IndexEditorial ................ A-4Religion ................. A-5Sports ................... A-6

Community ........... A-9 Living .................. A-11Classifieds .......... A-13

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56th year, No. 42

WednesdayOctober 16, 2019

‘Greatness born in a small town’

Last chance for carnival tickets

Homecoming King and Queen

Page A-3 Page A-3 Page A-9

Disruptive students verbally and physically ‘hostile’

Student tazed on ‘chaotic’ busSchool district

administrators and Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) officials are investigating what has been described as a “chaotic” and “disturbing” incident on a school bus last Thursday that resulted in a Taser being used on at least one disruptive student who attacked school officials.

On Oct. 10, at

approximately 3:30 p.m., TCSO school resource deputies (SRD) and school officials responded to a disturbance at the bus loop located between Taylor County Primary School (TCPS) and Taylor County Elementary School (TCES).

Upon their arrival, TCSO officials boarded a bus to find “complete chaos,” including younger

(preschool, primary and elementary age) students crying, as an unspecified number of middle school and high school students were acting “angrily and aggressively” toward school staff members.

According to school officials, the incident began on a bus parked at TCES when a primary school teacher escorting students

to buses heard one primary school student using profanity and threatening another primary school student on the bus.

According to school and law enforcement accounts, when the disruptive student was physically removed from the bus by the teacher, four older male students became verbally and physically combative,

eventually exiting the bus to escort the younger student back on the bus.

The older male students took the younger male back onto the bus against the wishes of school staff and administrators, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Danny Glover Jr.

When school staff members called for assistance, additional school

district administrators and TCSO school resource deputies (SRDs) responded.

Even after deputies arrived on the scene and boarded the bus, some older students continued to react in a “hostile and disrespectful” manner, according to TCSO officials.

Florida Forest Festival Little King and Queen Royalty: (l to r) Second runners-up Julie Cerbone and Adrien Parker; first runners-up Lanessa Mann and Wilbur Weadon; Little King Brodi Mock; Little Queen Payton Harrell; third runners-up Connor Sadler and Eva Slayton; and fourth runners-up Carly Thomley and Karson Stroud.

Ten named to Little King & Queen court:

Festival’s wee royalty crownedTugging on his shoulder

and gesturing to their crowns, Payton Harrell squealed, “We won, Brodi, we won!”

Harrell’s joy was shared by her little king, Brodi Mock, along with eight other bright-eyed and excited little boys and girls, all named as members of this year’s Florida Forest

Festival Little King and Little Queen Court during ceremonies held Saturday, Oct. 12, at Forest Capital Hall.

With first through fourth place runners-up and a new “People’s Choice” category, winners stretched across the stage from end to end.

Joining Harrell and Mock on the royal court were:

first runners-up Lanessa Mann and Wilbur Weadon; second runners-up Adrien Parker and Julie Cerbone; third runners-up Connor Sadler and Eva Slayton; and fourth runners-up, Karson Stroud and Carly Thomley.

Mann and Stroud were also the winners of the “People’s Choice” awards. Votes were cast in the form

of tickets, purchased for $1 each.

Raylee Parker and Bladon Herring were recognized as the contestants who sold the most ads featured in the pageant’s keepsake program.

The nearly four-hour program opened with a toe-tapping Broadway tune and all 31 contestants dancing

on stage dressed in a variety of speakeasy costumes – from flapper dresses and feathered headbands to dapper suits and jaunty hats.

The boys performed with trumpets in hand to “I’m Still Standing” while the girls mimed singing “Faith” into hand-held microphones.

The energy continued to build with performances from Miss Florida Forest Festival Madison Buzbee and her court, Caroline Gray and Tori Taylor, along with the remaining festival queen contestants.

Members of the Taylor County Middle School

➟ Please see page 7

Game changerSenior Robert Glanton made an ESPN-worthy highlight reel catch in the crucial fourth-quarter

comeback win over Vernon, leaping high into the air over a defender and then laying out horizontally with the ground to secure the ball and come down with a long pass reception from QB Kevis Thomas. The Bulldogs rallied from a 22-7 deficit to defeat #4-ranked Vernon, 32-28 Friday night at Dorsett Stadium. See page 6 for more coverage. (Photo by Amy Sadler)

➟ Please see page 2

Meth seized duringtask force search

Methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were seized Friday, Oct. 11, during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) and North Star Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force.

Michael Raymond Dulbs, 46, of Perry, was taken into

Michael Raymond Dulbs ➟ Please see page 2

Two Suncoast Pkwy. meetings set for Oct.

The Suncoast Connector Task Force will hold the second of seven planned meetings next week to continue the process of developing a proposed route for an expansion

of the Suncoast Parkway from Citrus County north to Jefferson County – likely passing through Taylor County along the way.

➟ Please see page 15

A-2 Taco Times October 16, 2019

According to TCSO accounts, deputies attempted to talk to and calm students on the bus, but older students were reportedly “out of control,” refusing to remain seated, continuing to yell and act aggressively, including “cussing out” deputies and school staff.

Students were “climbing over seats, climbing over other students and adults to get on and off the bus,” TCSO officials stated.

In an attempt to gain control of the situation and protect students, SRD Kathy Bell removed a Taser from her belt and warned the older disruptive students of the possible consequences if they continued to behave in a hostile manner toward her and school staff members.

One juvenile was “verbally combative” with Bell, refusing to comply with commands, including being asked to exit the bus.

While school administrators and deputies were attempting to gain control of the situation by removing frightened younger students from the

bus to protect them, several older students continued to verbally berate and threaten school staff.

According to several sources, school administrators – including Director of Personnel Michael Thompson – boarded the bus in an attempt to calm the students and diffuse the situation, but were confronted by one or more students “hurling verbal threats” and “climbing over seats” in an attempt to get off the bus to confront other school staff members.

A “physical altercation” toward the front of the bus included several school administrators and SRD Steve Bell restraining and removing one student from the bus, while another juvenile climbed over seats – and past school staff members -- in an attempt to get off the bus.

The female juvenile initiated physical contact with several school administrators, including jumping “on the back” of Thompson, according to TCSO and school officials, leading Bell to touch the end of her Taser to the back of the juvenile to get her

off.This use of the Taser –

known as a “drive stun” – lasted approximately two or three seconds and led to the juvenile being removed from Thompson and later from the bus.

“Most of the students complied except three or four,” Glover said. “I applaud our staff for making sure all of the younger kids were taken inside and safely protected.”

“I also appreciate the parents who showed up and handled this the right way by taking their children home without further incident,” Glover said.

“There will be disciplinary action taken. I cannot comment specifically, but we are going to follow the discipline matrix,” Glover said.

“Children within the district need to understand that when an adult tells you to do something, you are going to comply. We will not tolerate the type of behavior we witnessed by a few students last Thursday. It is simply not safe for our staff or the students,” Glover said.

“I feel like our district has come a long way,

and it is disappointing for something like this to happen. We are an honor roll district, and we expect better behavior from our students,” Glover added.

“I do want to commend our staff for the actions taken both Thursday and Friday. Some of these same staff members who were involved rode the bus with some of our younger students that day and the next, holding their hands, holding those that were frightened in their laps and just loving on these kids while making sure they were safe,” Glover stated.

When some of the pre-school and primary school students told school staff they did not want to get

back on the bus with the older students, Bell, TCPS Principal Kelli Brannen, TCPS Dean Jesika Curry and other school staff members boarded buses to accompany the children home.

According to a statement released by TCSO Public Information Officer Capt. Jimmy Cash, the investigation is ongoing, and charges are pending the review of all available video, as well as the collection of additional witness statements.

“This was a disturbing and disruptive incident. Deputies and staff members acted with measured restraint to de-escalate and gain control of the

situation,” Cash stated. “The number one priority and paramount concern was the safety of the innocent children who were not involved.”

“This is the initial report of a very chaotic event. As soon as the situation was quelled and resolved, an active investigation was launched, to include the review of all video, the positive identification of those students involved and the collection of witness statements,” Cash said.

“Upon viewing the bus video, more details will be made available,” Cash added. “Due to the nature of this incident, appropriate charges are pending.”

custody on charge of drug possession and possession of drug equipment. He posted a $7,000 bond and was released the following day.

TCSO Drug Task Force investigators Jason Vinson and Kyle Johnson, assisted by North Star members, conducted the search of the home, located in a mobile home park located at 2785 South Byron Butler

Parkway.“During the probable

cause search of the home, both methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia was seized from the residence. Dulbs, who was the lone renter of the mobile home, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia,” TCSO Public Information Officer (PIO) Capt. Jimmy Cash said.

“The North Star

Multijurisdictional Drug Task Force (NSMDTF) is a task force charged with conducting drug enforcement work in nine counties geographically situated in the Big Bend/Central Panhandle area of North Florida. It quietly began operations on May 1, and is currently comprised of sworn law enforcement personnel from 11 agencies in nine counties stretching from Gulf County in the west to Taylor County in the east,” Cash said.

“The sheriffs of nine counties in that region have cross-deputized personnel from those nine counties to conduct drug investigations together as a task force throughout the region. An alphabetical listing of the agencies participating in the NSMDTF to date are the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (SO); the Gadsden County SO; the Chattahoochee Police Department; the Gulf County SO; the Jackson County SO; the Jefferson County SO; the Leon County SO; the Liberty County SO; the Taylor County SO; and the Wakulla County SO,” he said.

Under Florida statute, Florida sheriffs have the authority to enter into combined mutual aid agreements for law enforcement services.

Sheriff Wayne Padgett credits and thanks the hard work and teamwork of each of the rural sheriffs who work together to make each county safer.

He said he also remains adamantly committed to the fight against those that choose to manufacture, deliver, traffic or sell illegal drugs in Taylor County.

“Sheriff Padgett wants drug dealers to understand this very simple message: If you choose to introduce or sell poison into this county, particularly methamphetamine, you cannot only count on, but expect, to find yourself in jail and your mugshot on a media release at some point in your future. Either stop selling drugs or move. Those are your options,” Cash said.

METHContinued from page 1

Officers find drug paraphernalia, meth during search of residence

STUDENT TAZEDContinued from page 1

TCSO: ‘Appropriate charges are pending’ after incident

Of the 17 parcels the Taylor County Commission recently put up for bid, only five received offers, with the county selling four of those properties for amounts ranging from as high as $1,290 and as little as $100.

The parcels in question “escheated” or reverted to the county through the tax deed process due to the property owners not paying their county taxes, and the commission declared them surplus in order to put them out for bid.

Earlier this year, the county put 15 parcels out

for bid, but only received bids on three of the parcels, selling two for $2,500 each and one for $500.

At their June 18 meeting, commissioners agreed to put those remaining 12 parcels back out for bid, while also declaring an additional five parcels as “surplus” property so they could be added to the list as well.

The commission opened the new bids at its Aug. 5 meeting, with Clerk of Court Annie Mae Murphy announcing her office had received a total of seven bids on five different parcels.

She also noted that two other bidders had withdrawn their bids.

“We did run into a small problem,” Murphy said. “Two of the parcels that we had showed a building was on the lots. Well, some of these tax deeds go back several years… but in time, something happened to the building. The property appraiser has corrected that. We had two people withdraw their bids after they found out the building was no longer there.”

Sylvia Diggs was the sole bidder on parcel R05387-000 (Tax Deed No. 12-011)

for $500. The 0.17-acre parcel is located at 1408 Martin Luther King Blvd. and is described as Lot 14, Block 1, Jerkins Heights. Its appraised value is 2018 was $1,910 for the land and $12,050 for a structure, but the structure no longer exists on the property.

At the commission’s Sept. 3 meeting, however, Murphy said Diggs had contacted her office requesting that she be allowed to withdraw her bid because she had not been aware the structure had been demolished. The board voted unanimously to allow

Diggs to withdraw her bid.Meanwhile, Ira

Woodfaulk was the sole bidder on parcel R05277-000 (Tax Deed No. 06-012) for $1,290. According to property appraiser records, the 0.48-acre parcel is located at 131 Glenn St. West and is described as W 1/2 Lot 4, Block D, N.L. Smith Subdivision. Its appraised value is 2018 was $2,210.

Two people bid on Parcel R03507-000 (Tax Deed No. 14-008), with Miles K. Benziger bidding $200 and Centrex Prop, LLC, bidding $250. The 0.31-

acre parcel does not have an assigned street address, but is described as Lot 1, Block 39, J.C. Calhoun Subdivision and is located at the intersection of Bay Street West and Faulkner Street North. The appraised value in 2018 was $5,000.

