Just like the dog ate my homework, the Cooter Festival ate my life. The past few weeks seem to fly by in preparations of the festival which celebrated the little turtle with the big heart. Now that the festival is here and gone, I’ve had time to reflect on the significance of an event like this to our community.
Granted my role in this festival was a small one, but nonetheless I was a part of the team that produced the most successful Cooter Festival this community has ever seen. From the outside the festival appeared seamlessly put together; an array of vendors, port-a-lets in all the right places, activities for children of all ages, and of course plenty of cooters. (That’s water turtles for any of you who don’t know.)
But it was during the preparations that I had to sit back and wonder why. Why go through the hassle? Why would businesses sign on as sponsors? Why would volunteers spend their weekend selling t-shirts and picking up trash? Why would the City of Inverness and the Chamber devotes months to organizing such an event?
The more I wondered I began to seek out the reasons why. For starters it provided the community with some great activities to participate in. From the downtown Inverness block party to the Miss Cooter and Cooter Idol contests to the Cooter Triathlon and the Cooterween community costume contest, there was an activity for every person in the surrounding areas.
Secondly, it drew in visitors from far beyond the borders of the community. Visitors, who were attracted here and, hopefully, will fall in love with the community and come back for many more visits. Perhaps even someone may have come to visit for the Cooter Festival and decided that Citrus County is the perfect locale to relocate their business to. (Hey, a girl can dream.)
And lastly amongst a list of many other reasons, it gave a boost to our economy. For one weekend in late October, hotels were filled to capacity, restaurants were slammed, and shops were full. Families came out of their homes and without having to spend a dime could enjoy many events at the festival.
None of this would have been possible if all the aforementioned players had not come together to do something for the good of this community. And for something as what some see as silly as a turtle, is actually a big reason why.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Reasons Why - A day 20 years in the making
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending a wedding of a close friend of mine. A friend that I made just weeks after my family had moved to Citrus County. A friend who I had the pleasure of going to school with from elementary to high school graduation day and then we attended Florida State University together. Almost 20 years this girl has been a part of my life. When you are only 28, 20 years is a long time.
I thought about other weddings I have attending in my life. With the exception of a few aunts and uncles who by default have known me since birth no other wedding I have ever attended encompassed what I consider a life long relationship as this.
It was almost surreal to sit there in the audience at this wedding. To watch as the same Pastor who baptized us decades ago was now performing a wedding ceremony. To sit there amongst parents of our other friends who carted us to the movies before we could drive and chaperoned our school field trips. To watch my friend’s sister (who coincidentally is my best friend of all time) dressed to the nines stand there as maid of honor like we had talked about since we were little. To see her parents beaming with pride as any parent would be on a day such as this. To sit with friends who had been there for each other at many other major life milestones.
My mind then wandered to my close circle of friends. The overwhelming majority of whom I made while growing up in Citrus County. I remember someone once told me, “You’ll make your best friends in college.” they had said. Not this girl, all my best friends came from childhood.
Is this a standard of small town life? Who knows? But what I do know is this, I’m thankful for my close group of friends who have been there for me throughout my life. I’m thankful that 20 years later we are still a part of each others lives and look forward to the next 20 years. Citrus County was the vessel that brought our lives together, and for that I’ll add it to the list of reasons why.
I thought about other weddings I have attending in my life. With the exception of a few aunts and uncles who by default have known me since birth no other wedding I have ever attended encompassed what I consider a life long relationship as this.
It was almost surreal to sit there in the audience at this wedding. To watch as the same Pastor who baptized us decades ago was now performing a wedding ceremony. To sit there amongst parents of our other friends who carted us to the movies before we could drive and chaperoned our school field trips. To watch my friend’s sister (who coincidentally is my best friend of all time) dressed to the nines stand there as maid of honor like we had talked about since we were little. To see her parents beaming with pride as any parent would be on a day such as this. To sit with friends who had been there for each other at many other major life milestones.
