate of Science degree. —Dental hygiene-bridge:

16-month Associate of Science accelerated degree for dental assistants.

The forum will take place Thursday, March 30, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Santa Fe College Cultural Building, 201 E. Call St. in Starke.

BY TRACY LEE TATEUCT Editor

Stress is with us all every day in our modern world, and many health care professionals are quick to tell us that stress can affect both our mental and physical health. Sometimes we find we need time away to deal with the stresses that build up in our lives, but many times an hour or two spent on oneself can go a long way toward reducing the load. A new business in downtown Starke

is open for just that purpose - to assist its customers in working through the stresses of the day by providing the double benefit of feeling good and looking good.

Tranquility Day Spa is owned and operated by Starke native Brandi Smith. Smith is a graduate of the Florida School of Massage in Gainesville and has worked in the field for eight years in Gainesville and Fleming Island. Her mother, Tina Hutchins, has been a businessperson in Starke for 16 years, running New Perceptions, a Medicaid waver service. Smith said she grew up knowing that she wanted to work in a profession where she

could help people both feel well and be well.

“I first started as a CNA, but found no bright side in that work,” Smith said. “I wanted to work with and help people over the long term. A CNA does important work, but it just wasn’t the direction I wanted to move in for a life long career, so I went to massage school and my eyes were opened to a whole new world.”

“I found a way to help people by bringing them something that was beneficial to the body, mind and spirit. With the day spa I can do this and, with the help of the other people here, help people to both look and feel

good. Out motto here is relax, renew and rejuvenate, and we all plan to work hard to give these benefits to our patrons.”

Tranquility is a full-service day spa, offering massage therapy (of several types) by Smith, hair design by Ashley, nails by Keith, spray tanning by Nicole, facials by Keli, eyelash extensions, brow & lash tinting and waxing. All of the services offered are body friendly, non-damaging and therapeutic in nature. All of the providers specialize in serving multicultural clients and are skilled in working with different skin, hair and body types.

Massage is the key to the relaxation part of the day spa’s

motto. Smith offers a variety of massage services including trigger-point, neuromuscular release, Swedish, deep-tissue, sports and hot-stone. She also does pregnancy massage. The goal is both relaxing and clearing the body of toxins, which build-up in the tissues and are flushed from it during the massage process.

Another service that promises to become a favorite is the cold stone facial. This process is of help to people with allergies, TMJ, sinus congestion and inflammation.

Smith is serious about making her business a success in Starke and is an active member

of the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Women in Business. She offers services to men, women and children. She will allow the spa to be used for events, such as bridal or baby showers, and offers gift certificates for services. All of the spa’s providers are independent contractors and set their own appointments, but are willing to work together to provide patrons with what they want and need.

“I want to help make people’s lives a little easier by making them feel better both physically and about themselves,” Smith said. “Looking good and knowing that you do can be a big aid to making you feel good, and relaxation is one of the keys to both. We are here to offer our clients a pleasant and beneficial experience and hope people will come by and see what we have to offer them.”

Tranquility Day Spa is located at 101 E. Call St., at the intersection with Walnut Street. It is open for business Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Questions about products and services as well as the scheduling of appointments can be done by calling 904-769-8088.

Tranquility Day SpaDOWNTOWN STARKE

Brandi Smith Owner on right, Keith in the middle

and Keli on left of photo.

Tranqulity Day Spa offers therapeutic massage, hair, nails, facials, brow and lash, body waxing, spray tans.

Photos by James Williams.

4A Bradford County Telegraph • Thursday, March 30, 2017

NOTICENRSWA Special Called

Board MeetingTues., April 4, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

at New Regional Landfill

Guests Amber Herring, Cindy Douglas and Jay Patterson waited for the food line to thin. All are on staff at Florida Pest Control. (Not shown: Jason Gotshall.)

The crowd filled the pavilion and spilled out into the Bradford Sports Club’s great outdoors.

Starke Rotary’s full-plate event

… Jacob Crawford, with the five of spades.

Amanda and Jesse Gathright (left and center) ran the drawing for a 10122 Charger. Luke Tillman (right) looked on. And the winner was …

Missy Gillenwaters drops tickets into many baskets hoping to win a prize. Drawing items were contributed by Bradford County merchants.

Rotarian Joe Reichert and his sidekick, John Smith, (not shown) cut up piles of ribs.

Rotarians Dr. Trisha Brown (left), pediatrician at Shands Starke, and Audrey Williams of Haven Hospice waited to serve once the food came out.

Living up to their motto “Service above self,” Starke Rotarians like Kim Register, left, and Brittany Loper were kept hopping throughout the event.“Oh, you want me to model

at the desert table!” complained Chamber President Pam Whittle. She threatened to sample the icing for revenge. “Don’t do it!” somebody yelled.

The food line featured 24 usual and esoteric selections — everything from grits and green beans to duck bacon, elk kabobs and frog legs.

ChurchSt Edward Catholic Church, 441 N. Temple Ave. in Starke, will hold a Lenten Friday fish fry every Friday during Lent from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The menu includes fish, hushpuppies, cheese grits, french fries, cole slaw and tea for $8 per adult and $4 for children 12 and under.