Centrax Prop, LLC, also bid $100 for parcel R03928-000 (Tax Deed No. 14-009). The 0.51-acre parcel does not have an assigned street address but is described as N 1/2 Block 7, W.A. Hendry Subdivision and is located at the intersection

County puts parcels out for bid for the third time

➟ Please see page 7

By CAITLYN BURCHETTFrom learning his first

beat in the classrooms of Perry Primary, to preparing to perform in front of a near-sold out show, Perry-based rapper Eric McNeil’s heart has never left his hometown.

The 25-year-old grew up in Perry until he moved to Tallahassee just prior to high school. After graduation, McNeil moved to Atlanta, Ga., where he currently lives, to pursue a career as an artist, and was signed to his independent recording label Arcane Music Empire in 2018.

Now, the 25-year-old Taylor Countian has produced two albums and is scheduled to perform his

hits in front of more than 125 people in Tallahassee for the first time on Oct. 17.

McNeil will take the stage at Shisha Café at 2624 W. Tennessee Street in Tallahassee to share his musical talents to a nearly packed venue.

Despite moving from Perry more than a decade ago, McNeil recognizes Perry as his hometown.

“Perry was the start of my existence, from my first steps to my first school experiences,” McNeil said. “I bleed orange and blue because Taylor County has taught me most of what I know.”

McNeil’s career as an artist began in the classrooms of Perry Primary and Taylor

County Elementary School (TCES), inspiring him to pursue music as he entered adulthood.

“Mrs. Demps’ music class from Perry Primary taught me a lot about staying on beat, and my songwriting stemmed from learning poetry at Taylor County Elementary School. My teacher at the time, Mrs. Thompson, showed me the power of words and how punctuation can really make a difference in what thought you are trying to convey,” McNeil said.

“Reciting a poem and putting it over a beat in class one day, gave me a chill that I never felt before, and at that moment I knew what my passion was,” McNeil said.

Some of McNeil’s strongest musical memories are of being in the stands during Friday night Taylor County Bulldogs games.

“Listening to the high school band play ‘Go Big Blue’ and seeing how it amps up not only the crowd, but the players on the field, those moments were pivotal to my career, because it showed me the power and the influence music has. A first down or a turnover can boil down to the song the band selects to play,” McNeil said.

Throughout his journey, McNeil has received continuous love and support from his family, motivating him to push through obstacles to achieve his dreams.

“My mom instilled in me at an early age that nobody remembers the one who gave up. With my family being so supportive, I don’t go through anything alone,” McNeil said.

McNeil also credits New Brooklyn Missionary Baptist Church, his church home, for influencing his music and keeping him grounded.

“I was baptized there in sixth grade. The church represents history and

strength to me. The lessons I’ve learned from my church home is reflected in some of my more conscious records,” McNeil said.

“Despite the circumstances, I was always surrounded by love growing up. It taught me not to focus on what I lack, but to cherish what I have. Over the years I’ve learned to put any type of emotion that I may have into the music, where it will be appreciated, expressed, and felt,” McNeil said.

McNeil is also the founder of MisFit Forever, a Tallahassee-based organization, created in 2016 to encourage those who are different to embrace their uniqueness – an idea that began when he was in high school.

“It had to be at least 20 students representing what we then called the ‘Misfit Gang,’ only wearing Converse shoes and completely feeling good about not fitting into the

A-3 Taco Times October 16, 2019

‘Greatness can be born in the smallest of cities’

Last chance!Discounted carnival tickets are now on sale at

the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, but you must act before Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. to take advantage of the $5 discounted price. Pre-sale carnival tickets are on sale at the chamber office for $15. Tickets are $20 at the gate. The Florida Forest Festival Fabulous Fireworks Show will be Thursday, Oct. 24

McNeil will take the stage at Shisha Café at 2624 W. Tennessee Street in Tallahassee on Oct. 17 to share his musical talents with a near-sold out show. Doors open at 9 p.m. Please call Shisha Café at (850) 999-2191 to check ticket availability.

McNeil lived in Taylor County and attended schools in the Taylor County School District until high school, at which point he relocated to Tallahassee. As the majority of his family still lives in Perry, McNeil considers Perry to be his hometown.➟ Please see page 7

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

A-4 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Florida RepresentativeJason Shoaf5103 East Ellis St.Perry, FL 32347850-717-5007FloridaSenatorBill Montford58 Market St.Apalachicola, FL 32320850-653-2656

Superintendent of SchoolsDanny Glover Jr.317 N. Clark St.850-838-2500

Commission ChairmanPamFeagle405 Bishop Blvd.850-584-3681

LOCAL GOVERNMENT DIRECTORY

U.S. Senator Marco RubioUnited States Senate

Washington D.C., 20510202-224-3041

U.S. Senator Rick Scott716 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510202-224-5274

U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn300 South Adams StreetTallahassee, FL 32301

850-891-8610

Governor Ron DeSantisCapitol, 400 S. Monroe St.,

Tallahassee, FL 32399850-488-4441

For more information about the Florida Legislature, visit:

www.myfloridahouse.com or www.flsenate.gov

City of PerryMayorAlanHall214 N Center St.850-584-8919

Editorial

Letters to the Editor are accepted and published each week in the Taco Times as space is available. Send letters to P.O. Box 888, Perry, FL 32348; or newsdesk@perrynewspapers.com. Please include a phone number with your letter for our records (your phone number will not be published).

Dear Editor:Doctors’ Memorial

Hospital (DMH) takes our responsibility to provide healthcare very seriously -- the responsibility to serve our county, communities and all the people that come to us with healthcare needs.

We take this responsibility willingly and enthusiastically because we understand the importance of having a quality local healthcare system.

It is important to have a quality local hospital not only because it meets the emergency and routine healthcare needs of our local citizens, but also because it contributes to the improvement of the quality of life of our friends and family and provides for healthy economic growth and employment

opportunities in our area.The financial status of

healthcare has drastically changed over the last several years -- not just in the United States, but in Taylor County as well.

Costs continue to rise for medical equipment, supplies and the resources required to operate. Utility costs, power, water, gas and communications, food costs, maintenance on equipment and the replacement of existing and obsolete systems have all increased at an alarming rate.

However, the biggest financial change has been in the way insurance companies and government agencies pay for the services received by our patients.

While we have reduced our annual operating costs by several million dollars

over the years, the amount we are paid to provide services has continuously and steeply declined. Over the past several years, our income has dropped faster than we can reduce expenses.

The hospital has reached a point where operations are becoming seriously threatened. Our ability to provide local medical services is extremely difficult and nearing impossibility. While income from insurances such as Medicare and Medicaid has declined, our charity and bad debt write-offs have increased at an even faster rate.

People around the community often ask, “What can we do to help our hospital and keep from losing our services and

access to local healthcare?”The simple answer is:

“PAY YOUR HOSPITAL BILLS.”

Encourage friends, family members and those in your circle of influence to join you in STEPPING UP AND ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY for paying for the medical care you receive.

We realize that healthcare costs have risen in the form of insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays.

When you pay those “premiums,” you expect your insurance company to follow through and pay their share of the bills that you incur. For the most part they do…eventually.

But, they DO NOT pay the deductible or co-pay portions of your bill. That is YOUR part -- YOUR

responsibility.This portion of your

hospital bill does not go to some insurance company or unseen governmental agency.

Your deductible or co-pay helps pay the utility bill at the hospital, a lease payment on a new piece of equipment that allows you to get a test done in Perry instead of driving to Tallahassee and the salary of a nurse or technician.

Consequently, when you do not pay this portion of your bill, the hospital is pushed into a difficult situation of not having the funds needed to meet our obligations, such as payroll, taxes, utilities, medical supplies and so forth.

This lack of funding results in your friends, family members and

neighbors who work at DMH not getting pay raises that would allow their personal budgets to keep up with the rising cost of inflation or pay individual household bills.

It is an economic cycle in which we all have a part to play and a responsibility to honor.

We need you.We ARE you.Let’s make this work

together.Sincerely,

DMH Board of DirectorsKen Arnold, Chairman

Pat Barbaree, Vice- Chairman

Izzy RommesPricilla Tripp

Glenda HambyDebra McGrew

Bill BrynesMark O’BryantLauren Fasion

Save DMH: ‘Pay your hospital bill’

I went to my regular massage appointment today. As she expertly soothed away the knots in my over-worked muscles, I shared the events of the past week that attributed to the aforementioned knots, and was reminded of why I love small town living.

I admit my point of reference is limited, having spent the first 16 years of my life in Perry and the remainder of my years in Mayo. My one foray into big-city living was a two-year stint in the Northwest. I found joy in the availability of shopping malls while there, but the ingrained culture of small-town living was enough of a magnet to draw me back to my roots even though my town doesn’t provide multiple choices in retail therapy.

As I said, Regina was soothing the tired muscles, and our conversation flowed effortlessly as we talked about the happenings in our community. We mentioned the home-going of a dear lady who was a friend to both of us. We talked about the good attendance at Pioneer Day on Saturday and discussed the welfare of other folks affected by sickness. You know, things that might get lost in the shuffle of big-city living are of utmost concern in smaller communities.

I spent the remainder of the day in Lake City at the car dealership having my car serviced and then made a quick stop for an item my grandson requested. The entire time I was thinking about the difference in navigating Lake City traffic versus traffic in my one-red-light town. I gave a sigh of relief as I neared my town limits and turned off Highway 27 toward home without fighting a line of traffic.

While mega-cities seem to be increasing in population, opinion polls show that a

majority of people prefer rural or small-town life. Henry J. Fletcher wrote in 1895 that small towns were doomed to vanish, yet it’s been 100-plus years, and they are still here, populated by folks who adjust to the lack of bright city lights in order to have the simple pleasures of small-town living.

Let me name some of those pleasures. On Tuesday, I worked at the voting polls for the election of a town council member. Throughout the day, I was greeted like an old friend by most of the folks who dropped by to vote. I knew them -- they knew me. You probably wouldn’t experience that in a big city.

On Friday, I realized I hadn’t gone to Live Oak or Perry to buy the book holders to exhibit my books for Pioneer Day. It wasn’t a big deal, because I remembered my local library used something similar to what I needed, so I went down to the library and asked to borrow them for the day. Of course, they agreed, and I promised to return them on Monday. You might not have the librarian in a big city allow you to use their property with just a promise to return it.

One thing we do have in common is crime. It may be on a smaller scale, but the jail rarely has a vacancy. The schools are an important part of small-town life, but they too present a challenge. There are underlying issues similar to larger schools, but most of the time they can be resolved if everyone remembers that we are a community, and our strength is found in lifting each other up rather than trying to destroy someone.

Like the blonde lady in the TV show said: “Green Acres is the place for me.” Well, you get the idea, my one red-light town suits me just fine.

My one-red-light town suits me just fineBy DELORES LEGGETT WALKER

Afterthoughts

Mayo is a one-red-light town with a lots to offer in other areas.

• Perry City Council: meets second and fourth Tuesday, 5:30 p.m., Council Meeting Room adjacent to City Hall. Agendas available at: cityofperry.net/perry-city-council/.

• City Planning and Zoning Board: meets first Monday, 5:30 p.m., City Council Meeting Room.

• Taylor County Commission: meets first Monday, 6 p.m. and third Tuesday, 9 a.m.; fourth Tuesday workshop, 6 p.m.; County Administrative Complex. Agendas available at: taylorcountygov.com.

• Taylor County Planning Board: meets first Thursday, 5 p.m. (as needed), County Administrative Complex.

• Taylor County School Board: first Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. workshop; third Tuesday, regular meeting, 5:30 p.m.; Alton H. Wentworth Administrative Complex. Agendas available at: www.taylor.k12.fl.us.

YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK: WHEN AND WHERE DO THEY MEET?

The Perry Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1566 W. Julia Street (CR 609), continues to host family history classes every Thursday at 7 p.m.

Charles Watson, director of the Tallahassee Family History Center, which supports the Perry Branch, said he believes family history research connects the generations.

“We believe families are the foundation of our society. Researching our families is a way to link one generation to another,” he said.

Class attendees will be introduced to FamilySearch, the largest genealogy organization in the world with more than four billion names researched. The free program (www.familysearch.org) helps families and individuals research their family trees.

