Cedar Key Beacon

03/15/2022

02/09/2021

SCHEDULING OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS IN LEVY COUNTY
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED

The Florida Department of Health in Levy County announced today that scheduling of appointments for initial doses of Covid-19 vaccine will be temporarily suspended. All available appointments for the allotted vaccine have been scheduled. Scheduling will resume when more vaccine becomes available. Updates will be posted to LevyDisaster.com. Individuals may stay up to date with information by texting LEVYVACCINE to 888-777
The Levy County Health Department can be reached at 352-486-5300.

01/29/2021

January 28, 2021
Staff Photography by Shawn Yorks

01/27/2021

01/25/2021

According to a text message by Levy County Emergency Management, all spots for the COVID-19 vaccine have been filled for this week.

01/25/2021

ALL APPOINTMENTS FILLED-JANUARY 25TH 4PM

Florida Department of Health (DOH) announces vaccine appointments-January 25th 12:00pm

SCHEDULING OF COVID-19 VACCINATIONS TO RESUME IN LEVY COUNTY

The Florida Department of Health in Levy County announced today that scheduling of Covid-19 vaccination appointments will resume at noon January 25, 2021. Individuals who are at least 65
years old, front line health care workers and first responders may schedule an appointment by calling 352-486-5300.

Scheduling will continue until vaccine allotments are depleted. Residents are encouraged to be patient as phone lines may be busy and scheduling will start and stop as allotments change from week to week. The most up to date information will be posted at Levydisaster.com. Individuals may also contact the Health Department.

01/20/2021

Update @8:15 pm.
All lanes have been re-opened. Thank you all who avoided this area making this scene safer for our emergency responders to work.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a traffic crash at CR 241 (NE 150 Avenue) and CR 102 (NE 60 Street). Both lanes of traffic have been blocked. Please avoid this area while emergency personnel work.

01/19/2021

The Florida Department of Health in Levy County has announced they will resume scheduling appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations on Wednesday, Jan. 19 beginning at 8 a.m. Appointments will be available for those over the age of 65, front-line health care workers and first responders.
Appointments can be made by calling 352-486-5300. Scheduling will continue until vaccine allotments have been depleted.
The latest information on vaccine availability can be found at levydisaster.com.

01/06/2021

Scam Alert

An unknown group is making calls to Levy County citizens offering at home testing for COVID 19 and during phone calls they are soliciting personal information.

This is a scam. Be extremely cautious if you receive any unsolicited call and NEVER give your personal information to anyone over the phone. There is no known legitimate organization offering at home COVID 19 testing in Levy County.

12/30/2020

Update on the vaccination process for Levy County

As the vaccines begin rolling through the State, many people have questions on when they will be able to get vaccinated, so here is a quick update where we are at in Levy County

Vaccinations for Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities in Levy County as well as frontline EMS workers has already begun and is expected to be completed very quickly

The next round of vaccinations will be issued for residents 65 years and older. The Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Levy County is expected to have the timeline for those vaccinations released as soon as possible, and we can expect to have information on where and how our 65+ residents will be able to get vaccinated shortly after the start of the new year.

All updates will be posted on our website at www.LevyDisaster.com and we encourage you all to share that link and check it frequently for new updates.

We will also post updates here on our page. As soon as any new information is released we will let you know.

12/16/2020

Heads up. The severe weather threat for Levy County is now expected later this morning into the afternoon as the cold front moves through

There is a chance for some damaging winds and even a small chance of some tornado activity closer to the coastal areas of the county.

Make sure that you and your property are not only ready for this weather, but remember that winter severe weather storms sometimes get pretty severe, so it is important to stay prepared year round.

12/02/2020

From the Florida Highway Patrol:
MOTORIST ADVISORY
Due to several prescribed burns in the area of U.S. Highway 19 and State Road 121 in Levy County, there may be visibility issues. Motorists are urged to use caution. Slow down and use low beam headlights. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly.

12/01/2020

11/11/2020

11/11/2020

From Levy County Emergency Management
Tropical Storm Eta

Wednesday November 11, 2020 Update

Information valid until November 11, 2020 at 1pm
Levy County is receiving regular briefings form the NWS and National Hurricane Center, but the track, intensity, and impacts of Tropical Storm Eta continues to be erratic. Please see the below update for Levy County residents and visitors.

Timing: The earliest reasonable arrival time of the impacts of TS Eta could be early today (Wednesday) into Thursday morning. Storm Surge is expected to impact Cedar Key/Yankeetown beginning for the Wednesday evening high tide cycle and continuing through Thursday

Evacuations: No mandatory evacuations are expected. Areas that are directly along the coast, campgrounds and RV parks in Cedar Key, and homes that are in danger of significant damage from strong winds or flooding, are encouraged to move to an alternate location until the event has passed.

