Commissioners share Veterans Day remembrances, introduce Dr. Reiser and urge $1 donation to transit fund

During commission comments, several commissioners used their allotted time for community announcements and farewells.

One commissioner announced an ice-cream social to introduce Dr. Reiser as the new executive director of the Council on Aging and encouraged residents registering cars, boats or trucks to opt into a $1 voluntary donation for the transportation disadvantaged trust fund, noting that "for that dollar, all that money comes back to the county to help our Clay transit folks." The speaker directed residents with questions to the tax collector's office.

Commissioners also acknowledged Veterans Day. One recounted meeting Jose Rodriguez of Green Cove, describing Rodriguez as an airborne veteran and test jumper with "5,632 jumps," a highest jump of "32,000 feet" and a top recorded speed of "211 miles an hour," calling the encounter "a fantastic event." Commissioner Stewart said he attended the Veterans Day service at Camp Blanding and thanked veterans for their service.

Several commissioners offered farewells to colleagues departing the board. Commissioner Fitzgerald, who said she has served eight years, thanked friends, family and faith communities and described Clay County as a "wonderful place this is to live." Commissioner Rutledge said he had enjoyed serving and that, after losing his election, he planned to spend more time with his nine-year-old son.

These remarks were delivered during the commission-comments portion of the meeting and did not include formal board actions.