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ALACHUA – Nearly 400 families received fresh produce and essential items during a one-day farm share event held Nov. 6 at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, an effort organized to support residents facing economic challenges in recent weeks.

The event brought together community leaders, volunteers and neighbors for a morning of distribution and connection. Organizers said the initiative was designed to respond directly to rising food insecurity affecting households across the region. Long lines formed early, and steady participation throughout the day reflected both the demand for assistance and the community’s willingness to help.

Tables filled with produce and donated goods were available, giving families access to fresh, healthy items. Volunteers from across the community — including local leaders and students — worked alongside one another to load food into vehicles and help keep the flow of traffic moving efficiently.

The success of the event relied heavily on the teamwork of numerous individuals and organizations, who donated time, resources and labor to ensure the farm share ran smoothly. Organizers expressed appreciation for those efforts, noting the involvement of local youth and school groups, including the Santa Fe High School Football Raiders led by Head Coach Ernest Graham.

With strong turnout and positive community response, city officials and local organizers are now exploring opportunities to host additional farm share events in the future. Plans may include expanding distribution sites, increasing volunteer recruitment and coordinating with partner agencies to sustain ongoing support for families in need.

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GAINESVILLE – A 66-year-old Alachua man was arrested Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, after a traffic stop in the Phoenix area led deputies to discover distribution quantities of fentanyl and marijuana inside his pickup truck, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The stop occurred around 5:55 p.m. when a deputy pulled over the truck after it failed to stop at a stop sign. The driver, identified as Derrick Reng Washington, reportedly refused to consent to a search of the vehicle. A Narcotics Detection K-9 was deployed and conducted an open-air sniff, alerting deputies to the presence of illegal substances.

A probable cause search of the truck reportedly revealed numerous baggies inside the cab as well as two traffic cones in the bed of the vehicle. Inside one of the cones, deputies found a plastic bag containing approximately 1.7 grams of fentanyl and about 37.8 grams of marijuana.

Washington was arrested and charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, possession of marijuana with intent to sell, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of selling drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Court records show Washington has an extensive criminal history that includes 12 felony convictions — two classified as violent — and four misdemeanor convictions. He has served three state prison sentences and was most recently released in 2008.

Washington is currently enrolled in a Veterans Court pre-trial diversion program stemming from a 2023 arrest for cocaine possession. The program requires counseling and regular urine testing. According to official reports, Washington tested positive for THC and cocaine the day after entering the program.

He reportedly told one official that cocaine entered his system through his hands while cutting it for sale, and later told another official he cut the cocaine for his girlfriend. Although the program was intended to last 12 months, he has yet to complete it. His Nov. 5 arrest is being reported as a violation of the program’s conditions.

Judge Adam Lee set Washington’s bail at $100,000.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry City Commissioners addressed a full agenda Monday night, Nov. 10, 2025, turning their focus to economic development initiatives including a proposed ad valorem tax exemption and an impact fee mitigation agreement tied to Project Hydro. The actions advance a multilayered incentive package designed to support investment, job creation and long-term growth within the city.

Project Hydro Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 2025-73, authorizing a structured ad valorem tax exemption for Project Hydro based on improvements and tangible personal property associated with its planned facility. The exemption applies only to City of Newberry taxes and does not affect taxes levied by the county, school district or other authorities.

The approved schedule spans nine years and provides the following phased reductions:

• Years 1–2: 100% exemption
• Years 3–4: 80% exemption
• Years 5–6: 60% exemption
• Years 7–8: 40% exemption
• Year 9+: 0% exemption

The exemption period is set to begin Jan. 1, 2027, and conclude Dec. 31, 2034, contingent on Project Hydro’s continued compliance with employment and wage commitments. If those requirements are not met, the City may revoke the exemption and recover taxes that were abated.

The ordinance notes that the incentives are intended to support significant private-sector investment and job creation within Newberry, consistent with established economic development goals. Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee confirmed that all applicable statutory requirements and existing city ordinance provisions have been met.

Although specific business details remain exempt from public disclosure at this stage, Project Hydro has represented that the new operation will employ at least 50 full-time equivalent workers, provide average annual wages at or above 115 percent of the regional average and make major capital investments in its new facility.

