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NEWBERRY ‒ A movement in the city of Newberry may be gaining traction as some residents are pushing to convert the town’s three public schools into public charter schools.

According to a statement released by the school district, they were notified about the effort to convert public schools in Newberry into charter schools on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. Newberry Education First is leading the effort.

The City of Newberry issued a press release on Tuesday, Feb. 20, stating that the City acknowledges the recent proposal by a group of concerned parents to convert the city’s local elementary, middle and high schools into public charter schools. As a small community deeply invested in the education and well-being of the City’s children, “we are committed to providing the best possible educational environment for them”.

Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe has consistently maintained that the Alachua County School Board is busing students in from the Jonesville and surrounding areas rather than building a school to serve those students. In city commission meetings he has stated that Newberry and Archer students are not the cause of overcrowding in Newberry’s schools.

Although the City of Newberry has been criticized by some who believe overcrowding in Newberry’s schools is the result of large housing developments, which have been approved by the City, Marlowe disputes that notion.

He previously said that the school board is aware of the developments and has time to prepare for increased student populations in the distant future.

The City’s press release continues by saying, “In light of this proposal, we are dedicated to engaging in a constructive and collaborative dialogue with all stakeholders. We look forward to working closely with both the group of concerned parents and the School Board of Alachua County to explore this request thoroughly. Our goal is to navigate this process with the ultimate benefit of our children in mind, ensuring that their academic and personal growth remains at the forefront of any decision.”

For more information on the proposal, visit YesNewberry.org.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department is welcoming in the Spring Season. Currently underway are the Santa Fe Soccer Alliance registration open until Feb. 24 (sfsocceralliance.com) and 399 Sports Volleyball registration open until March 3 (399sportsrecreation@gmail.com).

This past Saturday, Legacy Park Multipurpose Center hosted a roaring event as the Swamp Bot Robotics regional competition kicked off. The robotics competition is a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. STEM programs are designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematical skills in local youth and is a nationwide program.

The competition included a day filled with games, fun snacks, and entertainment. The highlight of the event was the closing pyrotechnic walk out ceremony to celebrate all of the participants. Congratulations are due to all the competing teams and thank yous as well to the volunteers who made the event so much more exciting.

Upcoming Weekly Events

Senior Bingo at the Hathcock Community Center hosted by Crafty Gemini is scheduled for Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Crafty Gemini is also holding a crafting class at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center in Room 2 on Feb. 24 from 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., and refreshments will be provided. Legacy Park Multipurpose Center also hosts free Zumba classes on Tuesdays from 6 p.m. — 7 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6:30. p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Semi-Pro Football Games

Also, on Thursday, Feb. 24, Alachua Raiders Youth Football will be hosting Semi-Pro Football games as a fundraiser for their organization. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support the local youth football league.

On Thursday, Feb. 29, the Hal Brady Recreation Complex will be hosting the Raider Classics for High School softball.

For more information about what is going on, visit the City of Alachua Recreation and Culture Facebook page or visit the front desk at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. Come join the City of Alachua, the “Good life Community” where the community congregates—Legacy Park Multipurpose Center and Fields and the Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

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ALACHUA ‒ Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) issued a statement on Feb. 16, 2024 regarding a charge of alleged pornographic materials in schools. ACPS spokeswoman Jackie Johnson on Feb. 16, 2024 issued a media release with a link to the Feb. 9 ACPS statement, writing “…statement from the district regarding the misleading information that was posted earlier today on social media about a book challenge hearing held Jan. 24. You can find the statement at: https://fl02219191.schoolwires.net/Page/31553.”

The posted statement entitled, “A statement from Alachua County Public Schools and Superintendent Shane Andrew about pornographic materials in schools” in its entirety is below.

“February 16, 2024

“Superintendent Shane Andrew issued the following statement on Feb. 16, 2024, about pornographic materials in schools.

“To be clear up front—this Superintendent, the district, and the staff believe no student should have access to pornographic materials in their schools. That belief is shared by the ACPS employee who has been the subject of recent social media postings about a book challenge. This is to set the record straight.

“On Jan. 23, a formal hearing was held before a hearing officer regarding a challenge brought by an ACPS parent to the book ‘Melissa,’ previously published as ‘George,’ by Alex Gino. The hearing was videotaped.