My mind then wandered to my close circle of friends. The overwhelming majority of whom I made while growing up in Citrus County. I remember someone once told me, “You’ll make your best friends in college.” they had said. Not this girl, all my best friends came from childhood.
Is this a standard of small town life? Who knows? But what I do know is this, I’m thankful for my close group of friends who have been there for me throughout my life. I’m thankful that 20 years later we are still a part of each others lives and look forward to the next 20 years. Citrus County was the vessel that brought our lives together, and for that I’ll add it to the list of reasons why.
Reasons Why - Sassa, sassa, land that I love
By Meredith Linley
It only seems fitting to start my Verbal Praise Tour 2009 where it all began, in Homosassa. My family moved to Citrus County about 20 years ago when my father took the manager position at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Growing up with a zoo right in my backyard was an experience like no other. Besides me who else have you ever met that had a pet hippo?
The transformation of the wildlife park that has happened over the course of the past 20 years has brought great recognition from all over the world. To think that tourists from other continents travel to Citrus County just to visit the manatees down at the “attraction”, as it is still referred to by many native Citrus Countians, is fantastic. I remember when Lu, the hippo received his pardon from Governor Chiles, I mean it’s not everyday that happens. Over the years I have seen the park evolve into a beautiful facility for locals and tourists alike. The many people who played a role in this transformation deserve recognition for preserving its natural beauty for generations.
But this is only the beginning of the reasons why I love Homosassa. Old Homosassa truly is a unique place. They are proud to be a “Florida Waterfront Community”. There are awesome restaurants, adorable shops, and of course friendly locals on every corner. Old Homosassa is also home to a great group of local artists. Some of these artists have storefronts in Old Homosassa, but you can also be guaranteed to find their handiworks at any given festival in Citrus County.
Homosassa is also home to some of the best people, and trust me I’m not the least bit bias. Residents of Homosassa get that sparkle in their eye when they are talking about their beloved. They find new projects to start and goals to achieve. Be it a new sign or stating their own advocacy group – people in Homosassa always have something new up their sleeve.
I’ve heard it said many a time that Homosassa is a quaint little fishing village. And I guess to some it is, but as hopping as I have the place get when tourists are in town, locals are out and businesses are thriving – quaint isn’t exactly the word that comes to mind. I see it more as “Homosassa where water meets the road and comes ALIVE!” Regardless, it’s an amazing community I will always hold near and dear to my heart and is definitely on the list of reasons why.
It only seems fitting to start my Verbal Praise Tour 2009 where it all began, in Homosassa. My family moved to Citrus County about 20 years ago when my father took the manager position at the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park. Growing up with a zoo right in my backyard was an experience like no other. Besides me who else have you ever met that had a pet hippo?
The transformation of the wildlife park that has happened over the course of the past 20 years has brought great recognition from all over the world. To think that tourists from other continents travel to Citrus County just to visit the manatees down at the “attraction”, as it is still referred to by many native Citrus Countians, is fantastic. I remember when Lu, the hippo received his pardon from Governor Chiles, I mean it’s not everyday that happens. Over the years I have seen the park evolve into a beautiful facility for locals and tourists alike. The many people who played a role in this transformation deserve recognition for preserving its natural beauty for generations.
But this is only the beginning of the reasons why I love Homosassa. Old Homosassa truly is a unique place. They are proud to be a “Florida Waterfront Community”. There are awesome restaurants, adorable shops, and of course friendly locals on every corner. Old Homosassa is also home to a great group of local artists. Some of these artists have storefronts in Old Homosassa, but you can also be guaranteed to find their handiworks at any given festival in Citrus County.
Homosassa is also home to some of the best people, and trust me I’m not the least bit bias. Residents of Homosassa get that sparkle in their eye when they are talking about their beloved. They find new projects to start and goals to achieve. Be it a new sign or stating their own advocacy group – people in Homosassa always have something new up their sleeve.