Impact Fee Mitigation Agreement

The Commission’s approval of the tax exemption transitioned into the second part of the Project Hydro discussion: impact fee mitigation. This related measure expands on the City’s economic development policy framework and is designed to complement the goals established in the ordinance.

In 2023, the City Commission adopted a resolution creating the Economic Development Impact Fee Mitigation Program. The program allows the City to reduce or waive portions of impact fees for new or expanding businesses that generate substantial economic benefits through job creation, investment and above-average wages.

Harvest Singularity Newberry Farm I, LLC, developer of Project Hydro, submitted an application seeking impact fee mitigation under this program. The proposal involves construction of a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse facility within City limits. According to staff review, the project meets eligibility requirements outlined in Resolution 2023-48.

Under the proposed Impact Fee Mitigation Agreement, Project Hydro may receive up to $73,000 in impact fee credits based on verified hiring and wage achievements:

• 10 new jobs paying at least 115% of the average annual wage
• 7 new jobs paying at least 150% of the average annual wage
• 3 new jobs paying at least 200% of the average annual wage

Any remaining impact fees beyond the credit amount will be paid directly by the developer.

To remain eligible for the credits, the developer must complete the planned capital investment and create the 20 new jobs within three years of receiving the first Certificate of Occupancy. Annual documentation—including payroll summaries and RT-6 wage reports—must be submitted to verify compliance.

The agreement remains in effect for four years following issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Should the developer fall short of performance obligations, the City may recapture fees on a pro rata basis. Enforcement measures, including lien foreclosure, remain available to the City if needed.

Commissioner Tony Mazon moved to approve the agreement, with Commissioner Farnsworth seconding the motion. The measure passed as recommended by staff.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 23-year-old Newberry man was arrested Friday evening, Oct. 10, 2025, after allegedly striking two occupied vehicles in a busy Jonesville shopping plaza while intoxicated, refusing to sign multiple citations, and declining to undergo DUI testing, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies were called to the Jonesville McDonald’s parking lot at 14124 W. Newberry Road around 7:30 p.m., where witnesses said a white male in a dark-colored sedan with an Oklahoma tag had collided with two vehicles before speeding away. The driver reportedly left the scene through the neighboring Publix parking lot and continued west toward Northwest 143^rd Street.

Two vehicles were damaged in the incident, and one victim reported a back injury, prompting deputies to issue an alert for the suspect’s vehicle.

A short time later, deputies located a black 2015 Honda Civic with heavy front and side damage parked in the driveway of a residence at 14228 N.W. 23rd Lane, less than a mile from the crash site. Deputies made contact with the alleged driver, identified as Mason Luke Gleeson who matched the description provided by witnesses. One of the victims later positively identified Gleeson as the person behind the wheel at the time of the crash.

Authorities said Gleeson denied driving the car and, after being read his Miranda rights, continued to insist he had not been behind the wheel. He reportedly refused to perform field sobriety tests and displayed visible signs of impairment, including bloodshot, glassy eyes and difficulty maintaining balance, leading the deputy to note that he had to lean against a patrol vehicle to steady himself. Deputies also reported the odor of alcohol coming from his breath and said Gleeson attempted to pull away while being detained.

A search of the damaged sedan turned up two 99 Bananas schnapps shooters, an orange shot glass in the center console, and a 24-ounce Modelo Chelada beer on the rear floorboard. While being transported, Gleeson allegedly tugged at the patrol car’s door handles and told deputies several times that his insurance would cover the damages.

At the Alachua County Jail, Gleeson was again read his Miranda warning. Without being questioned, he reportedly admitted he had left the scene of a crash he caused.

Gleeson was subsequently charged with failing to stop at the scene of a crash involving bodily injury, DUI with property damage or injury, resisting an officer without violence, driving under the influence, DUI with refusal to submit to testing, and four counts of refusing to sign a citation.

According to court records, Gleeson has no prior local criminal history. His bond was set at $196,500 by Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Voters in High Springs delivered decisive results in the Nov. 4, 2025, municipal election, returning an incumbent to the City Commission and approving a broad slate of charter amendments aimed at updating governance procedures, term limits and administrative structure.