Trinity Baptist Church invites you to experience the “Lake Area Passion Play” presented by its music ministry Friday through Sunday, April 7–9, at 7 p.m. each night. The drama brings to life the days of Christ’s life. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come basis. Doors open at 6 p.m. Also attend Easter Sunday worship

services at 8:30 and 11 a.m. The church is located 2.5 miles south of Keystone Heights on S.R. 21.

St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Lawtey invites you to Family and Friends Day on Sunday, April 23, at 4 p.m.

The guest speaker will be the Rev. Henry Wright, Pastor of New Mt. Calvary Baptists in Jacksonville.

New Bethel Freewill Baptist Church, S.R. 121 in Raiford, will be having a spring festival Sunday, April 23, at 3 p.m. Everyone is invited to celebrate theme, “Seeds of Life.” The guest speaker will be Minister Angelo Williams of Tree of Life. Dinner will be served following the service.

Email the details of your congregation’s upcoming special events to editor@ bctelegraph.com. DEADLINE IS MONDAY AT 5 P.M.

Library

Thursday, March 30, 2017 • Bradford County Telegraph 5A

Y Across the Garden Fence ZAcross the Garden Fence is sponsored by the

Bradford County Extension Service. Readers who wish to pose gardening questions should forward them to Master Gardener Laurie Compton at lcompton@ufl.edu.

Gardens and bromeliads

Howdy, neighbor!My garden has always been a very special place

to me! The most endearing aspect of it provides me with perennial reminders of my friends, relatives and places that I have been. It is a place of kindred spirits. It surrounds me with wonderful memories of love and times past. My favorite plant in it is an old Southern rose that was taken from my childhood home. I cherish my mother’s red amaryllis, my mother-in-law’s camellia trees, staghorn and daylilies.

Throughout the years, my friends have shared their cuttings with me, and they have since grown and flourished into mature and beautiful plants. My dear friend Myra’s maidenhair ferns, mad dog’s, crinum lilies and agaves, Nancy’s devil’s backbone and Cindy’s succulents (burro’s tail) are some of my treasures.

In my travels, I have acquired many plants that are still in my garden today. Decades ago, I bought an immature crown of thorns (Euphorbia millii) with beautiful large salmon colored rosettes from Islamorada (Florida Keys) and it has grown to be a huge and healthy plant. And yes, I do have to protect it from our cold north Florida winters! Also, I brought back tiny off-set/pups of an agave from Indian Key that proved to be very prolific and I have shared it with countless friends and family. I have a candelabra cactus from Marathon (Keys) that I acquired 45 years ago as a cutting. Its progeny lives on. Around this same timeframe, I was introduced to bromeliads by an old wise man who loved plants and bromeliads. He told me that I would fall in love with them and he was oh so right!

The best thing about bromeliads is that anyone can be successful with these interesting and diverse plants. They are members of the Bromeliaceae family that naturally grow on other plants and trees “as epiphytes — taking their moisture and nutrients from the atmosphere and debris that decays in their cup centers.”

There are more than 2,700 bromeliad species! Their habitat ranges from the Southern U.S. through the Americas down to Chile and Argentina in South America. Bromeliads are not parasites, they do not harm the plants or trees that they reside upon. Some bromeliads that are probably most familiar to you are Spanish moss and pineapples.

Bromeliads are a significant addition to any garden, deck or home interior. They provide dramatic tropical and sub-tropical color and their shapes are ascetically and architecturally pleasing to the eye.

Bromeliads can vary in height from a few inches to several feet. They are easy and fun to grow and the bonus is that they are very low maintenance. They thrive in indirect light, diffused light or full sun. But most do not like direct sun exposures and will sustain damage to their foliage. Bromeliads have brilliantly colored and patterned foliage that forms a vase-like structure cup in their middle. Their vibrant blooms can endure from days to months.

A group of native Floridian bromeliads known as the Tillandsia (air plant) family resides in pinelands, hammocks and cypress domes. Fine gray hairs provide sun protection from sunny tree top locations. Their flower stalks shoot up skyward like little tongues of pink to red flames. Located in a shadier swamp is another family the — much thinner-leaved Guzmania species, which gathers on pop ash and pond apple trees.

In the genera Neoregelia, the flowers actually appear within the cup/vase and its leaves turn into brilliant colors announcing the forthcoming flower.

In the families of Vriesea and Achmea, flower stalks can rise several feet into the air and branch out like little trees.

Aechmea species are those that possess stiff and sharply serrated leaves that can pierce and irritate unprotected hands and arms so be cautious and

prevent injury by utilizing leather gloves and thick or canvas sleeves when working with these species.How to plant

You can be very creative. Plant in the earth, in rock, trees or under trees, mulch, wooden surfaces or most anywhere you like! They can be attached to old driftwood or the holes in bricks by filling the hole with sphagnum moss. Bromeliads can grow in about any medium that sustains good drainage. Per the Bromeliad Society International, they do grow very well in Orchid mix in terra-cotta pots. Also in equal parts of peat, bark and perlite.

When potting in a pot, be certain to select the appropriate sized pot. When pots are too big for the plant, we tend to often overwater them. As

regard plant depth, do not plant any deeper than the first plant leaf. Be certain not to pack soil too tightly and be sure that the plant does not wiggle around because tender roots need stability to attach and grow. Stake the plant if need be.

