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Levy County residents press board on animal-control gaps as county introduces new veterinarian
Summary
Residents urged the Levy County Commission to address local animal-control gaps and shelter capacity; the board introduced Dr. Victoria Kakabone as the county's new veterinarian and heard public requests for documentation and clearer outreach on grants.
At its meeting, the Levy County Board of County Commissioners heard several public comments urging action on animal-control services and shelter access, and staff introduced the county's new veterinarian.
David Clarridge of Yankee Town told commissioners the community lacks a local shelter and faces growing problems with feral and abandoned animals after recent storms. Clarridge said neighbors are trapping and attempting to rehome animals but asked the board whether grant opportunities exist and whether county staff could follow up. "We have heard something about a grant ... we're willing to do the work and apply the grant," he said (public comment).
Diane Marchand of Williston responded to a county administrator's letter that she said characterized her actions as harassment. Marchand disputed the characterization, asked the county to provide the "alleged 8 text messages, 4 phone calls, and 4 Facebook messages" referenced in the letter, and asked what language of conduct the county considered harassment. She said she supports the shelter and praised recent leadership improvements but sought evidence supporting the county's assertions and a written response from staff.
Animal services manager Brandy Camden and human-resources representative Elizabeth Figurito briefed the board and introduced Dr. Victoria Kakabone as the new county veterinarian. Commissioners welcomed Dr. Kakabone, who was described as having eight years of mobile large-animal practice in the community. Staff noted that some Health Department offices were moved into the main building and that county animal services are coordinating with the sheriff's office and other departments on enforcement and welfare calls.
The board reiterated public-comment procedures set by Resolution 2024-74: three minutes per speaker and one appearance per agenda item. No formal county policy change or vote on animal-control funding occurred during the meeting; residents asked staff to follow up on grant opportunities and to provide the records Diane Marchand requested.
The meeting record shows county staff promising follow-up contact for residents who left information with staff.
