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L-R: Newberry Mayor Tim Marden, left, presents a plaque recognizing the City of Newberry’s seventh consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association to Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee, Assistant Director of Finance and Administration Amanda Hagan, and Human Resource Generalist Tracy Fair during the Feb. 9 City Commission meeting. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – Newberry’s next municipal election is scheduled for April 14, 2026, with three City Commission seats set to appear on the ballot, city officials announced during the Newberry City Commission meeting held Feb. 9, 2026.

The seats currently held by Commissioners Rick Coleman, Mark Clark and Monty Farnsworth will be up for election. The qualifying period for candidates begins Monday, Feb. 23 at noon and runs through Thursday, Feb. 26 at noon.

Those interested in running for office are asked to contact City Clerk Randa Paul at 352-472-2446 or by email at CityClerk@NewberryFL.gov to schedule an appointment and receive additional information.

Election preparations come as commissioners continue work on several major initiatives, including the long-planned Wastewater Treatment Plant project, which remains one of the city’s largest capital investments.

During the Feb. 9 meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a construction contract and other required documents, including change orders, for the wastewater treatment plant at a maximum cost of $75 million.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones told commissioners the expected duration for construction is about 30 months to reach substantial completion, with an additional six months anticipated for final completion.

Jones also outlined the city’s funding strategy, noting Newberry has secured nearly $40 million in grants or other funding and has continued to pursue additional opportunities. He said the city’s ability to pay for the plant depends on maintaining average growth of 3.75 percent, adding that Newberry has recently grown at a rate of 5 to 7 percent.

The city received two construction bids on Jan. 8 that came in higher than anticipated. Dugan & Meyers Industrial LLC submitted a bid of $79.4 million, while Webber LLC’s bid totaled $90.9 million.

“Staff and the engineer of record have worked with the apparent low bidder to reduce the project cost to approximately $70,800,000,” Jones said.

In other business Monday, commissioners held a legislative public hearing on a future land use amendment tied to a proposed townhome development, a decision that drew divided votes.

Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-84, a small-scale amendment changing the future land use designation from Residential Low Density to Residential High Density on a 0.72-acre parcel at the intersection of Northwest Third Avenue and Northwest 251st Street. The project is referred to as Newberry Townhomes.

The ordinance passed on a 3-2 roll call vote following discussion. Commissioners Farnsworth and Coleman cast the dissenting votes.

After approving the land use change, commissioners held a quasi-judicial hearing on a related rezoning request. Ordinance 2025-85, changing the zoning district from single-family to multiple-family residential, was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Farnsworth voting against the measure.

Commissioners also revisited the city’s accessory dwelling unit regulations after staff was asked to compare Newberry’s standards with those of Alachua County. City staff reported that some residents had expressed concerns that Newberry’s stricter ADU rules could discourage annexation.

Proposed updates include increasing the maximum allowable ADU size from 1,000 square feet to 1,700 square feet, making technical revisions such as updates to state agency names, and allowing detached accessory dwelling units on properties of 10 acres or more to connect to the primary residence’s septic system.

The Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously Dec. 1, 2025, to recommend approval of the ordinance. The City Commission approved the changes unanimously at its Jan. 12 meeting, and the amendments received final approval on second reading at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Newberry is also continuing efforts to improve Southwest 30^th Avenue, a roadway project the commission first advanced in 2023. Jones said staff has been authorized to move forward with acquisition of rights-of-way needed for future improvements along the 2.6-mile segment between U.S. Highway 27/41 and Southwest 202^nd Street as funding becomes available.

Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-07, authorizing the city manager or his designee to execute documents necessary to facilitate right-of-way acquisition moving forward.

The meeting also included recognition of the city’s financial reporting. Newberry received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the seventh consecutive year for its audit ending Sept. 30, 2024. The award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association, was given to Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee at the beginning of the Feb. 9 meeting by Mayor Tim Marden.

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ARCHER – A 38-year-old Archer man was arrested Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, after authorities say he touched a woman inappropriately in January and later threatened to kill her and her immediate family with a gun if she reported the incident.

Earnest O. Daniels III is also facing a sworn complaint for driving under the influence from November 2025 and a separate allegation involving lewd and lascivious behavior with a victim under the age of 12, according to the release.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy reported that the alleged incident occurred Jan. 24, when the victim was at Daniels’ residence with him and another person.

The victim told investigators that Daniels made comments that made her uncomfortable and touched her in inappropriate ways. She said she moved away from him, but he followed her, repeatedly saying he wanted her.

She said she told Daniels his behavior was wrong and warned that their mutual family members would find out. Daniels reportedly insisted no one would know.

According to the report, when the victim said others would find out, Daniels became angry and threatened violence.