Plant under shade tree canopies or other shady locations unless the specific bromeliad calls for direct sunlight.Light requirements

Diffused, indirect light or full sun. Be certain to obtain info on your specific

Bromeliad’s sun exposure needs when purchasing. While Aechmea blanchetiana will flourish in direct sun, most bromeliads are susceptible to sun scald which renders them unstable and can lead to plant death.Regional care

Outdoor bromeliads in central and north Florida will require protection from our freezing winters.Blooming

Day length, plant age (must be one year old to be considered mature), water, light intensity and temperature are all key factors that affect bromeliad blooms. Some bromeliads bloom regularly and others do not.

Most cultivated bromeliads only bloom once in their lifetime. Once the mother plant has bloomed, it will slowly die over the next 1-2 years.Fertilizer

Fertilizer depends upon the intensity and amount of sun exposure and what kind of bromeliad it is.

Bromeliads require little or no fertilization during the winter months or indoors or under low light conditions. However, they will respond to a light application of fertilizer. Dosage is every 1-2 months with a general purpose soluble fertilizer and may be applied to the soil of a potted bromeliad. Please note that the fertilizer should be mixed with water and at 1/4 to 1/3 of the recommended amount if applied once a month.Pests

It has been my experience that bromeliads are relatively pest-free. But, to avoid issues, simply remember the importance of flushing the bromeliad’s cup/vase to dislodge unwanted mosquito larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis subspecies israelenses is a biological mosquito control product that can be used to resolve this issue. It can be obtained from most garden centers. Directions indicate that it should be sprinkled into the cup/vase every two to three weeks during summer and fall.

Another pest is the Mexican bromeliad weevil. Adults devour lower leaves and stalks. Larva attack the base and separate the roots from the leaves and severely damages the plant which usually results in plant death.

Bromeliads can contract scale and mealy bugs. If yours does, check with your county extension office to see what insecticides will discourage them.Propagation

Mature plants that have already bloomed begin to produce offshoots or off-sets or pups. They emerge from the mother plant’s base. Pups should not be removed until they have attained 1/3 - 1/2 her size. Carefully, utilizing a serrated knife or sharp clippers, cut as close to the mother plant as possible and remove the pup. Additional information

Do not allow water to stagnate in the Bromeliad’s cup/vase. It is detrimental to the plant and provides an incubator for unwanted mosquito larva. Remediation is as simple as flushing the cup/vase with a hose every few days! This action also purges decaying leaves and debris that larva feed upon.

I hope that you will take a chance on a bromeliad. They are fun and beautiful and will brighten your spirits and home surroundings. I don’t think that you will be disappointed!

Celina Rohman,Master Gardner

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Senior CenterThe Bradford County Senior

Center is located at 1805 N. Temple Ave. in Starke. If you have any questions or would like further information on any activities or events, please call 904-368-3955. A calendar of events can be found at www.bradfordcountyfl.gov, click the “Senior” link.

Sen. Rubio’s Mobile Office

Sen. Marco Rubio’s office will be holding mobile office hours at the senior center, Thursday, March 30, from 9-11 a.m. If you are having an issue with Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Affairs benefits, USCIS, the IRS, or any federal agency, a representative from the senator’s office will be able to meet with you and see how Senator Rubio’s

Office may be of assistance.

Line dancing Line dancing every other

Wednesday at 10 a.m., is a great way to get a no impact exercise. Come kick up your heels with our line dancing classes. Easy to follow instructions taught by our line dancing teacher. The next Wednesday morning class will be April 12.

Medicare helpHave questions about your

Medicare or prescription plans? SHINE, Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, is available at the senior center every Wednesday from 1–3 p.m. Stop in and speak with our SHINE representative and get those questions answered.

The SHINE representative can

also review your current plan to ensure you have the best plan for your needs.

Book clubThe senior center is pleased

to announce the formation of a book club. This exciting program offers participants a chance to experience literature in a more interactive way. Members will get up close and personal with different genres of books. The book club will create an ideal mix of discussion and discovery. Each member will focus on the same book for a month, then we will have our at the next month’s meeting. The book club is now reading “The Amber Room” by Steve Berry. Come join us for our next meeting Thursday, April 13, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the mysteries surrounding “The Amber Room.”

The Bradford County Public Library is located at 456 W. Pratt St. in Starke. For more information on these programs or other services, please call 904-368-3911 or visit www.bcplibrary.com.

Library closed — April 14In observance of Good Friday,

Bradford County Public Library will be closed on Friday, April 14. For your convenience, the book drop is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Online services are available at www.BCPLibrary.com.

Early literacy programsThe library offers programs

designed to aid in the development of early literacy skills. Preschool Storytime entertains children with an hour of stories and music, starting at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. Tiny tots enjoy stimulating entertainment during Toddler Time on Fridays, beginning at 11 a.m.

Book sale — May 4 – May 6Stock up on entertaining

reading material at the semiannual Friends of the Library Book Sale. You’ll find

gently used books, compact discs, magazines and movies at bargain prices. All proceeds benefit Friends of Bradford County Public Library. For the best selection, shop early! The sale begins at 9 a.m. on May 4 and continues until 2 p.m. on May 6. Sale hours: Thursday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Deco mesh wreaths — April 7

The library is hosting a deco mesh wreath workshop at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 7. Choose a theme and purchase materials that suit your tastes, then we’ll show you how to assemble everything. A list of supplies that you will need to bring is available at the library. Registration for the class is required.