“A great part of our experience comes because FamilySearch.org is unique in that it uses a ‘One World Tree.’ Often, after someone adds their first or second generation of deceased relatives to the tree, their lines will connect with research that others have previously added to the tree. They are delighted to see their line automatically fill in with generations of their

ancestors,” said Watson.Local family history

experts will teach the Perry Branch classes.

In the classes, family history consultants will provide one-on-one assistance for individuals, couples and families who want to learn more about their ancestors.

“Through FamilySearch, we have access to billions of records that have been gathered around the world. We have the most extensive database of family records anywhere

and it is available to anyone who wants to use it. Many of our patrons are not members of our church,” said Watson.

Tallahassee’s family history center is one of 4,745 centers worldwide, offering free family history research assistance.

FamilySearch offers image capture, digital conversion, preservation, online indexing, and online access services.

“Family history research is one of the most popular hobbies in the world.

People want to know where they came from. They want to know about their ancestors,” he said.

According to USA Today and Time, genealogy is the second most popular hobby in the United States, trailing only gardening.

As a non-profit organization, FamilySearch relies on the support of volunteers worldwide who help index personal records, provide personal assistance, and share their knowledge about genealogy research.

A-5 Taco Times October 16, 2019

By CODY MCNEESE“Therefore I urge you,

brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

--Romans 12:1Do we think of God

rightly? Do we think of ourselves rightly in our relation to God?

It’s not as straightforward as it may seem.

In one way we are called the “bride of Christ” (Ephesians 5:25).

In another we are called “slaves of Christ” (1 Corinthians 7:22).

In another we are called “brothers of Christ” (Romans 8:29).

He is called our “King of Kings” in Revelation 19:6.

In yet another we are called “friends of Christ” (Proverbs 18:24).

So which is it? Well the truth is, we are all of these in relation to our Lord.

Our relationship with God is a very complex one – and at the same time, a very simple one.

I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but in my effort to think of God rightly I have found it necessary to carefully weigh each of these verses together.

How can I be both bride and slave? How can he be my King and my brother and friend?

The challenge I find when I am trying to process all this stuff is the fact that I often think too highly of myself. And in that fault, I struggle to sort out how I fit into God’s plan.

He loves us so very much it is impossible for us to fully comprehend it. Countless songs have been written through the years in an effort to express how deep and how wide and how absolutely beautiful his love is for us, but all fall short and fail to reach the depth of it.

And, because we know he loves us so very much, its common to think of ourselves as worthy of some great honor in creation. This is where I think we get tripped up. We do not deserve honor because we are loved of God.

The very fact that God could love such wretched and shameful creatures only serves to express more clearly how rich HIS mercy, how great HIS grace and how unfathomable the riches of HIS heart! It is HE who

deserves honor and glory and majesty – not us.

I am so very blessed to be a slave of Christ...a slave of HIS great love! I am so very humbled to be called a brother of Christ, and I am only so called because of HIS grace.

I am so honored to kneel before him as my King, and am only allowed an audience with him because HE conquered my sin. I am so blessed and amazed that I am called his bride, but only because HE ransomed my soul from the fires of hell that I deserved.

It was HIM who robed my sinful flesh with HIS own righteousness and made my soul as a bride – chaste and pure.

I am all these things to Christ, but not because of me. Not because I have value and worth in and of myself. I am these things to Christ because HE made me thus!

This is why the four and 20 elders fall before him who sits upon the throne and cast their crowns at his feet! This is why the four creatures stand before his throne day and night crying HOLY, HOLY, HOLY!

It is because HE and HE alone is worthy of all honor and glory and praise! All that I am fully depends upon what HE makes me to be. So how do I think of myself? How do I think of God?

The very first verse I ever memorized sums it up well: Galatians 2:20: “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the life I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!”

My life is not my own, but His. My worth is found only in His love for me. A love unmerited...a favor undeserved. That is a God worthy of a living sacrifice!

Cody McNeese serves as pastor of St. Johns Christian Fellowship.

By Cody McNeese

In the Bible, “glad tidings” is frequently translated to mean “to tell good news” and “preach the gospel.”

This space -- made available to all local pastors and church leaders -- is dedicated to messages of good news to fill readers with uplifting thoughts to carry with them throughout the week.

How to think rightly of God

Glad TidinGs

Religion

Obituaries

Kathie Mae Davis

Mrs. Kathie Mae Davis, 71, passed away on Oct. 12, 2019, in Tavares.

Kathie was born April 2, 1948, in Randolph, Vt., to Mr. Randall L. Rogers and Mrs. Marion Rivers Rogers.

Kathie began working for New England Telephone

Company in 1969 where she retired as a second level supervisor of the Boston Zone. She then moved to Florida where she began to work for H & R Block. She stayed with H & R Block for many years.

She enjoyed riding her Harley, loved to read and go to the deer camp. She also enjoyed spending time on her houseboat on Lake Champlain in Vermont.

Kathie was preceded in death by: her parents, Randall L. and Marion Rogers; and her brother, Ronnie Comes.

She is survived by: her husband, Thomas Davis; one son; Jeff Bishop; daughter, Sarah McSweeny; stepchildren, Niki and Lee Knowles; grandchildren,

Randall Bishop (Emily), Kennedy and Rory, Jordan, and Brayden Knowles; her beloved companion, “Ranger;” brother, Danny Rogers; and sister, Patty Walsh; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at 11 a.m., at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Danny Lundy and the Rev. Bill Jenkins officiating. Interment services will follow immediately afterward in Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends today (Wednesday) from 6-8 p.m., at Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.

Friends may sign the online guest book at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.

Marie Adviana DiRubbio

Marie Adviana DiRubbio, 86, passed away on Oct. 11, 2019, in Perry.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 17, at 4 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home. Interment services will follow immediately afterward in Pineview Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 3-4 p.m., at the funeral home.

Kathie Mae Davis

CHURCHCalendar

Pastor’s 31st

anniversary celebrated

Sunday

Congregation marks pastor’s

31st anniversaryCelebrate with

Christian Tabernacle Church members as they commemorate the 31st anniversary of their pastor, Elder Chester Demps, Sunday, Oct. 20.

Worship services will be held at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., centering on the theme “Man of Integrity.”

Guest speakers will be Minister Kenneth Fuller from Trinity House of Prayer at 8 a.m. and Elder Rudy Ferguson of New Birth Tabernacle of Praise of Tallahassee at 3 p.m.

Brunch will be served after the morning service.

All are invited.

‘Soul Food’ dinners available Friday

Stewart Memorial AME Church will be selling “Soul Food” dinners Friday, Oct. 18, beginning at 11 a.m,.

The menu will include chitterlings, oxtails or baked chicken dinners with a choice of two sides, bread and dessert. Meals are $10 to $15 each.

Advance orders will be taken that morning, starting at 9 a.m., by calling (850) 584-7194.

Deliveries will be available for businesses with five orders or more.

The church is located at 1113 West Hampton Springs Ave.

Wear pink for ‘Pink Out Sunday’Stewart Memorial AME

Church will host a “Pink Out Sunday” this Sunday, Oct. 20, in honor of all those who lost their lives to breast cancer and in recognition of

the “courageous survivors” who are still fighting.

Morning services will begin at 11 a.m., featuring local ER physician Dr. David Keen.

Everyone is asked to wear pink in honor of the occasion.

The church is located at 1113 West Hampton Springs Ave.

Order your fruitcakes and nut cakes today!

It’s fruitcake and nut cake time at the Perry Church of God.

To place an order, please contact the church at (850) 584-2010 to schedule pick-up.

Also, look for volunteers from the church at the Florida Forest Festival arts and crafts section Saturday, Oct. 26.

Learn about the Holy Spirit

The Barbara S. Tillman/Juanita D. Scott Christian Leadership School of the Taylor County Union has started its fourth class, with the Rev. Donnie

Pigford teaching the doctrine of the Holy Spirit.

“The class will cover the study, the person and work of the Holy Spirit, as well as take a thorough look at the corresponding doctrines that influence our understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit. It will also help students identify this doctrine of the church with a holistic understanding of salvation, with special emphasis on justification, redemption and sanctification,” Sister Juanita Scott said.

Classes are being held every Tuesday at New Mount Zion M.B. Church, at 6 p.m.

Fall Festival announced

San Pedro Baptist Church has announced it will hold a Fall Festival celebration Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m.

“Join us for free hot dogs, chips and drinks, along with games, kid’s crafts and a hay ride,” organizers said.

The church is located at 4420 San Pedro Road. Everyone is welcome.

Elder Chester Demps

Learn about your family tree

By JONATHAN LINCOLNTrailing by 15 points with

eight minutes remaining in the game, the Taylor County Bulldogs rallied for an epic Homecoming come-from-behind upset win over state-ranked Vernon, 32-28, Friday night at Dorsett Stadium.

Even some of the Bulldogs’ most loyal fans and longest-serving boosters filed out of the stadium after Taylor County was stopped shy of the end zone late in the game, seemingly securing a win for the Class 1A, #4-ranked Yellowjackets.

However, the crowd that remained began to produce key momentum, as the Bulldog defense came up with several big stops, the Taylor County special teams squad recovered a crucial onside kick and the Bulldog offense caught fire to outscore Vernon 25-6 over the final eight minutes, helping TCHS pull off one of its most thrilling Homecoming upset wins in the past 20 years over a quality opponent.

Vernon (4-1) was favored by 20 points over the Bulldogs, according to Joe Pinkos’ predictions, but the Jackets were unable to stop

the potent Taylor offense once it started to click late in the game.

Vernon led 22-7 with less than half of the fourth quarter remaining when the Bulldog rally began, and it

would take several key plays and all the support the crowd could muster to pull off the upset in the final seconds in a game that seemed to last an hour.

“The crowd really got

behind us late in the game and that momentum was huge for us down the stretch,” Head Coach Danny Glover stated. “The kids fed off of that support, which led to some big plays.”

Freshman QB Kevis Thomas had a career high game passing, completing 31 of 49 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions.

Thomas also made several crucial decisions to scramble and keep the ball himself to pick up key first downs, as he rushed eight times for 62 yards, all in the second half.

Buddy McGrew led the Bulldog offense in rushing with nine carries for 63 yards, as well as scoring twice – including TD runs from 26 yards and 10 yards out.

Taylor County finished with 142 yards rushing, which paled in comparison to the 373 yards the Bulldogs’ potent passing attack picked up through the air, to put Taylor County over 500 yards of total offense.

Thomas completed 31 passes to a host of Bulldog receivers, with Zoe Roberts leading the way (9 catches, 138 yards, 2 TD), including the game-winning touchdown that came with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game to put the Bulldogs ahead, 32-28.

Robert Glanton was close behind, despite playing only the second half, as

he managed to snag eight passes for 98 yards and one touchdown.

Demari Stephens caught six passes for 64 yards, while McGrew caught two passes out of the backfield for 45 yards.

Na’jeh Glanton caught three passes for 14 yards, Ty’Quavious Rankin caught two for 12 yards and Javion Harris caught one pass for a gain of two yards.

The Bulldog defense contained Vernon’s prolific running back K’wan Powell to only 182 yards rushing on 25 attempts, which was nearly 60% of the Yellow Jackets’ offense.

Powell scored all four of Vernon’s touchdowns on the ground, in addition to catching two passes for 26 yards.

Leading the Bulldogs defensively was Nathen Heartsfield, Casen Heartsfield, Jordan Tyler, Tony Hinkle, J.W Hudson, Ty Rankin and Robert Glanton, who made several big plays in the second half of the game.

Roberts managed to intercept Vernon’s final desperation pass of the game

The Taylor County Middle School (TCMS) football team was off last week after losing to Madison County the previous Thursday, 26-12 to drop their record to 2-2 on the season.

Nickigel Freeman scored both of the touchdowns for the Bulldogs, with one coming on the ground and one through the air on a pass from Kigel Williams.

The Bulldogs had a great push from offensive

linemen Briar Willis, William Hathcock, Jeremy Thomas and tightend JJ Clayton.

Trayce Abercrombie had

an interception on defense, while Stephen Williams, Calvin Washington, Briar Willis, Kigel Williams, Nickigel Freeman and

Phinnist Bolden led the defensive charge.

The Bulldogs are slated to play in Live Oak this Thursday against Suwannee

County at 6 p.m., as they will attempt to add another victory to the win column.

Suwannee and Taylor will now be facing off every

year in a “Battle of the Bulldogs,” and TCMS will look to win the inaugural “Bulldog Bowl” this Thursday.

