CKS AG TUDENTS , COASTAL CLEANUP
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CEDAR KEY SCHOOL AG STUDENTS KEEP COUNT ON CK SMOKERS...66.2% REDUCTION!
20026 September 27
On Coastal Cleanup Day, from around 8 am to 11:30 am, Cedar Key Agriculture students went on the annual cigarette butt census in downtown Cedar Key. These students worked hard to find any trace of cigarettes and collect them. The students went down Dock Street, 1st Street, and 2nd Street. Later, they came back to school and counted them out from each road.
The results are fantastic! This year, only 294 cigarette butts were found, which is a 66.2% reduction from last year’s findings. Cleaning Cedar Key is a great way to engage in the community and help out the island. Thank you, Sharks, for y’all’s hard work.
SENIORS V. CRIME PREENTATION
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Seniors vs. Crime to Present Fraud Prevention Program in Cedar Key
The Lions Club and Cedar Key Police Chief Jenkins will host a free public presentation on scam prevention on Wednesday, October 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church, 4054 D St., Cedar Key.
The program, educating how you and your loved ones can avoid getting scammed, is led by Judy Harden, Senior Director of Region IV Seniors vs. Crime.
Seniors vs. Crime operates as an ongoing special project of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The presentation will cover common types of fraud, methods for identifying and avoiding scams, and procedures for reporting suspected fraud to authorities. The event is open to the public at no cost.
LEVY ELECTIONS: 2026 BALLOTS IN MAIL
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2026 GENERAL ELECTION BALLOTS MAILED TO LEVY COUNTY VOTERS
Bronson, FL – Levy County Supervisor Of Elections Tammy Jones today mailed 4,154 Vote-by-Mail ballots for the November 3, 2026, General Election. Vote-by-Mail ballots are available only to registered voters who have submitted a request.
“Voters who wish to vote by mail should submit their request as soon as possible,” said Supervisor of
Elections Tammy Jones. “Florida voters have until October 22, 2026, to request a Vote-by-Mail ballot.
Requests can be made online at www.votelevy.gov or by calling our office at 352-486-5163.”
CKWSD WILL MEET 2026 SEPTEMBER 28
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THE CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
WILL MEET ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2026, AT 5 PM
AT DISTRICT OFFICES ON THIRD STREET.
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED.
Click here for agenda packet.
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CKWC CALENDAR 2027
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2026 sEPTEMBER 27
Cedar Key Woman’s Club is happy to announce that the 2027 CALENDAR is available in stores in town and in time for those unique holiday gifts!
National holidays, local events, full moons, etc. are listed in the calendar on the appropriate date for ease in making plans to visit Cedar Key!
Calendars are on sale for $15 each at Dilly Dally Galley, Island Hotel, Welcome Center, Second Street Mercantile, and 1842 Coffee Shop.
We will gladly mail calendars for $20 each by sending a check with mailing address details to:
Cedar Key Woman’s Club
P.O. Box 631
Cedar Key, Fl. 32625
The Calendar has been Woman’s Club’s biggest fund raiser since the first production in 2013, and helps provide funds for our club’s many charitable organizations supporting Cedar Key, such as the local school, Library,
Food Pantry, Veteran’s group, Community Relief Fund, Domestic Violence Center, Hurricane Preparedness, Coastal Cleanup, and more.
Thanks so much for supporting Cedar Key Woman’s Club!
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CEARA KEY COMMISSION WILL MEET 2026 SEPTEMBER 29 (2)
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CEDAR KEYCOMMISION WILL MEET 2026 SEPTEMBER 29...IN FINAL BUDGET HARING ...AT 5:01 PM
CLICK HERE FOR CRA PACKET AND AGENDA
CRA WILL MEET 2026 SEPTEMBER 29
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CEDAR KEYCOMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY WILL MEET 2026 SEPTEMBER 29...AT 4 PM
CLICK HERE FOR CRA PACKET AND AGENDA
CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION SET MILAGE RATE TENTAVIE BUDGET HEARING
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CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION SET MILAGE RATE
IN TENTATIVE BUDGET HEARING
2026 September 15
The City of Cedar Key Commission met at City Hall on Tuesday, at 5:01 pm, on September 15, 2026. All commissioners were in attendance: Mayor Jim Wortham, Vice Mayor Mel Beckham, Nancy Sera, Dell Weible, and Heath Davis. An audience of approximately thirty-five attended.
City Attorney Norm Fugate introduced four resolutions that were unanimously approved by the commissioners.
MILAGE RATE
Resolution 504 established the milage rate for fiscal year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027.
The resolution’s language reads as follows:
• “The rolled-back milage rate for Fiscal Year 2027 is 5.0741.
