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Town Leaders and area dignitaries unveiled the Newberry Veterans Memorial honoring veterans who gave all / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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Zach Nichols received a standing ovation at the May 22, 2025, High Springs City Commission meeting in recognition of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout /Photo special to Alachua County Today

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UF Health President and System CEO Stephen J. Motew, M.D., MHA, FACS, and Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II, Ph.D., signed an agreement Wednesday to formalize the third-year of a highly successful nurse training partnership. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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NEWBERRY ‒ During the June 9, 2025, Newberry City Commission meeting, several items were reviewed and approved, including updates to flood zone mapping, a major construction contract, land transfers, and a park renaming.

Professional Engineer Mary Diaz, representing the Suwannee River Water Management District, addressed the Commission to inform residents about an upcoming public meeting regarding proposed changes to flood zone maps.

Diaz invited the public to attend the meeting at 5 p.m. on July 1 at the Dogan Cobb Municipal Building, located at 660 E. Hathaway Ave. in Bronson.

“After the July 1 meeting,” Diaz said, “making changes to the maps will be more difficult.”

She noted that two properties in Newberry are expected to be reclassified from low or moderate risk to high-risk flood zones, meaning the owners will be required to obtain flood insurance. The meeting will allow residents to provide input if they believe the proposed changes are inaccurate.

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved several items on the consent agenda, including a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a contract with Salser Construction for the Newberry Environmental Park Retention Basin Project. The contract, totaling $676,566, includes approval for the City Manager to authorize change orders not exceeding 15 percent of the contract amount if necessary.

Commissioners also approved the city’s acceptance of two tax deed transfers from Alachua County. The parcels, previously acquired by the county through the escheatment process after the original owners failed to pay property taxes, were conveyed to the City at no cost.

City staff is currently evaluating whether the properties may serve a municipal function, such as for public infrastructure or community use. If no viable use is identified, staff will return with a recommendation to dispose of the properties in accordance with city policy, likely through sale or surplus declaration.

A resolution was approved authorizing the acceptance of the parcels and directing the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to complete the transfer.

The Commission also approved a resolution renaming the southwest corner of Lois Forte Park as Newberry Veterans’ Memorial Park. The change formally recognizes the section of the park where the city’s Veterans’ Memorial was recently dedicated.

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NEWBERRY ‒ On June 9, 2025, the Newberry City Commission, acting as the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board, reviewed redevelopment updates and approved enhancements to the Commercial Façade Grant Program along with a proposed downtown mural project.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to update the city’s Commercial Façade Grant program. Under the previous structure, the program offered a 50/50 cost match, reimbursing business owners between $500 and $5,000 only after project completion.

City of Newberry Planner and CRA Specialist Chelsea Bakaitis presented several recommended changes, including increasing the city’s contribution to 75 percent, with property owners covering the remaining 25 percent of costs. Additionally, the revised program allows for up to half of the reimbursement to be paid during the project with proof of a paid invoice, rather than waiting until full completion.

Bakaitis also recommended clarifying which applicants are ineligible for the grants such as national corporate franchises, government offices and agencies (nongovernmental, for-profit, tenants are eligible), and properties primarily in residential use, and properties exempt from property taxes.

Following a brief discussion, this item passed unanimously with the suggested changes.

CRA Program Update

Economic Development and CRA Coordinator Uma Sarmistha provided the board with an overview of ongoing and upcoming CRA initiatives.

“This year we are focusing on downtown and the historic district, but we want to go beyond that,” she said. “We will be working with Seaboard Drive and U.S. Highway 41 and some of the strips and working with new businesses too.”

Sarmistha noted that the CRA’s annual report was submitted March 31 and has grown significantly. “It went from two to 53 pages,” she said. “It was also submitted for the annual conference this year, so hopefully we will get it. This is a big change from just talking about the budget (last year) to providing all the details on what is actually happening.”