I’ve heard it said many a time that Homosassa is a quaint little fishing village. And I guess to some it is, but as hopping as I have the place get when tourists are in town, locals are out and businesses are thriving – quaint isn’t exactly the word that comes to mind. I see it more as “Homosassa where water meets the road and comes ALIVE!” Regardless, it’s an amazing community I will always hold near and dear to my heart and is definitely on the list of reasons why.
Reasons Why - Each piece is unique
By Meredith Linley
It’s quite shocking to me how busy these past few months have been, even more shocking that I have now been home for over 6 months. I guess that this is just how fall is; football games, festivals, golf tournaments, special events, and of course holidays. But as I sit and reflect on the past few months it’s a few events that really stand out in my mind.
Events like the Cooter Festival, the Stone Crab Jam, and the Homosassa Seafood Festival. In recent weekends I attended all three and each one has its own distinct flavor which was something that really got me to thinking. Even though we tend to refer to ourselves as the whole (Citrus County) it really is each individual city or area that brings something different to the table.
This is what really got me thinking. I naturally compare every reason why with my experiences in the bigger cities. In larger cities you will find suburbs and different areas of town. But it’s all the same - big box shopping center on the corner, subdivision, subdivision, school. What do they bring to the table? I can assure you it’s not cooters or stone crabs.
Every part of Citrus County contributes something new and unique to our area as a whole. From each corner different industries and attractions contribute to make our community a destination. And I feel it reasonably safe to say that without one part of this big picture our community wouldn’t dazzle so much. Without the Shoppes of Heritage Village or the blueberry farms of Floral City, the whole package we present as Citrus County wouldn’t be the same. And I can’t even fathom what life was like before the Great American Cooter Festival!
Unfortunately I have to keep these columns under 400 words so I can’t go into detail as to why each corner of our county contributes to my overall list of reasons why. But I invite you to follow me in the coming weeks as I attempt to go through and share with you a few things from each area that have made it to my list of reasons why.
It’s quite shocking to me how busy these past few months have been, even more shocking that I have now been home for over 6 months. I guess that this is just how fall is; football games, festivals, golf tournaments, special events, and of course holidays. But as I sit and reflect on the past few months it’s a few events that really stand out in my mind.
Events like the Cooter Festival, the Stone Crab Jam, and the Homosassa Seafood Festival. In recent weekends I attended all three and each one has its own distinct flavor which was something that really got me to thinking. Even though we tend to refer to ourselves as the whole (Citrus County) it really is each individual city or area that brings something different to the table.
This is what really got me thinking. I naturally compare every reason why with my experiences in the bigger cities. In larger cities you will find suburbs and different areas of town. But it’s all the same - big box shopping center on the corner, subdivision, subdivision, school. What do they bring to the table? I can assure you it’s not cooters or stone crabs.
Every part of Citrus County contributes something new and unique to our area as a whole. From each corner different industries and attractions contribute to make our community a destination. And I feel it reasonably safe to say that without one part of this big picture our community wouldn’t dazzle so much. Without the Shoppes of Heritage Village or the blueberry farms of Floral City, the whole package we present as Citrus County wouldn’t be the same. And I can’t even fathom what life was like before the Great American Cooter Festival!
Unfortunately I have to keep these columns under 400 words so I can’t go into detail as to why each corner of our county contributes to my overall list of reasons why. But I invite you to follow me in the coming weeks as I attempt to go through and share with you a few things from each area that have made it to my list of reasons why.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Reasons Why #12 - Pirate Pride
Last week in a cafetorium decorated with blue and gold balloons hundreds gathered at Crystal River High School. Friday night lights, you ask? Kind of, but something a little bigger than the rivalry on the field happened this particular October night. Last week Pirate Stadium was officially renamed after our long time Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Earl Bramlett which in the hearts of true Pirates has always been its name – but now it’s official.
Let me make it clear that in no way would I have ever considered myself an athlete during my years at CRHS. I was far too busy driving Dr. Ladkani nuts, being sent to Coach Whitehead’s office for dress code violations, and attempting to run the school through Student Government. However, I would doubt there was not a student who walked through the halls whose school life was not affected by Coach Bramlett.