• The Fiscal Year 2027 proposed milage rate is 6.02% lower than the rolled-back rate.
• The milage rate to be levied for Fiscal Year 2027 shall be 4.7684 mils per $1,000 of taxable value.”
BUDGET FISCAL YEAR 2-27
Resolution 505 approved the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2027, beginning October 1, 2026, and ending September 30, 2027. The budget may be found on the city’s website or in earlier Cedar Key News publications.
Worth noting is Commissioner Beckham’s concern that raises are included in the budget for all employees except department heads. Commissioner Davis responded that the matter could be amended through unspent funds from last year. Davis also called for applause for a new “budget team” consisting of City Clerk Brooke Smith, a James Moore, CPA employee “Vince,” Robert Robinson, and Nancy Sera.
CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION MET 15 SEPTEMBER
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CEDAR KEY CITY COMMISSION MET The City of Cedar Key Commission met at City Hall on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, immediately after the Tentative Budget Hearing. All commissioners were in attendance: Mayor Jim Wortham, Vice Mayor Mel Beckham, Nancy Sera, Dell Weible, and Heath Davis.
TRAILER SALES AT BEACH
Local business proprietor Daniel Smith requested, for the second time, approval of a sales trailer’s presence, kayak placement, and redesign and placement of the concrete pad at the walkway end at the north end of the Marina, adjacent to the beach. Concerns from the public included:
• inappropriate competition from fellow businesses already offering visitors sunscreen, water, etc.’
• the trailer obliterating the view of the water and the beach;
• the use of public land for private profit.
With Commissioner Weible abstaining, as he sold the lease to Smith, four commissioners denied the request.
CKS DECA PROCLAMATION
Cedar Key School’s Diversified Education Club of America student representatives requested the city proclaim October DECA month in Cedar Key. Leadership training is a component of the club. Students reported various fundraisers now occurring in Cedar Key that will fund their trip to a California convention. DECA’s president is Fisher Collins; the club sponsor is Nicole Gill.
Commissioners approved the request; the mayor signed the proclamation.
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Christ Episcopal Church’s Reverand Phil Prescott reported the statistic that nationally 3.7 suicides occur annually per 1000,000 people; in the Cedar Key 32625 ZIP Code, six suicides have occurred. He urged the community to be aware of individuals who may need help.
E- WASTE RESOLUTION
Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 507 which recognizes October 14, 2026, as National E Waste Day and encouraging responsible electronic reuse and recycling.
PUBLIC COMMENT, CEDAR KEY ENTITIES
CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT:
General Manager John Rittenhouse reported the recent flawless 2025 audit from James Moore, CPA’s. He further reported that Phase II of the Lift Station Project is underway, refurbishing seven more of the island’s seventeen stations. Rittenhouse also reported that the district has received its permit to operate for another five years.
CEDAR KEY WOMEN'S CLUB
Susan Rosenthal reported that work is underway for the October Seafood Festival. Both old and many new vendors are in place; the parade is anticipating applicants; the Williston Marching Band will march in the parade.
Jan Hendrix proudly announced that the CKWC 2027 Calendar has arrived and is on sale about the island for a $15 donation.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Chamber representative Ryan Edringon spoke to increasingly higher number of visitors.
CEDAR KEY OYSTERMEN'S ASSOCIATION: UPDATE ON OYSTER ROCKS
Gerald Beckham and Laua Adams updated the public on the Oyster ROCKS, Restoration of Oyster Cultcher and Knowledge Systems, project in which local oystermen are being paid to carry limestone out to damaged oyster reefs and put reef-building material back into the water.
CEDAR KEY ARTS CENTER
Mary Prescott announced the unveiling of five new, five-foot tall clamshells, decorated by local artists, at the Cedar Key Arts Center on October 3 at 4 pm.
CLERK'S OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATION
BUILDING PERMITS
Commissioners unanimously approved the updated Building Permit form to reflect new legislation articulated in CS/CS/HB 803 (2026).
POLICE DEPARTMENT:
The Police Department continues to search for a full-time officer and several part-time officers.
IN ATTENDANCE
Staff in attendance included Attorney Norm Fugate, Police Chief Edwin Jenkins, Fire Chief / Emergency Management Director Robert Robinson, Public Works Supervisor Jamie McCain, City Clerk Brooke Smith, and Clerk Heather Lang.
Among those in the audience were: Susan Rosenthal, Mike Allen, Caryn Stephenson, Andrew Gude, Phil Prescott, Tabitha Lauer, Vanessa Edmons, Angie Beckham, Kayle Kukla, Rose Malinowski, Ron Smith, Janine Byrd, WastePro’s Tripp Lancaster, Nicole Gill, Denise Feiber, Daniel Smith, Jan Hendrix, Ryan Edrington, John Rittenhouse, Laura Adams, Gerald Beckham, Lisa Custer, Jeri Treat, Anne Miller, and Cedar Key News’ Mandy and Frank Offerle.