“Earlier today, a very small segment of that video was posted on social media, including X (Twitter) and Facebook.

“That video was taken out of context and was misleading.

“The parent asked the ACPS witness several questions, including whether he felt it was appropriate for an 8-year-old to read “about pornography and dirty magazines” (emphasis added). However, the witness did not intend to convey that this book was, in fact, about pornography and dirty magazines. He certainly does not agree that it is appropriate for an elementary school student or any student to read pornographic materials. It is rather his belief that this particular book is not pornographic, does not violate state statutes and can therefore be read by elementary school students in grades 3-5.

“The parent never actually asked the ACPS witness if he believed this book is pornographic. The witness did clarify later in the hearing that he did not believe this book is pornographic.

“There are two sections of the book in which the words ‘dirty magazines’ or the word ‘porn’ are mentioned. “They are as follows:

“The phrase ‘dirty magazine’ was used by a teenage boy taunting his little brother. The little brother was, in fact, not looking at a dirty magazine.

“The word ‘porn’ appeared later in the book, when the same older brother stated he knew his little brother was not reading porn.

‘This is the full extent of the use of those two terms in the book. The book contains no pornographic scenes, pictures or descriptions.

“The hearing officer recommended that the book remain in the elementary school library. In her order, the hearing officer pointed out that the parent had not objected to the book based on it being pornographic.

“The School Board of Alachua County voted on Feb. 6 to confirm the hearing officer’s decision.

“The district will continue to follow state and district laws and procedures in responding to parent concerns regarding books in our schools.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ One member of the High Springs City Commission pushed for a staff hiring freeze at the Feb. 8, 2024 High Springs City Commission. Commissioner Andrew Miller voiced his concern that the City should not hire any more staff until a new city manager was on board.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder agreed in part, saying he didn’t see the need for a formal hiring freeze, but instead, he recommended that the City hire only critical staff, if needed, as some positions require full staffing in order to meet required regulatory demands. Positions noted for consideration might be fire personnel and police officers.

City Clerk Angela Stone reported that hiring a new fire chief was already underway. Commissioners suggested that since the hiring process was already in place, the City should move forward with it.

Interim Fire Chief Mike Vogel said he would be available to fill that position until someone new was hired and in place. He also said that a selling point for a new city manager might be that he/she would be able to hire their own team to fill vacant positions.

Miller moved forward with a motion to approve a staff hiring freeze, but the motion died for lack of a second. Instead, Commissioners agreed that they would ask the city manager to refrain from hiring unless a critical position had to be filled.

SFHS Environmental Club

Santa Fe High School Environmental Club/Marine Biology students received a $1,500 grant from former City Commissioner Ross Ambrose, when he was on the Commission, to help fund a trip to Cedar Key, Seahorse-Key Marine laboratory. The only requirement was that the students were to come back to the City Commission and share what they had learned from the trip. Three students and Science Instructor Maureen Shankman were on-hand to talk about their experience and to also thank the Commission for the donation.

The group has recently partnered with the High Springs Youth Advisory Council to participate in several springs clean-up activities.

Other City Business

In other City business, the Commission unanimously approved a proclamation declaring February as Black History month in High Springs.

In response to a citizen’s complaint about the City’s waste hauling rates, the Commission directed the city attorney to contact the City’s contracted waste hauler, Waste Pro, about businesses having private contracts with the waste hauler. The individual complained that the City’s waste hauling prices increased by 60 percent from $188 to $302 per week for a six cubic yard pickup once a week. The business owner said he had the same size and pickup times in Alachua with the same waste company and it was 2 ½ times less for the same size and service.

Another complaint was lodged that the electric vehicle (EV) station had cars parked in the designated EV parking area that were not using the EV facilities and questioned if those drivers could be ticketed. Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said he was not legally allowed to ticket for that purpose.

The same individual also requested the City put in a turn lane on U.S. Highway 441 in front of the Pink Flamingo restaurant and a crossing lane on U.S. Highway 441 in front of Winn Dixie. She was told that in both instances, that the turn lane and the crossing lane are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as it is responsible for state highways.

In response to a request for the City to install other EV parking areas in the Winn Dixie parking lot, she was told that the City had no authority over business parking lots, but would see if they could facilitate conversation between the store and Duke Energy. Duke earlier expressed an interest in installing five EV parking facilities in downtown High Springs.