Stress-free painting — April 12

Relieve stress with art therapy. An hour of creativity is a wonderful way to release stress from your body. Paint whatever you want to while the soothing sounds of musical legends and the movement of your

brushstrokes work the tension out of your mind and muscles. We meet at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12. Paper and paints are supplied at no cost. Canvas prices begin at $1. Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Children will not be admitted.

Spring photos — April 13 and April 17

Freeze time for a moment and create photographs to treasure. Bring your family and friends to the library’s meeting room for fun spring-themed photographs. Backdrops and props will be available from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, and from 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17. For more information, contact Kathy at 904-368-3921.

Asian Tea Party — April 21Add a dash of Asian flavor

to your Friday afternoon on April 21. Join us for tea and adult conversation at 2 p.m.! This social activity is free for all adults. Reserve your seat at the Asian Tea Party by contacting Kathy at 904-368-3921. Seating is limited.

Yoga and more offered in Melrose

Mossman Hall in Melrose has fitness and meditation classes open to the community, including Zumba, qigong, vinyasa flow

yoga, stretch and flex yoga, and sound healing. Most classes request $5 per session, but others simply ask for a donation. Reservation or prepayment is not required.

Call 352-475-2924 for more information, or visit www.facebook.com/mossmanhall.

6A Bradford County Telegraph • Thursday, March 30, 2017

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through Keystone Heights to reach the Gainesville campus from his Green Cove Springs home.

“Over the years, I would drive over the bridge and see the lake get lower and lower and lower,” he recalled. “Then I would drive past Lake Geneva, which is behind us, and see it get lower and lower.”

As an adult, while serving on the Clay County Commission in 2007-2008, and while serving as legal counsel for the city of Keystone Heights, he often visited the Lake Region on official business. Bradley said he not only witnessed continued dropping water levels, but also the economic consequences of disappearing lakes.

“Every time I came out here it broke my heart,” he said. I drove through this morning, and drove by Sabo’s Italian Restaurant, and it’s now a shell. There was a time when that was some of the best lasagna around, because we had a lot of visitors, and we had a lot of economic activity around here, and we don’t any more. The reason is simple. The lakes have left us.”

Halfway through his speech, Bradley thanked the red shirt-clad members of the Save Our Lakes Organization and invited their president, Vivian Katz, to join him on the stage.

“We wouldn’t be standing here today talking about real solutions moving forward, if not for Vivian and her group of red shirts over the years pushing and pushing and prodding and making sure that people paid attention to this area,” he said.

Water summit, committee appointment triggers action

Bradley said he has seen proposals to help the Keystone Heights lakes before.

However, because Keystone Heights does not lie within one of Florida’s major population centers, the area never received the attention it deserved.

“I for one am tired of it,” he said. “I’m tired of going to meetings and listening to a lot of great ideas ... (that) don’t really make a big difference. For the first time, I think we’ve got a plan that is going to make a real, real difference.”

Last November, Bradley got into position to do something about Keystone’s lakes when Senate President Joe Negron appointed him as chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources.

Then in January, he attended the Keystone Heights Water Summit. Sitting between City Manager Scott Kornegay and Congressman Ted Yoho, Bradley appeared to grow frustrated at the lack of a concrete project to restore lake levels.

“Bring me a project,” he said to summit organizers.

Shortly thereafter, Bradley took matters into his own hands, driving to Palatka to find a solution. Reviewing possibilities

with St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Ann Shortelle, the pair discovered the Black Creek project in Appendix J of the North Florida Regional Supply Plan.

“This plan has been vetted,” Bradley told the Keystone Beach crowd. “This plan has been discussed and it’s been on the shelf. Now it’s time to take it off the shelf and dust it off.”

Other surface water projects

The Black Creek plan is at least the fourth surface water project proposed to recover lake levels.

In 2002, Tampa Hydrologist Peter Schreuder first proposed pumping water from an abandoned mining area near the Clay-Bradford County line south to Alligator Creek. That plan has been promoted by Save Our Lakes several times over the years but has been opposed by the Suwannee River Water Management District.

In 2013, Orlando engineering firm GIA proposed constructing horizontal wells along the First Coast Expressway and piping storm water runoff to the Alligator Creek area. However, in 2014 the Clay County Utility Authority opted to change the plan, keeping the harvested storm water in northern Clay County in anticipation of the 20,000 new water connections the new expressway might bring.

In 2015, the St. Johns River Water Management District set aside $250,000 for a proposed low flow conveyance structure on Alligator Creek south of Magnolia Lake, which would have added 200 million gallons of water to Alligator Creek over an 80-day period.

Camp Blanding officials vetoed that plan, stating that it might hinder the joint training

center’s mission. This year, lakes advocates

returned to the 2002 Schreuder proposal. The city of Keystone Heights is now in the process of seeking engineering services to spec out the plan to move water from the old mining area to Alligator Creek.

After Bradley’s announcement, Kornegay, who chairs the city’s water committee, said his panel may now reassess its plans.

All eyes on Payne and Cummings

The money to fund the Black Creek project would come from the state’s Land Acquisition Trust Fund.