The meeting adjourned at 5:50 pm.
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W3C MET - 15 SEPT 2026
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W3C MOVES FORWARD, RELENTLESSLY
The Waccasassa Water and Wastewater Cooperative met in Otter Creek on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 1 pm. Both board members were in attendance: Town of Otter Creek Mayor Zim Padgett and Cedar Key Water and Sewer District Commissioner Sue Colson.
ATTORNEY ITEMS
Attorney Norm Fugate introduced Resolution Number 2026-003 which authorizes the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan application to fund the Facilities Plan for Drinking Water. Board members unanimously approved the resolution.
Board members also unanimously approved Attorney Fugate’s Resolution Number 2026-004 which adopts the Levy County Local Mitigation Strategies Plan. This resolution is required to be eligible to receive grant funding.
CKWSD MET 2026 SEPTEMBER 14
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CEDAR KEY WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
BOARD MET SEPTEMBER 14,
SET MILLAGE RATE, DISCUSSED BOUNDARIES
The Cedar Key Water and Sewer District members met on Monday, September 14, 2026, at their offices on Third Street at 5 pm. All commissioners were present: Chair Mike Borelli, Treasurer Leslie Sturmer, Joe Hand, Johnathan Ferguson, and Sue Colson.
Among the concerns and decisions made were the following.
BUDGET
• The Tentative Millage Rate for Fiscal Year 2027 is 2.1250; the rate may be lowered but not increased before the Final Budget Hearing.
• Members approved the first reading of the rates for Fiscal Year 2027: an 8% rise in water and a 10% rise in sewer. The rates resulted from the Florida Rural Water Asset Management and Rate Study advising the percentage increase.
• The Final Budget Hearing is September 28, 2026, at 5:01 pm.
• John Rittenhouse presented the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit papers, prepared by James Moore and Company; the audit resulted in the best rating possible.
CKAC: SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS
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CEDAR KEY ARTS CENTER
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SEPTEMBER?Click below for happenings.
https://mailchi.mp/66c64a22c287/whats-happening-at-ckac-in-october-15081756?e=324d72fe28
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OYSTER ROCKS HIRES LOCALS
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For generations, commercial oystermen around Cedar Key and Suwannee Sound have left the dock with empty boats and returned with oysters. This summer, a new restoration project is turning that process around.Through Oyster ROCKS, Restoration of Oyster Cultch and Knowledge Systems, local oystermen are being paid to carry limestone out to damaged oyster reefs and put reef-building material back into the water.
The approximately $2 million project is being led by Levy County with funding associated with the federal RESTORE Act, which directs money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement toward environmental and economic recovery along the Gulf Coast. Florida’s 23 Gulf Coast counties created the Gulf Consortium to develop and carry out the state’s plan for using a portion of those funds.
Levy County is working with the Cedar Key Oystermen’s Association, the office of State Representative Chad Johnson, SWCA Environmental Consultants, and other local and regional partners to carry out the project.FREE MEDICARE ASSISTANCE, HUFFMAN
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QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE?
NEED MEDICARE ADVICE?
JOIN JANAE HUFFMAN FOR A MEDICARE INFORMATION SESSION.
THERE IS NO COST.
Two group Medicare information sessions are available to you
upstairs at the Cedar Key Library on:
Saturday, October 3, at 10:00 a.m. and
Thursday, October 15, at 11:00 a.m.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7.Host Janae Huffman is a Cedar Key resident with over twenty years’ experience n the field. For a closer look at Janae Huffman’s background, click here.
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LCSO: ARREST REPORT 2026 SEPTEMBER 14
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LEVY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
ARREST REPORT FOR WEEK OF 2026 SETEMBER 14
CLICK HERE FOR REPORT
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CEDAR KEY POLICE DEPARTMENT HIRING 2026 SEPTEMBER
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CEDAR KEY POLICE DEPARTMENT HIRING 2026 SEPTEMBER
Ceedar Key Police Department is hiring a Lieutenanct and part-time police officers.
Click for Lieutenant inforation.
Cllick here for part-time officer information.
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Ceedar Key Police Department is hiring a Lieutenanct and part-time police officers.
Click for Lieutenant inforation.
Cllick here for part-time officer information.
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CITY OF CEDAR KEY CRA: RFQ
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CITY OF CEDAR KEY:
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION,
AND GRANT DEVELOPMENT
CLICK HERE FOR FRP
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