As iconic as Mickey Mouse is to Disney World, Coach Bramlett was to CRHS over the course of the past 3 decades. I witnessed his leadership and his effect on students who came in as young punk freshman and left as seniors with sports scholarships to colleges across the nation. He had a charisma for the school and its athletic program that could be seen even from a distance.
As I stood there in the cafetorium, surrounded by past teachers, classmates, and alumni I was completely struck with the fact of how amazing our school was and genuinely blessed my life has been because of CRHS. Coach Bramlett didn’t stand alone, there were so many of my teachers who had that true passion for teaching and it showed. We had a group of the most amazing teachers and administrators that all loved this community and imparted little pieces of themselves in each of us.
Of course I’m prejudiced, but CRHS was a huge part of my youth and just another thing on the list of reasons why I’m so in love with this community. It’s the people like Coach Bramlett who made going to school enjoyable, getting involved attainable, and growing as a person possible. If it takes a village to raise a child, I couldn’t be more blessed to have had CRHS in my village.
Let me make it clear that in no way would I have ever considered myself an athlete during my years at CRHS. I was far too busy driving Dr. Ladkani nuts, being sent to Coach Whitehead’s office for dress code violations, and attempting to run the school through Student Government. However, I would doubt there was not a student who walked through the halls whose school life was not affected by Coach Bramlett.
As iconic as Mickey Mouse is to Disney World, Coach Bramlett was to CRHS over the course of the past 3 decades. I witnessed his leadership and his effect on students who came in as young punk freshman and left as seniors with sports scholarships to colleges across the nation. He had a charisma for the school and its athletic program that could be seen even from a distance.
As I stood there in the cafetorium, surrounded by past teachers, classmates, and alumni I was completely struck with the fact of how amazing our school was and genuinely blessed my life has been because of CRHS. Coach Bramlett didn’t stand alone, there were so many of my teachers who had that true passion for teaching and it showed. We had a group of the most amazing teachers and administrators that all loved this community and imparted little pieces of themselves in each of us.
Of course I’m prejudiced, but CRHS was a huge part of my youth and just another thing on the list of reasons why I’m so in love with this community. It’s the people like Coach Bramlett who made going to school enjoyable, getting involved attainable, and growing as a person possible. If it takes a village to raise a child, I couldn’t be more blessed to have had CRHS in my village.
Reasons Why #11 - A true community newspaper
Authors note: On my honor I swear by all things good, and holy that in no way, shape, or form were the contents of this column solicited by any person who has or has ever received a paycheck from the organization about which I will soon speak.
On a daily basis I’m constantly finding more and more things, new and old, to add to the list of reasons why I love this community. However last week I realized I had somewhat forgotten, or rather taken for granted one particular organization, led by one amazing group of people, off the list I’ve been chronicling (pun INTENDED). The Chronicle. The local paper, but it’s so much more than that.
Where on earth would we be without the Chronicle in Citrus County? That’s just a question I don’t even want to consider. Having spent the last decade living in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, I can attest to the fact that I never had any quality interaction with any of the large city newspapers. Letters to the Editors were seldom published, press releases not well responded to, events rarely sponsored, and staff presence in the public – barely.
Not the Chronicle though – they are our community. Letters to the editor, sound off, and the website message boards are all opportunities for us, the reader, to give our input. Press releases, the individual city publications, and the features are ways for organizations to get their info out to the masses.
Unlike too many other “media rags” out there, one thing I’ve always loved about the Chronicle was the guarantee that when I would open it I would be greeted with good news. Community milestones rarely go unnoticed by the Chronicle. If it’s a businesses anniversary, a community member who has overcome some type of odds, or the achievement of local children it all ranks as newsworthy items.