In 2004, Florida voters amended the state constitution requiring 33 percent of documentary stamp tax revenue to be earmarked for a Land Acquisition Trust Fund to “acquire, restore, improve and manage conservation lands.”

The tax equals 70 cents per $1,000 of every real estate sale that occurs in the state. The Land Acquisition Trust Fund’s share of documentary stamp tax revenue in 2016 was $740 million.

Now, the lesser of 25 percent or $200 million of trust fund revenue must be spent on the Everglades, the lesser of 7.6 percent or $50 million must be spent on springs restoration and $5 million must be spent on Lake Apopka.

Earlier this year, Bradley filed Senate Bill 234 and Rep. Bobby Payne filed House Bill 847 which add $35 million a year to the trust fund allocation for the St. Johns River and the Keystone Heights lakes.

With Bradley chairing the Senate’s Appropriations Subcommittee on the Environment and Natural Resources, the Senate bill sailed through that panel, as well as the Environmental Preservation

and Conservation Committee, of which Bradley is vice chair.

SB 234 is now in the Appropriations Committee, its final stop before the Senate floor.

The House bill, however, has gotten nowhere, referred to the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, Natural Resources and Public Land Subcommittee and Appropriations Committee, with Payne unable to persuade committee chairmen to place the bill on their agendas.

Asking a rookie House member to push a $35 million appropriation through is a tall order, so Bradley brought in Rep. Travis Cummings, who represents northern Clay County, to help out.

“Rep. Cummings has a serious stroke in the House and this is a priority for him,” Bradley told the Keystone Beach crowd. “I’m confident in his ability, working with Rep. Payne, to help us be successful in this effort.”

Added Payne: “I’ve been working with Rep. Cummings to (get the bill on a committee agenda) and we think we’ll get there. It’s better to go with two people than one when you’re trying to get these things done.”

Other VoicesAlso speaking at Friday’s

event were:Rep. Travis Cummings: “While the Everglades, and

Lake Okeechobee and Indian River Lagoon and the St. Johns river and all that are so important — natural resources that make our state great — north Florida needs to, you know, get additional resources and more attention.”

Rep. Bobby Payne:“Vivian and the red shirts

were the first folks I met during my campaign.”

“I have swam in many of the lakes out here. I recognize the added commerce that they bring.”

“It’s a long equation to get to the finish line but we are committed to get there.”

Clay County Commission Chairman Wayne Bolla:

“This is the most exciting news

I’ve seen on this issue since I’ve been here since 1989.”

County Commissioner Gavin Rollins:

“It’s about future generations. It’s about a regional project that’s recharging the aquifer.”

“It’s not just about the lakes. It’s about drinking water and quality water for all of northeast Florida for generations to come.”

Keystone Heights Mayor Tony Brown:

“I know we don’t have the water that we used to right now, but we are still blessed to have these gentlemen that are in Tallahassee working for us.”

“For you guys in red shirts, you all have been on the front line for many years. I feel personally that you are going to see results in the next year or two.”

St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Ann Shortelle:

“Regional challenges are best met with regional solutions. This is no exception. The Black Creek Water Resource Development Project is included in the North Florida Regional Water Supply Plan that was recently adopted by not one, but two water management districts’ governing boards.”

“The benefits are really multiple. … But the one that really rings the bell at the end

of the day is beneficial aquifer recharge, and with that we have regional benefit, not only for our water resources, but for our water supply.”

Yard sale supports scholarship fund

The RJE Alumni Committee is having a yard sale this Saturday, April 1, from 8 a.m. to noon. Books and other household items will be on sale. All proceeds will go to the Alumni Scholarship fund.

The school reunion is coming up Sept. 1-3, and the Alumni group is trying to give four deserving young adults a scholarship. Please come out and support this activity.

Rooterville offering dinner and a show

Join your friends from Rotterville animal sanctuary for a vegan dinner and viewing of the documentary “What the Health” on Thursday, April 6. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the film begins at 7 p.m.

The event will be held at Mossman Hall, located at 301 S.R. 26 in Melrose.

JUMPContinued from 1A

The Black Creek Water Resource Development Project would capture excess water from the south prong of the creek near S.R. 16 at Penney Farms and transport it to a spreader field on Camp Blanding south of Magnolia Lake. Map: Office of Sen. Rob Bradley.

Rep. Bobby Payne speaks to the crowd. Also pictured is Clay County Commissioner Mike Cella.

Thursday, March 30, 2017 • Bradford County Telegraph 7A

LegalsNOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR

TAX DEEDNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENThat MTAG AS CUST FOR MGD-F LLCThe holder of the follow-ing certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for the tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of property, and name(s) in which it is assessed are as follows: File Number: 2016-0006 Certificate Number: 326Parcel Number: 00995-B-00400 Year of Issuance: 2014Description of Property:LOT 4, BLOCK B, OF EDITH ELLEN ESTATES, PHASE II, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORD-ED IN PLAT BOOK 3. PAGE 82 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF BRAD-FORD COUNTY, FLORIDAAssessed To:TC 12 LLCAll of the above property is located in Bradford County, In the State of Florida.Unless such certificate(s) shall be re-deemed according to Law. the prop-erty described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the Highest Bidder at the BRADFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE. STARKE, FL. on the 10th day of May. 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

