Columns by Mary Ann Hutton

Over the last year, I have heard the phrases, “it's Republican” or “it's Democratic”. When did we begin to determine that everything was party related? Many of the issues relating to these phrases, I considered were simply part of being an American. Did we all...

First, I would like to thank everyone who takes the time to speak, smile and talk with me. Most of all thank you for reading and following my commentary. From here on out, we will publish a biweekly article here at www.thestraighttruth.us and on Facebook The...

In the latest news of the attempted assassination of former President Trump and the current Republican Presidential Nominee of 2024, I am reminded that being a public servant does not come without a price, as history has shown us. Sometimes that price is paid by...

Governor DeSantis provided very sound advice for all government entities. He stated in a veto letter, “Governments should strive to do more with less, It can be done and my actions today cements that lesson for the nation.” Those words came from his in line-vetoed...

Annually in November, The Florida Department of Revenue issues a Tax Information Publication. The publication provides information regarding tax increases and tax rates on fuel products in Florida. The publication also provides a link for a list of local options...

It’s that time of year when we remember and honor our fallen and we also see rising hope with our new graduates. On May 30, 1868, at Arlington National Cemetery, James A. Garfield said “We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they...

You and your vote will determine who wins the primary election in August and who wins the general election in November. I have had a lot of questions concerning voting, especially who can vote in the closed primary and who can vote in the open general election....

Cattle production has been a big part of Florida’s heritage since the 1500s when Spanish explorers brought livestock to the Florida Peninsula. By the 1600s Florida was home to 34 cattle ranches and 20,000 heads of cattle. The cattle industry is a viable industry in...

Driving through our wonderful community and other areas I continually see “Help Wanted” signs. Did you know that the labor force as a percentage of Jackson County’s population is only 42.3% and the State of Florida’s labor force to population is 60.1%? Let that...

If you are like so many here in our great community, you are experiencing the national epidemic of hardworking Americans known as “funds be low and extra no longer exists”. Your paycheck no longer covers your cost of living. This is the same paycheck that...

Social media platforms originally started to help connect people and friends digitally and quickly became a digital gathering place for individuals to talk and share. However, over the past years, it has infiltrated our lives as an information broadcaster, social...

Today, we will cover an issue that is very near and dear to my heart. I am passionate as a property owner and real estate appraiser but far more passionate as a constitution lover of rights and freedoms. Today we will be talking about your property rights and how...

Homelessness is becoming a major factor across many states and our nation. It is costing millions in clean up, security, and tourism all over the United States. The January 2023 Point-In-Time Count estimates 653,104 people experiencing homelessness across the...

Adjournment Sine Die is the conclusion of a meeting by deliberative assembly, without setting a day to reconvene. The assembly can reconvene either in its present form or a reconstituted form if preexisting laws and rules provide. On Friday, March 8, 2024 Sine Die...

Governor Ron DeSantis, Speaker of the House Paul Renner, and Senate President Kathleen Passidomo are leading the fight against the irresponsible and careless federal government. Governor DeSantis stated, “Washington D.C. works for itself, not the American People”....

If you have seen any news coverage lately you have been made aware of the massive retail theft happening across the U.S. This type of retail theft targets brand-name stores carrying high-end expensive merchandise. The thieves generally go in smash, snatch, and grab...

As we can all tell from Rep. Abbott’s statement last week, this year’s legislative session is very busy and already providing productive results for Floridians. This week let’s talk about appropriations project requests and what has been filed for potential funding...

The Florida Legislative Session is in full swing and our elected officials have been hard at work. Many are working to improve regulations and procedures and others are looking for new ways to protect Floridians and our free state of life. It takes all of the...

Our community is very blessed with natural resources and public green spaces, parks, trails, and waterways for us to enjoy. “Public green space” development and use is a major component in existing communities and new evolving communities and is in high demand from...