She emphasized that CRA efforts benefit more than just the downtown area.

“We’re improving those sidewalks and doing other infrastructure improvements,” she said, adding that such upgrades were “also important to showcase in the annual report this year.”

Sarmistha highlighted the completion of a safe walking route to Lois Forte Park and said the next pedestrian improvement project will extend from Southwest 255th Street to Second Avenue, passing the football field and leading to the library.

Another effort underway is a “soft wash” cleaning project for buildings in the historic downtown. Six businesses have agreed to participate in the $6,725 initiative. The project is being funded through unspent money allocated to last year’s façade grant program.

Planned and ongoing CRA projects include Barry Park beautification, landscaping at Hitchcock Pond, land acquisition on Seaboard Drive, implementation of the Downtown Strategic Plan, a mural and community art initiative, annual Christmas decorations, and road work on Northwest 260th Street and Southwest 254th Street. Local festivals are also part of the agency’s future programming.

Annex Mural Proposal

Sarmistha also presented a proposal for a mural on the wall of the Annex Building in downtown Newberry as part of the CRA’s effort to enhance the district’s visual appeal and attract more business and tourism.

The project is estimated to cost approximately $5,000, or $15 to $25 per square foot, with funding provided through the CRA and a $2,000 Art Tag Matching Grant from Alachua County.

Sarmistha showcased concept art from Visionary FAM, a Gainesville-based muralist team comprised of husband-and-wife artists Jesus “Seck 37” Martinez and Carrie Wachter Martinez. The couple has a 25-year artistic partnership and has received multiple local awards, including the 2020 City Beautification Award from the Gainesville mayor and the 2020 Public Art Award from Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department.

City staff recommended that the board approve the proposed mural for the Annex Building and move forward with assigning the artist, pending approval by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) on June 16.

Commissioners reviewed the proposed design and offered suggestions for revisions, which will be shared with the artists. With a matching grant deadline approaching, the board gave informal approval to proceed with the project, contingent on HARB’s final review.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Sportsfest Golf Tournament teed off June 14 at Turkey Creek Golf Course, bringing together local teams, sponsors, and volunteers for a day of charity and competition.

Despite hot temperatures and rain, the tournament saw strong participation and fundraising success, generating more than $30,000 to support local schools and youth programs.

Held each year on the Saturday before Father’s Day, Sportsfest is a collaboration between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and community partners. The event not only offers a day of friendly golf competition but also raises critical funding for educational and recreational initiatives across the community.

Earlier this year, the Chamber awarded $22,000 in grants to six local organizations using proceeds from the tournament. Grant recipients included Irby Elementary, Alachua Elementary, Santa Fe High School PTSA, the Santa Fe High School Hospitality Council, a joint Mebane Middle School/Kiwanis Club initiative, and the City of Alachua Recreation Department.

The tournament weekend began with the Corporate Sponsor Scramble on Friday, featuring more than 30 players. On Saturday, 96 players took to the course, joined by some 30 volunteers.

The competition concluded with the tournament’s signature Shootout, where qualifying teams vied for bragging rights and prize money. Tower Hill Insurance claimed victory in the Shootout and also took first place in Friday’s Corporate Scramble.

Tournament Results

Net Winners

  1. Scherer Construction
  2. Sysco
  3. Edward Jones – Matt Surrency

Low Gross Score

  1. Waste Pro
  2. Sysco
  3. New Generation Builders

Shootout Winner

Tower Hill Insurance

This year’s tournament was presented by Dollar General as the Tournament Sponsor and Capital City Bank as the Shootout Sponsor. More than 50 sponsors contributed through hole sponsorships, raffle donations, hospitality stations, and corporate team entries. Raffle prizes ranged from gift cards and hotel stays to TVs and new golf equipment, all donated by area businesses.

The Sportsfest Committee recognized all tournament sponsors with a special shoutout to hospitality sponsors Mi Apa Latin Café, Conestogas Restaurant, and Coca-Cola for keeping players and volunteers fueled throughout the day.

