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ALACHUA ‒ On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the Alachua County Commission held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of the new Alachua County Fire Station #21 located at 16121 N.W. 173rd Street/CR 235A, in Alachua.

In attendance were members of the Alachua County Commission and staff, Alachua County Fire Rescue, Alachua City Commission and staff as well as members of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and members of the public. Speakers included Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman, Fire Chief Harold Theus and County Commission Chair Mary Alford.

Just days prior to the groundbreaking ceremony Lieberman said, “We have planned for the relocation of station 21 for many years, and we are so happy to see it become a reality.”

Station 21 will be the second fire station of the new Alachua County Fire Rescue prototype design, with Station 80 on Southwest 20th Avenue in Gainesville being the first.

The planned single-story concrete masonry facility features energy-efficient equipment and sustainable design features, with 100 percent backup generated power. There will be three drive-through bays and 10 bunkrooms. The $7 million 11,500-square-foot state-of-the-art building is estimated to last 50-plus years.

At the time of opening, six people will operate out of the station 24 hours a day seven days a week. The station will house an Advanced Life Support Fire Engine, an Advanced Life support Ambulance, a brush truck, a water tanker, and a District Chief.

Liberman said, “The station is designed to house 10 people and as this area continues to grow, strong consideration s needed in adding an aerial apparatus to serve this area.”

Fire Chief Theus estimated a construction period of about 12 months. Once the new facility is operational, the current Fire Station 21 operations will be relocated from 15040 N.W. U.S. Highway 441 across from Alachua Elementary School to the 173rd Street location. The new Fire Station 21 will provide coverage to the western part of Alachua and the new Fire Station 25, located in Tech City, will provide coverage to the other end of Alachua and the surrounding county area.

“We have recognized the need for a new Station 21 for decades, and it came down to finding a good location for it to go,” said Liberman. “And with the addition of Fire Station 25 in the Tech City area, it makes sense to move to a different location within the city.”

The Lunz Group, from Lakeland, provided architectural and engineering services for the project and the D.E. Scorpio Corporation is the construction management firm “at risk”.

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HIGH SPRINGS – In an important development for the City of High Springs, the City Commission has named a new city manager. On Thursday, March 14, Jeremy Marshall was unanimously selected to fill the position vacated by former city manager Ashley Stathatos.

jeremy marshallPrior to the selection, citizens were given the opportunity to get to know the two finalists for the position at a meet and greet at 4:30 p.m. The Commission then conducted interviews at a Special Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. with Marshall and Jeff Shoobridge, the two finalists for the position.

During the regular City Commission meeting held at 5:30 p.m., Commissioners voted on the two applicants and chose Marshall.

Marshall has a bachelor’s in business administration and is a candidate for a master’s degree in public administration. He worked as administrator of Valley, Nebraska, in 2022 and served as chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals in Farmington, New York.

The City and Marshall are currently entering into contract negotiations. Should the City and Marshall be unable to successfully complete a contract, City staff may move to negotiate with second-ranked candidate Shoobridge.

Marshall’s application indicates a $100,000 salary request. The position was advertised at a salary range of $100,000 - $120,000 annually “with generous benefits which include a vehicle allowance, retirement benefits through FRS, health, vision, life, dental, short- and long-term disability insurance.”

A requirement of the position is that the city manager reside within the city limits of High Springs.

Until the contract is finalized and the new city manager is in place, three city staff members will take over the responsibilities of city manager.

Police Chief Antoine Sheppard will manage law enforcement and City Clerk Angela Stone will oversee the city clerk’s office, with spending authority of the city manager and decision-making on employee appointments and dismissals. Public Works Director Thomas Henry will head up the remaining City departments.

Previous City Manager Ashley Stathatos submitted her letter of resignation in November 2023; and officially ended her service to the City at the end of February 2024.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ Although the Gators recently lost the game to Florida State University (FSU), one Newberry couple was ecstatic when they won a two-year lease on a 2024 Chevy Trax from Davis Gainesville Chevrolet. The couple won the car when Gator infielder Cade Kurland hit a Grand Slam in the fourth inning with the bases loaded.

Davis Chevy, as part of their long-standing relationship with Gators Sports Properties Learfield, promised to give away a new car if the Gators baseball team hit a grand slam in the fourth inning of any home game or any inning during the match-up with the rivals from that school out west.