The victim said Daniels told her that if she told anyone, he would shoot at her home in an attempt to harm her and her immediate family.

A witness reportedly told the deputy that Daniels has an old, rusted pump-action shotgun that is difficult to load. The witness said he did not believe Daniels intended to harm anyone but likely made the threat to intimidate the victim into silence.

Authorities said Daniels was warned by a family member that a deputy was speaking with the victim, and he left his residence at that time. He was not located until Feb. 8.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Daniels declined to speak with the deputy, according to the report.

Daniels has been charged with battery with a previous battery conviction and threatening a witness in an attempt to get the witness to withhold testimony.

The release states that Daniels has five misdemeanor convictions, four of which were violent. He is also facing a DUI charge stemming from November 2025.

In addition, a sworn complaint filed in December alleges two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a victim under the age of 12. Authorities said no further information is currently available about that case, and Daniels has not been booked or arrested on those allegations.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $150,000.

Charges are allegations, and the case remains pending in court.

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Cooper Campen, left, the 2026 Alachua County Spelling Bee champion, stands with second-place finisher Isabella Mendoza of the Frazer School after Campen secured a record-setting third consecutive county title. Campen will advance to the First Coast Regional Spelling Bee in Jacksonville on Feb. 27. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – Cooper Campen, a homeschooled student from Alachua County, has won the 2026 Alachua County Spelling Bee, becoming the first student in county history to claim the championship three consecutive years.

Campen earned the title after outlasting a field of top student spellers from across the county in an intense 38-round competition. He secured the historic “three-peat” by correctly spelling the final word, “calabash,” officials said.

Second-place honors went to Isabella Mendoza of the Frazer School after a lengthy final stretch that featured multiple high-pressure rounds between the two competitors.

The Alachua County Spelling Bee brings together leading student spellers from public, private and home-school programs throughout the county. Campen previously won the county championship in 2024 and 2025, making this year’s victory a record-setting achievement.

As the county champion, Campen will advance to the 82^nd Annual First Coast Regional Spelling Bee in Jacksonville on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Additional details are expected to be provided by WJXT Channel 4 Jacksonville.

The winner of the regional spelling bee will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, regarded as the nation’s premier spelling competition.

Campen has also recently gained national recognition in other academic arenas. In January 2026, he competed in the America 250 – The Great Debate National Civics & Debate Championship, placing fourth overall in the Middle School Division and earning first place in Middle School Impromptu Speaking. The event drew more than 600 students from Florida and 14 other states.

With his third straight county spelling title, Campen now adds another milestone to a growing list of academic accomplishments as he prepares to represent Alachua County at the regional level later this month.

The annual Alachua County Spelling Bee has long served as a showcase for student achievement across the county’s diverse school communities, highlighting academic excellence and dedication among young competitors.

Championship (January 2026), placing Fourth Overall in the Middle School Division and winning First Place in Middle School Impromptu Speaking against more than 600 students from Florida and 14 other states.

The Alachua County Spelling Bee brings together top student spellers from public, private and home-school programs throughout the county. Cooper previously won the county title in 2024 and 2025, making this year’s victory a record-setting achievement.

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GAINESVILLE – UF/IFAS is asking Florida agricultural producers impacted by recent freeze events, including Winter Storm Gianna, to complete a new survey documenting crop, livestock and infrastructure losses across the state.

Florida experienced multiple low-temperature and freeze events between late December 2025 and early February 2026. Producers who suffered damage during any of those cold-weather episodes are encouraged to participate, even if their operations were affected more than once.

The survey is part of ongoing UF/IFAS research tracking how severe weather and other hazards affect Florida’s agricultural industry. Participants are asked to assess both production losses and asset damages linked to recent freeze events.

Researchers said they are looking for information about the cumulative impacts of all freeze events that affected operations during the late December through early February period. Responses will help improve estimates of statewide agricultural losses and support decision-making related to disaster declaration, response and relief efforts.

The request is especially relevant for growers and agricultural operations in North Central Florida, including Alachua County and surrounding rural communities, where winter cold snaps can damage crops, livestock systems and farm infrastructure.

UF/IFAS noted that while survey results can help inform officials, the data are not formally used to determine disaster designations or individual eligibility for assistance. Producers are still urged to report losses and damages directly to the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Agricultural producers can complete the survey online at go.ufl.edu/Winter26FreezeAgImpacts. They may also contact their local UF/IFAS Extension office to ask about in-person or phone assessments through the directory at directory.ifas.ufl.edu.

Survey participation is expected to take between 10 and 20 minutes, and responses will remain confidential.

