Local

HIGH SPRINGS - The High Springs Fire Department, in partnership with UF Health Shands Pediatric Trauma Services, is proud to announce a free Car Seat Safety Check event on Saturday, January 18th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the High Springs Farmers' Market Pavilion.

“The most effective way to protect your child in the car is by using the correct car seat and installing it properly. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71%.” Said Jordyn Zyngier, Pediatric Trauma Outreach Coordinator, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. “However, research shows that, on average, three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly across the country. Our mission is to help families make informed choices to ensure their child's safety on the road.”

This event is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to community safety and aims to help parents and caregivers ensure their car seats are installed correctly. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-site to inspect car seats, provide hands-on guidance, and answer any questions about car seat safety.

“Our goal is to educate and assist families in keeping their children safe on the road,” said Captain Kevin Pearson “We encourage everyone who uses a car seat to take advantage of this free opportunity.”

The event is open to all families in the community, and appointments are required. Attendees must bring their vehicles, car seats, and child passengers for a comprehensive check. To register, please visit highsprings.gov/fire.

Event Details:

·                What: Free Car Seat Safety Check (Appointment Required!)

·                When: Saturday, January 18th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

·                Where: High Springs Farmers' Market Pavilion, 23517 NW 185^th Road High Springs, FL Don’t miss this chance to ensure your child’s safety and gain peace of mind on the road.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan at 352-681-1907 or

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ASES

Santa Rosa County

• Officer Brown conducted a resource inspection after sunset on a vessel without the proper navigation lights. During the vessel stop, the subject admitted to catching striped bass. Officer Brown observed undersized striped bass in the subject's cooler. The subject was cited appropriately.

Wakulla County

• Officer M. Fernbach observed a group of subjects hunting ducks inside the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Officer M. Fernbach contacted the subjects and issued the appropriate citations

CASES

Baker County

• Master Officer Burnsed located a pickup truck in the Osceola National Forest with its dogbox recently washed possibly to conceal an illegally taken deer. He contacted the driver and they denied harvesting a deer but through his investigation, Officer Burnsed located a recently killed antlered deer in the subject’s camp. Officer Burnsed again contacted the owner of the truck and he admitted to killing the illegal antlered deer. Charges were filed with the State Attorney's Office.
• While patrolling Osceola National Forest Lieutenant Douglas heard a deer running followed by several shots in front of hunting dogs. During his investigation, none of the eight subjects in the group would admit to shooting. K-9 Officers Gill and Yates arrived to assist in locating evidence. Officer Gill and K-9 Camo located a recently killed antlerless deer. Officer Yates deployed K-9 Harlow and located freshly fired shotgun casings.  Master Officer Burnsed interviewed the subjects again and two of the subjects admitted to shooting the antlerless deer. Charges were filed with the State Attorney's Office.  
• Officer Hauge responded to a call about someone hunting in a local hunting club with a gun and light.  A club member received a video from his cell game camera of a person shining a light while in possession of a rifle. The subject was identified as a convicted felon. The subject was picked up on other warrants and confessed to the violations. Charges of hunting with a gun and light, armed trespass and possession of firearm by convicted felon will be charged with the State Attorney's Office.  

Duval County

• Officer Moran and Senior Officer Stuhr conducted a fisheries inspection of two subjects who were found to be in possession of multiple undersized red drum and seatrout. Additionally, neither subject had a fishing license. The subjects were charged for the violations. 

CASES

Flagler County

• Officer Specialist Christmas conducted a freshwater fisheries inspection on a subject fishing at a local bridge. The inspection revealed the subject did not have a freshwater fishing license and his fishing privileges had been suspended. The subject received a citation for fishing while privileges were suspended.

Indian River County

• Officer Hopkins observed a subject trespassing on private property. He reached out to the landowner who informed him where the subject’s vehicle was parked. K-9 Senior Officer Platt and K-9 Bolo were called to the area. K-9 Bolo ran a track and was able to locate the subject, who was pursuing game illegally on the property. 