Fans were invited to sign up to enter the drawing to become the Davis Chevrolet Grand Slam Fan of the Game, and they didn’t need to be present to win. Winner Zack Leggett was working from home when he won. However, his wife, Alex, was in the ballpark.

Davis Chevy, located on North Main Street in Gainesville, undoubtedly is a proud partner of the Florida Gators. This season, they expanded their promotion to include a grand slam in the fourth inning of any Gators home baseball or softball game. With the majority of both seasons still in front of them, they look to see if a second Trax will be awarded to a Gator fan.

Fans can still enter the Fourth Inning Grand Slam contest for the rest of the season at www.floridagators.com/davis.

Davis has been a proud supporter of Gators athletics for years and uses the opportunity to meet and interact with Gator fans.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ City of High Springs Finance Director Diane Wilson, in a Dec. 5, 2024, memo to the High Springs Mayor and City Commission, lodged complaints about events that allegedly took place during the 2023 Fiscal Year. Wilson has been on administrative suspension from the City of High Springs for the past three months, and the matter has not been publicly discussed by the City Commission.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, sources say that Wilson’s suspension was lifted this past week and that her suspension may have been due in part to factors related to the budget process, alleged mistakes in vendor payments and tardiness in submitting requests for reimbursement to governmental agencies.

In Wilson’s December memo, she claimed that High Springs Fire Chief Bruce Gillingham worked for another employer while being paid to work for the City, misused his City vehicle to travel back and forth to Ocala to work at his second job, used City property and staff for a private fundraiser, and asked to use the City’s Tax Exemption Certificate and City credit card for personal use.

Additionally, Wilson charged that Chief Gillingham and Deputy Chief Andy Burkhalter did not properly mark their company vehicles as required by tax code, and because of that, their W-2s will need to be adjusted to show their personal vehicle allowances as additional taxable personal income.

Wilson also claimed the Florida Building Code was violated when the City Hall elevator was used nine different times during a period when it had not passed inspection.

In her memo, Wilson said she was addressing “concerns about potential ethics, city policy and state law violations.” She said all of the issues were reported to former City Manager Ashley Stathatos “over the past 18 months, with several being discussed on multiple occasions.” Wilson noted that it is her fiduciary responsibility to report these concerns along with applicable documentation and that any additional actions will be at the City Commission’s discretion.

In her previous employment with the City of Gainesville, Wilson’s job was eliminated in a city staff reorganization effort led by interim City Manager Cynthia Curry. Curry took over as interim city manager following former City Manager Lee Feldman’s resignation. Upon her termination, Wilson filed a lawsuit against the City of Gainesville claiming gender discrimination by Feldman when he promoted a male employee into a position she believed she should have had.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Thirty-four-year-old John Quinn Presnell, Jr. of High Springs was arrested on March 16, and charged with four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer with violence, resisting a K-9 with violence, striking a K-9 and property damage.

At about 12:16 a.m. on Saturday, High Springs Police Department (HSPD) officers responded to a home in High Springs where the caller said her husband, a police officer, was being threatened by their next door neighbor, John Quinn Presnell, Jr. She also reported that Presnell had slashed two tires of her husband’s patrol car and one tire of his personal vehicle. She said that when he was asked to leave, Presnell threatened to kill her husband and then went back to his property.

As two HSPD officers arrived at the home, Presnell allegedly fired a single shot from a rifle. The officers took cover and ordered Presnell to surrender, but he reportedly kept yelling at them.

In response to the officers’ radio call about shots fired, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Deputies also responded to the property.

Presnell allegedly fled into the nearby woods. Officers believed he may have been armed with a .22 caliber rifle that was stored in a shed that he was seen entering, along with the muzzleloader rifle he had allegedly fired earlier.

Deputies, HSPD officers, and Alachua Police Department officers set a perimeter and gave multiple commands for Presnell to come out of the woods with empty hands.

At approximately 2:17 a.m., Presnell reportedly came out of the woods, holding a closed pocket knife and continuing to ignore commands from deputies. An ACSO K-9 was deployed to apprehend Presnell. The K-9 bit Presnell while apprehending him. Presnell allegedly hit the K-9 multiple times with the closed pocket knife before he was taken into custody by deputies.

