Last week, Wooten told a Department of Transportation official he was pleased to learn the agency would build a right-turn lane at State Road 44 and Kensington Avenue.

When will construction begin?

"In 2007," the official said.

"I'm not as happy about it," Wooten deadpanned.

As the audience laughed, Wooten explained the source of his discomfort: He was scheduled to address a group of property owners at Kensington Estates.

Wooten figured the turn lanes would be popular in that area, and he looked forward to sharing the good news.

What about the construction date?

"I may leave that out," he said.

A COSTLY ADMISSION: The state and county may be looking at significant budget cuts in light of the financial downturns since the Sept. 11 attacks, but Commissioner Josh Wooten encouraged the public to help the economy by continuing to spend money and shop locally.

"My husband will vouch I'm doing my part," Commissioner Vicki Phillips said with a grin.

MOVE IT: The County Commission will have a skeleton crew -- just the three commissioners required for quorum -- because its Oct. 23 meeting coincides with the special legislative session in Tallahassee. Commissioners Gary Bartell and Vicki Phillips, who both hold leadership positions with the Florida Association of Counties, plan to be lobbying in Tallahassee once the session starts, even if that means missing a commission meeting.

The lopsided meeting could be just the opportunity that Wooten has been waiting for.

"We could talk about the county seat that day," said Wooten, who supports keeping the commission in Inverness.

(Of course Bartell, Phillips and Commissioner Roger Batchelor form the majority in favor of a referendum on moving the commission to Lecanto.)

PROVIDING DIRECTION: Pat Casselberry was already a bit nervous about making her first speech to the County Commission, weighing in last Tuesday against a proposal to build condominiums on the banks of the Halls River.

But she was relieved to see that the commission had a system of green, yellow and red lights to tell people when to speak and when their time is up.

"I'm so glad you have lights and not one of those big hooks," Casselberry said.

OUCH: During a steer weigh-in for the 2002 county fair, a helpful person explained the differences among calves, heifers, cows, bulls and steers.

As it was explained: a calf is a young animal, male or female, born to a cow; a heifer is an older animal and may be male or female. The female heifer becomes a cow when she delivers a calf; the male heifer become a bull.

Then it was explained that a bull becomes a steer when it is "fixed" or castrated. From off in the holding area, where the steers were being given the necessary vaccinations, a voice called out.

"A bull is a male," the helpful soul explained. "And a steer is an 'Oh! You poor thing!' "

-- Times staff writers Mary Ann Koslasky, Bridget Hall Grumet and Jim Ross contributed to this story

Back to Citrus County news

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From today's
Citrus Times

Whoopers set for takeoff

Nature and arts nurture crowds

Citrus slices

Citrus briefs

Brochure eases sex talk with parents

Business digest

Computer users group offers classes