During a recent county commission meeting, Commissioner John Allocco took the opportunity to shine a spotlight on a dedicated community member, Barbara Wills-Lipford, for her exceptional efforts in cleaning up Thrasher Ave. in Hernando County. Wills-Lipford’s commitment to maintaining the cleanliness of this stretch of road, often plagued by litter and debris, has not only garnered the attention of local authorities but has also become a source of inspiration for the community at large.
Commissioner Allocco began by recounting the day an email crossed his desk containing a picture of Barbara Wills-Lipford cleaning up Thrasher Ave. People who, for a variety of reasons, chose not to dispose of their waste responsibly had made this particular area a hotspot for illegal dumping. Allocco acknowledged Wills-Lipford’s consistent efforts over the past two and a half years, during which she has cleaned the 2.5-mile stretch of Thrasher Ave more than twenty times.
Allocco emphasized the importance of recognizing community members who go above and beyond without seeking recognition. He hoped that Wills-Lipford’s example would encourage others to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact of thoughtless littering on their community.
Responding to the recognition, Barbara Wills-Lipford expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment of her efforts. She shared her mission of raising awareness about the careless littering on Thrasher Ave., especially in the northern part of the Royal Highlands, where she resides. Wills-Lipford highlighted the beauty of the area and her determination to preserve it by actively combating littering.
Wills-Lipford spoke about the challenges faced, including the impact of construction on Thrasher Ave that contributed to the litter problem. She also addressed concerns about speeding on the road, urging for the installation of warning signs for littering fines and stricter penalties for speeding. The safety of the community, particularly the children, was a high concern for her.
During the meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) presented Barbara Wills-Lipford with a Certificate of Recognition. The certificate detailed her outstanding contributions, stating that since November 2021, she has personally cleaned trash along 2.5 miles of Thrasher Ave. more than 20 times. The BOCC acknowledged her exemplary commitment to keeping the community clean and commended her selflessness in the pursuit of this goal.
Commissioner Campbell extended gratitude to Barbara Wills-Lipford for her hard work in maintaining the community. He emphasized that it is individuals like her who contribute to making Hernando County a great place to live.
Barbara Wills-Lipford’s dedication to highway clean-up serves as a powerful example of the positive impact individuals can have on their communities. Her recognition by the Board of County Commissioners not only acknowledges her hard work but also aims to inspire others to take responsibility for their surroundings. As the community rallies around her efforts, the hope is that Thrasher Ave. and other areas in Hernando County will see positive change, fostering a safer, cleaner and more beautiful environment for everyone.