Sheltering: Sheltering operations are not anticipated. However due to the unpredictability of the storm, make sure that you listen to local authorities and be ready to evacuate quickly IF it is necessary
Closures: Levy County Schools, government buildings, county parks, boat ramps, and courthouse operations will be closed on Thursday

Public Messaging: Make sure that you and your family is safe. Protect your property from the potential of minor to moderate storm surge of up to 7ft MSL along the coast. Areas that are prone to rainfall related flooding should make sure that their property is secure. The potential for strong winds with gusts as high as 60+ mph are possible, so make sure that you protect your home from debris and prepare for sporadic, and in some areas, extended
power outages.

Public Information Lines: Public Information lines will be open at 11am today and stay open until otherwise noted. Those phone lines are 352-486-5155 and 352-486-5576
This storm is changing constantly. The information that is valid right now may change a few hours later. Make sure that you and your family are prepared for the worst. Monitor your local news/weather provider and listen to local authorities if evacuation orders are given.

10/29/2020

Have you made your voting plan yet? November 3 is approaching fast and in Levy County, you have options. Vote by Mail, Vote Early, or vote on Election Day. Visit our website www.votelevy.gov for all the details or give our office a call at 352-486-5163.

10/23/2020

Work is expected to begin on Tuesday, October 27 to demolish the old C Street bridge. The demolition of the old bridge isn’t expected to cause significant impact to vehicular traffic as motorists are currently using a temporary bridge to access Dock Street; however, marine traffic underneath the bridge will be affected. It is expected it will take approximately two weeks to demolish the bridge.

10/01/2020

There are 5️⃣ days left to register to vote! 🇺🇸

The voter registration deadline for the November 3, General Election is Monday, October 5️⃣. Register TODAY at www.votelevy.gov.

09/30/2020

The Sharks want to show you what they have learned, so make plans now to join us for the first joint project by our Hospitality and SALT classes!🦈🍴🍛

09/25/2020

Some cases have completed quarantine and have been removed from the active list and only a few new cases have been reported, resulting in a drop in active cases for Levy County. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County fell from 61 on Sept. 22 to 40 as of Sept. 25, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:
Williston: 9
Chiefland: 10
Bronson: 11
Morrison: 3
Trenton (Levy): 5
Inglis: 0
Cedar Key: 0
Archer: 1
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 0
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 0
Unknown: 1
To date, Levy County has had 996 positive tests for COVID-19 and 957 of those have been released. To date, 8,795 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of nine deaths have been reported.

09/25/2020

The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing person:

· JOHN JOSEPH RAINES (5/4/80) white/male

· Height: 6'-4"

· Weight: 180

· Blonde / Strawberry colored hair

· Hazel colored eyes

Mr. Raines left his home in Northern Levy County on Friday September 18th for his place of employment in Alachua County. He was driving a white colored Chrysler 4-door car with a broken headlight. Mr. Raines has not been seen by his co-workers or family since that date.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Levy County Sheriff’s Office at 352-486-5111.

09/25/2020

September 25, 2020 The Levy County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing and endangered person: · ...

09/23/2020

Bonnie Gray has reportedly been found.

09/23/2020

09/23/2020

Escapee still at large: As of 2 p.m., Levy County Sheriff's deputies, FWC, K-9 Units from the Department of Corrections and air support from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit were still looking for Bonnie Gray, a 31 year-old white female who escaped from custody late Tuesday night and stole a Levy County sheriff's patrol vehicle.

Deputy James Yanok responded to the 6400 Block of SE CR 326 which is located in a remote area of the county between Morris Junction and Gulf Hammock. He was responding to a report of a suspicious person. This is the same general area of the county that deputies recently took a report of a stolen vehicle which was ultimately recovered in Citrus County.

Deputy Yanok saw the suspicious person described by the caller when he arrived on scene. This individual fled from him but Deputy Yanok was able to apprehend her. The suspect was identified as Bonnie Gray, who was handcuffed and placed in the backseat of his patrol vehicle.

Gray slipped from her handcuffs and was able to somehow squeeze through the screen partition and into the front seat of the car.Deputy Yanok heard his vehicle rev and as Gray sped away, she struck Deputy Yanok. Gray crashed the patrol vehicle a short distance and fled on foot into the wooded area known as Goethe Forest.

Deputy Yanok was transported by ambulance to a local emergency room for treatment of minor injuries and has been released. Deputies are still on-scene searching for Gray. She was last seen wearing cut off shorts and a pink tank top. She was not wearing shoes at the time she was apprehended. Gray is not known to be armed.

09/22/2020

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE

Sept. 22, 2020

Active cases in Levy County are up a little and there has been one more death added to the count. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County rose from 17 on Sept. 15 to 61 as of Sept. 22, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:

Williston: 10
Chiefland: 15
Bronson: 18
Morrison: 4
Trenton (Levy): 7
Inglis: 2
Cedar Key: 1
Archer: 1
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 1
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 1
Unknown: 1

To date, Levy County has had 991 positive tests for COVID-19 and 930 of those have been released. To date, 8,736 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of nine deaths have been reported.