RAY NORMANBRADFORD COUNTY CLERK OF

COURTBY LISA BRANNON,

DEPUTY CLERKIf you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in or-der to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordina-tor, Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Room 410, Gainesville, FL 32601 at (352) 337-6237 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or

voice impaired, call 711.3/9 4tchg 3/30-BCT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN

AND FOR BRADFORD COUNTY, FLORIDA

CASE NO.: 04-2017-DR-000069IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OFADAM TROY GRAY.Husband,andLISA LYNN GRAY,Wife.NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSO-

LUTION OF MARRIAGE(NO CHILDREN)

TO: LISA LYNN GRAYLAST KNOWN ADDRESS: Lake City, FloridaYOU ARE NOTIFIED that an ac-tion for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on the attorneys for the Husband, the Law Offices of Ronald E. Sholes, whose address is 9282 Atlantic Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32225, on or be-fore April 10, 2017 and file the origi-nal with the clerk of this Court at the Bradford County Clerk of Court. 945 North Temple Avenue, Starke, FL 32091, before service on Husband or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: Pursuant to the Marital Set-tlement Agreement dated November 17, 2015.Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these docu-ments upon request.You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future pa-pers in this lawsuit will be mailed or

e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office.WARNING: Rule 12.285) Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, re-quires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, in-cluding dismissal or striking of plead-ings.Dated: March 6, 2017.

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURTBy: Lisa Brannon

Deputy Clerk3/9 4tchg 3/30-BCT

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR BRADFORD COUNTY,

FLORIDAPROBATE DIVISIONFile No.: 2016-CP-98

Division:IN RE: ESTATE OFOTIS D. PEACE,Deceased.

NOTICE TO CREDITORSThe administration of the estate of OTIS D. PEACE, deceased, whose date of death was June 18, 2016, and whose social security number is ***-**-****, is pending in the Circuit Court for Bradford County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 945 Temple Avenue, Starke,Florida 32091. The names and ad-dresses of the personal representa-tive and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.All creditors of the decedent and oth-er persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORI-DA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOR-EVER BARRED.NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PE-RIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.The date of first publication of this no-tice is March 23, 2017.Attorney for Personal Representative:William T. Edwards, Jr.The Edwards Law Firm, P.A.Florida Bar Number 0311553Tom.Edwards@Edwardslawfirm.com165 Wells Road, Suite 402Orange Park, Florida 32073Telephone: (904) 215-3550Fax: (904)215-3512Personal Representative:Rufus Peace623 South 12th StreetLivingston, Montana 59047

3/23 2tchg 3/30-BCT

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVENThat MTAG SVCS AS CUST FOR TAX EASE FUNDING 2016-1 LLCThe holder of the follow-ing certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for the tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of property, and name(s) in which it is assessed are as follows: File Number: 2017-0004Certificate Number: 610Parcel Number: 02202-0-00200Year of Issuance: 2014Description of Property:Legal Description:02202-0-00200East 186 feet of S 1/2 of SE 1/4 of SW 1/4 lying and being in Section 16, Township 6 South, Range 22 East. Bradford County, Florida.Less and Except the following par-cels:Parcel #1. Official Record Book 25 Page 517 being parcel 30 feet by 450 feet.

Parcel #2. Official Book 139 Page 217 being parcel 90 feet by 180 feet.Parcel #3. Official Book 19 Page 177 being parcel 110 feet by 210 feet.Parcel #7. Official Book 26 Page 574 being parcel 210 feet square.Parcel #8. Official Book 310 Page 179 being parcel 87 feet by 174 feet.Assessed To:EMMA LAWANDA CARVIN AKA EMMA L CORBETTAll of the above property is located in Bradford County, In the State of Florida.Unless such certificate(s) shall be re-deemed according to Law, the prop-erty described in such certificate or certificates will be sold to the Highest Bidder at the BRADFORD COUNTY COURTHOUSE, STARKE. FL. on the 10th day of May, 2017, at 11:00 a.m.

RAY NORMANBRADFORD COUNTY

CLERK OF COURTLISA BRANNONDEPUTY CLERK

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in or-der to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the ADA Coordina-tor, Alachua County Family and Civil Justice Center, 201 East University Avenue, Room 410, Gainesville, FL 32601 at (352) 337-6237 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711

3/30 4tchg 4/20-BCTNOTICE OF PROPOSED ORDI-NANCE OF THE CITY COMMIS-

SION OF STARKE, FLORIDANOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the proposed Ordinance, whose title hereinafter appears, will be brought up for READING and ADOPTION Tuesday, April 4, 2017, at the City Commission Meeting commencing at 7:00 p.m., at Starke City Hall, 209 North Thompson Street, Starke, Flor-ida. A copy of said Ordinance may be inspected by any member of the public at the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, in Starke, Florida. On the dates above-mentioned, all interested parties may appear and be heard with respect to this proposed Ordinance.ORDINANCE NO. 2017 - 0739AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF STARKE, FLORIDA, SUBMITTING TO REFERENDUM TO THE ELEC-TORS OF THE CITY OF STARKE AN AMENDMENT TO THE CHAR-TER, ARTICLE III, SECTION 10 DELETING THE CITY CLERK AS AN ELECTED OFFICE; PROVID-ING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVID-ING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE WHEN ADOPTED SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF STARKE ON THE TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2017 ELECTION BALLOT; PROVIDING EFFECTIVE DATE; AND PROVIDING FOR CON-FORMATION.