Commission Seat 3

Incumbent Tristan Grunder secured a commanding victory in the City Commission Seat 3 race, earning 587 votes. Challenger Julie Ann Tapia-Ruano received 279 votes. The results reaffirm Grunder’s position on the Commission for another term.

Charter Amendments Approved

High Springs voters also weighed in on five separate charter amendments, approving each one by strong margins.

Charter Amendment No. 1: Voters approved an update to commission seat information, removing outdated references to past commissioners and clarifying when each current term ends. Results: Yes 615, No 182:

Charter Amendment No. 2: Voters agreed to allow commissioner salaries to continue at the same rate into the next fiscal year if the commission does not act to change or affirm them.: Results: Yes 647, No 172

Charter Amendment No. 3: Residents approved limiting the mayor’s term to one year or until a successor is elected. The measure also prohibits commissioners from serving consecutive mayoral terms unless approved by a supermajority of the sitting commission.: Results: Yes 576, No 244

Charter Amendment No. 4: Voters supported requiring at least three days’ public notice for special-called meetings and formally defining the distinction between special and emergency meetings.: Results: Yes 717, No 101

Charter Amendment No. 5: Residents voted to update the charter to prevent a single individual from holding both the City Manager and City Clerk positions simultaneously.: Results: Yes 659, No 154

Code Amendment on Alcohol Sales: In addition to charter items, voters approved a code amendment affecting on-premises alcohol sales and operating hours for qualifying businesses. The measure allows establishments deriving at least 51 percent of gross revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages—and breweries producing malt beverages on site—to sell alcoholic beverages: Monday through Saturday: 7 a.m. to midnight and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Results: Yes 622

The approval updates business classifications and provides expanded flexibility for restaurants and breweries operating within city limits.

This year’s ballot featured a variety of structural changes to city operations, giving residents an opportunity to shape both administrative practices and local business regulations. Strong margins across all ballot items indicate broad support for the updates.

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TALLAHASSEE ‒ Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd has announced a statewide opportunity for Florida-based artists to showcase and sell their work through Florida’s History Shop, the official retail store of the Museum of Florida History.

The shop is seeking proposals from artists whose creations capture the essence of Florida’s culture, heritage, and environment. Eligible submissions include original pieces that highlight the state’s history, wildlife, environment, or traditional craftsmanship.

Artistic mediums may include textiles, paintings, jewelry, porcelain, woodwork, and other handmade pieces that embody the spirit of the Sunshine State.

“The Florida Department of State is pleased to provide opportunities for Florida artists to have their work available for sale at Florida’s History Shop locations in Tallahassee and online,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “As the Florida Department of State celebrates America’s 250th anniversary next year, we are excited to provide customers with unique, Florida-inspired merchandise that represents the history and natural beauty of our state.”

Florida’s History Shop operates through consignment partnerships, allowing artists to display their work while retaining part of the proceeds. The consignment structure includes a 60/40 payment split—with 60 percent going to the seller and 40 percent to Florida’s History Shop.

Proposed artwork should fall within a price range of $50 to $500, making it accessible to a wide range of museum visitors and collectors.

Artists interested in participating must submit proposals by Dec. 12, 2025, to store manager Jennafer Henderson at MFHgiftshop@dos.fl.gov or by phone at 850-245-6375. Submissions will be evaluated by the Florida Department of State, which will make final decisions on accepted works.

Florida’s History Shop has two physical locations—inside the Florida Historic Capitol Museum and The Capitol building in Tallahassee—as well as an online presence at FloridasHistoryShop.com.

In addition to promoting local artists, sales from the shop directly support educational programs of the Museum of Florida History, Florida’s official state history museum.

Byrd noted that this initiative aligns with the Department’s ongoing mission to celebrate and preserve Florida’s unique cultural identity while providing a platform for artists to reach new audiences.

The Department’s focus on Florida-made, Florida-inspired art also underscores the state’s role in commemorating America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, a milestone expected to bring renewed interest in state and national history.

Through this program, the Museum of Florida History continues its legacy of fostering creativity and public engagement, offering Floridians and visitors alike the chance to take home a tangible piece of the state’s story.

Artists whose works are selected will contribute not only to the museum’s retail offerings but also to Florida’s broader cultural narrative — reflecting its diverse landscapes, traditions, and history through art.

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