Presnell was transported to a local hospital to be medically cleared before being booked into the jail.

Presnell completed a pre-trial diversion agreement for possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana in 2013 and was convicted of two counts of possession of drug equipment in 2017. A charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell was dropped in 2017. The previous charges were filed in Columbia County. He was convicted of driving without a valid license in Alachua County in 2016.

Judge Denise Ferrero set bond at $35,000. Four of the charges have a no bond attached.

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Alachua ‒ In a recent development a Santa Fe High School baseball coach has been placed on administrative leave.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) was on the campus of Santa Fe High School in Alachua on Monday, March 18, 2024 questioning staff and some students. The same day, Santa Fe Baseball coach and media specialist Travis Yeckring was placed on leave by the Alachua County School Board pending an investigation.

Days earlier, a local business owner reportedly requested that his company’s sponsorship banners be removed from the Santa Fe High School property in protest of allegations of inappropriate behavior by unnamed individuals.

On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, Santa High School Principal Tim Wright confirmed through a letter that FDLE was conducting an investigation. He wrote that the school and the District are cooperating with the investigation, but that he could not share any additional information.

Yeckring played baseball at Buchholz High School in Gainesville and Santa Fe College, later serving as an assistant coach at Buchholz High School and still later an assistant coach at Santa Fe College.

FDLE has released no information publicly regarding the matter and no charges have been filed.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - Looking for a way to show your support of Florida panther conservation? Consider getting the newly designed Protect the Panther license plate whether you are renewing your Florida plates or licensing your car in the state for the first time.

Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) worked with photographer Carlton Ward and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida to design the new plate. The latest design features a stunning photograph taken by Carlton in 2018 depicting a well-known panther — the first female documented north of the Caloosahatchee River since 1973 and also the first female documented to have had kittens north of the river in over 40 years. The Caloosahatchee River has long appeared to be an obstacle to the natural expansion of the population, including the northward movement of female panthers.

The new license plate can be purchased at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles or by checking with your local tax collector office for availability. When renewing vehicles, Florida motorists can exchange their old plates for the new Protect the Panther plate by going in person to your local tax collector office or the FLHSMV. At this time, the new plates are not available through online renewals but can be purchased in person.

Fees from the Protect the Panther license plate go directly into the Florida Panther Research and Management Trust Fund, which is a critical source of funding for the state’s panther-related research, monitoring and conservation efforts. The long-term public support of this fund has had a direct positive impact on the FWC’s management and research efforts, resulting in timely, science-based information needed to guide current and future conservation actions for Florida panthers. The FWC and conservation partners have made significant progress with panther recovery and the FWC’s panther program relies upon sales of the license plate to continue these conservation efforts.

Florida panthers are native to the state, with the majority of panthers found south of Lake Okeechobee. Florida panthers are listed as an Endangered species under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.

Purchasing a Protect the Panther license plate isn’t the only way you can help panthers. Drivers can also help by following all posted speed limits, particularly in panther zones, which are in place in several counties across south Florida to coincide with areas where panthers are known to cross. Panther speed zones help protect both Florida panthers and motorists from vehicle collisions and potential injury. You can also donate directly to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida’s Florida Panther Fund to support the rehabilitation and release of injured panthers and help FWC staff and partners locate and protect panthers, including their dens and kittens.

To learn more about Florida panthers and the FWC’s work to conserve the species, visit MyFWC.com/Panther.

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~Suspect crashed ambulance and fled on foot after his photo was taken by in car camera ~

TAMPA, Fla.- Early this morning at approximately 2:00 a.m., a supervisor with American Medical Rescue (AMR), a private ambulance service, observed a vehicle that appeared to be involved in a crash located on the Interstate 75 (I-75) Southbound exit ramp to Interstate 4 (I-4) Westbound in Hillsborough County.

The supervisor, who was driving a Chevy Tahoe marked as a rescue vehicle, decided to check the welfare of the individual involved.

Rolling down his window, he asked if everything was ok. The driver of the crashed vehicle approached the ambulance and began throwing himself at the window, gaining access to the ambulance. Once inside, the subject started fighting with the ambulance driver and took control of the vehicle. The ambulance driver, fearing for his life, exited the vehicle and called 9-1-1.

