Citrus County Hospital Board has been, and remains, eager to maintain the energy and focus of our community to acquire additional local mental health services and facilities. However, the purpose of this response is to address clearly inaccurate information actually published July 10, 2022, by the former publisher of the Citrus County Chronicle, Gerry Mulligan.

Gerry publishes that I am an “advisor” to the County Hospital Board. I am not an advisor; I am general counsel and in that “paid role” I provide legal advice. The Citrus County Hospital Board mental health initiative began over five years ago under the direction of former Chairwoman Debbie Ressler and she and the Citrus County Hospital Board Trustees were needlessly and rudely confronted, which clearly caused the Citrus County Hospital Board to step back from a leadership role but maintain their conviction to acquire mental health services as a community partner.

Gerry is correct to state that the “funds from the arrangement (proceeds from HCA lease) were “to be used to improve the health care of the Citrus County Community.” The Citrus County Hospital Board has done just that and continues to do so as evidenced in collaborated efforts such as the Veterans Village of Citrus County (being built on county land, $2.5 million) and food and medicine to all local charities during the COVID-19 crisis (hundreds of thousands and to endow medical education training at the College of Central Florida-Lecanto campus ($1 million).

The volunteer activities of the Citrus County Hospital Board Trustees stand as a testament of what civic-minded public service is all about. Furthermore, I have the privilege of following their directive, not initiating those directives.

Citrus County Hospital Board is the leader for health-related problems and lobbies and advocates for our community well-being: Citrus County Hospital Board is not the lobbyist for LifeStream much like my friend Gene McGee (regardless of a conflict with the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners). Citrus County Hospital Board is clear-eyed and focused to create an enduring partnership and with and for mental health.

Most importantly, when the Citrus County Hospital Board expressed intent in partnering with the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, Commissioner Dr. Jeff Kinnard, and Rep. Dr. Ralph Massullo; the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners planned to create the mental health facility on Citrus County Board of County Commissioners’ land (much like the Veteran’s Village of Citrus County) with the animal shelter. Thus, any investment in a Baker Act Facility would be constructed on Citrus County Board of County Commissioners’ taxpayer-owned land and the county tax dollars invested would remain with the citizens of Citrus County for Citrus County benefit, not the financial benefit of a (here for now) private not-for-profit corporation. It was actually suggested at a Citrus County Hospital Board meeting by LifeStream that if LifeStream lost the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners contract to provide mental health services, that LifeStream could lease back their building to the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners new vendor, which means the taxpayers of Citrus County get the privilege of paying twice. The Citrus County Hospital Board Trustees have indicated they will not agree to such an agreement.

Citrus County Hospital Board would absolutely be thrilled if Life Stream built a mental health complex in Citrus County but it needs to be built on Citrus County Board of County Commissioners land or the taxpayer funded construction must be owned by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners or other government entity to preserve and protect the Citrus County taxpayers’ investment of tax money.

Gerry cites to my obstruction via “technicalities in an agreement to funnel” Citrus County Hospital Board tax money to a private not-for-profit corporation. Gerry is correct because that is the state position of both the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners and Citrus County Hospital Board. To be clear, I do not vote and in fact follow the wishes and edict of the Citrus County Hospital Board Trustees. Feel free to contact the Trustees Chairman, Dr. Mark Fallows, who is a clear-eyed professional medical doctor who understands all of these issues very well. Trustee Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Jeff Wallis is also very well-versed in mental health and both of these medical doctors do not take direction from me, but rather through their years of training and experience to make their decisions and vote accordingly.

Every life matters. Life is sacrosanct, which includes mental and physical health. Citrus County Hospital Board cares about the mental and physical health of adults and children. Currently, both are taken out of county to be serviced, which needs to be addressed, whether it is a child or adult.

I agree with Gerry that “people are dying every week from suicide, drug addiction or other mental health woes,” which is why I ask Gerry and Gene to get LifeStream to make a course correction and go back to the original plan to build on county land. It has been much longer than “two years” that leaders have discussed the mental health crisis of Citrus County. Action is needed now.

Finally, and most importantly, LifeStream is a contract vendor that can be terminated by the Citrus County Board of County Commissioners, just like the Centers was not renewed. And, like any business, there always detractors and issues and complaints for vendors, such as LifeStream. Currently, there are issues that LEO (law enforcement officers) and others have regarding nurses and psychiatrist staffing. It is not a question of if, but when, the LifeStream contract is not renewed or terminated. What then? More tax money again. It is sound for the taxpayers to own the building it partially pays for and to do so in conjunction with other government partners.

