Suwannee Countians, it's time to speak your mind! How? By calling the Suwannee Democrat Rant and Rave hotline. The hotline never closes and is your way to let it out. You can let everyone know how you feel -- as long as you express yourself in a respectful way.

Note: In written entries to Rant and Rave, errors in spelling, grammar or punctuation are those of the authors.

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Yes, I would like to say I appreciate the pages that you've got in for the Branford News paper, Homecoming, but I fully expect they should be in color next week, like Suwannee's football team. Thanks.

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I would like to know why we have more Branford football coverage than we do Suwannee County football coverage. I think Coach Odom and the team and the other coaches and assistants and trainers and everything need more coverage than what Suwannee County gives them. And Coach Odom needs to keep up the good job. Thanks.

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To the one who writes about the Branford football team, it is a team effort. I have seen a lot of boys make good interceptions, passes and tackles, but they get no mention. Just the same three or four boys. This is not right.

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Before moving to Suwannee County, we visited here often. The values of the county appealed to us. For those who wish to lower our values, it is suggested they leave, and relocate elsewhere. Thank you.

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Well, the county will get an increase in revenue from this past weekend. The last festival yielded 19 drug arrests. Although this is down from last year's 24 drug arrests nevertheless. Hopefully our law enforcement crew isn't becoming slackers, no they are doing fine. Is this really the influx of income we need? What say you?

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This is a rant regarding the Suwannee County Animal shelter. I called in about it once before but apparently it wasn't printed. And I just don't understand how such a health issue can be avoided? I know the city council is putting out bids for the sewer system, however, the sewer system has been a mess for a long time now and people will continue to get sick from it, including the animals, but I guess it is because it is the animals, and not people, that live there and that is why nobody seems to care.

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Well, I guess the bail bondsmen were happy this weekend, their revenue was definitely up. There must have been over 20 arrests from out of towners, what's that about? Too bad the revenue we get could not be from a clean source. Congratulations to the drug task force. Thanks.

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In response to the person who called in to complain about the health department not giving out material about the H1N1 flu, in English and Spanish, as far as I am concerned, I don't care where you come from, this is America, if you come here and can't read, write or speak English, don't complain, just turn around and go back where you came from, because we don't need you here anyway.

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Maricopa County, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio, is sweeping up people who are illegally in this country. What are the sheriffs in north-central Florida doing about those who are illegally in this country and living within their jurisdictions????



In response to the above [a previously published Rant], go to Arizona if they are doing such a great job with the people in this country illegally. By the way, look at a map for goodness sake- how close is Arizona to Mexico? A lot closer than Live Oak, FL. Here's your sign. Tell me, when did you see an "illegal" on the front page of the paper for selling drugs to our children or murdering someone? I think the sheriffs' offices in North Central Florida have their hands full fighting real crime. Focus on something else already!!

Thank you

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Noise pollution?? I haven't heard anymore about the ATV track (GOOD), but this past weekend must have been worse. I had a friend hunting over a mile from the latest music/social festival. He said the sound just about jarred the trees. I'm glad I don't live up there. The second hand smoke/fumes may have caused me to see things.

I did see though where another 20 or so were arrested for a variety of drug charges. I hope these type people don't look at Suwannee County for a future place to make home.

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Callers to 386-208-8314 may express their thoughts, good or bad, 24/7 about community issues and politics, but not about private individuals or businesses. If you prefer, you may email your comments to nf.editorial@gaflnews.com. You don't have to give your name, and please, keep submissions to less than 45 seconds (that's about 150 words). We want everybody to have a chance to be heard. Submissions that are overly long will be discarded. If 45 seconds isn't enough time, write a Letter to the Editor. (Guidelines for letters appear on Page 6A of our print edition.)