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CONCERNING A SPECIAL EXCEP-TION AS PROVIDED IN THE

CITY OF LAWTEY COMPREHEN-SIVE LAND USE PLAN

BY THE ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF LAWTEY, FLORIDA, NO-TICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pur-suant to the City of Lawtey Compre-hensive Land Use Plan, objections, recommendations, and comments concerning a special exception, as described below, will be heard by the Zoning Board of the City of Lawtey, Florida, at a public hearing to be held on April 13, 2017 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter can be heard, at Lawtey City Hall, 2793 Lake St., Lawtey, Florida.SE 17-01, a petition by Sam Thakor to request a Special Exemption be granted as provided for in Section 4.14.5 (CG Commercial General) of the City of Lawtey Comprehensive Land Use Plan to allow for a package store for sale of alcoholic beverages. Parcel of land lying within Block 5 of the City of Lawtey as per plat re-corded in Deed book C page 3 of the public records of Bradford County, Florida. Being more particularly de-scribed, as follows:Parcel Number 01369-0-00100The public hearing may be continued

to one or more future dates. Any in-terested party shall be advised that the date, time and place of any con-tinuation of the public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing and that no further notice concerning the matter will be published, unless said continuation exceeds six calen-dar weeks from the date of the above referenced public hearing. All interested parties may appear to be heard with respect to the special exception.

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

Benjamin J. Cooper JrLast known address of:872 SE 37th StMelrose FL 32666You are hereby notified that your eli-gibility to vote is in question. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections, in Starke, Florida, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this publishing. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by the Supervisor and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system.Terry L. VaughanBradford County Supervisor of Elec-tionsP.O. Box 58945 N. Temple Ave., Suite CStarke, FL 32091

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

Joseph A.SheptockLast known address of:102 Alexander RDStarke FL 32091You are hereby notified that your eli-gibility to vote is in question. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections, in Starke, Florida, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this publishing. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by the Supervisor and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system.Terry L. VaughanBradford County Supervisor of Elec-tionsP.O. Box 58945 N. Temple Ave., Suite CStarke, FL 32091

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

Dantrell J. JenkinsLast known address of:15904 SW County Road 235Brooker FL 32622You are hereby notified that your eli-gibility to vote is in question. You are required to contact the Supervisor of Elections, in Starke, Florida, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of this publishing. Failure to respond will result in a determination of ineligibility by the Supervisor and your name will be removed from the statewide voter registration system.Terry L. VaughanBradford County Supervisor of Elec-tionsP.O. Box 58945 N. Temple Ave., Suite CStarke, FL 32091

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

SPRATLIN TOWING & RECOVERY, INC. gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/24/2017, 9:00 am at 10875 US Hwy 301 HAMPTON, FL 32044, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. SPRATLIN TOW-ING & RECOVERY, INC. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.1G1JF5245V7229541 1997 CHEV-ROLET5GRGN23U54H102104 2004 HUM-MER

3/30 1tchg-BCTNOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE:

SPRATLIN TOWING & RECOVERY, INC. gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on 04/21/2017, 9:00 am at 10875 US Hwy 301 HAMPTON, FL 32044, pursuant to subsection 713.78 of the Florida Statutes. SPRATLIN TOW-ING & RECOVERY, INC. reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.1HGCM55644A170908 2004 HON-DA

3/30 1tchg-BCT

Soil and water group meets TuesdayPoster and speech contests for students

The Bradford Soil and Water Conservation District will meet on Tuesday, April 4, at 9 a.m. at the Bradford County Extension Office.

There will be reports on the status of district projects and activities. The speech contest will begin at 9:30 followed by the poster contest judging.

The board has two contests each year for area students. The theme this year for both is “Healthy Soil is Full of Life.” The poster contest is for kindergarten through 12th grade, and local winners in each age group advance to compete with students from northeast Florida. The speech contest is for middle and high school students.

Speeches are six to eight minutes long. It would be helpful if the posters and a copy of the students’ speeches could be dropped off at the extension office by Friday, March 31, but they will take submissions on Tuesday, April 4, as well if they are dropped off by 9 a.m.

Contact Paul Still at stillpe@aol.com or call him at 904-368-0291 for more information. The

meeting is open to the public.

Gospel Fest seeks vendors

The RJE Alumni Scholarship Committee is hosting the second annual Gospel Fest on Saturday, April 22, from noon until 5 p.m. in the Downtown Square. Bring your lawn chairs and prepare to enjoy an afternoon of praise and worship from choirs, praise groups and praise dancers from all over north Florida.

All proceeds will be used to help fund scholarships for desiring young adults who have family ties to the RJE alumni.

The RJE Alumni group meets monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Tiger’s Place on corner of Florida Street and Pine Street in Starke. All alumni are welcome.

HVMF raising money for monument

Hampton Veterans Memorial Fund is raising money to place a monument at Bradford High School in memory of Alan Rogers, David Stone Jr. and Bryan Berky.

The fundraising goal is $7,000, and donors of $500 or more will be recognized on the monument as a sponsor.

