Lanark Village needs its fire department

 Hi Y’All,

I am home after two weeks and thank you so
much for those of you who missed my article.

I had an amazing time with my family, with
having several birthday celebrations and being able to see my niece who was
struck with an unexpected health issue. Though she almost lost her life, she
remains the same sweet person she is, with a will to overcome the disabilities
that she was left with. She is working so hard to regain what she lost and I
know she will succeed. I thank God for every day I have.

While I was gone there was a Franklin County
commissioners meeting. In this meeting on the agenda was Lanark/St. James Fire
Department. Several years ago this fire department had some management issues
and our ambulances were removed from Lanark, leaving the east side of the
county’s emergency needs with a much longer wait time. Now the commissioners
were advised by County Attorney Michael Shuler to dissolve the Lanark/St. James
Fire Department and offer it to Carrabelle and/or Alligator Point Volunteer Fire
Departments, which would extend emergency wait time for the fire truck to come
to Lanark.

Attorney Shuler’s report does point
out-of-town dysfunctional management of the Lanark/St. James Fire Department,
which shows the county was aware of the problems we were having, as some of the
complaints occurred over several years. The Lanark area is governed by the county.
We are a population of mostly retired people and renters. Now, like with the
trash bins, the recycle bins and the ambulances, the first thing is, get rid of
it.

It is appreciated that Commissioner Smokey
Parrish suggested that a “town meeting” should first be held to talk and inform
the residents.

Commissioner Bert Boldt suggested that he
call the state fire marshal for some guidance and help with resolving this
important issue. The commissioners agreed and he has contacted the state fire marshal’s
office, which has agreed to offer their assistance.

If you would like to see the video of the
meeting for yourself, go to www.forgottencoasttv.com.
Please share with your neighbors who don’t have internet or don’t read this
article. Also, the monthly meeting is tonight, Thursday, August 12, at 7 p.m.
at the fire department on Oak Street in Lanark Village.

The Lanark/St. James area needs this fire department.
Lanark is a unique area with historical buildings that have common walls and
open attics. Fire is a real threat to this community. We have the highest
density of dwellings in Franklin County. It is time to start writing letters,
sending emails and making your phone calls to let the commissioners know how
you feel. The facts and figures are that Lanark area didn’t create this issue
and we should not be punished by losing our fire protection.

To the residents and property owners, we
better pay attention to this issue or you will be paying higher insurance, loss
of property and maybe even loss of life. The fire department is a draw for
those who are interested in settling in our area.

Lanark has lost another of our sweet ladies;
Sharon Manges passed away last week. Sharon was a longtime resident here and
the sister of Bette Baker. Before the Thrift Store in Lanark Village closed,
you could find the sisters there working several days a week. Condolences to
Sharon’s family. We will miss her.

C-Quarters was happy to be able to have the
Kingfish Shootout, an annual benefit for the Leukemia Research Foundation, after
not having it due to COVID. Many Lanark area residents volunteer for the event.
The raffles at the event are headed up by Rodney Kelly, with help from his
Lanark helpers. The captain’s meal is cooked and served by volunteers from the
Lanark American Legion groups, headed up by Terry Brannan. I am very proud to
be a part of a community that gives so willingly to east Franklin County.

Happy 20^th wedding anniversary to
Paul and Barbara Rohrs and be blessed with many more.

BE BEAR WISE, Get Help, Report Conflicts,
Know the Laws, 850-265-3676 and visit www.myfwc.com/bear.

Reminders:

The coffee times are still going strong on
Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. at Chillas Hall. On Thursdays the
representative of the Veterans Administration will be there to answer any of
your questions. Coffee is free on Thursdays, compliments of the veterans
representative.

 The
American Legion has their cheeseburger/hamburger night. They will be serving
these wonderful burgers on Friday nights from 5 to 7 p.m. If you want to call
ahead, call 850-697-9998. The dining and bar areas are open. The public is
invited. On Sunday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m., they serve pizza.

 The Lanark Village Golf Club is always open for your
fun, easygoing golfing needs. We are the only course on the Bay and you can
come spend the day for only $5 per person, and anyone can join for only $50 a
year. Also, we rent our sign out for special messages as birthdays, anniversaries,
weddings, etc.

 There is Trivia at the Crooked River Grill on
Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. Many of our Lanark people enjoy this activity. Also, The Crooked Grill at St. James Bay Golf
Resort off Hwy. 98 east of Lanark Village invites you to enjoy live music at
their new outdoor pavilion on Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Love Lanark!

Please remember to send me an
email or message me on Facebook if you have any questions.

Pat Sewell Funderburk is the Times Lanark News columnist. Be
sure to send news and society items about Lanark Village life to her at p.funderburk@yahoo.com