Local

NEWBERRY ‒ For the third school day in a row Newberry High School was evacuated on Monday, Sept. 27, due to a bomb threat. Monday’s threat was called in at 8:30 a.m. In each case, Alachua County Sheriff Office (ACSO) deputies have swept the school to determine if the threats have been credible and have cleared the buildings.

More than 700 students, teachers and school personnel were evacuated to Jimmy Durden Park (West Park), 26333 S.W. 4^th Avenue, as ACSO deputies took tactical positions at the school following receipt of the threat. Air 1, an ACSO helicopter, circled overhead as the school was searched.

After a screen shot with a threat to get out of the park began circulating at the park, the group was moved to the gymnasium.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., ACSO deputies gave the all clear and everyone was returned to their classes.

During the Sept. 27 Newberry City Commission meeting, Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe said that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was working with ASO to investigate the source of the threats.

ACSO has a “deputy that is assigned to the FBI that is assisting us,” explained ACSO Public Information Officer Art Forgey, “but we remain the lead investigative agency on the threats.”

Marlowe commended the City for bringing in water, as well as chairs for the older teachers while the group was in the hot sun in the park. “City staff also thoughtfully opened the park restrooms,” Marlowe said.

The mayor said anyone who knows the source of the threats can leave a tip anonymously through Crime Stoppers, which will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. The number is 352-372-STOP.

“Detectives continue to investigate this one [Monday’s bomb threat] and the two prior,” said Forgey.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs is planning upcoming activities for the 2021-22 fiscal year. City Manager Ashley Stathatos expects to add one position in the Streets Department, and she also added additional funds to help the City apply for more grants for streets and drainage issues. Police vehicles will be replaced under a lease agreement at a cost of $45,000 per year.

Parks Department

Stathatos also anticipates adding a project manager to the Parks Department using Wild Spaces Public Places funds for Wild Spaces Public Places projects. Also budgeted for is the Canoe Outpost purchase, the City’s share of the Rails to Trails project, work on the Catherine Taylor Community Center, along with a Parks and Trail System Master Plan at a total of $1,077,500, which also includes utilizing Wild Spaces Public Places funds.

Improvements to Memorial Park are also on the horizon and will include a new ball field and additional improvements to the existing ball fields. “Funding for these projects will include utilizing Wild Spaces Public Places as matching funds with a Land Water Conservation Grant,” said Parks & Recreation Director Damon Messina.

Fire Department

Purchases for the High Springs Fire Department will include a heavy-duty technical rescue unit, referred to as the Squad, at $740,000 and an engine at $650,000. Revenue generated from the increased fire assessment will cover the purchase of the new Squad and Engine at roughly $157,000 per year. “We are still in the planning phase of the brush truck, exploring a couple of different options. Therefore, an exact dollar figure is not known at this time,” said Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham.

Utilities

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Funds will be used to help develop a parking and stormwater plan as well as a photometric study for lighting in the downtown area.

The City also plans to pay for the third water well at a cost of $667,700, with payments estimated to be $90,000 a year, and an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) program at $2 million, which will be financed. Stathatos expects the AMI program will decrease water loss and will end up paying for itself, while also providing greater meter reading accuracy and enhancing customer service to the citizens. Water funds will help pay for these two items.

Sewer funds will help pay for the wastewater treatment plant expansion project, which will cost $7 million, with the anticipation of receiving grant funding. A new public works storage building is anticipated at a cost of $200,000, which will be funded over a two- to three-year period. The Water Sewer Master Plan is being funded with a portion coming from both the water and sewer funds.

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GAINESVILLE – The Alachua County Legislative Delegation met at Santa Fe College on Monday, Sept. 27, to consider local bills and give local residents and officials an opportunity to request legislation or state funding and express opinions on issues to be considered by the Florida Legislature during the 2022 session.

Delegation Chair State Representative Chuck Clemons, Senator Keith Perry, and Representatives Chuck Brannan and Yvonne Hinson were on hand for the meeting.

In addition to the City of Gainesville, three rural cities in the outlying Alachua County area responded with requests for support for their cities.

Although the City of Newberry had a lengthy list of items to present to the Legislative Delegation, the list was pared down to four main items, which they presented for consideration.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe asked for $5 million in funding for expansion of Newberry’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, which is expected to cost $25 million. Currently the City is under an Administrative Order by the state to enhance its treatment capability.

In addition, Marlowe said Newberry is partnering with High Springs, Archer and Trenton to construct a regional wastewater treatment facility that will provide enhanced treatment to serve all of western Alachua County and eastern Gilchrist County.