In other business, Sheppard said he had two officers on duty over the weekend and they had written 100 tickets during that time period.

Giving an update on the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative, Public Works Director Thomas Henry said the project was 150 smart meters away from completion.

Stone updated the Commission on the status of a joint meeting between Alachua County and the City. The Commission agreed to the June 6 date that Alachua County requested.

Stone also reported that two individuals, Wayne Bloodsworth, Jr. and Chad Howell, had qualified for the upcoming March 26 election to fill City Commission Seat #2 The last day to register to vote for this election or to update voter information to vote in this municipal election is Feb. 26.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22.

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ALACHUA ‒ Renovations to Alachua Boy Scout Troop 88’s scout hut are almost complete. Chartered in 1912, Troop 88 is one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the United States and has a long history in Alachua and with the Alachua Lions Club. After the Alachua Lions Club was chartered in 1931, the organization began sponsoring Troop 88.

Located on Northwest 142^nd Terrace across from the Alachua Post Office, the Alachua Lions Club broke ground for the expansion at the site of the existing scout hut on Nov. 10, 2023. Plans called for extensive renovations on the building, plus a major expansion increasing the scout hut by two-thirds. The existing restroom will be renovated, and an additional wheelchair accessible restroom will be constructed. The expansion also includes an entirely new HVAC system and a covered front porch.

According to Alachua Lions Club records, the first scout hut in Alachua was built in the 1930s with the assistance of the Alachua Lions Club. When that building burned down in 1983, the Alachua Lions Club stepped up once again, and headed by club member Gilbert Whitman, spearheaded the construction of a new scout hut. Funds were raised by the Lions and many “man-hours” were donated to construct the new building, Lions Club records state.

The concrete slab for the current scout hut was poured and the building began to take shape in February 1984. The building was enlarged from the original size, giving the troop a chance to grow and include more scouts into the scouting program. Upon the completion of the building, Boy Scout Troop 88 dedicated the new scout hut in memory of Whitman who was killed in a car accident on Feb. 14, 1984 after spending the day pouring the concrete for the hut.

In 2017, Alachua Lions Club member Gib Coerper began heading up an effort to raise money for a major expansion and renovation of the building. The expansion comes with a price tag of about $185,000, with all construction and design costs and efforts donated either in cash or in-kind.

Completion was originally anticipated for mid-December 2023. But construction lagged due to delays in obtaining materials unique to the building. Speaking about the renovations, Coerper said they now expect completion in the March timeframe. In the meantime, scouts have been utilizing the Alachua Lions Club building next door.

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WALDO ‒ A 46-year-old Bradenton man was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 17, following a call at 5:48 a.m. in response to a burglary of a vehicle at Waldo Motorsports Park, 17000 N.E. U.S. Highway 301. Upon arrival, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Deputies spoke with security officers on the scene who stated that a disturbance occurred between the defendant, Robert Wayne Powell, the victim and the victim’s boyfriend.

The couple indicated they were sleeping in the back of their vehicle when Powell approached and attempted to enter the vehicle. Powell allegedly opened the vehicle door and repeatedly stated that he wanted to have sex with the victim.

The victim’s boyfriend then exited the vehicle and began having a scuffle outside of the vehicle. Multiple other people staying at the motor park ran over and began holding the defendant back. The victim’s boyfriend then returned inside his vehicle with the victim.

The defendant allegedly later returned to the victim’s vehicle and ripped off the passenger side view mirror and scratched the passenger side window. Shortly after that security arrived on scene and detained the defendant.

According to the ACSO, security officers stated that Powell continually mentioned wanting to have sex with the victim and even offered the Security Officers money to facilitate it.

ACSO Deputies estimated the damages to the vehicle at approximately $800.

Post Miranda, Powell stated that he did open the vehicle’s door and broke the mirror. Later, after being asked more specific questions, he denied both allegations.

Powell has been charged with attempted burglary of an occupied conveyance and criminal mischief for damage to the vehicle of more than $200, but less than $1,000.

Powell has no local court history but was convicted of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer in 2023 in Manatee County.

Bail was set by Judge Sean D. Brewer at $55,000.

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