FHP 3 22 2024 Ambulance Carjack SuspectWhile attempting to flee in the stolen ambulance, the suspect collided with a Nissan Altima on the ramp for Interstate 75 Southbound to Interstate 4 Westbound. As Deputies with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) responded, the suspect fled in the marked ambulance. The HCSO pursued the ambulance but lost contact with it and terminated the pursuit.

The ambulance's in-car camera system reported a vehicle crash at 2:09 a.m. and took a photo of the suspect inside the vehicle. The suspect fled the scene of the crash, and the ambulance was later recovered. 

The suspect is described as a white male who appeared to be under the influence of unknown drugs. To view video of the incident click here.

 

 Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the carjacking suspect is asked to call *FHP (*347) or Crime Stoppers at **TIPS.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a milestone in Florida’s continuing economic success: Florida’s statewide unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate for 40 consecutive months. The national unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent for February 2024; Florida’s rate did not rise and outperforms the national rate by 0.8 percentage point. And while Florida’s private sector job growth rate increased by 2.3 percent (+194,200 jobs) over the year in February 2024, the national rate grew by only 1.6 percent over the same period.
  
“Florida continues to outperform the nation,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We have proven that bold, conservative leadership across the board produces booming economic results—more jobs, lower taxes, less regulation, and fiscal security.”

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to provide an economy for our residents that is primed for opportunity and secure for future growth,” said J. Alex Kelly, Florida Secretary of Commerce. “Florida’s strong talent pipeline and skilled workforce are the building blocks of Florida’s economic growth and stability. February’s economic data is more absolute evidence that Florida is on the right path.”

Florida’s economic data continues to indicate economic strength and confidence among Florida’s workforce as the state’s labor force grew by 2.0 percent (+217,000) over the year in February 2024, which is faster than the comparable national rate of 0.7 percent.

The education and health services sector gained the most jobs among all major industries, adding 57,500 jobs over the year. The trade, transportation, and utilities sector performed second best, adding 48,300 jobs. And importantly, leisure and hospitality (tourism) added 35,000 jobs.

Data in the month of February continues to indicate there are many job opportunities available for every Floridian who wants to work, with more than 443,000 jobs posted online. Floridians in search of work and new job opportunities can utilize the CareerSource Florida network for help. Floridians can find guidance on how to register with Employ Florida and search listings of available local job openings. Career seekers can also improve their employability by enhancing resume writing and interviewing skills, establishing career goals, and pursuing customized career training. These services are provided at no cost to job seekers by the State of Florida. 

To view the February 2024 jobs reports by region, please see below: 
•    Fort Lauderdale
•    Jacksonville
•    Miami
•    Orlando
•    Pensacola
•    Southwest Florida
•    Tampa
•    West Palm Beach

To view the February 2024 employment data, visit: https://www.floridajobs.org/workforce-statistics/workforce-statistics-data-releases/monthly-data-releases. 
  
Visit Florida Insight for more information on labor market and economic data. Additionally, the Department has provided a video to assist users in explaining the data provided through Florida Insight. 

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is sharing the reminder that sea turtles are starting to nest on our beaches. Residents and visitors can play a big part in helping to protect vulnerable nesting sea turtles this spring and summer while visiting Florida’s coastal habitats.

Because our state’s shorelines provide important nesting habitat for several species of threatened and endangered sea turtles, beachgoers can have a significant impact on their nesting success. To help nesting sea turtles, people can take easy steps to protect them, including giving them space, minimizing disturbances and keeping beaches clean and dark.

Clear the way at the end of the day: Female sea turtles expend large amounts of energy crawling out of the surf and far enough up the sand in order to dig and lay nests in spots that are less vulnerable to the tides. Obstacles on the beach can entrap and prevent them from nesting as they crawl across the sand to lay their eggs. Trash, holes in the sand and other obstacles can also prevent sea turtle hatchlings from reaching the water once they emerge from their nests. Food scraps attract predators, such as raccoons and crows, that prey on sea turtle hatchlings. Litter on beaches can entangle sea turtles, birds and other wildlife. What can you do to help?  Properly stash or recycle all trash, fill in human-made holes in the sand, and remove all beach toys, gear and furniture from the sand before sunset. Fishing line can be deadly to sea turtles, waterbirds and other wildlife, so be sure to dispose of it properly. To find a monofilament recycling station near you, visit mrrp.myfwc.com.

