TheLakeBlog.com

by John Harris, Elected member, Board of Trustees, Lake County Water Authority - The following post is not an official LCWA document and this information is posted for the interested public to view. Any content is my own writing and/or opinions and not representative of the Lake County Water Authority Board of Trustees or LCWA business.

Lake County Water Levels Report (2/26/2010)

El Nino Weather pattern brings above average winter rains.

 This winter has given many people who frequent or live on our lakes and waterways some hopeful expectations. The drought conditions over the last few years had left too many areas with very low water. Even with the recent rains over the last couple of months, many lakes are far from being up to the levels that are considered normal. The good news is that, with the exception of the Clermont chain of lakes, the Green Swamp and other areas of South Lake, most areas have started to recover and are now over the minimum desired water levels, and are now into the regulatory range.  (The regulatory range is a preferred range or desired water level set by the Saint Johns Water Management District depending on the time of year as it relates to averages of rainfall).  read the complete report here.

 

Will legislators gamble away state's future?

Source: OrlandoSentinel.com
Will legislators gamble away state's future?
Mike Thomas

COMMENTARY

11:58 PM EST, February 8, 2010

The newest plan to save Florida involves turning it into Nevada.

Roll those big, fuzzy dice.

Line the state with casinos, rake in the billions and live tax-free ever after. It's enough to make the conservatives in Tallahassee swallow their principles and sit down to deal.

It spares them from making responsible choices about taxes and budgets.

It would double down on everything that is wrong with Florida.

Let's see how the Nevada/Las Vegas gig is working out these days.

Here is an Associated Press story from Sunday:

"Nevada's budget is so far out of balance that by one account the state could lay off every worker paid from the general fund and still be $300 million in the red. The economic downturn has hit so hard that prisons may be closed, entire colleges shuttered and thousands left without jobs.''

Nevada relies on Vegas growth, Vegas tourism and Vegas sales taxes to pay the bills.

Now, just like here, people are bailing out, and Nevada is losing population. Foreclosures are so rampant that an economist predicted it will take 20 years for the real-estate market to recover.

Nevada has a 13 percent unemployment rate, the second-highest in the nation behind Michigan.

The Las Vegas school district is looking at firing 2,000 teachers.

Residents in Vegas are 50 percent more likely to commit suicide than people in the rest of the country. That risk goes down when they leave the city. Go figure.

Vegas is a mess. It's going to be an even bigger mess over time as gambling proliferates across the country, sucking away all but the high rollers from the Vegas strip.

And now a growing number of Florida legislators want to emulate the Vegas model. Rep. Alan Hays even wants socialized gambling, with the state owning the casinos. If Charlie Crist loses his U.S. Senate race, I can't think of a better door-greeter.

Hays says we could fund schools — just as we did with the lottery money.

And then in the next recession, we could legalize medical marijuana and Rep. Hays could set up pot clinics next to the casinos. Or do what a leading Nevada lawmaker proposed: slap a $5 tax on all acts of prostitution.

With gambling, Hays says, we could cut taxes. Shrink the tax base even more. Make us even more dependent on tourism. Keep those low-paying jobs flowing in. Make the next budget crisis even worse than this one.

These people are dangerous. There is no light at the end of their tunnel vision.

The politicians in Nevada actually convinced themselves that Vegas was immune to recessions. Now they know better. Last year, the casino owners blocked an attempt to raise taxes on them. So the state raised the hotel tax instead. It is a small drop in a big bucket.

The state never invested in its universities during the boom times, setting them up for a huge fall now.

"We have had a first-class economy and a third-class culture, and eventually a third-class culture will bring down a first-class economy," said James Rogers, the former chancellor of the state's university system.

Does all this sound painfully familiar?

Do you know what would happen if casinos were legalized in South Florida?

The tourism industry on Florida's west coast would scream about losing market share to Miami. So it would get casinos.

That dynamic would spread to the Panhandle.

And then it would infect the rotting tourism corridors of U.S. Highway 192 in Osceola and northern International Drive in Orange.

In looking at this phenomenon from a national perspective, analyst Nate Silver called it the "race to the bottom" in an Esquire magazine article. States are rushing to put up casinos to keep up with neighboring states. And they are beginning to cannibalize each other.

There is, after all, a limited number of saps in this world.