He also requested an allocation of construction funding for the FDOT State Road 26 widening/one-way pairs project, which is now in the design and right-of-way acquisition phase. Construction funding is estimated at $35 million.

Marlowe also asked for support for funding a Jobs Growth Grant Application being submitted by the City. He said a meat processing facility, which is still in a conceptual stage, is being championed by a county Commissioner and project manager. It could be a perfect addition to the Ag Park and fits with the City’s agricultural focus as it may benefit cattle ranchers in the region.

Alachua Interim City Manager Mike DaRoza and Mayor Gib Coerper did not request financial support for a specific project. Instead, DaRoza asked that the legislature support the growth of biotechnology and life sciences in any way possible, particularly in this region. He referenced launching the Alachua Bio Partnership later this fall. They also asked for continued support of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, for which the City benefitted in 2017 by receiving a $6.7 million grant to allow construction of the San Felasco Parkway.

“We also asked for continued support of Enterprise Florida,” DaRoza said, which aids companies looking to locate their businesses in Florida. “They partner with area chambers of commerce and municipalities to try to locate areas for relocation.”

Coerper referenced the 285 acres in Alachua that is being developed by Concept Construction and thanked the University of Florida for working with them. He said the City is moving forward with that project, which he believes will be “something special, not only for the City of Alachua but way beyond that, as far as jobs.” The mayor also asked that the legislature preempt bills that are going through the legislature that negatively impact home rule. “I hope you’ll fight for us,” he said.

Waldo City Manager Kim Worley asked for approval of their applications for Round 2 of the Rebuild Florida General Infrastructure Program, one for sewer manhole rehabilitation and replacements and one upgrades to their potable water system. She also requested funds for the FDOT Complete Streets program to make their streets safer for pedestrians. She also said her City would like to see the bike path extended from the Gainesville Airport to other existing bike paths.

The two senior members of the Delegation introduced two possible proposals for local bills in the upcoming session. Local bills affect a specific geographic location and are not statewide laws.

Senator Perry explained a possible proposal for the Alachua County Commission to be reorganized into single member districts while Representative Clemons said there may be a case for consolidation of county and city services similar to the consolidation of Duval County and Jacksonville in 1968.

Clemons said that should momentum build for either of these measures, there would be a public hearing for discussion with the Delegation to determine if further action by the Legislature is warranted. If the Legislature passes one or both bills, the electorate will have the final say as each bill would go on the 2022 ballot for a vote by local residents to determine if they approve or disapprove of the measures.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Barry Heckard, 39, owner of Newberry’s Heckard Doors, 50 S.W. 266^th Street, was shot and killed by Alachua County Sheriff Office (ACSO) deputies on Thursday, Sept. 23, as he attempted to elude officers trying to pull him over for a traffic stop.

Deputies say they initially saw a white van at around 8:30 p.m. that was swerving on north State Road 45. Officers attempted to pull the driver over for a suspected DUI, but Heckard sped away. In an effort to stop the fleeing van, officers performed a “pit maneuver” known as a Precision Immobilization Technique in which the right front quarter panel of the police vehicle is on the vehicle’s rear quarter panel.

During the maneuver officers say that’s when Heckard shot at deputies. At least one deputy returned fire at the driver which resulted in Heckard’s death, say ACSO officials.

No deputies were injured in the encounter, which ended at the intersection of State Road 45 and Newberry Road. The intersection was barricaded throughout the night, but was opened at 6:30 a.m. Friday.

Heckard has had a history of being jailed on various charges beginning in 2018. ACSO spokesperson Art Forgey said, “Heckard had been charged with aggravated assault, possession of marijuana and possession of drug equipment in 2018. In 2019 he had a warrant out for grand theft and in 2020 he was charged with contractor fraud. In June,” he said, “Heckard was in violation of probation for grand theft.”

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Jacksonville will help with the investigation. Until the investigation has been completed, all deputies involved will be put on paid administrative leave, which is routine practice. Investigators will determine if the use of force was justified in this shooting.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Lions Club supports many charitable causes under the organization’s motto “We Serve” by helping provide for the needs of others. With service in mind, club members are turning their support to those impacted by a recent hurricane. Hurricane Ida hit the Louisiana cost on Aug. 29, 2021with heavy rain and winds of over 150 mph. It was a deadly and destructive Category 4 storm that became the second-most damaging and intense hurricane to make landfall in Louisiana on record, behind hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Throughout its path of destruction in Louisiana, more than a million people had no electricity and widespread heavy infrastructural damage occurred throughout the southeastern portion of the state, as well as extremely heavy flooding in coastal areas. Ida is the sixth costliest storm on record, having caused at least $50.1 billion in damages.