Lights out: Any lighting can misdirect and disturb nesting sea turtles and their hatchlings, leading them away from the ocean and toward potential danger. To prevent this, beachgoers should use natural starlight to see when on the beach at night and avoid using flashlights or cellphones. Anyone living along or visiting Florida beaches can do their part by putting porch, parking or deck lights out and closing curtains after dark to avoid disorienting nesting and hatchling sea turtles on the beach. If lighting could still be visible from the beach, be sure it is long, low and shielded

Admire from afar: While it can be exciting to witness sea turtles on the beach, getting too close (50 feet or less) to nesting sea turtles can cause them to leave the beach before they complete the nesting process. If an animal changes their behavior, you’re likely too close. Remember – it is illegal to harm or disturb nesting sea turtles, their nests and eggs, or to pick up hatchlings.  

Sea turtles typically return to nest in March along Florida’s southeast Atlantic coast from Brevard County south to Broward County, while nesting begins on Gulf Coast or north Florida beaches in April or May.

For more information about nesting sea turtles and how you can help, visit MyFWC.com/SeaTurtle or see the FWC’s “Be a Beach Hero” brochure. Other ways to help sea turtles include reporting those that are sick, injured, entangled or dead to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

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TALLAHASSEE, FL - As the weather gets warmer across the Sunshine State, alligators are becoming more active and visible.

The American alligator is a conservation success story in Florida. Florida has a healthy and stable alligator population, which is estimated at 1.3 million alligators of every size. Alligators are found in all 67 counties, inhabiting all wetlands where there’s adequate food and shelter.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works to keep Floridians and visitors informed and recommends the following precautionary measures near alligators, including in or near the water, to reduce the chances of conflict:

  • Keep a safe distance if you see an alligator. If someone is concerned about an alligator, they should call FWC’s toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286), and we will dispatch a contracted nuisance alligator trapper to resolve the situation.
  • Keep pets on a leash and away from the water’s edge. Pets often resemble alligators’ natural prey.
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas during daylight hours and without your pet. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn.
  • Never feed an alligator. It’s illegal and dangerous. When fed, alligators can lose their natural wariness and instead learn to associate people with the availability of food. This can lead to dangerous circumstances for yourself and other people who could encounter the alligator in the future.

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 TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the first rescue mission from Haiti with evacuees who were otherwise unable to return home due to the ongoing political crisis in Haiti. Florida brought 14 Floridians home from Haiti to Orlando Sanford International Airport via emergency flights coordinated by the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Watch Governor DeSantis' remarks here.
“This is the second time that Florida has stepped up to ensure that Americans have a way out of an unstable political situation abroad,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I am proud of the work we have done to get Floridians home and reunite them with their families. We will also continue to dedicate resources to prevent the flow of illegal immigrants from reaching our shores while the situation in Haiti deteriorates.” 
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ swift leadership, the Division is expediting resources to do whatever it takes to bring residents home while protecting Florida’s border security,” said Florida Division of Emergency Management Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “We will continue to work with local law enforcement partners and run more flights to evacuate citizens trapped in Haiti.”

The Florida Division of Emergency Management will continue to lead efforts for additional flights bringing Floridians home. Upon landing in Orlando, citizens are able to access resources from multiple state agencies, including: 

  • Meals
  • Lodging
  • Transportation
  • Basic health and medical screenings
  • Care supplies for infants, toddlers, seniors and pets
  • Family reunification center 
  • Hope navigators and counselors
  • Children’s activity center
  • Florida License on Wheels (FLOW) center for replacement of identification
This effort follows Governor Ron DeSantis’ announcement earlier last week directing more than 250 additional law enforcement, Florida National Guard and Florida State Guard resources to the Florida Keys in preparation for an influx of illegal immigrants from Haiti.

Read Governor DeSantis' Executive Order declaring a State of Emergency and authorizing FDEM to execute rescue operations here.

If you or someone you know is a Florida citizen who is unable to leave Haiti due to the current situation, visit FloridaDisaster.org/Haiti to fill out a form to let us know. 

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Medication reconciliation is a term used in healthcare that describes the process of comparing a patient’s medication orders in a healthcare institution (hospital or nursing home) to what the patient has been prescribed and taking at home.