Sports A-6 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Taylor rallies from 15 down in final 8 minutes to upset Vernon

Dogs win Homecoming thriller, 32-28!

Freshman QB Kevis Thomas had his best game yet, completing 31 of 49 passes for 373 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. Thomas also used his legs to avoid several sacks and pick up crucial first downs in a spectacular second half that saw the Bulldogs rally from a 22-7 deficit to outscore Vernon 25-7 and win 32-28.

➟ Please see page 8

Taylor County High School (TCHS) Bulldogs’ Head Basketball Coach Ed Harvey program is seeking Bulldog basketball booster club members to help the program purchase new uniforms and equipment.

Harvey was recently named the Bulldogs’ head basketball coach – a position he has held for numerous years during several stints over his long career at TCHS.

The Taylor County boys basketball team is beginning preparations for the upcoming season 2019-20 season.

“Our student-athletes will be asking you personally to help them raise the needed funds very soon,” Harvey said, adding that the team has also created a “GoFundMe” account online.

“Our GoFundMe account was created to get us off to a great start for our fundraising campaign. Please donate funds to be a part of our ‘500 Club’. We are asking for 500 people to donate $5, 500 people to donate $10 and 500 people to donate $20 to our student-athletes to buy new uniforms and equipment. We thank you in advance for your contribution,” Harvey said.

The link to donate can be found by visiting www.gofundme.com and typing in “Taylor County High School Boys Basketball” or “500 Club Supporter.”

Basketball program is seeking boosters

The Taylor County High School golf team includes: (from l to r) Kadyn Puhl, Tyler Knight, Head Coach Reggie Wentworth, Treyton Kirk and Jayce Calhoun.

Bulldog golfer Kadyn Puhl fired a tournament-best score of 79 to qualify for regionals as he led the Taylor County High School (TCHS) golf team to a third-place finish in the annual district golf tournament this past Monday in Lake City at Quail Heights.

The Bulldog golf team wrapped up its regular season with a 12-6 record and third-place finish in district.

TCHS was one of eight teams competing in the district tournament, and fired a team score of 369 to finish behind district champion Keystone Heights (352) and second-place St. John’s Country

Golf team places third in district tourney

TCMS and Suwannee face off in ‘Battle of the Bulldogs’

➟ Please see page 8

A-7 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Dance Team took the floor for a high-energy performance, and 2018 Little Queen Elynn Lago dazzled with a solo of “Tomorrow.”

But it was the contestants who were the real stars of the show, and they more than held their own during the “What I Want to be When I Grow Up” competition.

As reflected in their costumes, Taylor County’s future workforce is filled

with firefighters, ice cream truck drivers, law enforcement officers, “baby doctors,” dolphin trainers and more.

The contestants’ more serious sides came to the forefront when they returned to the staged dressed in

formal wear. Many took extra care walking in shiny new dress shoes or sequin-bedazzled slippers. Each took a heartbeat moment to think before responding to random questions posed by program co-chairs Magan Bowden and Emily

Newman – questions like, “Where would you hide an elephant?” and “What does your mommy’s hair look like in the morning?”

When it came time for Mistress of Ceremonies Mackenzie Smart to announce the winners,

everyone held their breath and then cheered as each name was called.

Look for this year’s junior royalty at the upcoming Kids Parade planned Friday, Oct. 25, and at all the Florida Forest Festival activities Saturday, Oct. 26.

typical status-quo like being a jock or a cheerleader,” McNeil said. “We were gifted in other ways, and we were fine with that.”

Since its official establishment, McNeil and the organization has fed homeless people and picked up trash in Tallahassee.

MisFit Forever is also in the process of publishing a children’s book, which McNeil hopes to debut at the Taylor County Public Library. The rhyming book’s target audience will be children in pre-school to second grade.

“I feel that if you reach the kids, you touch the future,” McNeil said.

The organization also

speaks to young students in local schools throughout the area, offering guidance as they pursue their own dreams.

Through MisFit Forever, McNeil hopes to “inspire anyone that is working towards a dream and feels like giving up.”

“I advise people to work with what they have, to get creative. Don’t limit your

mind. Stay consistent. If you knock on the right door the right amount of times, someone will answer. Also, look for opportunity anywhere. Most people are concerned with thinking outside of the box, while the answer may be inside it,” McNeil said.

For McNeil, “love is always the answer.”

“We need it to survive.

Most of that love is already surrounding you, you just have to stop fighting it and let it in. Whether it’s from your community, your teachers, etc. Everyone means something to someone, and if you ever feel like you’re not, find something to make you feel important,” McNeil said.

As McNeil continues to pursue his career as an

artist and to expand MisFit Forever, he says the sky is his limit, but it is not his focus.

“Earning Grammys and becoming a household name, yes, but the biggest thing throughout it all is remembering where I come from and making the statement that greatness can be born in the smallest of cities,” McNeil said.

of Spring Place East and Hendry Avenue South. The appraised value in 2018 was $6,500.

Finally, Chris Patrick bid $400 and Mike Anderson bid $1,000 on parcel R0-1766-562 (Tax Deed No. 14-025). The 10-acre parcel is described as Section 21-2-7 and is located east of Shady Grove and north of County Road 14 at the county line. The appraised value in 2018 was $4,700.

The relatively low amount of the bids prompted questions from

several commissioners, which also happened during the board’s first attempt at selling the parcels.

Commissioner Malcolm Page questioned whether any of the parcels would be suitable for donating to Habitat for Humanity.

“After we’ve already took bids and opened them, can we go do something different?” Commission Chair Pam Feagle asked County Attorney Conrad Bishop. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.”

“My position would be that you advertised them for sale… and people in good faith bid,” Bishop said.

“I feel like Mr. Conrad,” Commissioner Jim Moody said. “If somebody wants to pay that for it, even if it’s a cheap price, it’s going to go on the tax rolls.”

Feagle suggested that the next time the county is preparing to put up parcels for bid they could first check with Habitat to see if the organization could use it for a project.

“I’m fine with it,” Page said. “We advertised them. Let’s go ahead and sell them.”

Commissioner Thomas Demps made a motion to accept the high bid for each parcel, and Page offered a

second. The measure passed unanimously.

At the Sept. 3 meeting, the commission approved the execution of the deeds for the four properties and also agreed to re-advertise the remaining properties for a third time after Murphy stated she had received a call inquiring about one of the parcels.

The 13 parcels that are once again up for bid include:

• Tax Deed #08-004: Lot 1, Block I, Dreamland Subdivision, Parcel #R04751-000;

• Tax Deed #07-004: Lots 17 and 18, Block D,

Dreamland Subdivision, Parcel #R04725-000;

• Tax Deed #11-008: Lot 8, Sequoia Subdivision, Parcel #R05710-135;

• Tax Deed #12-011: Lot 14, Block 1, Jerkins Heights, Parcel #R05387- 000;

• Tax Deed #12-014: .31 acre, Section 26-4-7, Parcel #R05046-002;

• Tax Deed #14-010: .45 acre, Section 35-4-7, Parcel #R05712-005;

• Tax Deed #14-011: Lot 28, Block 57, W. Brooklyn Subdivision, Parcel #R04929-000;

• Tax Deed #14-012: Lot 12, Block 9, J.H.

Parker Subdivision, Parcel #R05515-000;

• Tax Deed #15-008: Section 20-2-7, 1 acre, Parcel #R01754-130;

• Tax Deed #15-016: Lot 13, Block 50, Steinhatchee Subdivision, Parcel #R09826-000;

• Tax Deed #15-041: Lot 17, Block 2, Milldale Subdivision, Parcel #R04859-000;

• Tax Deed #15-042: Lot 26, Block 14, A.B. McCrae Subdivision, Parcel #R04964-000;

• Tax Deed #15-044: East 53 feet, Lots 1 and 4, J.C. Calhoun Subdivision, Parcel #R03518-000.

PARCELSContinued from page 2

Future parcels could be offered to Habitat for Humanity

McNeil: ‘Love is always the answer’GREATNESSContinued from page 3

WEE ROYALTYContinued from page 1

Co-chairs asked: ‘Where would you hide an elephant?’ and ‘What does your mommy’s hair look like in the morning?’

to secure Taylor County’s Homecoming victory.

After just one penalty in the first half, the Bulldogs were hit with a number of questionable flags in the second half, as officials hit Taylor County with 11 penalties for 105 yards in the third and fourth quarters alone.

Vernon committed five penalties in both the first and second half for a total of 10 penalties for 95 yards.

The Yellowjackets’ received the opening kickoff, but Taylor got the ball two plays later when Jordan Tyler pounced on a muffed handoff fumble for the Bulldogs.

Taylor County drove deep into Yellowjacket territory, but could not score before the two teams alternated possessions – each shutting down the other offense – to end the first quarter in a scoreless tie.

The Bulldogs opened the second quarter by executing an eight-play, 91-yard drive to go ahead 7-0 with just over seven minutes left before half.

The drive began with a short run by McGrew followed by a short pass from Thomas to Harris. On third down, Thomas hooked up with Roberts for a 41-yard completion to midfield.

A four-yard pass to Stephens, followed by a three-yard pass to Roberts brought up a key third down, and the Bulldog offense managed to draw Vernon offsides to pick up a first down at the Yellowjackets’ 36.

Another four-yard pass to Stephens, and a six-yard pass to Roberts came up just short of the first down.

On 3rd and inches, McGrew broke loose for his longest run of the night, breaking free to score from 26 yards out to give Taylor a 7-0 lead following a successful PAT by Irvine Azerte.

Vernon’s Darrell Powell returned the kickoff 73 yards for a touchdown, but it was called back due to a holding penalty, to set Vernon up at the Bulldogs’ 32 yard line.

Powell tied the score three plays later as he carried for gains of 19, eight and five yards to put

the Yellowjackets on the board 7-7 with just over five minutes to play in the second quarter.

Taylor’s offense was held without a first down and a high punt snap gave Vernon the ball just 17 yards from the Bulldogs’ end zone.

Powell carried the ball on back-to-back rushes and picked up the necessary yards for another Vernon touchdown to give the Yellowjackets a 15-7 lead going into half time after a successful two-point conversion.

Taylor County received the ball to open the second half, but went three-and-out, forcing a punt.

Vernon returned the kick 64 yards for a touchdown, only to have it called back once again due to a penalty – their second special teams touchdown called back due to holding.

Vernon marched 63 yards in nine plays only to be stuffed at the one yard line on fourth down in one of the Bulldogs’ biggest defensive stops of the season, turning the ball over on downs with six minutes to go in the third quarter.

The Bulldogs managed to move across midfield before failing on a fourth down conversion at Vernon’s 45

yard line.Powell ran the ball four

consecutive plays for 27 yards before Taylor committed back-to-back personal foul penalties that allowed the Yellow Jackets to move inside the Bulldogs’ 10-yard line.

Powell carried the ball the remaining nine yards on first down to increase Vernon’s lead to 22-7.

Taylor then took the ensuing kickoff and drove 73 yards only to be stopped on Vernon’s six-yard line on fourth down.

On the drive, Thomas hooked up with Robert Glanton for a 10-yard completion before finding Na’jeh Glanton for a two-yard pass that set up a 44-yard pass to McGrew, who slipped out of the backfield for a long completion.

Thomas then broke loose for an 11-yard run before being stopped on the 11-yard line.

Two incomplete passes and a five-yard run by Rob Glanton brought up 4th and 5 from the six-yard line.

Thomas rolled out and threw an incomplete pass high on to turn the ball over on downs with just 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter as the Bulldogs trailed by 15.

However, the Bulldog defense bowed their backs and held Vernon on three straight plays to force a punt.

Thomas found Stephens for a 35-yard completion on 3rd down to give the Bulldogs a first down on Vernon’s 24 yard line.

A nine-yard completion from Thomas to Rankin set up a four-yard run by McGrew for a first down at the 10.

Thomas threw a 10-yard TD strike to Rob Glanton on first down to cut Vernon’s lead to 22-14 with just over six minutes left in the game.

Following a 14-yard run by Powell, the Bulldogs’ Ty Rankin forced a fumble that J.W Hudson recovered at midfield.

The Bulldogs scored in just three plays thanks to a six-yard pass from Thomas to Na’jeh Glanton, a 34-yard pass to Rob Glanton

(who made an ESPN-worthy highlight reel grab by leaping high into the air and laying out horizontally to come down with a spectacular catch) and a 10-yard touchdown run straight up the middle by McGrew to cut Vernon’s lead to 22-20 with four minutes left in the game.