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STARKE – A new partnership between Santa Fe College and the Bradford County School District is set to expand access to nursing education in Bradford County, allowing students to earn a registered nursing degree without leaving the Starke campus.

Officials from both institutions gathered Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at North Florida Technical College to formalize the agreement, which will allow graduates of the technical college’s practical nursing program to enroll in Santa Fe College’s Associate of Science in Nursing program beginning this fall. North Florida Technical College, operated by the school district, is located at 609 N. Orange Street in Starke.

The partnership is supported by a $4 million grant awarded to the school district by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The funding will provide dedicated classroom and laboratory space, along with new equipment for nursing instruction. Construction is already underway at the Starke campus.

Tracy Ison, chair of Santa Fe College’s nursing programs, said the new option removes a major barrier for students who previously had to commute to Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus in Gainesville. In addition to the rigor of the program, she said many students face challenges related to transportation, childcare and travel time.

“I know personally how important it is to have access to an A.S.N. Registered Nursing program in my community, because being a nurse at 19 years of age had nothing to do with opportunities in high school, it had a lot to do with access to a close community A.S.N. program that was high quality and made me successful,” Ison said.

Bradford County School District Superintendent Will Hartley said the program will directly benefit local students who want to advance their careers without relocating or enduring long commutes.

“These are very exciting times for us,” Hartley said. “Since I assumed my role as superintendent, I have met with SF administration about deepening the collaboration between Bradford County School District and Santa Fe for projects like these.”

Nate Southerland, Santa Fe College Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, echoed that commitment, emphasizing the college’s long-term presence in the community.

Santa Fe College “really loves being here in Bradford County and Starke, and we want to do what we can to complement what the school district and the technical college are doing to provide opportunities for students in this area,” Southerland said.

Southerland also recognized the role of John Miller, publisher of the Bradford County Telegraph and a member of the Santa Fe College Foundation Board, for contributing time and resources to support the partnership.

The ceremony also included remarks from Lisa Prevatt, former assistant superintendent of the Bradford County School District and a trustee emeritus for Santa Fe College, who spoke about the long-term impact the collaboration is expected to have on the community.

The event concluded with a formal signing ceremony to solidify the partnership.

The Bradford County collaboration complements Santa Fe College’s broader efforts to expand nursing education, including its Nursing ANEW program, launched in 2022, which offers night and weekend classes for working professionals.

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Representatives of Okito America accept the Small Business of the Year award at the 2026 Alachua Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala, which drew approximately 750 attendees to Legacy Park./Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Laughter, live music and a packed house set the tone as the Alachua Chamber of Commerce celebrated both its annual awards night and a milestone anniversary during the 2026 Annual Gala at Legacy Park last Wednesday evening.

Approximately 750 guests filled the venue for one of the region’s largest business gatherings of the year, marking the Chamber’s 50^th anniversary with an evening that blended recognition, entertainment and reflection on the community’s growth. Business owners, civic leaders and community partners gathered under the Chamber’s long-standing theme of Alachua as the “Good Life Community.”

The formal program was paired with a plated surf-and-turf dinner featuring shrimp and steak, as attendees networked and celebrated local accomplishments. The milestone anniversary was reflected throughout the evening, from the scale of attendance to the entertainment lineup designed to honor five decades of Chamber service.

Michelle (Shelly) Vickers of Scherer Construction stepped into her role as Chamber president and addressed the crowd as she began her leadership tenure. Her remarks looked ahead to continued collaboration, engagement and growth within the Alachua-area business community.

A central focus of the gala remained the recognition of individuals and organizations whose work has shaped the local economy and civic life. Okito America was named Small Business of the Year, while Dollar General received Large Business of the Year honors. Neil Burk was recognized as Volunteer of the Year, and Detective T. Williams of the Alachua Police Department was honored as Officer of the Year.

Entertainment played a major role in the evening’s celebratory tone. Nationally touring comedian Jeff Allen headlined the gala, delivering a performance that drew sustained laughter from the large crowd. The dance floor remained active as Richie and the High Street Rockers, traveling from Philadelphia, brought 1950s-era rock and roll to the stage, a musical nod to the Chamber’s five decades of history.

The gala was presented with Scherer Construction serving as title sponsor, underscoring strong private-sector support for the Chamber’s mission and programming. That support extended to the event’s fundraising component, where excitement peaked during the 50/50 drawing, which awarded $4,000 to a single attendee.

Former Chamber president Mitch Glaeser served as emcee for the evening and captured the mood of the celebration, saying, “The community was very enthused by the event.”

With record-level attendance, high-profile entertainment and recognition spanning business, volunteerism and public safety, the 2026 Annual Gala highlighted the Chamber’s role as a central connector for the region’s business community while celebrating 50 years of shared progress.

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