“This tournament is more than just a great time—it’s a tradition rooted in giving back,” said Sportsfest Committee Chair Michelle Vickers. “Thank you, Alachua, for always showing up and showing out!”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted unanimously on June 12, 2025, to approve a resolution setting the next municipal election for Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The election will determine who fills Commission Seat 3, currently held by Mayor Tristan Grunder.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. The City Clerk will serve as the Supervisor of Elections for the City of High Springs.

Qualifying Period

The qualifying period for candidates will open at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, and close at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 24.

Candidate Fees

The qualifying fee for the 2025 election is 1 percent of the annual salary for the seat, which amounts to $111.24. Candidates may alternatively submit an Affidavit of Undue Burden in lieu of paying the fee.

Candidates must submit completed Florida Voter Registration Applications and fee payments to the High Springs City Clerk’s Office at 23718 W. U.S. Highway 27, High Springs, FL 32643. Registration forms are available on the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website at www.votealachua.com.

Candidate Information Packets

Candidate filing packets containing all necessary forms are available through the City Clerk’s Office. Prospective candidates can request a packet by calling 386-454-1416, Option 6, or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Voter Registration

Voter registration is handled by the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections. Residents can verify their registration status, register to vote, or find polling location information by visiting www.votealachua.com or calling 352-374-5252.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted unanimously on June 12, 2025, to approve an increase in the City’s Fire Assessment Fee, raising the residential rate to $250 for Fiscal Year 2026.

During the commission meeting, Fire Chief Joe Peters and Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan presented the results of a comprehensive study analyzing the number of fire service calls across residential, commercial, industrial/warehouse, and institutional categories for the 2023-24 period. The study, which cost approximately $16,500, was the City’s first since 2008 and showed significant growth in all categories.

Fire Assessment Fees are billed annually alongside property taxes and fund fire protection services. The current residential assessment has remained at $223 since 2021. That rate had also been in place from 2018 to 2020 before a temporary increase tied to the City’s transition to providing advanced life support (ALS) services.

“The money collected from the Fire Assessment must be used for the Fire Department only,” Peters emphasized.

Under Florida law, the City must structure the fees proportionally to the usage levels within each property classification. According to the study, the distribution of fire service usage is as follows: residential properties account for 68.75 percent of service calls, commercial properties 18.40 percent, industrial/warehouse properties 4.51 percent, and institutional properties 8.33 percent.

City staff presented four potential scenarios for updating the fire assessment structure. The first two scenarios maintained the current residential rate of $223, with varying adjustments to non-residential rates. The third scenario proposed increasing the residential fee to $239, while the fourth scenario recommended raising it to $250 and adjusting the other categories proportionally.

The commission adopted the fourth scenario, which is projected to generate approximately $969,220 in revenue.

Under the approved rates:

  • Residential properties will be assessed at $250 annually.
  • Commercial properties will be charged $0.24 per square foot.
  • Industrial/warehouse properties will be charged $0.07 per square foot.
  • Institutional properties will be charged $0.16 per square foot.

According to the City, the updated fire assessment is necessary to maintain legal compliance and ensure adequate funding for fire protection services amid increasing demand.

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GAINESVILLE – A 44-year-old Archer man was sentenced to 10 years in state prison on June 10, 2025, after pleading no contest to multiple felony charges related to sexual crimes against children.

Joel Bruce Searby, who previously led a municipal charter school initiative in Newberry, was sentenced in Alachua County Circuit Court to 10 years in prison followed by 10 years of sex offender probation. The plea deal stems from a 2024 investigation involving explicit communications with a 15-year-old boy.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on June 19, 2024, after deputies received a report about inappropriate Snapchat messages Searby sent to the teen. The messages reportedly included shirtless photos, an image of Searby in the shower, and explicit messages referencing his own past sexual experiences with an older man while in high school.