Donations can be deposited at Vystar using member number 703237784.

Southside bursting with books!

8A Bradford County Telegraph • Thursday, March 30, 2017

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School

Southside Elementary School students recently celebrated reading during their Book Fair. Pictured with their stories are (front to back, l-r) Caden Staats, Kendrick Munnerlyn, Jeffrey Brugh, Peyton Griffis, Amy Prescott, Kami Crawford, Allie Melton, Ava Hebert and Terry Conrad.

The Book Fair culminated in a Book Bingo night with lots of winners. Pictured are (at left) Amy Rankin, Ronnie Shetler and (above) Tridonn Burgin.

Honor Roll

KINGDOM CHRISTIAN ACADEMY STUDENTS MAKING STRAIGHT A HONOR ROLL: (l-r) Savannah Sasser , Eliana Paige and Kirra Robertson.

Bookmobile service falls prey to budget cutsBY TRACY LEE TATE

Times EditorThe New River Public Library

Cooperative’s bookmobile will make its final trip on Friday, April 7, causing many area readers to come out to their closest library to check out books and other materials.

The bookmobile has served in the areas of the three public libraries that make up the cooperative: Emily Taber Public Library in Baker County, Union County Public Library and Bradford County Public Library. Any bookmobile patron who does not make it to the stop on

the last day of service for that stop will have to return their books at one of the three above-mentioned libraries.

“The cessation of bookmobile services come down to budget concerns,” said NRPLC Director Marlene Glennon. “We are not seeing as much usage of the resource as we have in the past and the vehicle is getting to the age when frequent and serious repairs are about to become the norm. Our budget is getting tight and we are making some changes before we start to deplete our budget reserve funds. Funding from the state is still down after some huge cuts in 2008 and

we just cannot afford to offer additional services at this time.”

Bookmobile librarian Joyce Fouraker will not lose her position, however. She will work several days a week at one or more of the three libraries and will also be the van driver for the cooperative’s outreach program, which will visit nursing homes, schools and daycare centers. The schedule for this outreach service will be published when it is received by the Times.

“We are sorry to see the Bookmobile go,” Glennon said, “but there is really no choice in the matter.”

Antique turpentine still to be unveiledBY SAMANTHA GRENROCK

University of Florida SASIf you’ve ever sipped Gatorade,

eaten a Cadbury Crème Egg, put on a Band-Aid or used a Post-It note, you have a forest to thank.

These products are on a long list of items with ingredients derived from pine gum, the sticky substance that oozes from tapped pine trees, said Wayne Smith, emeritus professor with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

One hundred years ago, Florida was the world’s leading producer of pine gum, which was processed into turpentine and rosin, Smith said.

On April 1, the UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus will commemorate the turpentine industry’s impact on the state with the dedication of the A. Chester Skinner Jr. Family Turpentine Education Site. The site includes traditional and modern pine gum collection techniques, an antique turpentine still restored to historic accuracy, four educational kiosks, and ADA compliant paths connecting the site to the other buildings and trails on the campus.

The dedication will kick off the annual Spring Celebration for alumni and students of the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation. Dedication, ribbon-cutting and site tours are set for 10 a.m., followed by a barbeque lunch, and the School’s

annual scholarship and awards ceremony.

“At one time, there were over 100 turpentine stills in a 50-mile radius around Gainesville and 2,000 stills in the South,” said Smith. “We want visitors to be able to experience this important but little-known period in Florida history.”

As director of the UF/IFAS School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Smith worked to enhance the Austin Cary Campus, which is now home to a learning center, teaching pavilion, education building, and educational trail and tree walk. The A. Chester Skinner Jr. Family Turpentine Education Site is the latest addition, though the project started over a decade ago, he said.

In 2005, Smith and late UF/IFAS professor Jake Huffman coordinated the relocation of an antique turpentine still from Georgia to Gainesville. The still is a brick structure enclosing a large copper kettle connected to a copper condensing coil to capture the turpentine and vat to collect the residual rosin. In earlier years turpentine was the valued product but today rosin is prized more, Smith said.

The still’s journey South from the William Harrell family farm was not your typical road trip.

“Transporting the still was like moving a small building, requiring a professional mover,”

said Scott Sager, forester at the Austin Cary Forest.

Once the still was moved, the Great Recession hit, and plans to build a wooden housing structure around the still were put on hold, Sager said. Thanks to fundraising by UF/IFAS Office of Advancement, the final phase of construction began in November 2016.

“This undertaking would not have been possible without the more than 50 individuals and organizations who helped sponsor the project,” Smith said.

Key supporters include the A. Chester Skinner Jr. Family—a

Duval County landowning family with turpentine roots—as well as Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame inductee and former turpentine operator William Cook, John Morris of the Foley Timber and Land Company, John Rudnianyn of the International Property Services Corporation, Robbins Manufacturing

Company, and the Georgia Museum of Agriculture and Historic Village.

Avery Roberts and Jim Tilton, whose families were two of Florida’s last turpentine producers, also provided their support in the memory of their families’ legacies.

“We’re also grateful for those

who have offered their historical expertise or donated artifacts,” Sager said. “For example, several people have given us the cups that were once mounted on trees to collect gum. We’ve installed them on our own trees to show visitors how the gum was harvested.”