Taylor elected to go for the two-point conversion and the tie, but failed after being backed up to the eight-yard line due to a false start penalty.

Powell helped Vernon move the ball 60 yards in just three plays, ripping off runs of 11 and four yards before scoring on a 45-yard touchdown scamper that seemingly put the game away again as Vernon led 28-20 with under three minutes to go in the game when the extra point attempt failed.

Following the kickoff, Thomas was sacked on first down for a three-yard loss, before finding Rob Glanton for an 11-yard completion.

Glanton rushed for four yards on fourth down to move the chains, and Thomas found Rob Glanton again for a 16-yard completion that was basically erased the following play when the Bulldogs picked up a personal foul penalty.

With 1:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, Thomas threw deep to Roberts for an incredible 53-yard touchdown pass to move the Bulldogs back within two points.

Taylor was hit with a false start penalty yet again during the PAT to push the two-point conversion attempt back to the eight-yard line again.

Glanton sprinted for the corner of the end zone and knocked the pylon down on what appeared to be a successful two-point conversion, only for the officials to rule his knee was

down inches shy, leaving Taylor trailing by two points, 28-26.

Rob Glanton avenged the questionable call on the following play as he recovered a perfectly-executed onside kick by Azerte at Vernon’s 39-yard line.

Thomas scrambled for 14 yards on first down, setting up a nine-yard pass from Thomas to Glanton.

Thomas then scrambled again for four yards, but managed to get out of bounds and stop the clock with 43 seconds to go just eight yards away from the end zone

Thomas hit Glanton for a three-yard pass on first down before throwing the game-winning five-yard TD pass to Roberts on second down.

McGrew successfully punched the two-point conversion into the end zone, only for it to be called back due to yet another false start penalty.

On Taylor’s second attempt, Rob Glanton attempted his only pass of the night, which was intercepted, but Taylor still

held a 32-28 lead with 27 seconds to go.

The Bulldogs kicked the ball out of bounds twice – resulting in penalties – and were hit with back-to-back offsides penalties before successfully getting the kickoff down the field, pooching it to avoid Vernon’s talented returners.

An incomplete pass and a “hook-and-ladder” pass by Vernon set up a desperation pass toward the end zone with under 11 seconds to go.

Roberts intercepted the ball to secure the victory for Taylor County as time expired with the Bulldogs on top.

Superintendent of Schools and interim Head Coach Danny Glover Jr. received a Gatorade shower, before Bulldog players rushed the field and jumped up and down in unison in the post-game huddle after securing one of the most memorable Homecoming victories in recent memory, 32-28 over Vernon.

The Bulldogs will now travel to Pensacola to take on Lighthouse Christian this Friday night at 7 p.m.

YARDSTICKTaylor Co. Stats Vernon20/142/2 TD31/50/3 TD

3721

5152935

4/31.50/02/1

12/115

Rushes/Yards/TDComp./Att./TD

Pass YardsInterceptionsTotal OffenseFirst DownsReturn YardsPunts/Avg.Field Goals

Fumbles/LostPenalties/Yds

38/247/4 TD6/15/0 TD

601

3072181

3/38.70/02/2

10/95

‘DOGSContinued from page 6

Day (358).Other district teams

and their scores included: Madison County (371), Bradford (392), Lafayette County (399), Union County (421) and Branford (482).

The Bulldogs were represented by four golfers, including: Kadyn Puhl, Treyton Kirk, Jayce Calhoun and Tyler Knight.

Puhl had the lowest round in the entire district tournament, as he fired a tournament-best 79 and was

named medalist out of the 41 golfers competing.

Tyler Knight shot a 94 for Taylor County, followed by Treyton Kirk, who shot a 96, and Jayce Calhoun, who carded a 100.

TCHS will now prepare for the regional tournament, as the top three golfers from the district advance to play at The King & Bear Golf Course in St. Augustine next Tuesday.

A-8 Taco Times October 16, 2019

After dousing interim Head Coach Danny Glover with a Gatorade shower, Bulldog football players stormed the field to celebrate their biggest Homecoming win in nearly 20 years — a 32-28 upset of the heavily-favored Class 1A, #4-ranked Vernon Yellowjackets.

Bulldogs on the road to Pensacola this Friday

Senior wide receiver Zoe Roberts scored the game-winning touchdown, reaching the ball across the goal line on a 5-yard pass from QB Kevis Thomas with 27 seconds remaining in the game.

GOLF TEAMContinued from page 6

Regional tourney is next

(Photo by Amy Sadler)

(Photo by Amy Sadler)

A-9 Taco Times October 16, 2019Community

H O M E C O M I N G PA R A D E 2 0 1 9

Taylor County High School (TCHS) Homecoming King Roman Herring and Queen Jordan McDonald took the lead in the 2019 Homecoming Parade held Friday. Hundreds lined the streets from the high school to downtown Perry to cheer the orange and blue. Homecoming court members -- from freshmen to seniors -- smiled and waved as they paraded by families, friends and fellow students. The high school and middle school band provided special highlights with performances in front of the courthouse. Additional student groups, including FFA and JROTC, were also well represented.

Editor’s Note: Recognizing the First Amendment guarantees the public a strong constitutional right to attend and be aware of criminal proceedings, it is the policy of Perry Newspapers to keep the public informed as to circuit court proceedings. Below is a summary of recent cases appearing on the court docket:

Key: Name, type of hearing, charge, surety bond (if listed), date of offense (numerical); outcome.

July 8:Henry E. Bolden,

sentencing, accessory after the fact to first degree murder, 1/24/18; adjudication guilty, 50 months DOC, 10 years probation, credited 283 days, susp. DL, fees: $1,115.

Robert Heath Brown, VOP, battery on LEO, 6/17/18; VOP admitted, probation revoked, 343 days counts jail, credited 343 days, fees: $150.

Barbara Diane Bryan, arraignment, fleeing/edluding LEO,, drive with expired license for more than six months, surety bond $10,000, 4/29/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Melton Lee Cannon, arraignment, burglary of dwelling, violation of domestic violence injunction, criminal mischief, 6/2/19; pleaded not guilty, date to be set.

Thomas Wayne Carlton, pre-trial, poss. of cntrl. subs., poss 20 grams or less cannabis, false ID to LEO, surety bond $9,000, 2/9/19; cont. to 7/15/19.

Zuleika Cruce Carter, arraignment, fleeing/eluding LEO, felony DWLS, refuse to submit to DUI test, surety bond $13,000, 1/4/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Emmanuel Eugene Cox,

arraignment, grand theft III, 3/4/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Daniel Cruz-Gonzalez, pre-trial, grand theft I, 11/26/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Precious Lilly Dasher, pre-trial, poss. of more than 20 grams of marijuana, surety bond $5,000, 2/20/19; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Vincent Joseph Democh, pre-trial, enhanced felony DUI, felony DWLS, no motor vehicle registration, 4/1/19; state plea rejected by defendant, cont. to 8/5/19.

Wendy Gale Dickinson, arraignment, two counts of poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of drugs without a prescription, surety bond $10,000, 4/13/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Marcus Howard Dowdell, VOP, burglary of structure, 10/9/18; cont. to 7/15/19.

Marcus Howard Dowdell, grand theft firearm, 1/16/19; plea offered by state, cont. to 7/15/19.

Richard Lawrence Estey, arraignment, poss. of meth., no motor vehicle registration, surety bond $5,000, 4/5/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Antonio L. Fitchett, pre-trial, poss. of cocaine, 1/13/19; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Travis William Fournier, pre-trial, poss. of meth., operate motorcycle without endorsement, surety bond $7,000, 3/10/19; cont. to 8/12/19.

Frank Fredrick Gant, pre-trial, poss. of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver, poss. of ammo by convicted felon, poss. of less than 20 grams of cannabis, surety bond $50,000, 12/14/17; cont. to 8/12/19.

Jeremy Jermaine Garner, arraignment, sexual activity with a minor, 5/3/19;

pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Cynthia Lynn Goff, arraignment, poss. of meth., no valid DL, surety bond $25,000, 4/9/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

James Christopher Goodrich, arraignment, poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of drug paraphernalia, DUI, surety bond $5,000, 2/23/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Simeon Gross, pre-trial, dealing stolen property, two counts of burglary of structure, poss. of burglary tools, surety bond $5,000, 8/21/18; cont. to 8/12/19 per court order.

Simeon Gross arraignment, dealing stolen property trafficking, 7/12/18; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Steven S. Hall, pre-trail, falsify use of force and incident reports on person in state custody, malicious battery, 10/13/18; referred to pre-trial investigation, cont. to 10/15/19.

Ronald David Hawes II, pre-trial, lewd or lascivious molestation of child 12-18 YOA, 11/1/18; child abuse intentional act, 10/24/18; sexual battery (force not likely to cause serious personal injury), 10/22/18; child abuse intentional act, witness tampering, 10/19/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Dominic Clushawn Hightower, pre-trial, sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of church, poss. of cocaine with intent to sell/deliver within 1,000 feet of church, surety bond $30,000, 9/30/17; cont. to 8/12/19.

William Franklin Houck, pre-trial, resisting LEO with violence, DUI, surety bond $10,000, 7/13/18; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Brandon M. Hudson, pre-trial, contraband in county detention facility,

poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of drug paraphernalia, no DL, surety bond, 12/22/18; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Sammy L. Hugger, Jr., pre-trial, two counts of poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of 20 grams or less cannabis, no motor vehicle registration, surety bond $1,000, 8/2/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Charles William Jackson, pre-trial, carjacking, 10/2/17; two counts of contraband in county detention facility, poss. of cntrl. subs., 1/27/19; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Markei Gerkoski Jackson, pre-trial, lewd or lascivious exhibition in presence of child, battery, surety bond $50,000, 10/3/18; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Drexel Enner James, pre-trial, poss. of cntrl. subs., surety bond $18,000, 5/25/18; cont. to 8/5/19.

Debra Delores Jenkins, pre-trial, poss. of cocaine, poss. of meth., poss. of drug paraphernalia, surety bond $12,000, 11/8/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Aaron Alan Johnson, pre-trial, poss. of cntrl. subs., DUI with property damage, surety bond $5,000, 3/5/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Kristen Eve Kays, pre-trial, grand theft of property value (value $300-$4,999), resist or obstruct without violence, surety bond $5,000, 7/5/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Jamie Lee Kendall, arraignment, poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of drug paraphernalia, 2/15/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Romey Blayne Kidd, arraignment, poss. of cntrl. subs., surety bond $5,000, 3/10/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Tiffani Amelia Krahl, pre-trial, cause great bodily harm through intentional act (reasonably expected to result in injury to a child), neglect of child with great bodily harm, surety bond $45,000, 8/27/17; cont. to 8/12/19.

Kevin Grady Lambert, pre-trial, sale of meth., 6/9/17; poss. of cntrl. subs., poss. of meth., poss. of MV, poss. of drug paraphernalia, 5/25/18; state to not pursue count one, pleaded guilty as charged to all other counts, adjudication guilty, 18 months DOC, credited 410 days county jail, suspended DL 1 year, fees: $1,915.

Angie Lawson, pre-trial, poss. of meth., surety bond $5,000, 2/15/19; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Virgina Lee Lundy, pre-trial, grand theft III motor vehicle, DWLS, surety bond $2,5000, 12/9/18; cont. to 8/12/19.

Anne Marie Mathis, pre-trial, cheating, petit theft over $100, 11/26/18; cont. to 8/5/19.

Edward Lee McLeod, VOP, poss. of meth., 3/30/16; cont. to 7/15/19.

Wesley Michael McNemar, arraignment, poss. of cocaine, poss. of not more than 20 grams of cannabis, surety bond $9,000, 3/9/19; pleaded not guilty, pre-trial set to 8/12/19.

John Michael Merlo, VOP, burglary of conveyance, grand theft III, 5/16/17; burglary of conveyance, 5/22/17; burglary of conveyance, 4/16/17; cont. to 7/15/19.

Tedrick B. Miller, poss. of firearm by felony, 8/10/18; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Joshua Chase Murphy, plea hearing, poss. of cntrl. subs., 2/7/17; poss. of cntrl. subs., 5/5/18; VOP admitted, probation reinstated and modified, 6 months community control, adjudication withheld maintained, fees: $250.

Lindsay Anne Overstreet, VOP, fleeing LEO, 5/23/16; neglect of child, poss. of meth., 2/15/19; cont. to 8/12/19.