On June 10, Searby entered an open plea of nolo contendere to 12 felony charges: traveling to meet a minor, using a computer to solicit a minor, lewd and lascivious conduct, unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and eight counts of possession of child pornography. As part of the plea agreement, four additional counts of possession of child pornography were dropped.

According to court documents, Searby faced a potential maximum sentence of 80 years in state prison. His sentencing guideline score sheet indicated a minimum permissible sentence of 90.6 months.

On June 12, Judge William Davis sentenced Searby to two sentences of 10 years in prison and two sentences of five years in prison on the first four charges, all running concurrently, followed by five years of sex offender probation.

Judge Davis added an additional five years of probation, served after the first five years, for the child pornography charges. Searby will also be designated a sexual offender.

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LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws Wednesday aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty and ensuring greater protection for pets during emergencies and in daily care.

Known as Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, the legislation imposes tougher penalties for abandonment, neglect, and abuse of animals, with specific provisions to address conduct during natural disasters and instances of aggravated cruelty.

“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said during the bill signing. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”

Trooper’s Law (Senate Bill 150) makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. The law allows for penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Inspired by a dog named Trooper—rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol after being left chained in the path of Hurricane Milton—the bill also codifies misdemeanor charges for failure to provide adequate food, water, and exercise to confined animals or for abandoning them.

Dexter’s Law (House Bill 255), named after a shelter dog killed just days after adoption in Pinellas County, enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. The law includes a 1.25 sentencing multiplier for offenders and establishes Florida’s first animal abuser database, a tool intended to help prevent repeat abuse and improve community safety.

Both bills were supported by bipartisan efforts and animal welfare advocates across the state. The laws go into effect later this year.

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TALLAHASSEE — On May27,2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the following bills:
 
CS/CS/SB 112 - Children with Developmental Disabilities
CS/CS/SB 768 - Foreign Countries of Concern
CS/CS/SB 1546 - Background Screening of Athletic Coaches
CS/HB 999 - Legal Tender
CS/HB 547 - Medical Debt
CS/CS/HB 757 - Sexual Images

To view the Senate transmittal letter, click here
To view the House transmittal letter, click here.

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s pristine coastline has once again received national recognition, with two Florida State Parks named among the top 10 beaches in the United States by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples secured the No. 4 spot on the 2025 list, while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City came in at No. 7. The annual rankings, released each Memorial Day weekend, highlight beaches that excel in natural beauty, cleanliness, safety and visitor amenities.

“Florida State Parks continue to set the standard for natural beauty, visitor experience and resource protection,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer some of the best beach experiences anywhere in the country, and we are proud to share them with the world.”

Delnor-Wiggins Pass, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its sugar-white sand and thriving ecosystem. Popular activities include snorkeling along the reef, kayaking through mangrove-lined Wiggins Pass, birdwatching, fishing and hiking.

On Florida’s Panhandle, St. Andrews State Park features a mile-and-a-half of shoreline ideal for swimming, surfing and shelling. The park also offers nature trails through pine forests and coastal habitats and a ferry to nearby Shell Island, a secluded barrier island with emerald waters and untouched beaches.

“Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks. “We're proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

The Top 10 Beach List, curated by Dr. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University, evaluates more than 50 criteria including sand softness, water clarity, environmental quality and public access.

“Florida State Parks’ beaches are among the most outstanding in the nation, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are two of the best examples,” Leatherman said. “Several other Florida beach parks also ranked in the top 20 this year, which speaks to the exceptional quality and stewardship across the entire park system.”

Florida’s state parks have a strong history of high rankings on Dr. Beach’s annual list. Six have previously been named No. 1 in the nation, including St. George Island (2023), Grayton Beach (2020), Caladesi Island (2008), St. Joseph Peninsula (2002), St. Andrews (1995) and Bahia Honda (1992).

The Florida State Parks system, recognized four times with the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal, is a current finalist for an unprecedented fifth award.