Bottom line, the purpose is to acquire a Baker Act Facility for Citrus County citizens and not to give away taxpayer dollars to a private, here for now, not-for-profit corporation. The benefit must always and shall remain with Citrus County citizens.

Bill Grant is the general counsel for the Citrus County Hospital Board.

The Florida Department of Education released the statewide district and school grades for the 2021-22 school year Thursday, July 7.

While Florida boasts success in many of its schools exceeding expectations in their letter grades, Citrus County fell a bit below expectation, receiving a letter grade of “C,” just 2 percent shy of a “B.” This is the first time since before 2010 that the school district has received a grade lower than “B.”

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“We’ve got work to do,” said Superintendent Sandra “Sam” Himmel. “Throughout the school year, our progress monitoring data showed that learning gaps have developed in student achievement. Seeing these trends, we have already put plans in place to move the needle forward. We’re looking ahead to implementing new initiatives as we start the school year.”

The 2021-22 school and district grades marks the first year since 2019 that full data has been released due to a lack of assessments in 2019-20 and the opt-in option for the 2020-21 year, which explains the lack of a grade from that year for Citrus County.

School grades are given annually based on up to 11 components for which it has significant data and provide an easily understandable way to measure the performance of each individual school and district. Schools must test at least 95 percent of eligible students to be able to receive a grade.

For Citrus County, the only schools to receive an “A” are Homosassa Elementary School and the Academy of Environmental Science.

Schools that received a “B” are Rock Crusher, Floral City, Central Ridge and Forest Ridge elementary schools.

All other schools that received a letter grade were given a “C” or lower.

“Obviously, many factors were at play, and we’ve had to overcome many challenges,” said Himmel. “It’s time to get back to doing what we do best – ensuring our students learn every day and excel to their full potential. Citrus County Schools has many successes and achievements that are not showcased in this school grade. At the same time, we recognize the importance of these scores.”

At this time, letter grades for Citrus High School and Citrus eSchool 6-12 are not available, but the district has already taken steps following an appeals process through the state for these scores.

This grading system is a way to hold schools and districts accountable for their performance and for parents to better understand how well the schools in the district are serving its students.

For information on school grades, visit the Florida Department of Education website at tinyurl.com/38m96p98.

Candidate Name: Diana Lynn Finegan.

Office Sought: County Commission, District 2.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Education, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of North Dakota, Certificate of Achievement in Supervisory Leadership from Rollins College, Orlando, Leadership Citrus (2004), Citrus Memorial Health College Intern Program (2007) and New Testament Christian School.

Occupation: Authorized Representative for Air FX Inc. and Electrix Inc.

Community Involvement: I am currently an active member in the Homosassa Civic Club, the Homosassa River Alliance and the Citrus County Chamber of Commerce.

I am an Impact Partner with the Key Training Center. My husband and I financially support many endeavors in the community including: The Key Training Center, Homosassa River Restoration Project, YMCA, Jessie’s Place, WTC, Citrus County Education Foundation, Citrus County Blessings, Jeremy’s Journey, Phil Royal Legacy, Citrus County Veteran’s Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, Covenant Children’s Home, Monkey Island Restoration, Sanctuary Mission, Wreaths Across America, CCA Florida and other local fundraising events.

Top three priorities of campaign: Manage taxpayer dollars with care, manage growth and preserve natural resources and rural beauty.

What differentiates you from your opponent? My extensive and vast experience differentiates me from my opponents. I have been a leader in the private and public sectors for 25 years.

I have led and managed both nonprofit and for-profit businesses. When I started my career at CASA, it had a less than stellar reputation, bad financial practices, no polices, was in debt and wasn’t doing it’s best for our community.

With little to no training (a post-it note on my desk saying, “Figure out how Annette did this”), I turned the agency around.

When I left, CASA had a new 10,000-square-foot facility that doubled the shelter capacity, was solvent, had a year’s worth of reserves, tripled the annual budget and doubled the staff.

When I left CASA, I helped my husband with our businesses, Air FX Inc. and Electrix Inc.

We normally employ around 30 employees, partner with Lowes and Duke Energy and are in more than eight counties. I have experience with multi-million dollar budgets and writing policies on a local and state level. I have worked with government entities with grants and funding and have been audited (with stellar results) from government entities for program and financial audits.

