Saying Goodbye

Long-time planning and zoning members Anna Liisa Covell and Anthony Palmieri said goodbye Monday.

Their term on the volunteer board is over.

"It's been an extreme pleasure and an honor on my part to serve the community during a time of tremendous growth," Covell said.

Covell said she believes any recommendations she made during her tenure were done "for the right reasons."

She also thanked representatives from local engineering firms for dropping by to wish her and her colleague well.

That was especially nice, she said, because there were times when she had to vote against some of their projects.

Palmieri joked he wanted to find a job that pays more. Planning and zoning members are not paid for their services.

Palmieri said during his 11 years he made friends and enemies.

He also had some advice for the newcomers to the board who take over in January: Never forget that their main responsibility is to advise the board of county commissioners on land use issues.

Sometimes, the board during his tenure got side-tracked, he said.

Covell and Palmieri have a combined 18 years experience on the Hernando County planning and zoning board.

Because of term limits, they had to step down.

Covell was known for her stern, no-nonsense approach and Palmieri for his trademark accent and penchant for long speeches and tough grilling.

Covell was appointed in December 2000 and served two terms. Palmieri was appointed to fill out a term in February 1998 and subsequently served two consecutive terms.

Planning Director Ron Pianta thanked both of them for their hard work and community service.

After Covell banged the gavel to end the meeting, the board gathered for coffee and cake.

Pianta also announced Monday that county commissioners will have to appoint someone to replace long-time member Bob DeWitt, who tendered his resignation for health reasons.