Raydon Jamal Parker, pre-trial, cheating, 9/5/18; cheating, surety bond $2,000, 9/8/18; pleaded guilty to lesser petit theft, adjudication guilty, 12 months, fees: $473.

Bryan Joseph Perkins, motion hearing, DWLS third or subsequent violation, 6/30/19; court granted motion to reduce bond.

Dontray Cornell Robinson, motion hearing, aggravated battery, 7/1/19; court denied motion to reduce bond.

Neely Edward Sadler, arraignment, battery on person over 65 YOA, 5/5/19; pleaded not guilty, dates to be set.

Latricia Ann Slaughter, pre-trial, two counts of poss. of meth., surety vbond $5,000, 1/30/19; cont. to 8/12/19.

Dylan Thomas Smart, pre-trial, lewd battery upon child, surety bond $5,000, 4/8/18; waived speedy trial, cont. to 8/12/19.

Marjorie Kalene Smith, VOP, poss. of cocaine, two counts of poss. of cntrl. subs., felony petit theft, 7/29/16; VOP admitted, probation revoked, 20 months DOC, credited 190 days, susp. DL, fees: $250.

Darick Cody Ward, pre-trial, felony battery great bodily harm, surety bond $50,000, 5/11/18; cont. to 9/4/19.

Anne Elizabeth Wells, pre-trial, neglect of child, drug paraphernalia use/poss., maintaining a drug dwelling, surety bond $50,000, 2/15/19; waived speedy trial, 8/12/19.

July 10: Dustin Jameson Bain,

motion hearing, burglary and battery, 6/23/13; cont. to 7/24/19.

Donald Todd Roberts, VOP arraignment, felony battery, 9/25/12; VOP admitted, probation revoked, fees: $250.

July 15: Jacob Bruce Behling,

pre-trial, grand theft III, resist LEO without violence, battery on police dog, surety bond $70,000, 10/16/18; pleaded guilty as charged, adjudication guilty, 3 years probation, no contact order, 100 hours community service work, fees: $1,098.

Hoyt Arthur Bryant Jr., sentencing, poss. of meth., 8/20/17; pleaded guilty, adjudication withheld, 3 years probation, 100 hours community service work, fees: $1,400.

Court Docket

BBTC students claim winning titles at AWC competitionBig Bend Technical

College (BBTC) welding students dominated at the North Central Florida American Welding Society (AWS) welding competition on Oct. 9.

Accompanied by instructors Cecil Gainey and Tim Brown, welding students Cody Chesser and Austin Edwards competed in the competition at Santa Fe State College last week, placing first and second respectively.

Chesser took home the first place trophy and a $1,000 scholarship, while

Edwards won second place and a welding helmet.

Chesser’s first place trophy will be displayed at BBTC for a year until next year’s competition, at which time instructors Cecil Gainey and Tim Brown are hopeful new students will earn the title again.

Gainey was also officially recognized as the AWS District 5 (Georgia, South Carolina and Florida) Teacher of the Year for 2019. Gainey is now competing for the title of National AWS Instructor of the Year for 2019.

A-10 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Pictured above are BBTC’S welding competition winners Cody Chesser and Austin Edwards with instructors Cecil Gainey and Tim Brown.

The week of Oct. 21-27 was proclaimed as “Florida City Government Week” by the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council at their meeting on Sept. 26 held in Lake City.

“Florida City Government Week” is part of an ongoing effort sponsored by the Florida League of Cities to raise public awareness about services that cities perform and to educate the public about how city government works.

The council, in partnership with economic development organizations and local governments, promotes regional strategies, partnerships and solutions to strengthen the economic competiveness and quality of life of the 12 counties and 40 incorporated municipalities in the north central Florida region.

The Council, whose members are local elected officials and gubernatorial appointees, administers a variety of state and federal programs for north central Florida including Alachua, Bradford, Columbia, Dixie, Gilchrist, Hamilton,

Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor and Union counties.

Programs include development of the Strategic Regional Policy Plan, technical assistance to local governments in development of comprehensive plans, land development regulations and grant management, and administration of hazardous

materials, homeland security and economic development programs.

In addition, the Council staffs the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization for the Gainesville Urbanized Area, the North Central Florida Local Emergency Planning Committee, the North Central Florida Regional Hazardous

A-11 Taco Times October 16, 2019Living

TCHS art instructor is among featured exhibitors at Hardee Center for the Arts

The Hardee Center for the Arts at North Florida College is hosting an exhibit of work by art educators in the region, including Taylor County High School (TCHS) art teacher Jeff Byers.

Residents are invited to “meet the artists” Friday, Oct. 18, during a reception from 5-6:30 p.m.

The gallery is open

Mondays and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8-9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The exhibit will also feature the debut of the E. S. First Sergeant Tea Service crafted by Byers honoring the late Taylor County High School First Sergeant Eddie Smith and much more.

This tea set, crafted by Jeff Byers, honors the late First Sgt. Eddie Smith.

Rocking the standsTaylor County High School band alumni from years past joined current band members in the

stands at Friday night’s Homecoming game at Dorsett Stadium.

(Left to right) North Central Florida Regional Planning Council officials Charles Chestnut IV, vice-chair; Robert Wilford, chair; Thomas Demps, secretary/treasurer; and Scott Koons, executive director of the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council.

‘Florida City Government Week’ proclaimed by council

Editor’s Note: The following is a personal thank you written by local resident Debra Porter on behalf of the community’s support of a veteran in need.

Today was another day blessed…I need to thank so many people that stepped forward to

help me help a disabled veteran. Rick rides his bike (the same one he has ridden since

1974) from Louisiana to Florida every year with his little service dog, Mongo.

Sadly, this year some people down south robbed him, taking most of his things and tearing up his bike.

But, he continued to head home. His bike, which no longer had any brakes, finally gave out. So, the alarm sounded: A VETERAN NEEDED HELP.

I made some calls, sent some messages and went from person to person. I am extending a “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU” to: The Elks Club, Perry Pawnbrokers, Badcock, the Chamber of Commerce, Edward Mock, Michael and Charlotte Thrift, Paula Montgomery, Earline Neely, Bish Clark, Kristy Anderson and First United Methodist Church, Robert Peters and Rachel Russell at the Chamber for sounding the initial alarm and for allowing us to do everything at the Chamber and for being so very kind.

If I have forgotten some names, please forgive me. I want to thank everyone for donations for his bike,

clothing, boots, dog food, traveling cash, a roof over his head for a good night’s rest and prayers. Thank you for all that you did and for thanking this Vietnam veteran for his service and sacrifice. He lost a lot physically, as well as emotionally, for me and for us, and saying “thank you for your service” meant so much.

I thoroughly enjoyed his stories of his treks across America on that old 1974 bike. We will see him next year when he comes back through Perry again. His old bike is here at the house, and hopefully he can get it back again, God willing.

Again, thank you and may God bless each of you.

A-12 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Busy families often find it hard to serve fresh and quickly prepared meals. But before pulling up to the nearest drive-through window, family chefs should know that many homecooked meals can be whipped up in a pinch.

During barbecue season, burgers are often a go-to meal for their convenience and portability. But another bun- and beef-based option is readily available - and it could stir up nostalgia for comforting family meals of years past.

It’s hard to beat the savory flavor and deliciously messy trappings of Sloppy Joes. As the name implies, this isn’t a meal for someone who likes to keep things neat. In fact, part of the fun of Sloppy Joes, for adults and children alike, is the chance to get a little messy at the dinner table. Here’s a recipe for “Classic Sloppy Joes,” courtesy of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

Classic Sloppy Joes(Serves 4)1 pound ground beef (93% lean or leaner)1 cup minced sweet onion1 cup minced green bell pepper1 can (141/2 ounces) unsalted tomato sauce1/4 cup barbecue sauce1/4 cup ketchup1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce2 teaspoons packed brown sugar1 teaspoon dry mustard4 whole wheat hamburger buns or 8 slider buns

Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add onion, cook 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Add ground beef and bell pepper; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking beef into 1/2-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally.

Stir in tomato sauce, barbecue sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and mustard; increase heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil; cook 5 to 10 minutes, or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, as desired.

Divide beef mixture evenly among buns. Top with pickles, coleslaw and cheese, if desired. Close the sandwiches.

Cook’s Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Subscribe today to the Taco Times and Perry News-Herald for only $35

(in-county). Call 584-5513 or visit online at www.perrynewspapers.com.

Here’s How It Works:Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

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WeekdayPlayground

Classic Sloppy Joes

Quick and easy dinner served on a bunFrom the Recipe Book

Check out the GREAT DEALS on page 11!

Brontide(noun)

The low rumbling of distant thunder.

A word you might not have heard...

A-12 Taco Times October 16, 2019

WEIRDWACKY&

Science FactsA “jiffy” is an

actual unit of

time: 1/100th of

a secondSource: https://owlcation.com/misc/Over-200-Odd-Facts-Did-You-Know-Them

A-13 Taco Times October 16, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADS Published each Wednesday and Friday.

Deadline for Wednesday: Monday by 5 p.m.Deadline for Friday: Wednesday by 5 p.m.

Call (850) 584-5513 or email classifieds@perrynewspapers.com

BIG YARD SALE SATURDAY, Oct. 19, 8 a.m. until. One block North of Walter B’s on Beach Road. Clothing, household items, tools and boat motors. 10/16-10/18

misc.

FOR SALE: OAK TABLE with six chairs and two matching bar chairs. Good condition. $150 for all. Call (850) 544-6632 if interested. 10/16-10/18

FOR SALE: SIX YOUNG ROOSTERS. $20 for all. Call (850) 544-6632. 10/16-10/18

FOR SALE: 1994 FORD 4X4, 5-liter engine. $1,500. Call (850) 584-7844 or (850) 843-3924. TF

WE BUY Scrap Metal and Junk Cars.

(850) 838-5865. RC

Wanted

CHURCH OR SCHOOL GROUP that would like to sell dinners at the Perry Public Consignment Auction the third Saturday of each month at Cy Strickland Rd. and U.S. 27 in Perry. For more information, contact J.W. Hill and Associated at (386) 3623300 or John Hill at (386) 590-1214. 10/16-10/18

For Rent

3-BED/2-BATH GREAT REMODELED HOME for rent. No inside pets. $1,100 per month with $2,000 security deposit. Credit check required. Contact Iris at (917) 683-8861 or Jason at (850) 584-8885. 10/11-11/8

TWO RV SPOTS behind the Wagon Wheel Store. $300 each. Please call Jason at (850) 584-8885. 10/11-10/16

RV SPOTS available on Beach Rd. (850) 838-6077. JM

HALF-ACRE LOT for mobile home or RV. 3960 Oak Lane (1/2 mile from Pepperheads). City water and septic. $250/month. (850) 843-3633. 10/9-10/18

WOODRIDGE APARTMENTSAccepting applications for 1, 2 and 3 BR HC and Non-HC accessible apartments. HUD vouchers considered. Call (850) 584-5668. 709 W. Church St., Perry, FL 32348. TDD 711. Equal Housing Opportunity. WA

Sawgrass Realty LLC 127 S. Jefferson St., Perry, Fla.