For more information or to plan a visit, go to FloridaStateParks.org.

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TALLAHASSEE - Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family!

This summer's license-free fishing weekends are on June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the many recreational fishing opportunities Florida has to offer, whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options across the state.

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of these special weekends, which allow them to reel in their favorite fish species without the need for a fishing license.

All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Visit the FWC’s fishing basics web page for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.

Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.

Check out FWC’s angler recognition programs TrophyCatch and Catch a Florida Memory to win prizes and recognition.

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Low interest disaster loans now available

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by drought occurring Mar. 11.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia in Florida.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 5, 2026.

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TALLAHASSEE.— On May 23, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis received the following bills:

CS/CS/HB 969 - Reporting of Student Mental Health Outcomes
CS/SB 150 - Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters
CS/HB 255 - Aggravated Animal Cruelty
CS/HB 999 - Legal Tender
CS/SB 1102 - School Readiness Program
CS/CS/HB 1255 - Education
HB 6017 - Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death
CS/CS/SB 112 - Children with Developmental Disabilities
CS/CS/HB 443 - Education
CS/CS/HB 875 - Educator Preparation
CS/CS/CS/HB 1105 - Education
CS/HB 547 - Medical Debt
CS/HB 1567 - Insulin Administration by Direct-support Professionals and Relatives
CS/CS/SB 768 - Foreign Countries of Concern
CS/CS/SB 1546 - Background Screening of Athletic Coaches
SB 994 - Driver License Education Requirements
CS/CS/HB 757 - Sexual Images

The Governor has until May 30, 2025 to act on these bills.

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Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that plays many crucial roles in the body. Here are some of its key benefits:

William Garst HS
Vision

  • Essential for night vision: Vitamin A is a component of rhodopsin, a protein in the eyes that allows us to see in low-light conditions. Deficiency can lead to night blindness. Supports overall eye health: It helps maintain the cornea (the outer layer of the eye) and conjunctiva (the membrane covering the surface of the eye).
  • May reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts: Some studies suggest that adequate vitamin A intake, often through carotenoids like beta-carotene, may lower the risk of these age-related eye conditions.
  • Treats dry eyes and inflammation: Vitamin A can help moisten the eyes and reduce inflammation.

Immune Function

  • Supports immune cell development: Vitamin A is crucial for the development and function of various immune cells, including neutrophils and macrophages, which fight off infections.
  • Maintains the mucosal barrier: It helps maintain the health of the mucous membranes in the nose, sinuses, mouth, and gut, which act as a barrier against pathogens.
  • May reduce the severity of certain infections: In deficient children, vitamin A supplementation can reduce the severity of measles and diarrhea.

Skin Health

  • Promotes cell growth and turnover: Vitamin A is involved in the growth and repair of skin cells.
  • May help treat acne: Topical retinoids (a form of vitamin A) are commonly used to treat acne by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing oil production
  • .Reduces signs of aging: Topical retinoids can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin cell turnover.
  • Supports wound healing: Vitamin A plays a role in collagen production and reduces inflammation, which are important for wound healing.
  • May help treat other skin conditions: Prescription retinoids are used to treat conditions like psoriasis and warts.

Growth and Development

  • Essential for cell growth and differentiation: Vitamin A is needed for the proper development and specialization of cells throughout the body.
  • Important for fetal development: It plays a critical role in the growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy.
  • Supports bone health: Vitamin A contributes to bone growth and maintenance.
  1. Reproduction:
  • Essential for both male and female reproductive health: It is involved in sperm and egg development.
  • Important for placental health: Vitamin A is crucial for the health and function of the placenta during pregnancy.