I have managed employees most of my life, conducted business meetings, fiercely negotiated contracts, and mentored other leaders. I have proven my ability to lead, govern, and be fiscally responsible.

What are your sources of information about local policy issues?

Citrus County Commissioner meetings and workshops. (I attend in-person), I follow up with commissioners and stake-holders, and of course, the Citrus County Chronicle.

INVERNESS, Fla., Aug. 4, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Twistid Ink, a Central Florida Tattoo Studio, wanted to bring unique art forms to the youth of their community. Introducing, Walk of Arts: an inclusive music and arts festival taking place on September 3rd at Liberty Park in Inverness, Florida.

This all-day festival includes a FREE sidewalk chalk competition for children aged 5-18 with celebrity & local artist judges and $4,200 in total prizes, various food trucks, an entire day of entertainment, and raffles going on throughout the day sponsored by local businesses.

The sidewalk chalk competition will host 150 competitors of various age ranges. Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis but is required prior to the festival at twistidink.com/woa . The competition is free to register. Chalk is provided for each contestant, so junior artists need only bring their imaginations to the competition!

"To expose the local youths to professional artists of varied forms, we decided to have the competition judged by both award-winning local judges and two celebrity artists," Elisha Belden, owner of Twistid Ink, states. "Aaron Is and Robbie Ripoll from Paramount Network's popular show, Ink Master, will join us as judges and be available to meet with the junior contestants throughout the day."

Not competing? No worries - there's still plenty to do at the Walk of Arts Festival! Seven bands in various musical styles will provide entertainment throughout the day. Featuring local, regional, and national artists, the Walk of Arts will showcase talent from across the country with a little something for everyone. Closing the festival is the one and only Tiffany, who is most well known for her 80s cult classic, "I Think We're Alone Now."

Surrounding the event space will be a variety of food trucks, various art-based vendors, performance artists, and cosplayers. In addition, a children's corner providing kids' activities and games will be available for those not participating in the sidewalk chalk competition.

The Walk of Arts is a free event to attend and is suitable for all ages. Kicking off at 10 am for general attendees, this event is open to the public. So join us for this incredible, one-of-a-kind event celebrating arts of all forms right here in Citrus County!

To check out the lineup or register a child, click on over to www.twistidink.com/woa.

For more information please contact info@twistidink.com

SOURCE Twistid Ink

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An orphaned black bear cub found in the wild by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission researchers in April was recently placed at Brevard Zoo.

The female cub, who was quarantining behind the scenes Thursday, is the third non-releasable bear to find a home at Brevard Zoo. Cheyenne arrived in 2018 after becoming reliant on people for food and Brody arrived in 2020 after he was discovered as a young cub without a mother, zoo officials said.

This cub, who has not been named, will get to meet them once she grows more.

For now, she's living behind the scenes in a special habitat keepers had modified for her to include perches, boxes, platforms and other items she can play with and climb on.

Though she hasn't met the other bears yet, the animal care team is playing with her and teaching her that she's safe even when they leave. Additionally, they're working to teach her to sit on command for the purpose of any potential future medical procedures.

New coatis at Brevard Zoo:Two baby white-nosed coatis from Texas join existing troop of five at Brevard Zoo

Baby animals at the zoo:Monkeys, piglets, zebras and more: Baby animals bring new opportunities to Brevard Zoo

Though she's only a few months old, the bear has traveled around the state, with wildlife conservationists making efforts to re-release her before deciding the best option was to place her at the zoo.

In April, she was discovered alone by FWC Bear Research Program members when they were inspecting dens in the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge in Collier County. They monitored the cub, and when the mother didn't return to the den within 48 hours, they took the cub in to receive care from humans.

The bear was brought to Brevard Zoo's Lauren Hinson, director of animal programs, to be hand-reared. With Hinson as her sole caretaker, thus limiting her contact with humans, the goal was to return her to her natural habitat.

In May, she was taken to Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in Citrus County, where other orphaned bear cubs are cared for with minimal human contact, again with the goal of eventually releasing her.

However, because of her curiosity toward people, the cub was deemed non-releasable.

Finch Walker is a Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Walker at 321-290-4744 or fwalker@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @_finchwalker

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Well, hello again. Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), my favorite poet, was an American essayist and philosopher. He wrote extensively to awaken readers in the feeling of their self-worth.

Many readers of his works have found the courage to simply be themselves. He often said, “To own many things or to be very popular does not matter, but the one thing of value in the world is the active soul, thinking and acting on his own instincts as a triumph of his principles.”