Silver reports that in Atlantic City, revenues were no higher in 2008 than they were 1986. In Mississippi, revenues peaked in 2000.

Isn't it amazing how much gambling has turned around Mississippi? And the benefits have spread to its neighbors.

A report by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis says Mississippi is exporting bankruptcy. The dumb hayseeds in surrounding states are coming in, losing their money and then bringing their broke selves back home.

Yeah, boy. We need in on this action.

Mike Thomas can be reached at 407-420-5525 ormthomas@orlandosentinel.com.

Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel

Mount Dora Arts Festival: 'Spring training' for artists

MOUNT DORA – For many artists, the 35th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival will be their first major outdoor show since early last fall.

Take John and Lynn Whipple of Winter Park, for example. The Whipples, who create one-of-a-kind art, have had five months to work on new pieces.

"We call it ' spring training,' " John Whipple said. "It's a good testing ground to see if a work has legs or not."

The festival, which will take over the quaint Lake County city's downtown on Saturday and Sunday, provides the perfect chance to show new work because of the number of people who will see it.

"We expect at least 250,000 people," said Christina Smith, executive co-chairwoman of the Mount Dora Center for the Arts, which puts on the event. "Other shows don't have the attendance we have. It may be difficult emotionally to put out new work and be critiqued by the public, but there is a beauty in being face-to-face with so many people."

The festival's draw has always been the art, but live music and gourmet goodies round out the appeal.

Of 1,000 applicants, 285 artists were chosen to compete for $21,000 in prize money, with $5,000 going to the winner of best of show.

Previous best-of show winners who will show this year include 2009 best-of-show winner Tony Savoie of Orlando, Garry Seidel of Davie, Tony Eitharong of Orlando and winner of multiple best-of-show prizes Charles Gatewood of Phenix City, Ala.

While it is still winter, many artists see the festival as a fresh start.



See for yourself



35th Annual Mount Dora Arts Festival

Where: Downtown Mount Dora

When: Saturday and Sunday

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days

Admission: Free, but people will be asked to make a $1 donation

Entertainment: Live music is scheduled for both days on the main stage in Donnelly Park and scattered throughout the festival.

Food and drink: Vendors will be clustered on North Baker Street in front of City Hall and on South Donnelly Street near the city parking garage.

Three official park-and-rides sites: Mount Dora High School at Highland and Seventh avenues is convenient for people driving from Orlando or Sanford. Christian Home and Bible School, just off North Donnelly Street at 13th Avenue, will work well for those driving in from the north. The parking lot of the Golden Triangle Shopping Center on West Old U.S. Highway 441 near Eudora Road will be handy for people from west Orange County and south Lake County. Each site will be well marked with park-and-ride signs.

Handicapped parking: Ask the police officers for directions to lots at city hall and at the First National Bank.

ATMs: Six mobile automated teller machines will be located on Donnelly Street and one will be near City Hall.

Information: Ask your questions at the information booth at Fifth Avenue and Donnelly Street

Pets: Visitors are asked to leave their pet at home.

Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel

12 Lake County artists showing at Mount Dora Arts Festival

MOUNT DORA – When 285 artists open their tents for business today at the Mount Dora Arts Festival, more than half will be Floridians.

A bit more than 20 percent will be from Central Florida and 12 of that 59 will be from Lake – the highest number in more than a decade.

Poster artist Dodi Truenow lives near Lake Jem. The plein-air painter – she paints outdoors and finishes in one sitting – is a fifth-generation Floridian who, in honor of Mount Dora's 100th anniversary, has taken a close look at local scenes.

Her poster image includes portraits of neighbors and members of her family, including herself and her husband, Keith, at Cecile's French Corner in Arbors and Eyebrows on Fourth Ave.

"I had them come to pose at different times, but in the same light," Truenow said. "I had to pose my father at the nursing home where he lives."

The painter will donate a percentage of her sales to the Conservation Trust for Florida. Find her at D064, on the east side of Donnelly Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues.

Another plein-air painter, Kate Carney, is from Mount Dora, as are five other artists in the show. Carney has painted in Florida "paint-outs," when many painters gather in one scenic area. She will also show several of her 5-foot square floral paintings. Find her at both 551, on the north side of Fifth Avenue, between Donnelly and Baker sreets.