The purpose of this short column is to point out that many times patients are admitted to an institution, sometimes in an emergency, and it is difficult to determine what medications have been taken at home. Often when asked about their medicWilliam-Garst-HS.jpgations the response is “I take a blood pressure drug, a blood thinner, something for cholesterol, and something occasionally for arthritis pain.”

Just those four categories of medications probably describe several dozen, if not more, potential medications. What is needed is an exact listing of the medications with their dose (strength), how often they are taken, and when they are taken.

 

The perfect list of medications would be an official one from the patient’s primary care physician or provider. However, often what is presented at the institution is a handwritten list with the barest of information.

I am suggesting in this short column that a person, each time they see their primary care physician, request a current list of their medications with doses and instructions, to be printed for them or even emailed to them for reference in case of an emergency.

This list would also be helpful to take to their pharmacist for comparison to what the pharmacy has on file in their computer profile. In this way, the pharmacist could request a prescription to be there at the pharmacy before it is needed, if there have been changes to the drug, dose, or how often the medication is taken. In addition, the pharmacist may want to notify the primary care physician of other medications that have been prescribed that are not on the primary care physician's record.

This brings up another important aspect: sometimes other physicians (specialists or emergency department physicians) have prescribed medication for a patient and the primary care physician is unaware and would need to know this addition, even if temporary, for a complete listing of medications.

It is vital that medication regimens be accurate as patients transition between healthcare environments as a matter of safety and proper medication administration. Keep the list handy or scan it into your computer for ready reference.

I hope this column was informative; prosper and be in health.

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William Garst is a consultant pharmacist who lives in Alachua, Florida. He is semi-retired and works part time at Lake Butler Hospital in Lake Butler, Florida. William received his pharmacy degree at Auburn University and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Colorado University. The Pharmacy Newsletter is a blog where you can find other informative columns. He may be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Editorial Board of Alachua County Today has rarely taken to endorsing candidates in local political races; however, there are times when it becomes necessary. Such is the case in the City of High Springs commission races scheduled for Nov. 7, 2023. Up for consideration are four candidates in two races. In Seat 1, electors in High Springs will have the opportunity to select between the incumbent, Ross Ambrose, and Andrew Miller. In Seat 2, voters will consider incumbent, Gloria James, and Steven Tapanes.

For many years, the City of High Springs experienced considerable political tumult, so much so that it created harsh divisions within the community. Over the last few election cycles, voters have managed to regain control of their commission, placing on the dais community-minded, non-partisan commissioners who have been focused on moving High Springs forward, into a more fiscally sound and responsible direction.

Tax increases are rarely, if ever, welcomed by the taxpayers, but tax increases are sometimes necessary. The City of High Springs, like every other small town, is feeling the financial pinch of inflation. We all feel the financial pinch of inflation. Without an increase in taxes this year, the City of High Springs would be setting itself up for financial straits in the years to come. Simply put, the City has to pay someone to fix water pipes, respond to emergencies, put out fires, and maintain the City’s infrastructure. That is to say nothing of the business of running the City. There is no doubt that there are some, including former commissioners, who want to sow divisions, but these efforts are not productive for the citizens.

Some candidates, and one commissioner, who is not up for election this cycle, have criticized the incumbent commissioners for approval of the FY 2023-24 budget, which did include an increase in the millage rate. It’s easy for one commissioner to sit by and criticize, without solution, a budget which she knows will pass while she avoids the political hit by voting against it.

To be sure, there is always work to be done on tightening the belt on government, reducing waste, and finding new and innovative ways to deliver governance and the services the citizens have come to appreciate and expect. The City of High Springs does not exist in a vacuum however, and for that reason, there are simply some economic conditions the City cannot avoid.

It is because of the work done by commissioners like Ross Ambrose and Gloria James that the City has reached a state of stability, a posture that is allowing the City to get its legs underneath it. After years of political disarray and infighting, the City is finally beginning to make headway on projects that hold great promise for the City of High Springs and its residents.

This is not the time to pull the rug out from underneath the commission and management. Instead, voters should reelect Gloria James and Ross Ambrose while encouraging them to seek common ground on budget issues, attempt to increase efficiency, and hold themselves and management accountable.