Antioxidant Activity

  • Carotenoids act as antioxidants: Beta-carotene and other carotenoids, which can be converted to vitamin A in the body, are potent antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Important Considerations:

  • Deficiency: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to various health problems, including night blindness, increased risk of infections, and skin issues.
  • Toxicity: Excessive intake of vitamin A can be harmful, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and even liver damage. Pregnant women should be particularly careful not to exceed the recommended upper limit due to the risk of birth defects.
  • Food Sources: It's generally best to obtain vitamin A through a balanced diet rich in sources like liver, fish, dairy products, eggs, and orange and yellow fruits and vegetables (which contain beta-carotene).

It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate amount of vitamin A for your individual needs

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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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We want to thank the Alachua County Today community for strongly supporting the Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival this past Sunday.

There were over 200 vendors with all types of products and a record crowd that was amazing from start to finish.  The vendors do a fantastic job of coming early and setting up for a big day and they were rewarded. 

Our 37th Alachua Main Street festival was a resounding success!

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

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Small municipalities are currently undergoing numerous changes and financial problems. Elected officials often spearhead projects within their cities, but I do not see much of that taking place in my city of Archer. In most cases we have no oversight, follow up or plans. The lack of these brings about project delays affecting the utilization of grants and other resources in the city.

It is a sad thing to see the newly planned Community Center project for the Holly Hills neighborhood going down the drain and grant funding being returned.

Municipalities are grappling with an influx of grant funds aimed at addressing numerous community projects. As someone who has authored and received numerous grants, I can attest that effective leadership is crucial for fund management. The associated reports alone are intricate. This underscores the importance of well -trained municipal managers and staff, including contingency training.

The city manager should be a proficient communicator, hands-on, and proactive, engaging with the community to address the needs. The city manager assumes a leadership role, ensuring task are completed, while the commissioners act as overseers, bridging the gap between politics and administration and executing the laws.

Citizens and residents in many small towns like Archer often refrain from participating in the political process. Attending meetings become futile when the issue affecting you have already transpired, rendering your input belated.

We all contribute taxes to support our cities and understanding how the funds are spent is crucial.

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida

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Our small town of High Springs is beloved because its elected leaders have done more things right than wrong over time. Just like with big families, there is rarely unanimous agreement on how issues should be addressed. Issues are not simple, and leaders that let you believe the choices are not hard are fooling you. What usually tells the truth is time.

In the past year, High Springs has received no new grant funding, returned over a million dollars in grants, lost leaders in every major department other than police, while retaining an under qualified finance director. Our mayor and other first-term commissioners have blamed former staff and former elected officials for a range of problems and suddenly the city is portrayed as poor.

For the first time in years, our city is being sued. Current leadership has accepted no responsibility and created a budget, that in the coming year, will repeat many of the mistakes previous commissions had been working for years to fix.

The stage is now set for our community to lose our exceptional Fire Department.  Current commissioners have lowered expectations for what a small-town department can offer.  They have hired leadership with little experience and the slow recovery from the recent storms are an example of what we have lost.

Do you see a pattern?

Luckily, we have two citizens who are willing to step up, accept responsibility, make decisions and guide our growing town to its future.

They have experience in public service; they have training in emergency management, large budgets, and leadership. Sue Weller has felt compelled to return to office because of the intentional mistruths spoken by our mayor.

Ross Ambrose

High Springs Resident

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To fellow High Springs voters:

I have been a resident of High Springs since 1979 with a unique multi view experience of our City's political climate and government.

Back in the 1980s, I worked as a paralegal for the then High Springs City Attorney. Decades later, my husband served on the High Springs Commission and later became City Attorney for High Springs before the City's current legal counsel. I have spent the past 28 years working for a local developer and real estate investor managing both residential apartments and professional commercial properties in the City of High Springs.

Over the decades, I have witnessed Commissions that have operated as a cohesive body following the Charter, working with the City Manager, and conducting City business with thoughtful, well versed and trained leadership. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed Commissions that have been riddled with partisanship, discourse, and lack of training trying to manage staff at City Hall and make decisions outside of the Commission as a whole.

