Monday at 5 p.m. marks the deadline to register in order to be able to vote on whether or not Suwannee County should remain dry, or join the other 62 of the 67 counties in Florida which allow the sale of strong beverages.

It is time to end this law.

If you don’t drink, this law won’t make you start. The law simply makes the sale of beverages containing more than 6.243 percent of alcohol by volume possible.

Our stance has always been in favor of seeing this county change to a wet status – strictly for economic reasons.  
What exactly is wet though? Beer and certain wines are sold here, as long as the alcohol content doesn’t exceed 6.243 percent by volume. Anything over is banned.

What will make us wet will be to allow the sale of beverages containing more than that percentage amount.

It’s time. Let’s move beyond the talk and let the voters decide. We want to see this thing passed – for our future. It’s our view that, especially in times of dire economic uncertainty, we need to break free from any obstacle that holds us back economically.

City Administrator Bob Farley said some businesses have said they won’t set foot in Suwannee County until we change to a wet status.

He said the land in front of Lowe’s on 72nd Trace is sewer and water ready and is being marketed for restaurant use. However, Farley said restaurants such as Red Lobster and Applebee’s won’t come here.

“They wouldn’t think of coming until we’re wet,” said Farley.

We won’t pretend to guess what the future holds. However, we shouldn’t stand by and allow something that could potentially bring more revenue into this county pass by.

To the non-voters. Go see Suwannee Supervisor of Elections Glenda Williams and her staff at 220 Pine Avenue in Live Oak and get registered.

Remember to vote for selling intoxicating liquors, wines or beer containing more than 6.243 percent of alcohol by volume. Don’t forget to answer question two – for sales by the package and drink.

You can vote now by absentee ballot, instructions of which can be found on page 2A.

There are 32 days left until the election on Aug. 16, as of the date of this column. Get out and register, and vote.

Quick reminders:

Deadline to register to vote is July 18 at 5 p.m.

Absentee voting continues until Aug. 15 at 5 p.m.

Early voting is Monday, Aug. 8 and ends Saturday, Aug. 13.