Mount Dora painter Jane Slivka will continue in her traditional veins – landscapes, still lifes and Caribbean figures – she said. Find her at D060, two booths away from Truenow.

Nearby, at D056 will be Jackie Holland Berkley, also from Mount Dora. Her paintings address the fragility of light and, by extension, the transitory nature of things.

"Chandeliers, Ferris wheels and floating dresses lighted from within talk about light," she said. "Transitory things are campers and carnival tents, which are temporary shelters."

Also on the block are painter Emily Lewis, at D080, with new landscape paintings from Blue Springs and still life paintings.

On the other side of the street, find worldly-wise painter Lauren Graham Cunningham at D057 and elegant jewelry artist Deborah Barnes at D085.

Also on Donnelly Street will be stained-glass artist Rosemarie Brown at D127, on the west side of the street, between Third and Fourth avenues. She will show he new collection of mermaid-themed pieces.
read complete story at the Orlando Sentinel

Baker pulls plug on agriculture commissioner bid

Source: Orlando Sentinel

 

EUSTIS – Calling it a difficult but "ultimately a necessary" decision, state Sen. Carey Baker said today that he is ending his run for state agriculture commissioner.

The Eustis Republican faced a daunting task trying to win the GOP nomination against U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam of Bartow, one of Florida's top congressional stars.

Baker could not be reached for comment. But in a statement released to his friends and supporters, he said he wanted to focus his energy on serving "full time" in the Legislature.

"With so many other challenges to address in our state, particularly in the Legislature, it would be wrong of me to continue a campaign when I have not met the goals I need to win," according to Baker's written statement. "While I withdraw my candidacy with a heavy heart, I know that as a full-time Senator, I can continue to make a difference and make you proud."

Baker became one of the first candidates to enter the race in November 2008, hoping to succeed Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson, an Osceola County Republican whose tenure is ending this year because of term limits.

Baker had raised $535,315 in cash and in-kind contributions for the statewide contest, while Putnam garnered more than $1.53 million as of Dec. 31, according to the latest campaign-finance reports from the state Division of Elections.

Pat Bainter, a Baker campaign consultant, said Baker is not planning to run for re-election to the state Senate.

"He had given his word that he would not step back into that race and he plans to keep his word," Bainter said.

Baker served in the state House from 2000 to 2004, when he won a special election for state Senate. He was re-elected to a full four-year term in 2006.

Meanwhile, Putnam praised Baker after receiving word that the state senator had dropped his bid.

"Sen. Baker is an outstanding public servant, a good man," Putnam said. "He's a real patriot, and I hope to earn his support as this campaign moves forward."

In the Democratic race for agriculture commissioner, candidates include former Tallahassee mayor and state Democratic Party chairman Scott Maddox and former state Rep. Rick Minton of Fort Pierce.

Martin E. Comas can be reached at mcomas@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5927.

Copyright © 2010, Orlando Sentinel

Animal shelter supplies from the landfill?

Last week we received and email from a Lake County resident with a great idea. Sharon wrote and suggested "how about posting a sign at the entrance to the landfill indicating that these items are needed for Animal Services. It's better to have these items go to the animals than go into the landfill.

What a great idea. The county landfill is just down the road from Animal Services so this could be a match made in heaven.

The suggestion was sent on the Commissioner Linda Stewart and Margorie at Animal Services. Hopefully they can have somebody in the county's solid waste department do this.

At least one nice box of goodies would be collected each day.

Great idea!

Items needed at Lake County Animal Services

The last time we posted something for Animal Services a somewhat rare type of kittens were spared and a reader adopted them. Marjorie at Animal Services does great work for our community. Please drop off items if you can.

The Lake County Animal Shelter is in immediate need of the following: Old, new, worn, faded:

• Blankets
• Sheets (flat and fitted)
• Pillow cases
• Towels (even old, worn, faded ones)
• Newspapers

Items can be dropped off at the Animal Shelter on CR 561. For further information please contact Majorie Boyd at (352) 343-9688.

Hard Freeze Warning

The national weather service is forecasting 26 degrees in Clermont tonight. In low lying areas south of Clermont temps are often 5 degrees colder than Clermont. See the Weather Report.