“Optimism” is our positive word this week, of which he wrote: “Optimism, cheerfulness and a good temper; the more it is spent, the more of it remains.”

Too often, when in conversation with our volunteer friends, we start out with a preemptive apology: “Sorry for the delay,” “Sorry I forgot to return your call.” Author Susan Heitler, Ph.D., who wrote “Prescriptions Without a Pill,” wrote that “sorry” is triggered by a fear of criticism. She suggests that it is a person’s negativity which only increases anxiety and a better response would be to start with confidence-boosting language like, “Thank you for thinking of me.”

Affirmative, optimistic language helps to affirm yourself along the volunteer path. When we are not focusing on our perceived faults, we will become less apologetic with the word “sorry” and we will be able to communicate more positively, honestly and, especially, openly.

Away with any downcast feelings of inadequacies. Bring on optimism and look around for positivity. There are unexpected avenues of fulfilling opportunities awaiting us.

Take Stock in Children is seeking volunteers to serve as mentors for students in middle and high school once a week as they prepare for college. Call Pat Lancaster, coordinator of Student Services, at 352-344-0855.

Twice Blessed Thrift Store, a community outreach project of Crystal River United Methodist Church, is seeking volunteers so it can extend its hours. Call Kent Fletcher at 352-651-5555. The store is on the campus of the church at 5015 N. Citrus Ave.

Nature Coast Ministries Free Dental Clinic is looking for dental professionals to donate a morning or afternoon one day a month. Non-professionals are needed to interview patients and answer phones. Additional volunteers are needed to help in the thrift shop in the Homosassa Plaza which funds the clinic. Bonnie McMullin is available to provide a presentation to clubs, groups and churches. Call her at 352-464-4348.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is seeking volunteers for its safe boating projects on land and on water. Contact Melissa at melissafrank2021@gmail.

Citrus Springs Memorial Library is looking for volunteers for a three-hour shift once a week between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays. Call 352-489-2313.

Take Stock in Children invites middle and high school students who have plans to attend college or a vocational school to enroll and join their Student Scholars Team Scholarship Program. Call 352-344-0855.

The Inverness Lions Club offers glasses and vision care to any veteran who cannot afford it. Call 352-560-8741.

The “Two Good Soles Shoes and Socks Drive” is from Aug. 1 through Sept. 9, sponsored by the Nature Coast Volunteer Center. Donation boxes are available at any of the county libraries, community centers, the Tax Collector’s offices and the Citrus County Resource Center. Call 352-527-5959.

There will be a Purple Heart breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, sponsored by the West Citrus Elks Lodge 2693 at 7890 W. Grover Cleveland Blvd., Homosassa. Call Curt at 352-382-3847.

The City of Inverness will sponsor a “Summer Sizzlin’ on the Square” event, featuring the music of the Caribbean Chillers Band, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, on the Courthouse Square in Inverness.

The Citrus County Community Choir will present its “Summer Showcase,” featuring Disney favorites, on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Faith Lutheran Church at 935 S. Crystal Glen Drive in Lecanto; and Sunday, Aug. 7, at First Presbyterian Church at 306 Washington Ave. in Inverness. Both concerts begin at 3 p.m. and will benefit the choir’s scholarship program.

The “Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive” will take place through Aug. 10, sponsored by the Citrus County School Board and the Citrus County Education Foundation. Collection bins are located in all Citrus County public libraries. Visit tinyurlcom/425526ms.

The Knights of Columbus blood drive is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Our Lady of Grace Parish Hall at 2389 W. Norvell Bryant Highway, Lecanto.

The Citrus County Craft Council will sponsor the Harvest Moon Arts and Crafts Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at the Florida National Guard Armory at 8551 W. Venable St., Crystal River. See www.citruscountycraft.com.

There will be an Atlantic City Boys Tribute on Friday, Aug. 26, at the Citrus Springs Community Center. The Citrus Springs Civic Association will provide snacks and refreshments. Call 352-527-7540.

Until next week, keep safe and stay optimistic.

Ruth Levins participates in a variety of projects around the community. Let her know about your group’s upcoming activities by writing to P.O. Box 803, Crystal River, FL 34423.

Creating a nonprofit organization starts with discovering an unmet need. The unmet need is the mission and a mission statement is required.

This statement is part of the original corporate documents listed in the articles of incorporation and the nonprofit bylaws submitted to IRS. At some point, early in the life of a new nonprofit, the bylaws must clearly state the mission.