It’s no secret the print media world is hurting in today’s economy – but yet where is the Chronicle? Sponsoring major events in the community EVERY DAY. Title Sponsor of the Cooter Festival, the Chronicle. Major media sponsor of the Business Women’s Alliance Health & Fitness Expo, the Chronicle (quick shameless plug, Sept. 26 at the Armory, FREE admission, don’t miss it!). Homosassa Rotary Chili Cook off, Kiwanis Mystery Theater Dinner, Shop Citrus First, Jazz on Bourbon Street benefiting the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the list goes on and on and on.
Obviously the Chronicle wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership and staff it has. I almost hesitate to attempt to do justice to the caliber of people the Chronicle staff are, but I’ll try. The leadership team of the Chronicle are just some gosh darn amazing people.
Gerry Mulligan is by far one of the coolest guys around, and definitely one of the smartest. It doesn’t hurt that he has a heart for this community like no other. Neale Brennan has some of the best ideas and her willingness to get involved in every aspect of this community should be commended on a daily basis. If I continue to go on about the leadership team at the Chronicle it will appear like I’m attempting to get a front page spot for this little column, so I’ll just stop now while I’m ahead.
It’s not just the leadership team though it’s every employee. From the great staff photographers, the sweet ladies in the copy room that always help me with the Chamber page on Sundays, and Brian in the online department who is always there to assist me whenever I call – they all rock. And if you ask them, they love their jobs. They love to be an integral part of this community. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Over the decade I wasn’t living here, www.chronicleonline.com, was my lifeline of staying up on Citrus County happenings. Chances are if you’re reading this the Chronicle is your lifeline too. It’s a critical piece of our community and it’s just another reason why.
On a daily basis I’m constantly finding more and more things, new and old, to add to the list of reasons why I love this community. However last week I realized I had somewhat forgotten, or rather taken for granted one particular organization, led by one amazing group of people, off the list I’ve been chronicling (pun INTENDED). The Chronicle. The local paper, but it’s so much more than that.
Where on earth would we be without the Chronicle in Citrus County? That’s just a question I don’t even want to consider. Having spent the last decade living in Tallahassee and Jacksonville, I can attest to the fact that I never had any quality interaction with any of the large city newspapers. Letters to the Editors were seldom published, press releases not well responded to, events rarely sponsored, and staff presence in the public – barely.
Not the Chronicle though – they are our community. Letters to the editor, sound off, and the website message boards are all opportunities for us, the reader, to give our input. Press releases, the individual city publications, and the features are ways for organizations to get their info out to the masses.
Unlike too many other “media rags” out there, one thing I’ve always loved about the Chronicle was the guarantee that when I would open it I would be greeted with good news. Community milestones rarely go unnoticed by the Chronicle. If it’s a businesses anniversary, a community member who has overcome some type of odds, or the achievement of local children it all ranks as newsworthy items.
It’s no secret the print media world is hurting in today’s economy – but yet where is the Chronicle? Sponsoring major events in the community EVERY DAY. Title Sponsor of the Cooter Festival, the Chronicle. Major media sponsor of the Business Women’s Alliance Health & Fitness Expo, the Chronicle (quick shameless plug, Sept. 26 at the Armory, FREE admission, don’t miss it!). Homosassa Rotary Chili Cook off, Kiwanis Mystery Theater Dinner, Shop Citrus First, Jazz on Bourbon Street benefiting the Old Courthouse Heritage Museum and the list goes on and on and on.
Obviously the Chronicle wouldn’t be what it is without the leadership and staff it has. I almost hesitate to attempt to do justice to the caliber of people the Chronicle staff are, but I’ll try. The leadership team of the Chronicle are just some gosh darn amazing people.
Gerry Mulligan is by far one of the coolest guys around, and definitely one of the smartest. It doesn’t hurt that he has a heart for this community like no other. Neale Brennan has some of the best ideas and her willingness to get involved in every aspect of this community should be commended on a daily basis. If I continue to go on about the leadership team at the Chronicle it will appear like I’m attempting to get a front page spot for this little column, so I’ll just stop now while I’m ahead.