(850) 843-1823603 N. FAULKNER ST. – 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. $850 monthly. $2,500 to move in (first, last and security deposit).1809 DICE RD – 3 bedroom/2 bathroom mobile home. $700 monthly. $2,100 to move in (first, last and security deposit).1153 US HWY 19 – 4 furnished studio apartments, includes full-size bed, dresser, computer table/chair, nightstand, microwave, coffee pot and some linens. $200 per week or minimum of three nights at $75 per night. Check this out deer hunters. 10/16-10/25

homes and real estate

FOR SALE: 221 North between Shiloh Church Rd. and Cairo Parker Rd. 1-acre lots with paved roads. Owner financing available. Please call (386) 658-1346 or (850) 584-7466. EF

PORTWOOD’S LAWN CARE We do it all: mow, weedeat, edging, flower beds, hedges, leaves, pine straw raking, palm trees, small tree and bush removal, as well as pressure washing and other odd jobs. Call for a free estimate. (850) 838-7635

J & D’S LAWN SERVICEResidential lawnsBush hog mowing

PlowingHarrowing

No job too smallOn call: (850) 843-7115

10/4-10/18

A TO Z FARM AND LAWNSERVICES

Complete Lawn ServicesLicensed and Insured

Land clearing, dozer work, tree trimming/removal, dump truck services, harrowing, bush hog mowing, rake work, dirt leveling. Call (850) 838-5996 or (850) 584-7972. AZ

JOE COXWELL WELDING LLC Welding Fabrication & Repair Mobile Service. (850) 843-3500.JC

FRED MURPHY, LLC. Specializing in mobile home repairs and remodeling windows,

doors, porches and more! Free estimates

Call (850) 843-0681 or (850) 584-9498

Licensed and insured.10/16

STEVE SMITH WELDING, SANDBLASTING, HOME REPAIRS AND LAWN CARE. No job too small. 30+ years experience. Quality work for a reasonable price. Call for a quote: (850) 838-6551 (or 6552).10/2-10/30

Help Wanted

WE PAY TOP DOLLAR TO TOP TALENT. Apply in person and let’s get to work. ADVANCED REFRIGERATION & AIR CONDITIONING is looking for experienced HVAC/R service technicians and installers to be a part of our organization. Must have a clean driving record and valid driver’s license, be able to pass drug screening and criminal background check, have a sense of pride in work, have integrity and honesty to self, employer and customers. Come see us at 520 West Hampton Springs Ave. E-mail resumes and/or request an application by e-mail to adv_ref@fairpoint.net. ARA

TAYLOR COUNTY SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONSJob Vacancy AnnouncementBilingual Election SpecialistCreative and resourceful individual, who will be able to develop, coordinate, communicate and implement daily functions of the elections office. Must be able to read, write, and communicate Spanish and English. Must be a professional who will be able to serve at the discretion of the Supervisor of Elections. Additional information may be found on our website at www.taylorelections.com under Election News.MAINTENANCE POSITION - Full-time. Please apply in person at the Hampton Inn front desk Monday - Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

FINISHERMust be able to read a tape measure to 1/4th inchThis job requires heavy lifting, brushing, painting and labelingThere is only one (1) position available.Perfect attendance. Interested and qualified candidates must call at 850-584-7786 to make an appointment to apply for this position.Only applicants with scheduled appointments will be considered. Big Top Mfg. - 3255 North US 19 Perry, FLEqual Opportunity Employer10/9-11/8 BT

VINYL FABMust be able to read a tape measure to 1/4th This job requires heavy lifting, reading sketches, and working with machines. Perfect attendance.There is only one (1) position available.Interested and qualified candidates must call at 850-584-7786 to make an appointment to apply for this position.Only applicants with scheduled appointments will be considered. Big Top Mfg. - 3255 North US 19 Perry, FLEqual Opportunity Employer10/9-11/8 BT

TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Job Vacancy Announcement. The job description and our 2-step application process can be found on our website at www.taylorcountygov.com or in the lobby of the County Annex. Applicants must apply through Career Source. Taylor County is an EEO employer. Concession Stand Worker - part-time. Concessions Lead Technician - part-time. Firefighter/EMT - full-time.Engineer -- full-time. HEOI - part-time (solid waste). Roll-Off Site Attendant - Call In TCBCC

MIG WELDERS NEEDEDMust have High School diploma or equivalent, the ability to read and understand CAD sketches, also able to read a tape measure to the 1/16th, and you will be required to pass an onsite weld test. Must have a minimum of two years welding experience or a graduate of a certified welding program.Interested and qualified candidates please call at (850)584-7786 to make an appointment to apply for this position. There are three (3) open positions and only applicants with scheduled appointments will be considered. Big Top Mfg. 3255 North US 19 Perry, FL, Equal Opportunity Employer.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE at North Florida College, Madison FL: Nursing Faculty; Part-time Staff Assistant; Systems Support Specialist. See www.nfcc.edu for details.

DIESEL/AUTOMOTIVE TECHNICIAN NEEDED

Welding experience is a plus. Apply in person @ 3789 Highway 221 North Perry, FL 32347 SMER

TWO POSITIONS at Badcock and More furniture: Set-up/Delivery person plus a part-time sale person. Drug testing, background check required. No phone calls, apply in person. BF

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUITIN AND FOR TAYLOR COUNTY, FLORIDACASE NO: 19-242-DRRoger W. SadouskyPetitioner,And Maria Luisa Guerrero-SilvaRespondent, NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT)TO: Maria Luisa Guerrero-Silva, 1280 E. Cooley Dr. #20, Colton, California 92324.YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action 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 Roger W. Sadousky whose address is 2244 Houck Rd, Perry, Florida 32348 on or before the 30 days from Oct. 16, 2019, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 108 N. Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, before service on Petitioner 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: none. 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 documents 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 papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s officer. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dates: Sept. 3, 2019Clerk of Circuit CourtBy: Terri YoungDeputy Clerk10/16, 10/23

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAMETO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, pursuant to the fictitious name statute, Chapter 20953 or Section 865.09, Florida of State, Corporation Division, Tallahassee, Florida, upon

➟ Please see page 15

HELP WANTED

3bed/2bath DW MH, 2bed/1bath HOUSE, both roofs 18 months old. RV Hookups, fenced yard, two wells and a storage building. Bring Offers. $89,900. Call Aleta DeMarco, JW HILL & Assoc. (386) 362-3300.

YARD SALES SERVICES

2015 HURRICANE SUNDECK SPORT DECKBOAT Price Drop: $19,000 OBO 2015 - 20-ft,1-inch - Hurricane Sundeck Sport Deck boat with a 140 HP 4-stroke Suzuki engine with a 2018 Nextrail dual axle trailer. Can be seen on the Beach Road just before Walter Bs store. Call (850) 843-2648 or email driggersvalena@gmail.com

SERVICES

•Stump Grinding •Tree Trimming •Tree Removal •Tractor Work

•Bush Hogging •Bucket Truck Use

•Land Clearing *Free Estimates* *Great Rates* Call today! (850) 838-5923. Mark A. Moneyhan, Licensed and Insured. Certified Quality

Specialist.9/11-1/17

TALL TIMBER TREE SERVICE

LEGALS

MISCELLANEOUS

WANTED

FOR RENT

HOMES &REAL ESTATE

HELPWANTED

FOR RENT

Call (850) 584-5513

to subscribe today!

A-14 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Attendees at the Foley Cellulose Community Advisory Council meeting included: (back row, left to right) Davis Wilson, Steve Wentz, Butch Taylor, Lori Messick, Breanda Taylor, Tom Stone, Red McMullen, Johnny Mack Brown, Travis McCoy, Venita Woodfaulk, Chet Thompson, Pam Feagle, Richard Hatcher and Jean McMullen; and (front row, left to right) Cindy Taylor, Gloria Sullivan, Lawanda Pemberton, Kristy Anderson, Shawna Beach, Lauren Hickman, JoAnne Wilson and Claire Hatcher.

What does Foley need from its future workforce?Members of the Foley

Cellulose Community Advisory Council held their quarterly meeting at the Shady Grove Community Center on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

The meeting agenda included information about Georgia-Pacific’s hiring process and the local mill’s future workforce needs provided by Foley’s Human Resource Manager, Lauren Hickman, along with a pipeline project update from Fenholloway Project Manager Chet Thompson.

“At Georgia-Pacific, we hire based on virtue and talent,” said Hickman. “We aren’t just looking for the hardest worker, most experience or the best resume. We want people who align with our guiding principles. We can teach the skills and talent.”

Hickman went on to explain that Foley’s hiring process begins with an online application provided at www.gpcareers.com.

“If the person meets the requirements for employment, their application is screened against our local

requirements. All who meet these requirements are sent to a recruiter who will review resumes for potential interviews.”

What does Foley need from the workforce of the future? Someone who will:

• Learn quickly and independently,

• Utilize available resources,

• Work with others,• Utilize technology, and• Problem solve and think

critically.Fenholloway Pipeline

UpdateWith pipe installed behind

the Carlton Road Roll-off site and under the river in two different locations, the pipeline project is now approximately 45%

complete.“Construction teams

are now preparing for pipeline installation under U.S. 19, to connect to the pump station site and under Puckett Road,” said Fenholloway Project Leader Chet Thompson.

“There will be no impact to traffic on Puckett Road. However, the plan

does include a brief detour for a week when pipe is installed underneath Golf Course Road,” Thompson stated.

Thompson reported that Foley has five construction teams working in different locations along the pipeline route, and the project remains on schedule to be completed in

September of 2020.The discussion among

many community leaders also included additional needs in the Shady Grove community and at the Shady Grove Community Center.

The council’s next meeting will be held on Jan. 23rd, 2020, with the location to be determined.

All local students presently enrolled in grades 8-12 (public or private school), who are interested in becoming members of the Taylor County Dreamers and Doers Organization, are asked to meet in the Computer Lab at New Brooklyn MBC on Thursday, Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Students are asked to bring their current (first nine-weeks) report card.

For additional information, please contact Flora Woodfaulk at 584-7726 or any Taylor County Dreamers & Doers adviser.

Want to be a Dreamer & Doer?

The Taylor County Historical Society will celebrate “Florida Forest Festival Week” next week, with a special “on site” tour of Forest Capital State Museum.

The tour will be held Monday, Oct. 21, starting at 6 p.m. A covered dish dinner will follow. All members are encouraged to attend.

Kick off FFF week with free museum tour

A-15 Taco Times October 16, 2019

Stay informed. Subscribe to the TaCo Times and

Perry News-Herald today. (850) 584-5513

receipt of proof of publications of this notice the fictitious name, to-wit: Joseph O’Neal’s Fiberglass Repair Paint and Body Shopunder which we/I will engage in business. i/we expect to engage in business in Perry, Florida and our address is: 15751 Breeze Dr., Perry, FL 32348-8359The extent of ownership is: Joseph O’Neal 100%Shop Number: (850) 838 7157

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to WILLIAM DUSTIN KNIGHT Unless payment is made on 2007 CHEVROLET TAHOE VIN: 1GNFK13017R328787 for tow & storage charges on 09-06-2019. Vehicle will be auctioned on the 29th day of OCTOBER 2019 @ 10 am at Thomas Chevrolet 2128 S. Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL (850)584-6221 per F.S. 713.78

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to GLENN MELVIN LEE GERALD DERRICK MCGUIRE unless payment is made on 1997 FORD F-150 XLT VIN:1FTEX18L8VNC15321 for tow & storage charges on 09-16-2019. Vehicle will be auctioned on The 5th day of NOVEMBER 2019 @10 am at Thomas Chevrolet 2128 S. Byron Butler Pkwy, Perry, FL (850)584- 6221 per F.S. 713.78

INVITATION TO BIDTHE TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS SOLICITING SEALED PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE PINECREST STREET

RESURFACING.Qualified firms or individuals desiring to provide the required products or services must submit five (5)packages in a sealed envelope or similar package marked “Sealed Proposal for Pinecrest Street Resurfacing” to the Clerk of Court, 1st Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, to arrive no later than 4:00 P.M., local time, on November 15, 2019. All Proposals MUSThave the respondent’s name and mailing address clearly shown on the outside of the envelope or package when submitted. Proposals will be opened and respondents announced at 9:10 A.M. local time, or as soon thereafter as practical, on November 19, 2019, in the Taylor County Administrative Complex, 201 East Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347.RFP information MUST be obtained from the Clerk of Court, 1st. Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, (850) 838-3506, for a $100.00 non-refundable fee. RFP information may be reviewed on-line at www.taylorcountygov.com/government/county_bids/index.php.A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Administrative Complex located at 201 East Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347.The County reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any or all Proposals, to cancel or withdraw this solicitation at any time and waive any irregularities in the RFP process. The County reserves the right to award any contract to the respondent which it deems to offer the best overall service; therefore, the County is not bound to award any contract(s)

based on the lowest quoted price. The County, in its sole and absolute discretion, also reserves the right to waive any minor defects in the process and to accept the proposal deemed to be in the County’s best interest. No faxed Proposals will be accepted.BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, Taylor County, Florida10/16, 10/23

INVITATION TO BIDTHE TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS IS SOLICITING SEALED PROPOSALS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOLEY CUT-OFF ROAD WIDENING/RESURFACING.Qualified firms or individuals desiring to provide the required products or services must submit five (5)packages in a sealed envelope or similar package marked “Sealed Proposal for Foley Cut-Off Road Widening/Resurfacing” to the Clerk of Court, 1st Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida 32347, to arrive no later than 4:00 P.M., local time, on November 15, 2019. All Proposals MUST have the respondent’s name and mailing address clearly shown on the outside of the envelope or package when submitted. Proposals will be opened and respondents announced at 9:05 A.M. local time, or as soon thereafter as practical, on November 19, 2019, in the Taylor County Administrative Complex, 201 East Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347.RFP information MUST be obtained from the Clerk of Court, 1st. Floor Courthouse, 108 North Jefferson Street, Suite 102, Perry, Florida