The mission statement and the purpose of the corporation must be closely related in purpose and mission. The mission statement presented in the bylaws is usually a small paragraph. The purpose of the corporation is more brief but must reflect the mission in general terms.

The statement, in effect, obligates organizational leadership to work to satisfy the commitment of the corporate entity. A clear statement is important. It carries a message to the agencies that approve government financial benefits.

Once the mission statement is established, it should be communicated to the community. Adding the mission to all documents, public relations and news releases, articles, stationary and brochures is good marketing.

It should become a constant public reminder of who you are and what you do. Repetitiveness is important and works like a combination advertising and PR program with the additional benefit of creating your brand.

Using a logo or graphic to pair with your mission statement provides added visual recognition. Do not change the wording of the statement. Be consistent with the verbiage. Descriptive narratives about your organization should be reserved for brochures, newspaper releases and publications and you should always incorporate the mission statement.

A well-written mission statement can set in motion a program of services. It informs the public about your main business and for whom you advocate. Build it with words that make it your power base of value. Craft the statement so it stirs public attention and volunteer commitment.

When organizational services produce positive outcomes, donors are attracted and grants are more obtainable. Granting foundations today are all moving towards rewarding nonprofits that impact their community with good results.

This can all start with a well-written mission statement that will become an operating force going forward.

Dr. Frederick J. Herzog is the founder/executive director of the NonProfit Resource Center in Citrus County. He can be reached at 847-899-9000. Need help with your nonprofit? Visit the website: thenonprofitresourcecenter.com.

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida Department of Financial Services on Thursday asked a Leon County circuit judge to place Weston Property and Casualty Insurance Co. in receivership after the insurer was determined to be insolvent.

Weston notified state regulators on July 27 that it was insolvent and agreed to go into receivership, according to court documents.

The filing was another blow to Florida’s troubled property-insurance system, with Weston becoming the fifth insurer declared insolvent since late February, following Southern Fidelity Insurance Co., Lighthouse Property Insurance Corp., Avatar Property & Casualty Insurance Co. and St. Johns Insurance Co.

The filing did not detail how many policies Weston had, but the company stopped writing new policies on July 15 and stopped renewing policies on July 18. The Demotech ratings agency on Monday withdrew a financial-stability rating for Weston.

The company’s customers will have to find coverage in a market where many private insurers have stopped writing policies and have dropped policyholders to stem financial losses. That likely will result in more policies going into the state-backed Citizens Insurance Corp., which was created as an insurer of last resort but has ballooned in size during the past two years.

Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier notified state Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis on Tuesday about the Weston insolvency, leading to the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Rehabilitation and Liquidation filing the court petition Thursday.

The filing listed a series of issues, including saying that Weston’s “assets if made immediately available are insufficient to pay all of its liabilities.” Also, it said Weston had not fully placed reinsurance for the 2022-2023 year. Reinsurance, which is backup coverage, plays a critical role in Florida, in part because of the threat of hurricanes.

“Therefore, respondent’s (Weston’s) continued operation is hazardous to policyholders, creditors and the public and receivership proceedings are appropriate pursuant to (state law),” the petition said.

The filings indicate the Office of Insurance Regulation had been monitoring Weston for more than two years. As an example, regulators issued a consent order in May 2020 that required Weston to file a “capital management plan” that, in part, included improving its financial liquidity.

Also, the company had net underwriting losses during the first three months of 2022 of nearly $12.2 million.

Gov. Ron DeSantis called a special legislative session in May to address problems in the property-insurance system, but companies have continued to struggle. Regulators scrambled last month after Demotech informed about 17 insurers that they could face ratings downgrades.

Financial ratings are important, in part, because mortgage-industry giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require homes to be insured by financially sound companies. For insurers rated by Demotech, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require “A” ratings or better.

If insurers lose such ratings, homeowners could be forced to find other coverage. Demotech this week withdrew or downgraded ratings for five companies, including Weston.

The Office of Insurance Regulation announced a program last week that seeks to allow homeowners to maintain coverage if insurers get downgraded by Demotech.

That program involves Citizens Property Insurance acting as a financial backstop. Citizens is taking on a reinsurance role to help make sure claims get paid if private insurers go insolvent.

United Property & Casualty on Tuesday became the first insurer to participate in the program after a Demotech downgrade. Weston is not part of the program. Circuit Judge Angela Dempsey has been assigned to the Weston receivership case.