Club members are currently collecting supplies for the hurricane victims with an event called the Emergency Hurricane Relief Drive. They have a trailer to fill with donated supplies, and once full, it will be driven to New Orleans to be distributed to those in need. Household items such as soap, toothpaste and brushes, and toilet paper are welcomed. Sanitary wipes and diapers for babies, pet food and bottled water are needed as well. All types of clothing are also welcomed.

They are asking the community to show their support to the victims of Ida. “You can go to the Dollar store and get a few things, or maybe you have some extra food or clothing that you feel compelled to donate,” said Lions Club member Barbara Kowats. “Just remember when others helped you recover from a storm, maybe it is time to pay it forward. The feeling of giving is joy and your gift could multiply or change someone's life in a way that makes the world a better place is just an added bonus to doing and feeling good.”

Article donations or cash /checks can be dropped off at the High Springs Lions Club at 26900 West U.S. Highway 27 in High Springs Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4 p.m. To 7 p.m. More information and a large list of donation items can be found at the High Springs Lions Club Facebook page or by calling 386-454-4521.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua may soon be adding Cottage Neighborhood to its Land Development Regulations (LDRs). At the Sept. 27 Alachua City Commission meeting, Ryan Thompson of Causseaux, Hewett, & Walpole, Inc., proposed amendments to the City’s LDRs that would establish a new housing type, known as a Cottage Neighborhood, in the Corporate Park (CP) zoning district.

The Cottage neighborhood is a concept that incorporates housing and work locations in the same community as well as restaurants, retail and recreation in a planned community. Cottage homes located within cottage neighborhoods offer a potentially lower cost single-family detached housing than in traditional subdivisions and residents have the ability to reduce travel to work or use of vehicles, since all facilities would be within walking or biking distance.

Several factors distinguish cottage homes from other housing communities and include smaller lot size or no lots at all; the application of setbacks; building orientation and configuration; vehicle and pedestrian access with shops, work space and housing. Most cottage homes would be clustered around common greens area. This distinguishes the cottage homes concept by providing open space that is located adjacent to and in front of residential dwellings, rather than a more traditional development pattern where dwellings are located along a road. In addition, utility infrastructure and stormwater management facilities required to serve the development is less than required for traditional development.

The proposed amendments would permit cottage neighborhoods exclusively within the Corporate Park (CP) zoning district. Residential uses are only permitted within the CP zoning district if the lands zoned CP are comprised of at least 50 acres of contiguous land.

According the Thompson, the goal of the Cottage homes concept is to “accommodate a range of research and development, technology and life sciences/biotechnology industries, office, supporting retail, and complementary residential uses.” Two project areas that are currently being considered for the Cottage Neighborhood concept are San Felasco Tech City and University of Florida Foundation property located east of County Road 241.

In other City business, the Commission held the final hearing on the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget and approved three resolutions on the General City Purpose Ad Valorem Taxes for the 2021 Tax Year. The General Fund rolled-back rate is 5.1155 mills with the final millage rate set at 5.3900 mills. The Commission also approved the final Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget of $42,610,703.

The Commission has appointed two residents to vacant positions on the Senior Resources Advisory Board (SRAB). John E. Brown will serve a three-year term and Vida May Waters will serve a two-year term. The five-member board meets quarterly and serves in an advisory role to the City Commission by providing information on issues of importance to senior citizens in the community.

The City of Alachua has proclaimed October as American Pharmacists Month. In honor of pharmacists’ service to the community, Mayor Gib Coerper read a proclamation and then presented it to Alachua pharmacist William Garst, Pharm.D. The proclamation was in recognition of pharmacists as important members of a health care team with knowledge of medications, the effects they produce in a body, and how they interact or interfere with each other. In addition to safely providing medicine, pharmacists offer many other services as part of their commitment to helping patients live healthier lives. Pharmacists have also played an important role in the fight against COVID-19 by offering testing and vaccines at many locations. Currently there are over 300,000 licensed pharmacists throughout the country.

In a related health matter, the Newberry Opioid Task Force, appointed by the Newberry City Commission, provided information and requested support for their efforts in reducing the number of students who become drug users. Opioid addiction is a long-lasting chronic disease that can cause major health, social, and economic problems. Misuse of prescription opioids and heroin affects more than two million Americans and an estimated 15 million people worldwide each year. The prevalence of opioid misuse and addiction is rapidly increasing. Members of the task force are speaking at commission meetings throughout the county to garner support and funding.

The organization also plan to partner with radKIDS to implement a strategy and a plan to prevent addiction before it occurs. Since 2001, radKIDS has become the national leader in children’s safety education. The task force is requesting $10,000 in funding from the City of Alachua.

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