32347, (850) 838-3506, for a $100.00 non-refundable fee. RFP information may be reviewed on-line at www.taylorcountygov.com/government/county_bids/index.php.A Pre-Bid Conference will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 1, 2019, at the Administrative Complex located at 201 East Green Street, Perry, Florida 32347.The County reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to reject any or all Proposals, to cancel or withdraw this solicitation at any time and waive any irregularities in the RFP process. The County reserves the right to award any contract to the respondent which it deems to offer the best overall service; therefore, the County is not bound to award any contract(s) based on the lowest quoted price. The County, in its sole and absolute discretion, also reserves the right to waive any minor defects in the process and to accept the proposal deemed to be in the County’s best interest. No faxed Proposals will be accepted.BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, Taylor County, Florida10/16, 10/23

TDA 19-033NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEEDNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT TLGFY, LLC the holder of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number, year of issuance, description of the property and the names in which the property was assessed are as follows:Certificate Number 580

Year of Issuance 2017 Description of Property:Parcel Number R05122-000 Located in Spring Lake Heights Lot 15 Block B & Lot 15A Block B described as commence at the North west corner of Lot 15 as a point of beginning then run North 0 degrees 39 minutes West 75 feet then run North 72 degrees 00 minutes 55 seconds East 18.21 feet then run South 24 degrees 03 minutes East 66.91 feet then run South 65 degrees 57 minutes West 47.9 feet to point of beginning part Lot 17 Block B together with easements. Section 26 Township 04 Range 07. Containing .21 acres MOL. Taylor County Official record Book 271 Page 302Name in which assessed Mary MitchellSaid property being in the County of Taylor, State of Florida.Unless such certificate shall be redeemed according to law, the property described shall be sold to the highest bidder at the courthouse door onthe 18th day of November 2019 at 11:00 o’clock a.m. Dated this 16 day of October, 2019Signature: Annie Mae MurphyClerk of Circuit CourtTaylor County, Florida10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6

TDA 19-034NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEEDNOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, THAT TLGFY, LLC the holder of the following certificate has filed said certificate for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number, year of issuance, description of the

property and the names in which the property was assessed are as follows:Certificate Number 138 Year of Issuance 2017 Description of Property:Parcel Number R02075-000 Commence at the South west corner of the South east ¼ of the North west ¼ then run North 0 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds East 30.20 feet then run North 89 degrees 45 minutes 40 seconds East 330 feet to a point of beginning then run North 0 degrees 05 minutes 56 seconds East 283.44 feet then run South 90 degrees West 307.17 feet South along right of way to North right of way road then run North 89 degrees 45 minutes 40 seconds East to point of beginning. Section 01 Township 04 Range 07. Containing 2.00 acres MOL. Taylor County Official record Book 709 Page 878Name in which assessed Dale & Louann Stephens Said property being in the County of Taylor, State of Florida.Unless such certificate shall be redeemed according to law, the propertydescribed shall be sold to the highest bidder at the courthouse door onthe 18th day of November 2019 at 11:00 o’clock a.m. Dated this 16 day of October, 2019Signature: Annie Mae MurphyClerk of Circuit CourtTaylor County, Florida10/16, 10/23, 10/30, 11/6

LEGALS

(continued from page13

Editor’s Note: The following feature on Taylor County resident Pam Blue was published in the Madison County Carrier on Oct. 4 in recognition of National Teachers Week. It is re-printed here with permission.By RICK PATRICKGreene Publishing, Inc.

In one of his letters to the church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul told the church members: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” (I Corinthians 13:1 NIV)

Visiting the classroom of Madison County Central School (MCCS) first-grade teacher Pam Blue, one can easily see this Bible verse being personified on a daily basis. Blue’s sincere love for the students in her care is clearly a driving

force for this third-year teacher.

Blue, a 1984 graduate of Taylor County High School, in Perry, Fla., knew from an early age that she was called to be a teacher. One could even say it was genetic. Her great-grandfather, Calvin McLain was a traveling teacher who served schools in Madison, Jefferson and Taylor counties many years ago.

After raising her own children, Blue decided to put aside her job as a medical transcriptionist and go back to school to pursue the profession she had been called into.

“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” said Blue. “When I graduated from high school, it just wasn’t possible financially. Later, I had children of my own and working as a medical

transcriptionist was a good fit.

“When my youngest graduated, I decided it was time to follow that calling. I enrolled in school at North Florida [Community College] in 2015 and later transferred to the University of West Florida. It was all in God’s timing, because I would not have been nearly as successful if I had gone to college right out of high school.”

Blue graduated with honors from both North Florida Community College and the University of West Florida.

Blue graduated from the University of West Florida in December of 2017 and is now in her third year of teaching first grade at MCCS.

“I love the kids,” says Blue. “My favorite thing is

building relationships with these kids.”

Blue makes a concerted effort to spend time with each student in her class in order to build those relationships. So far, those relationships have proven to be lasting.

“I have students from my first class who are in third grade now who still come by just to say ‘hello’ and to get a hug,” says Blue with a sincere smile.

Blue says that life was not easy as a child. She did not enter the first grade until she was eight. She says the financial hardships she faced as a youngster helps her to relate to many of her students today.

“Some of these students have had a rough life outside the classroom. I can relate to a lot of that,” said Blue.

Both of Blue’s children are currently working, or have worked, in the education field in Taylor and Jefferson counties. Along with Blue working in

Madison County, they have served the same area that Blue’s great-grandfather served decades before. No doubt he is looking down with pride.

The meeting will be held Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. at Citrus County -- College of Central Florida Citrus Learning Center, located at 3800 S. Lecanto Hwy. in Lecanto. Registration opens at 9 a.m.; public comments begin at 4:30 p.m. and comment stations will be available all day.

A community open house will follow the next day on Thursday, Oct. 24, at Old Town Education Center (823 SE 349 Highway) in Old Town.

Among those expected to be in attendance at the meeting is Taylor County Commission Chair Pam Feagle, who is among the 41 people appointed to the task force.

Following the task force’s first meeting in late August, Feagle provided an update to her fellow commissioners at Taylor County’s Sept. 3 meeting and listened to questions and concerns regarding the project.

With most local county commissioners considering the toll roll’s future path through Taylor County more of an issue of “when” rather than “if,” the biggest issue raised was the route and commissioners’ desire that it does not “bypass” Perry and its businesses.

“They did not have a route yet,” Feagle told the board. “All of us were

interested in where the road is going to go. I feel like from everything I’ve heard, this road is coming. The governor is behind it, and the legislature has passed this bill. I believe it’s coming.”

“If it does pass through Taylor County -- and I believe it will -- I sure don’t want it to be out there somewhere and bypass our business area here. As it is now, many people stop and gas up and spend the night and eat here. That’s a real concern that it will take people away instead of bringing them in.”

“Where it hits I-10 will be hub,” Commissioner Jim Moody said. “That’ll be a big industrial hub right there.”

“Unfortunately, we don’t have [I-10],” Feagle said.

“Well, we’re not that far from I-10,” Moody said.

“My greatest fear is if you build the road say nine miles out into the Bay, then there’s got to be a nine-mile road to Perry,” Commissioner Malcolm Page said. “Nobody is going to turn off nine miles to come get gas. I hope if it comes through Taylor County, whether it’s on the west side of U.S. 19 or the east side, that it’s relatively close so you can see signage and can get off at certain interchanges so we can still draw some extra local business.

“My long-term hope is we can attract something like what they have near

Marianna, a Family Dollar distribution warehouse, even if we’re not at the hub,” Page said. “If you build it halfway between here and Mayo, it’s not going to benefit us a whole lot.”

“If that road does come through Taylor County, then my job will be to try my best to get them to work with what we’ve got,” Feagle said. “Now, I don’t know how they would do that. I don’t want it nine miles out there so that everybody that is coming through Taylor County won’t stop here.”

During the discussion, Feagle said she also had concerns about the possible impacts to local emergency response agencies with the increased traffic resulting from the parkway making its way through Taylor County.

Future task force meetings include one set in Taylor County on Dec. 17.

The task force was created by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) pursuant to Senate Bill 7068, which the Florida Legislature passed this spring, kickstarting the largest statewide highway expansion plan since the 1950s.

In addition to the Suncoast Connector, two other projects -- each with its own task force -- are also proposed, including a Northwest Turnpike Connector, which would connect the Florida Turnpike to the Suncoast

Parkway, as well as a Southwest-Central Florida Connector linking Polk County to Collier County.

The legislation requires each task force to present its report to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and legislative leaders by Oct. 1, 2020. Along the way, they will be asked to develop guiding principles, including recommendations to FDOT for both potential actions as well as approaches to avoid.

The official website of

the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES) has undergone some recent updates. The site, FloridaMCORES.com, has been streamlined and each task force page has been updated. Documents from the Aug. 27 plenary session and task force meetings have been added to the site, and there are links to the videos of all three task force meetings.

In addition to speaking at

the meetings, the public can offer feedback via email at FDOT.Listens@dot.state.fl.us or through the comment form on FloridaMCORES.com. The public can also stay updated by visiting F l o r i d a M C O R E S . c o m and clicking the “Stay Informed” tab to learn more, see a calendar of upcoming meetings and open houses, and sign up to receive news and notices of upcoming meetings.

Pam Blue graduated from the University of West Florida in December of 2017 and is now in her third year of teaching first grade at Madison County Central School.

Teacher Pam Blue: ‘I love the kids’

SUNCOASTContinued from page 1

Feagle on Suncoast Parkway: ‘Real concern that it will take people away instead of bringing them in’

In addition to the Suncoast Connector, two other projects -- each with its own task force -- are also proposed, including a Northwest Turnpike Connector, which would connect the Florida Turnpike to the Suncoast Parkway, as well as a Southwest-Central Florida Connector linking Polk County to Collier County.

A-16 Taco Times October 16, 2019

By LORI WIGGINSUF/IFAS Extension Agent III

October is “National Farm to School Month,” a time to celebrate the connections happening all over the country between children and local food.

In Taylor County, youth are participating in evidenced-based nutrition educational activities in classrooms and gardening activities.

The Great Garden Detective Program was

implemented through a partnership between UF/IFAS Family Nutrition Program, local Master Gardeners and the local school system.

All third graders at Taylor County Elementary School have taken part in the program for the past eight years.

This year, Family Nutrition Program Assistant Corrie Willis is teaching hands-on nutrition lessons in the classroom, while Master Gardeners are utilizing gardens to teach students in an outdoor classroom setting.

This program runs every week during the school year. The gardens at the school consist of hydroponic beds, raised beds, composting and fruit trees.

UF/IFAS participates in National Farm to School Month

Students have been learning from the Master Gardeners in an outdoor classroom setting utilizing school gardens consisting of hydroponic beds, raised beds, composting and fruit trees. (Photos courtesy of Lori Wiggins.)

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn

The Perry Garden Club invites locals to participate in the club’s monthly socials and meetings to grow their knowledge of plants and flowers – no green thumb required.

The Perry Garden Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Forest Capital Park at 204 Forest Park Dr. in Perry.

The social half hour

begins at 11 a.m., and the potluck-style meeting commences at 11:30 a.m.

Those interested in gardening are encouraged to mark their calendars so they do not miss any of the upcoming programs.

• October 16, 2019: All you need to know about Begonias and other Garden Jewels.

• November 20, 2019: Make and take fall Flower Arrangement ($5.00 fee for members, $10.00 fee for non-members).

• December 18, 2019: Annual Designing from local flower designers (flower arrangements to be auctioned off as a club fundraiser).

• January 15, 2020: Come learn about backyard fruits: When to plant, what grows in our climate and care.

• February 19, 2020: Landscape design- Come learn tips on how to design your yard.

• March 18; 2020: Make and take stepping-

stones – come out and learn how to design your own unique stepping-stones.

• April 15; 2020: Cooking demo with herbs.

• May 20, 2020: Fun with Gourds – learn how to decorate gourds. Bring your craft box and decorate ($5.00 fee for members, $10.00 fee for non-members).

Those interested in becoming a member of the Perry Garden Club may contact Jamie Sheffield at (850) 838-6378.

Bring your green thumb to the Garden Club

The Perry Garden Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 11 a.m. at Forest Capital Park.