The spirit of the 1950s came alive in downtown Newberry as the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) hosted its Third Annual Fabulous 50’s Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY ‒ The spirit of the 1950s came alive in downtown Newberry as the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) hosted its Third Annual Fabulous 50’s Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The event drew thousands to the city’s historic center at 25320 W. Newberry Road, celebrating an era known for its music, cars and community spirit.

NMSO President Chris Mack described the event as “a tribute to the 50s and a time when things just seemed easier.” That nostalgic theme carried throughout the free, family-friendly festival, where attendees were encouraged to don vintage attire and join in a lively costume contest.

This year’s festival was a collaborative effort between NMSO and Gainesville Street Rods, which helped raise money for charity. Nearly $2,000 was collected to support Homes 4 Heroes, while a clothing drive gathered donations for St. Francis House. Organizers said both causes benefitted significantly from the enthusiastic response of festivalgoers.

Entertainment was central to the event, with music from the 1950s and 1960s filling the streets courtesy of Newberry’s Twisted H Productions. A live DJ kept energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and local vendors offered refreshments and merchandise. The highlight for many was the classic car show, billed as “awesome” by organizers, which drew car enthusiasts eager to showcase vintage rides.

While the Fabulous 50’s Festival is one of NMSO’s smaller events, organizers said they were encouraged by the turnout. An estimated 3,000 visitors attended, enjoying not only the festival itself but also the restaurants and shops in historic downtown Newberry.

Mack said the strong community response reaffirmed the festival’s growing role in highlighting downtown as a hub for both residents and visitors. The event not only showcased local businesses but also fostered a sense of pride in Newberry’s historic core.

With live music, classic cars, nostalgic costumes and charitable giving, the Fabulous 50’s Festival once again blended entertainment with community spirit—leaving organizers optimistic about the festival’s future as a fixture on Newberry’s event calendar.

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The construction of Newberry’s new City Hall nears completion. Photo by Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

NEWBERRY ‒ The construction of Newberry’s new City Hall is nearing completion, marking a major step in the city’s efforts to centralize government services and improve accessibility for residents and business owners. Since the groundbreaking in September 2024, the two-story, 11,000-square-foot facility has steadily taken shape and is now expected to open later this fall.

For years, residents seeking city services have had to navigate multiple buildings around town. Departments such as Community Development and the Building Department operated out of the Little Red Schoolhouse, while other offices were located across the street in Annex 2 or inside the existing City Hall. The new building is designed to bring all services under one roof, creating a single point of access for residents, developers and business owners.

City officials say the consolidation will streamline services and improve efficiency. The ground floor will house customer-facing departments including Finance, Community Development, Customer Service and the Building Department. The second floor will feature 18 offices and three collaborative open work areas for city staff. Although the building includes an elevator, most customer needs can be met on the ground floor. There will not be private offices for the mayor or commissioners, but space will be available for citizens to meet with them or staff in private when needed.

One of the key features is a 1,246-square-foot Commission Chamber designed to seat more residents during public meetings. An accordion wall will allow the space to expand or contract, making it adaptable for gatherings of different sizes. Conference rooms and updated technology are also being added to improve service delivery.

City leaders stress that the new building has been designed to blend into its surroundings while offering state-of-the-art amenities. “The idea is to make City services easily accessible for our community as we grow,” said Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Ryan Young.

The $11,000-square-foot project is being managed by Scorpio Construction of Gainesville, with design by Monarch Design Group. City staff members have worked closely with the construction team throughout the process. Once the new facility is finished, the city plans to remodel the existing 3,300-square-foot City Hall building and connect the two structures. A loggia will link them, creating a covered outdoor area with pavers for festivals, farmers markets and other community activities.

The city museum, located in the Little Red Schoolhouse, is also slated for improvements, although those upgrades will follow later.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe emphasized that the project is long overdue. He noted the city waited until the need became pressing before committing taxpayer dollars. He also tentatively identified Nov. 15 as a possible ribbon-cutting date, though officials stressed the timeline remains subject to change.

“Once the building is completed, we will coordinate to get everybody moved in while minimizing any inconvenience to our community,” Young said. An official announcement of the ribbon-cutting is expected within the coming weeks.

With the project nearing completion, Newberry residents can expect a more centralized, efficient government hub—one designed not only to meet current needs but to grow alongside the city in the years ahead.

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High Springs Commissioner Robert Chad Howell, center, was honored as the 2025 High Springs Hero during the Sept. 22 City Commission meeting. Joining him for the recognition are, from left, Vice Mayor Andrew Miller, Mayor Tristan Grunder, Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. and Commissioner Katherine Weitz. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A local leader known for his military service, law enforcement career, and community involvement was honored during the Sept. 22 High Springs City Commission meeting. Commissioner Robert Chad Howell was recognized as this year’s High Springs Hero, an award highlighting an individual who exemplifies service, dedication, and commitment to the community.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz presented the recognition, reading aloud a proclamation that recounted Howell’s career and community service. The words detailed a life of public commitment that began more than two decades ago and has continued through military, professional, and civic roles.

Military Service and Law Enforcement Career

The proclamation began by noting Howell’s enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in 2001. His five years of service included a deployment to Okinawa, Japan, and two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the proclamation, those years instilled in him a lasting sense of duty and a determination to serve.

After leaving the Marines in 2006, Howell moved to Alachua County in 2010. In 2013, he joined the Alachua Police Department, where he has spent the past 15 years. His career has spanned multiple roles, from patrol officer and school resource officer to detective and field training officer. He currently serves as detective sergeant overseeing the Criminal Investigations Division. The proclamation emphasized that he has approached each role with professionalism and dedication.

In addition to his police work, Howell pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a management focus from Saint Leo University in 2016 while balancing career and family responsibilities.

Community Contributions

The recognition extended beyond Howell’s professional work. Since relocating with his family to High Springs in 2018, he has become active in civic life, serving on the Parks and Recreation Board and participating in the Law Enforcement Family Memorial Crisis Fund. He has also organized charitable fundraisers, including cornhole tournaments, to support local causes.

In 2022, Howell received the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s Officer of the Year Award, underscoring his impact within the broader community.

Family and Personal Life

The proclamation also highlighted Howell’s personal side, describing him as a devoted husband of 23 years and father of two daughters who attended High Springs Community School and Santa Fe High School. Friends and family members described him as passionate, patient, supportive, and charismatic, while his wife characterized him as selfless and compassionate.

Recognition as High Springs Hero

The proclamation concluded by recognizing Howell’s wide-ranging service and steady commitment to others. Audience members responded with a standing ovation, applauding his years of service to country, community, and family.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

First Sweet Potato Festival Draws a Crowd

The Waldo Area Historical Society welcomed the community to Waldo City Square on Sept. 13, 2025, for the first-ever Sweet Potato Festival and Car Display. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., families enjoyed sweet potato dishes, admired classic cars, and connected with neighbors in a celebration of local heritage. Along with other numerous groups and vendors, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit and Community Services Division joined the festivities, spending time with youth and engaging with residents during a day filled with sunshine, conversation, and hometown pride.