It’s not just the leadership team though it’s every employee. From the great staff photographers, the sweet ladies in the copy room that always help me with the Chamber page on Sundays, and Brian in the online department who is always there to assist me whenever I call – they all rock. And if you ask them, they love their jobs. They love to be an integral part of this community. Now that’s what I’m talking about!
Over the decade I wasn’t living here, www.chronicleonline.com, was my lifeline of staying up on Citrus County happenings. Chances are if you’re reading this the Chronicle is your lifeline too. It’s a critical piece of our community and it’s just another reason why.
Reasons Why #10 - Star light, star bright
Several weeks ago I was driving home to Crystal River from Inverness. It was late and I was tired, 486 was dark and quiet, I started to zone out. I began to roll the window down to get a quick burst of air to perk me up the last five miles of the drive, as I did I glanced out the window at the night sky – and practically ran off the road.
What happened to make me do this you ask? A lost wandering cow? A wreckless driver? A UFO? No, it was the night sky. The brilliantly beautiful, clear, star strewn sky. I actually slowed down and pulled off the road for a minute. I couldn’t even recall the last time I had seen stars shine so brightly. I’m positive I lost my breath for a moment.
When I got home I stood in the driveway for a few extra minutes just staring at the sky. It’s really amazing the how clear the stars shine without the adulterations of big city lights. It was something I had never given much thought to living in a city, one of those little things you forget about and don’t realize how much you actually miss.
There’s just something about the sky, something about the stars so high above, it brings peace and clarity of mind. It’s like a reminder that we need to stop and notice the little things. Stop and appreciate what’s around us.
Later in that week I was visiting a friend who lives several miles outside of town. While sitting on the back porch I instantly became mesmerized but the night sky again, I was transfixed and didn’t want to move. It was raw and beautiful, even the lights of the mall slightly taint the view of the night sky from my neighborhood.
At this point I determined that I was crazy in the head, that I was the only person in Citrus County who gazed at the stars. The only one who appreciated the stars in the sky because of their association with a small town community. And I was ok with that.
However, a week or so after this I was at another friend’s house right off of the Kings Bay. There was a small group of us out there, talking about football and solving the problems of the world. One of my friends made a comment about the stars. My ears perked up. I wasn’t the only one who noticed them! We then had a delightful conversation about how the stars really do shine brighter in Citrus County - away from the saturation of city lights, skyscrapers, and pollution.
After these occurrences I realized that stargazing was definitely worthy to add to the list…of reasons why.
What happened to make me do this you ask? A lost wandering cow? A wreckless driver? A UFO? No, it was the night sky. The brilliantly beautiful, clear, star strewn sky. I actually slowed down and pulled off the road for a minute. I couldn’t even recall the last time I had seen stars shine so brightly. I’m positive I lost my breath for a moment.
When I got home I stood in the driveway for a few extra minutes just staring at the sky. It’s really amazing the how clear the stars shine without the adulterations of big city lights. It was something I had never given much thought to living in a city, one of those little things you forget about and don’t realize how much you actually miss.
There’s just something about the sky, something about the stars so high above, it brings peace and clarity of mind. It’s like a reminder that we need to stop and notice the little things. Stop and appreciate what’s around us.
Later in that week I was visiting a friend who lives several miles outside of town. While sitting on the back porch I instantly became mesmerized but the night sky again, I was transfixed and didn’t want to move. It was raw and beautiful, even the lights of the mall slightly taint the view of the night sky from my neighborhood.
At this point I determined that I was crazy in the head, that I was the only person in Citrus County who gazed at the stars. The only one who appreciated the stars in the sky because of their association with a small town community. And I was ok with that.
However, a week or so after this I was at another friend’s house right off of the Kings Bay. There was a small group of us out there, talking about football and solving the problems of the world. One of my friends made a comment about the stars. My ears perked up. I wasn’t the only one who noticed them! We then had a delightful conversation about how the stars really do shine brighter in Citrus County - away from the saturation of city lights, skyscrapers, and pollution.
After these occurrences I realized that stargazing was definitely worthy to add to the list…of reasons why.
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