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Hernando Today

Residents fight for Little Rock Cannery

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: June 3, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - The Little Rock Cannery has been saved - at least for now.

Dozens of residents petitioned members of the business and finance committee on Tuesday not to close the facility near the Hernando/Citrus county line north of Brooksville.

Especially with the repressed economy, many said they rely on it to can fruits and vegetables and save money.

The board voted 5-0 to direct Regional Specialized Extension Agent Stacy Strickland to find "creative" ways to reduce expenses to keep the cannery open.

The committee's recommendation was met with loud applause from those present.

Strickland said it will be a "great challenge" but said he would explore better promotional efforts and possibly increase the $10 annual membership fee.

The county budgets about $49,000 a year for the facility, which employs one full-time person. County commissioners have considered closing the cannery as one way to make up for a $10.5 million reduction in the 2010 budget.

Resident Michael Wingrove said 10 years ago, "We were in high cotton."

But after losing 40 percent of his income, his family subsists on the produce he cans at the facility.

Several said they take their home-grown produce to the cannery, which provides the equipment and some help from employees in canning their goods.

"This is a vital thing for our county because it not only helps us provide food for our families and helps people with medical problems ... to make food that is good and doesn't have all the additives in it and the salt problems," said resident Pamela Harrow.

"You have a gem here," she said. "Don't lose it."

Resident Bobbi Mills said if necessary, turn down the lights or use candles to cut costs but don't close the cannery.

Committee Chairman Rose Rocco said the cannery is essential, especially given the high unemployment rate.

"They're learning how to grow their own food because they need it to survive," Rocco said. "With the economy, more people are getting back to basics.

Cannery supervisor Flossie Raines said she has 80 members. Part of the lure is the value of canning, she said.

For example, she said her produce person recently delivered a 50-pound bag of carrots and a bushel of pole beans - priced at $4 - that people can and take home.

Those kinds of prices are not available at grocery stores, she said.

The Little Rock Cannery is located at 15487 Citrus Way, at U.S. 98 and County Road 491, about nine miles north of Brooksville.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at 352-544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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