Unfortunately, we are again experiencing this type of local government climate. Our City is in crisis. The turnover rate from the number of employees leaving the City has resulted in great inefficiency in services to our citizens, not to mention the lack of transparency within our government causing many citizens to be uninformed at best or ill-informed at worst.

We need proven, experienced non-partisan leadership, and that is why I am endorsing Sue Weller for Seat #5 for the High Springs City Commission. As many voters know, Sue served on the Commission from 2010 through 2016.

What voters may not know is that Sue has stayed continually engaged in the governance of High Springs. She has served on multiple boards as well as faithfully followed the City Commission meetings live or online. Her depth of knowledge around our Charter and our history regarding planned responsible growth are pluses in a time when there are many gaps in our City's continuity in leadership.

Sue's professionalism and ability to stay neutral while listening to our citizens is refreshing and supportive of the direction we want to take our City.

A vote for Sue Weller provides an opportunity to begin to restore and rebuild the City's reputation and service to our residents; supports a healthy cohesive working environment for City staff; and strongly sends the message that we believe our commissioners should be willing to attend Florida League of Cities training programs for new commissioners as well as continuing education classes for current commissioners.

I personally am grateful that Sue Weller is willing to serve our community again; especially at a time when we so need proven leadership. I love High Springs and I know that we, as voting citizens, can help our City course correct and return to service and civility. Please join me in making sure this opportunity to have Sue Weller back on the Commission is not missed.

Alvalyn Lancaster

High Springs, Florida 32643

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Tim Marden, Alachua County Republican Chairman, seeks to divide us and spew hatred whenever and wherever he can. He recently sent out a letter concerning the upcoming City Commission election in High Springs. Such elections are non-partisan, i.e., the candidates do not list their political affiliations and a candidate’s party affiliation is not listed on the ballot.

Marden tries to create an issue about Precinct 60 voting place being moved from the 1st Methodist Church to the newly named and remodeled Douglas Community Center. He incorrectly states that Ross Ambrose “quietly initiated” such polling change “earlier this year.”

Mr. Ambrose originally brought this proposed change about four years ago. Polling places are supposed to be in the precinct that they represent. The church is not in Precinct 60. The Douglas Community Center is. Ms. Barton [Alachua County Supervisor of Elections], after the recent renovation of the Center, determined that it is now “a suitable location” in Precinct 60, and moved the polling place to the Center.

Marden questions the “last minute” change, but the renovation was finished only about a month ago and the request to move the polling place from the church originated about four years ago. But don’t let facts get in the way if Marden wants to spew hatred.

He writes that Barton has made two changes that directly affect the votes of Republicans. What about those voters (Republican and Democratic, alike) who live in Precinct 60 and have to drive to the church? No, Marden doesn’t’ care about that. In Marden’s mind Barton’s decision is solely to hinder Republican voters.

Lastly, Marden states that voters in Precinct 60 have to be told of the polling change. I don’t know the date that his letter went out, but voters in Precinct 60 have already received such a notice in the mail.

Marden follows up his imagined tirade with directions to vote for Katherine “against” Sue Weller and Judith Jensen against Kim Barton. Such wording only shows that Marden spews hatred, has no knowledge of the facts (or totally avoids them) and wants to spread his hatred to others. As for Sue Weller’s stand on the issues …. Her campaign sign says it all, “No politics, Just issues.”

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, FL 32643

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 The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club Members would like to thank the residents of the community, visitors as well as the merchants for their wonderful support throughout the year.

Through your generous donations of money and time, the Club was able to support more than 70 local, state and national organizations to help people in need.

Thank you to Barbara Llewellyn from the “Observer,” Bryan Boukari and Carol Walker from “Alachua County Today” and the “Suwannee Valley Times” for posting our information in their newspapers and for everyone sharing it on Facebook. You all helped to make 2019 a very successful fundraising year for the Club. 

Carole Tate, President

GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club

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