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I am writing in support of Ross Ambrose for High Springs City Commission. First let me say that I have nothing negative to say about his opponent, and I’m grateful that we have wonderful people willing to serve our great little town. That said, I have plenty of positive reasons to support Ross in this election.

I have known Ross for at 15 years as a neighbor and friend in town. Ross showed his commitment to this town for years by serving on city boards before he ever ran for office. He has always taken anything he does seriously and professionally and that goes for the City Commission as well.

Ross makes it his business to understand every issue and the effects of city, county and state law on the issue, and how everything works together. When he makes a decision one way or the other on anything, I expect that he has researched it thoroughly. I feel like I don’t have to understand everything little thing that comes before the city, because he literally does that hard job for us. He has run a successful business for 10 years and he understands fiscal responsibility as well as investment and looking at the big picture to prepare us for the future. 

Perhaps the biggest reason I support Mr. Ambrose is that he is truthful, even when the truth is not what I want to hear. My example is that I emailed him about the proposed Bridlewood subdivision, coming out strongly against it. Like many in High Springs, I love our small town, and the surrounding open spaces. I don’t want the town to be swamped with traffic and see the beauty around us turn into South Florida-style crowding and sprawl. I want to protect the springs at all costs. I would be very happy to see zero new large-scale subdivisions here.

Ross took the time to email me back and carefully explain how the property that was Tillman Acres/proposed Bridlewood was zoned for crazy-dense zoning many years ago, and that the City can’t undo that and could be subject to a lawsuit if we tried. He was hoping to get the most palatable deal out of a bad situation.

He also told me about several other subdivisions: one along U.S.441, one adjacent to Bailey Estates, where the City had refused to allow an up-zoning to higher density for all the same reasons I state above.

I believe Mr. Ambrose wants to preserve the unique character of High Springs, but is also realistic in knowing you have to play the hand you were dealt.

I went to a candidate forum and one of the other candidates said High Springs needs better infrastructure before any new development is allowed. That sounds great but isn’t always possible, for reasons like the one above and the need to find funding for said infrastructure. I know that Ross Ambrose leaves no stone unturned in looking for funding sources aside from local tax revenue. The effort he puts into this job is Herculean.

Frankly I think we are extremely lucky to have such a dedicated, knowledgeable and hard-working commissioner. 

Stacey Breheny

High Springs, Florida

An election will be held in High Springs on Nov. 7. There are two seats up for election. Since this is an odd-numbered year, the turnout will be poor. Every registered voter in the city needs to read up on the candidates; do the research to see what each is for, and vote.

Things have been running smoothly in the city for some time. Voting for someone merely because they are new is not a good idea.

Ross Ambrose and Gloria James do their homework, are knowledgeable and make decisions for all of High Springs. They are not driven by politics but by what they think is best for the city. For the good of the city, let’s keep them doing what they’ve done so well. Just remember that you need to vote.

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, Florida

This letter is to express my support for Steve Tapanes and Andrew Miller for City of High Springs Commissioner.

I have watched several of the commissioner’s meetings on line and have noticed on several occasions that although the audience is jammed with people who are concerned about certain issues, that their concerns seldom make a difference in the decisions made because the decisions appear to have been made prior to the meetings.

I would like to see new blood on the board of commissioners as I feel the incumbents get in a rut and although they claim to have the best interests of the citizens in mind some of them don’t seem to be listening. The newer members seem to be the ones listening.

Steve and Andrew both have businesses in High Springs and I feel their freshness would more closely represent the majority of citizens’ current views.

It’s time for a change, time for the younger generation to have a say in what happens for High Springs’ future. Vote Steve Tapanes and Andrew Miller.

Leah Currier

High Springs, Florida

The High Springs Chamber of Commerce would like to send a special thank you to all our volunteers and local businesses who gave their time, talents, and treasures to bring our community together for the annual Fall Festival.

