Jason Futch
reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the White Springs Town Council convened and discussed several items, including a new parade route for the White Springs Christmas Parade and an update on hurricane debris cleaning. A new resident of White Springs came forward as well to address issues pertaining to illegal vehicles traveling the road, asking for better enforcement.
During a discussion of the Christmas Parade, it was addressed that the route will change course due to a disagreement the town had with Stephen Foster State Park last year. The park addressed that they did not want the parade to end at the park, so it has left the town with an option for the reroute. The planned reroute was not addressed at the meeting, however, plans are in place to submit the plans to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
It was noted that if neither FDOT or HCSO approves of the proposed route, it may dampen plans to host a parade this year, which could ultimately cancel it. At this time, both agencies are reviewing the plans.
According to Town Manager Vanessa George, cleanup from the hurricane damages is still continuing, especially with debris continuing to be picked up. However, George stated that one of two dump trucks that has been assisting in the cleanup has broken down and will need to be towed to Lake City. She said that the repair bill may cost around $1,500, however, the final total was not determined at press time.
Also during the meeting, new White Springs resident Roland Alcott came forward. He addressed that he had some issues with illegal traffic on the roads within the town limits. There were also vehicles driving through his yard, which caused tire marks to damage his yard. Alcott said that he planned to put spike strips on the spot where vehicles were damaging his property, but also stated that he knew this may anger some people.
“Make sure it's not on the public right-of-way,” George said regarding the spikes. “If they are in your yard.”
Alcott also addressed that there had been other vehicles besides golf carts allegedly driving on White Springs roads without a sticker or registration plate and not obeying traffic laws. Alcott said that four-wheelers, Razor scooters and dirt bikes had been traveling on the roads, going through stop signs without stopping and disobeying the speed limits.
“If someone has an accident, and if somebody kills somebody, that all could fall right back to the White Springs lap because nobody is taking care of the problem,” Alcott said.
The council addressed Alcott’s concerns, stating that law enforcement’s limitations have put a strain on enforcing municipal code, and that HCSO has not been a presence in White Springs. The council urged Alcott and other residents to go to HCSO and ask for more presence in White Springs. “It’s up to the residents to call on them, to aggravate them,” George said. “Get to the sheriff and say, ‘Hey, we elected you, you need to protect us’.”
Alcott asked about privatizing Diamond Street, where he lives, however, the council told him that this would not be possible due to high demand if the town did indeed grant Alcott’s wish for a private road. He was urged to put together a petition for locals to sign and turn it in to the HCSO, demanding better protection of White Springs.