Firefighters to fill the boot for MDA
ORANGE PARK – Continuing a more than 60-year tradition, firefighters from Clay County Professional Firefighters Local No. 3362 will be on the streets with boots in hand asking motorists to make a donation to MDA on May 26-28 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Funds collected help find treatments and cures for muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases that severely limit strength and mobility.
“The dedication of these fire fighters to MDA’s mission is unwavering, spending countless hours both with Fill the Boot and MDA Summer Camp to care for the kids and adults in Clay County. We know that their devotion to our families will make this year’s drive a success,” said Jasmyne Stanley, fundraising coordinator.
Funds raised through the Clay County Fill the Boot event help kids and adults with Muscular dystrophy and related muscle-debilitating diseases live longer and grow stronger.
Contributions also help fund groundbreaking research and life-enhancing programs such as state-of-the-art support groups and Care Centers, including the MDA Care Center at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and UF Health in Gainesville. They also help send more than 40 local kids to “the best week of the year” at MDA summer camp at Camp Suwannee in Dowling Park, Florida at no cost to their families. This year, the Clay County Professional Firefighters Local No. 3362 are coming to camp on June 14, Sponsor Day, to cook lunch for the children and sponsors.

Homeowners urged to use water wisely
PALATKA – The St. Johns River Water Management District is encouraging homeowners associaitons and residents to use water wisely during the current water shortage warning. On May 16, the district sent letters to HOAs within its 18-county jurisdiction, which includes Clay County.
On May 9, the St. Johns River Water Management District expanded a Water Shortage Warning for its 18-county service area due to below-average rainfall. The objective of the Water Shortage Warning Order is to reduce water use and increase awareness of the need for water conservation. Although conditions have not yet reached a point where there is an expectation of insufficient water to meet anticipated demand and protect water resources, current conditions do warrant heightened water conservation.
For many residential water users, the greatest water savings can be realized outdoors, where more than half of residential water is used on lawns and landscapes.
Understanding that many Homeowner Associations and residents address irrigation and landscaping via their Deed Restrictions and Covenants, we are asking for your support to promote water conservation with specific attention to how water is used outdoors.
As we prepare for the potential of prolonged drought, there are many actions that can help ensure the most efficient use of water, thus extending our potable water supply, until summer rains return.
Postpone any recommendations to sod or re-sod landscapes, as new sod requires increased irrigation for successful establishment. Postpone any recommendations for extensive pressure-washing projects, which use significant amounts of water. Please help us ensure residents are aware of watering restrictions. Year-round watering restrictions are in place to ensure that water used for irrigation is used efficiently, and specifies the days and hours to water lawns. Current irrigation restrictions are between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. and the designated watering days depend on whether you have an odd or even numbered address. Printable materials and information about watering restrictions are available online at www.sjrwmd.com/waterconservation.

Springtime spurs activity for Florida black bears, cubs
LAKE CITY – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission reminds the public to be aware that bears are becoming more active this time of year. There are important things people can do over the next few months to reduce negative interactions with Florida’s largest land mammal.
“Now is the time to expect bears to show up looking for food,” said Dave Telesco, who directs the FWC’s Bear Management Program. “If they can’t find food in your neighborhood, they’ll move on.”
With temperatures increasing, bears are out of their winter dens and are moving around in search of food. June also marks the beginning of black bear mating season in Florida. This causes bears to be more active as they search for potential mates.
Female bears that gave birth to cubs that were only 12 ounces at the end of January are beginning to move around more with their young, which may now be 5 to 10 pounds. As the cubs continue to grow, the family unit will roam and can be more visible to people.
While black bears generally are not aggressive, they have injured people in Florida. Never intentionally approach any bear. When walking dogs in bear country, keep them close to you – preferably on a non-retractable leash – and be aware of your surroundings. Dogs can trigger defensive behaviors from bears, especially females with cubs.
To keep bears away from your home and neighborhood, follow these simple tips.
• Secure household garbage in a sturdy shed, garage or a wildlife-resistant container.
• Put household garbage out on morning of pickup rather than the night before.
• Secure commercial garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters.
• Protect gardens, beehives, compost and livestock with electric fencing.
• Encourage your homeowner’s association or local government to institute bylaws or ordinances to require trash be kept secure from bears.
• Feed pets indoors or bring in dishes after feeding.
• Clean grills and store them in a secure place.
• Remove wildlife feeders or make them bear-resistant.
• Pick ripe fruit from trees and remove fallen fruit from the ground.
It is illegal in Florida to intentionally feed bears or leave out food or garbage that will attract bears and cause human-bear conflicts.
As bears increase their movements this time of year, they also increase the number of roads they cross. For the safety of yourself and bears, remember to slow down when driving, particularly on rural highways at dawn or dusk. Watch for road signs identifying bear crossing areas. Each year in Florida, an average of 240 Florida bears are killed after being hit by vehicles.
If you feel threatened by a bear or want to report someone who is either harming bears or intentionally feeding them, call the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).