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MELBOURNE FL

300 PM EST TUE JAN 5 2010 FLZ041-044-141-144-061400-/O.NEW.KMLB.FZ.A.0005.100107T0400Z-100107T1400Z//O.CON.KMLB.HZ.W.0001.100106T0400Z-100106T1400Z/

INLAND VOLUSIA-NORTHERN LAKE-COASTAL VOLUSIA-SOUTHERN LAKE- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...DE LAND...LEESBURG...DAYTONA BEACH...CLERMONT

300 PM EST TUE JAN 5 2010

...HARD FREEZE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 11 PM THIS EVENING TO 9 AM EST WEDNESDAY...

...FREEZE WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY EVENING THROUGH THURSDAY MORNING... A REINFORCING SURGE OF COLDER AIR OVER THE AREA WILL SET THE STAGE FOR A HARD FREEZE LATE TONIGHT AND WEDNESDAY MORNING. TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO FALL TO 32 DEGREES OR LOWER FOR 9 TO 12 HOURS...EXCEPT FOR 6 TO 8 HOURS ALONG THE IMMEDIATE VOLUSIA COUNTY COAST. TEMPERATURES ARE FORECAST TO FALL BELOW 28 DEGREES FOR 4 TO 8 HOURS.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A HARD FREEZE WARNING MEANS SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES ARE IMMINENT OR HIGHLY LIKELY. THESE CONDITIONS WILL KILL CROPS AND OTHER SENSITIVE VEGETATION. REMEMBER TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT SENSITIVE VEGETATION. BRING PETS AND POTTED PLANTS INDOORS. CHECK ON YOUR ELDERLY NEIGHBORS TO MAKE SURE THEIR FURNACE IS WORKING.

HOUSE AND APARTMENT FIRES POSE A REAL DANGER DURING FLORIDA COLD AIR OUTBREAKS. REMEMBER TO KEEP FLAMMABLE MATERIAL SUCH CLOTHING OR NEWSPAPERS AWAY FROM PORTABLE HEATERS. MAKE SURE THAT SMOKE DETECTORS ARE WORKING PROPERLY BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP.

New Year's Eve will bring the rarest Blue Moon of All

 Magical things happen once upon a blue Moon. And this Thursday we get a chance to find out just what those magical things as we watch the rare lunar event coincide with all the beautiful fireworks of New Year's Eve.

Blue Moon is the term applied to the second full Moon in a calendar month. It's an event that occurs roughly every two and a half years. This Thursday's blue Moon is far rarer than that though, because it's happening right on New Year's Eve—a coincidence that happens only about once in every twenty years.

So, between sharing New Year's kisses this year, take a look at the Moon, because she'll be at her most beautiful. [Homer Tribune]

PS: No, the Moon doesn't actually turn blue. It's just the term used to describe this lunar event.

Published by Giozmodo.com. See the complete article.

Check out this Hidden treasure

You could call it one of Lake County's hidden treasures.

Now here's your chance to see it up close. Lavon Silvernell, naturalist at Trout Lake Nature Center in Eustis, will lead a "winter walk" at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Lake County Water Authority's Hidden Waters Preserve in Eustis.

The 90-acre Hidden Waters site's key feature is a natural sinkhole, about a third of a mile in diameter that contains Lake Alfred, which drains into the Floridan Aquifer and is a sanctuary to water birds.

"When you walk up that slope, to me, being a flatlander here in Florida, it reminds me of being up North," Silvernell said.

Differences in elevation plus "varying wet conditions and diversity of vegetation" make Hidden Waters unique, according to the water authority's Web site, which further describes what visitors are in store for:

"Due to soil and moisture conditions, the mixed forest uplands contain several species of ferns normally found in wetlands. The property is included in the statewide birding-trail network and birders have recorded over 35 species during the winter months."

There is no charge for the walk, though reservations are requested. Call 352-357-7536 to reserve a spot and for more information.

To get to Hidden Waters from Eustis, go east on Orange Avenue (State Road 44) to Abrams Road, turn right at Waycross Avenue, then right again onto Country Club Road and follow it to the preserve's parking area on the right.

From Mount Dora, take State Road 44, turn left onto Waycross Avenue, then right onto Country Club Road and look for the parking area on the right.

This story published by the Orlando Sentinel. See the complete story.