09/17/2020

How did the Sharks do in their home volleyball matches against Ocala Christian and Bronson? Find out in this week's Citizen, now on sale! Photo: Cedar Key's Audrey Collins vs. Ocala Christian. (Staff photo/Shawn Yorks)

09/15/2020

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE

Sept. 15, 2020

A huge drop in total active cases in Levy County. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County dropped from 113 on Sept. 14 to 17 as of Sept. 15, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:

Williston: 4
Chiefland: 2
Bronson: 4
Morrison: 2
Trenton (Levy): 1
Inglis: 2
Cedar Key: 0
Archer: 0
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 0
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 1
Unknown: 0

To date, Levy County has had 947 positive tests for COVID-19 and 930 of those have been released. To date, 8,368 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of eight deaths have been reported.

09/15/2020

Coastal Flood Advisory in effect until 6pm on Thursday

A combination of abnormally high tides, along with severe weather from Sally and choppy waters will cause a potential for minor flooding directly along the water in Cedar Key during the high tide cycles through Thursday

Areas directly along the coast that are prone to nuisance flooding should make sure that their vehicles or any other property is properly protected.

It is important that you do not drive through flooded roads along the coast as the water is likely saltwater which can cause damage to your vehicle.

09/14/2020

Don't let the fact that Sally missed our area make you think that it's going to be nice and sunny outside.

Expect prolonged periods of heavy rain all week as Sally makes its way to the Gulf Coast. Areas that have already seen high levels of rainfall may experience some rainfall related flooding during periods of heavy rain.

Additionally, if you have any plans on taking the boat out in the Gulf over the next few days, you may want to reconsider. Sally will produce heavy waves and very unfavorable boating conditions offshore until at least Wednesday

09/14/2020

September 14, 2020 Saturday, September 12, 2020 the Levy County Sheriff’s Office 911 Center received multiple reports of gunfire in the...

09/12/2020

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE

Sept. 12, 2020

Another drop in total active cases in Levy County. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County rose from 163 on Sept. 11 to 113 as of Sept. 12, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:

Williston: 35
Chiefland: 35
Bronson: 17
Morrison: 7
Trenton (Levy): 11
Inglis: 4
Cedar Key: 0
Archer: 3
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 0
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 1
Unknown: 0

To date, Levy County has had 942 positive tests for COVID-19 and 829 of those have been released. To date, 8,244 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of seven deaths have been reported.

09/11/2020

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE
Sept. 11, 2020
The numbers seem to be dropping in Levy County. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County fell from 303 on Sept. 8 to 163 as of Sept. 11, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. Along with the increase in positive tests, an additional death has also been reported, bringing the number of deaths to seven. The portal does not provide specific information concerning the death. The portal does not provide specific information concerning deaths. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:
Williston: 51
Chiefland: 47
Bronson: 29
Morrison: 13
Trenton (Levy): 11
Inglis: 4
Cedar Key: 0
Archer: 6
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 0
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 2
Unknown: 0
To date, Levy County has had 937 positive tests for COVID-19 and 774 of those have been released. To date, 8,192 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of eight deaths have been reported.

09/11/2020

09/08/2020

Better news with today’s report. Only one new case added since yesterday.

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE

Sept. 8, 2020

The numbers seem to be slowly but surely stabilizing with fewer positive test results being reported. Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County rose from 307 on Sept. 2 to 303 as of Sept. 8, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. Along with the increase in positive tests, an additional death has also been reported, bringing the number of deaths to seven. The portal does not provide specific information concerning the death. The portal does not provide specific information concerning deaths. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:

Williston: 120
Chiefland: 77
Bronson: 44
Morrison: 27
Trenton (Levy): 16
Inglis: 9
Cedar Key: 1
Archer: 10
Fanning Springs (Levy): 0
Gulf Hammock: 0
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 3
Unknown: 0

To date, Levy County has had 916 positive tests for COVID-19 and 301 of those have been released. To date, 8,264 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of seven deaths have been reported.

09/02/2020

Do you want to make a difference in your community, county and country? You CAN help!!! Become a poll worker TODAY. We have poll worker orientation scheduled for this Thursday, September 3rd from 2pm to 4pm available NOW! This is a paid position too. Don't miss out. Elections will be here before you know it!!!
Call 352-486-5163 to make a reservation as space is limited due to COVID-19. We will take every precaution to protect you by wearing a mask and keeping the training area sanitized.

09/02/2020

Better news with today’s report. Only one new case added since yesterday.

LEVY COUNTY COVID UPDATE

Sept. 2, 2020

Active cases of COVID-19 in Levy County rose from 604 on Sept. 1 to 605 as of Sept. 2, according to the Levy County COVID-19 Status Board. The portal does not provide specific information concerning the death. The breakdown in active cases are as follows:

Williston: 255
Chiefland: 148
Bronson: 78
Morrison: 41
Trenton (Levy): 35
Inglis: 13
Cedar Key: 4
Archer: 18
Fanning Springs (Levy): 5
Gulf Hammock: 4
Otter Creek: 0
Yankeetown: 4
Unknown: 0

To date, Levy County has had 906 positive tests for COVID-19 and 301 of those have been released. To date, 8,214 people have been tested in Levy County. A total of six deaths have been reported.