Ronald Fiscus of PlanScape Partners revealed plans for a combination Pizza Hut/KFC in Chiefland.

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

            Pizza Hut has long been a fixture in downtown Chiefland, but it’s about to get a new look when a second restaurant occupies the same space.

            Chiefland City Commissioners Monday, gave preliminary zoning and land use approval that will pave the way for Pizza Hut and Kentucky Fried Chicken to operate under the same roof.

            Ronald L. Fiscus of PlanScape Partners, a consultant for CFL Pizza LLC, said CFL’s parent company, Celebration Restaurants in Orlando, franchises Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell.

            “The past couple of years they’ve been doing a couple of conversions of Pizza Huts to combined Pizza Hut/KFC and they worked incredibly well,” he said.

            CFL Pizza has purchased three lots on the east end of Pizza Hut for the conversion to the new restaurant and to leave more room for parking and stormwater retention.

            Fiscus said the company hasn’t decided whether to tear down the existing Pizza Hut and rebuild a new combined Pizza Hut and KFC or remodel what they have into a facility for both restaurants.

            “Right now CFL Pizza is looking at pricing and alternatives and hasn’t drawn conclusions yet,” he said. “One way or another, that property will be improved substantially.”

            Fifteen to 20 years ago Pizza Hut was a hot commodity, but Fiscus said the trade has changed more to pick up and delivery pizza instead of people coming in to sit and eat.

            “They’re looking at conversion to KFC/Pizza Hut and that has worked incredibly well. There would still be a sitting area for people who do want to sit and eat pizza but the KFC is the more dominant of the two for people wanting to sit down and eat,” Fiscus added.

            City commissioners convened first as the planning board to recommend approval of the first reading of land use and zoning change ordinances for the three lots CFL has purchased. Commissioners adjourned and reconvened as the city commission to approve the first reading of the ordinance they had just approved as the planning board. At their next board meeting they will give approval land use and zoning changes.

            Noise Ordinance Approved

            Commissioners gave final approval to a noise ordinance that revamps the way the city enforces noise complaints.

            City police can use decibel meters to determine whether a violation has occurred or they can listen to the noise and use their best judgment as to whether the noise is a violation.

            Violating the noise ordinance carries a $300 fine for each violation.

            Ernest A. Haile Memorial Wall

            Alice Monyei gave commissioners a brief update on plans to build a memorial wall at Eddie Buie Recreational Hall celebrating the life and accomplishments of the late Ernest A. Haile.

            Haile was the principal of Chiefland Junior High School in south Chiefland during the days of school segregation. After integration he became a vice principal at Chiefland High School.

            The unveiling of the Ernest A. Haile Memorial Wall will take place at May Day celebrations at Buie Park on May 30, 2020.

            A reunion of Chiefland Junior High School will take place at the May Day celebration. Teachers and staff will be recognized. Political leaders and candidates for public office will be recognized.

            The Ernest and Julia Haile Scholarship will be awarded.

            Music, dance and softball along with good food will be part of the celebration.

            In past years, the Chiefland Men’s Club sponsored the May Day Celebration and always had free fried mullet.

            The mullet offering disappeared after the state’s net ban limited the catch. Politicians previously provided the mullet for the celebration but they no longer offer that service.

            Honoring Tremblay

            Police Chief Scott Anderson honored his retiring senior officer, Capt. Ray Tremblay, for 25 years of service to Chiefland.

            Tremblay is the first Chiefland police officer to have spent his entire career at CPD.

            “It’s been a true honor to have worked with Ray through his entire career. He has always been a loyal friend to the citizens and me,” Anderson said.

            Tremblay said when he started as a rookie officer he didn’t have much money to his name.

            “I was 20 years old and couldn’t buy my own bullets when I went to work here for the first time,” he said.        

           Honoring Walker and Pomeroy

            Commissioner Norm Weaver said the city’s recreation committee will honor former Mayors Betty Walker and Teal Pomeroy with plaques to be mounted at Eddie Buie Recreational Park.

            Rough Street

            The dirt street behind NAPA Auto Parts and other local businesses has long been known for its deep ruts. The city has talked about paving the street for a long time.

            City Commissioner Rollin Hudson asked if the city was making any progress toward paving of the street. He would like to see the street paved to give the businesses a connection to a paved road behind their stores.

            City Manager Mary Ellzey said the city needs drainage in order to pave the street and she hasn’t been able to acquire land from the Eleanor Baynard Estate that owns all the land along the road.

            She said she has been in contact with the estate attorney.

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City of Chiefland Regular Meeting January 27, 2020; Posted January 27, 2020