Please support these businesses and tell them thank you the next time you see them. Decades on Main & Renee;

Oliver & Dahlman; Thompson Flower Shop; The Birds Nest; High Springs Church of God; LifeSpring Church; Plantation Oaks Assisted Living & Memory Care; Dawn Cross, Photography; McDonald's in Alachua; Ronald McDonald House; Hardee's in High Springs; Hillary Cowart the Magic Man; Line Dancing Debbie; Bryan's Ace Hardware in High Springs; Winn-Dixie in High Springs; Fort White Garden & Produce; Jennifer Lee & Caleb Henderson, The Perfect Home; Troop 69, Boy Scouts; Willard's Restaurant & Lounge; BlueStar Grill; Nancy's Bake Shop; Chantels' Cakery; Station Bakery & Café; Tom & Sue Weller, Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe; High Springs Police Department; Aunt Lydia Springs, Cake; Louanne Rigano, Cake; Vella Miller, Ballon; Don Decker, Trains; Museum for being open during the Fall Festival hours

There are so many who came together to make this year's Fall Festival one our community will cherish for years to come.

I love our quaint little town with all its southern charm.

Sharon Decker

High Springs Chamber of Commerce

State
Typography

TALLAHASSEE – Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis has issued a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland following recent reports that the Biden Administration is proposing to pay $450,000 to each illegal immigrant that was separated from family members at the border under the Trump Administration. This proposal could equate to a payment of $1 million per family. If this proposal is implemented, the Biden Administration will pay more money to illegal immigrants than was paid out to certain 9/11 victims’ families and Gold Star families.

In the letter the CFO called on the federal government to return Florida taxpayer money as to not subsidize or incentivize illegal immigration.  
Read the full letter below: 
November 2, 2021
The Honorable Merrick Garland
U.S Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001
 
Dear Attorney General Garland:
 
It has recently come to my attention that the Biden Administration is proposing to pay $450,000 to each illegal immigrant that was separated from family members at the border under the Trump Administration. This amount of money, divvied out to non-Americans, could equate to $1 million per family, with a total impact to American taxpayers of $1 billion. As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal, I am disgusted with this proposal. Governor DeSantis said recently that this will be a slap in the face to every hard-working American that played by the rules - and I cannot agree with him more.
 
Americans are compassionate, but we should not pay cash to people who illegally came to this country. A country without a border isn’t a country. Now federal leaders are proposing to take away tax dollars from legal citizens and give it to illegal immigrants who broke the law. With over 3,000 migrants currently headed to America’s southern border, now is not the time to telegraph to the world that if you make it to America you may get a check from Uncle Sam for $1 million. It’s simply not worth a good editorial from the Washington Post, or a nice tweet from the New York Times, if your actions ultimately get more people killed.
 
This proposal is incomprehensible. Especially as we’re maxing out coverage for Gold Star families at $400,000, yet federal officials think illegal immigrants should get $1 million. You’re proposing to spend more money on illegal immigrants than on dead, American soldiers’ families for goodness sakes. It’s also more money than what was paid out for many 9/11 victims’ families, as well as the first responders that worked the disaster. The whole thing is disgusting. Whichever bureaucrat came up with this should be fired and whatever dollars ultimately go to illegal families should come out of their pay and benefits package. 
 
Ultimately, I do not believe a single dollar from Florida taxpayers should go to fund what I consider one of the most crazy proposals of all time. It’s crazy because you’re saying non-Americans are more important than the citizens you took an oath to support – and you’re also incentivizing bad behavior by immigrants that want to illegally make the trek to America. Too many of these immigrants will ultimately die, or will have what little money they have, stolen from them.
 
From where I am sitting, the State of Florida contributed more than $209 billion in 2020, in federal income taxes to the nation’s budget. These are dollars that legal citizens in Florida worked hard for.
 
So, if it is the Department of Justice’s intent to use dollars from Florida to both subsidize and incentivize illegal immigration to the United States, then I am demanding the federal government return those dollars back to Floridians. Yes, I am serious, I want the money back. Especially as Florida has paid the 4th highest amount in federal taxes. As you may know Florida pays 6% of federal income taxes, so if you choose to ignore this communication, then we will examine methods for withholding the roughly $60 million that is passed back to the federal government from Florida through the normal course of business. That would constitute Florida’s percentage of the $1 billion Americans are expected to pay.    
 
If it comes to it, we can discuss the issue in court, and I’ll be sure to invite Gold Star family members and 9/11 families to those court proceedings, so federal officials will be forced to look these men and women in the eyes and tell them that Joe Biden values illegal immigrants more than Americans who died for our country.
 
Sincerely,
 
Jimmy Patronis
Chief Financial Officer
 
c: United States Department of Homeland Security
    Department of Health and Human Services

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