Lake County

• Officer Tuckfield observed a commercial fishing vessel along the north side of Lake Apopka with one person on board who was pulling fish from a gillnet. Officer Tuckfield recognized the vessel as one of the permitted vessels to catch gizzard shad on the lake. He watched the subject begin throwing dead Florida bass and crappie into the water. Officer Tuckfield conducted a boating safety and resource inspection. During the inspection, he observed numerous dead gizzard shad, crappie, and Florida bass entangled in a gillnet. The subject stated the lake was too windy and made it a hassle to sort the fish, so they came to the canal to sort them there. Officer Tuckfield informed the subject they must sort their catch and release any gamefish immediately. He issued the subject notice to appear citations for taking gamefish by illegal method and wanton or willful waste of freshwater fish.
• Officer Stamp responded to information about subjects hunting in a closed area of Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area. Upon arrival, he observed one subject sitting on the levee holding a shotgun. A second subject was observed retrieving a duck just harvested from the levee. Officer Stamp made contact with the subjects and conducted a resource and license inspection. The investigation revealed the subjects harvested four ducks from the levee, which is prohibited to hunt from. Appropriate citations and warnings were issued for hunting from a closed area.
• Senior Officer Phillips observed a vehicle pull off the side of the road at Richloam Wildlife Management Area. He watched a subject exit the vehicle wearing a blaze orange vest and holding a shotgun. The subject walked to the middle of the roadway and stood there looking toward the woods on both sides of the road. A short time later, multiple hunting dogs exited the woods to the location where the subject was standing in the roadway. Officer Phillips contacted the subject to conduct a license and resource inspection. During the inspection, the subject admitted to hunting and stated they knew they weren’t supposed to be hunting from the roadway. Officer Phillips issued the subject a notice to appear citation for hunting from a prohibited roadway in the WMA.

Marion County

• Officers Constance and Brooks contacted subjects who were returning to a boat ramp after hunting ducks at a local wildlife management area. During a resource inspection the subjects were found to be in possession of a juvenile common gallinule (moorhen) out of season. During a license check, the subjects were found without a federal duck stamp. Appropriate citations were issued.
• While checking subjects hunting ducks at a wildlife management area, Officers Constance, Aultman, and Brooks heard three gunshots from nearby woods. They responded to the area and located several vehicles with subjects dressed in camouflage on foot in the area. An investigation revealed three freshly spent shotgun shells and a recently killed antlered deer nearby. Upon inspection, the deer did not meet legal antler point regulations. After conducting a thorough investigation, officers were able to identify and locate a subject. The subject admitted to shooting the deer and leaving it behind. The subject was cited for taking an antlered deer that did not meet antler point regulations and willful and wanton waste of wildlife.

St. Johns County

• While on water patrol, Officer Specialist Lawrence and Senior Officer Thomas stopped a vessel inside the St. Augustine Inlet that was returning from offshore fishing. The operator stated he had a mutton snapper onboard. Upon boarding and inspection, Officer Thomas located a graysby grouper. Grouper season closes every year from January through April. Officer Thomas issued the operator a citation for possession of graysby grouper during closed season.

CASES

Lee County

• Officer Lejarzar observed a commercial fishing vessel strike out multiple nets from one vessel. He conducted a fisheries inspection and determined some of the nets were illegally tied together and that the subject had struck out more nets than they were allowed to deploy from a single boat. A check of the subject’s history revealed he had been issued citations for the same violation in the past. The subject was issued citations. Officer Lejarzar also determined the nets were not properly marked and so additional charges will be filed with the State Attorney’s Office.  

Manatee County

• Senior Officer Hinds and Officer Specialist Miller were observing two individuals who were duck hunting around Robison Preserve. One of the individuals shot at ducks past legal shooting hours. The individual was stopped and an inspection revealed the individual was missing a plug in their shotgun. The individual will have to appear in Manatee County Court for the violations.
• Officer Specialist Miller observed an individual fishing along the shore around Bayshore Gardens. As the individual was packing up to leave, a resource inspection revealed the individual had kept five seatrout over the bag limit. The individual will have to appear in Manatee County Court for the violations.

Sarasota County

• Officer Specialist Morrow was patrolling in the Manasota Key area when a vessel with fishing rods came into the boat ramp. Officer Specialist Morrow conducted a resource inspection on the vessel and found the individual had caught and kept an undersized, out-of-season snook. The subject will have to appear in Sarasota County Court for the violation.

CASES

Broward County

• While assisting federal partners on a case, Captain Hart and Officers Willis and Dudas conducted a fisheries inspection during the vessel stop at Port Everglades Inlet and 15th Street and discovered 51 wrung lobster tails and nine pieces of conch on board. Willis issued the vessel operator multiple citations including harvesting or possessing undersized spiny lobster, spiny lobsters not in whole condition, the harvest of more than six spiny lobsters per recreational harvester per day, and the take and possession of queen conch.
• Officers Cusick, Davis, and Officer Specialist Bruder conducted a resource inspection at the Port Everglades Inlet. Their inspection revealed the vessel was returning from the Bahamas with 25 demersal fish and 36 wrung spiny lobster tails onboard. The officers issued the operator three federal citations for Lacy Act violations. 
• Officers Hammad and Olivera conducted water patrol near the Port Everglades Inlet, where they observed five personal watercrafts operating at high speeds in a slow-speed zone. They also noted several registration violations. The officers stopped the PWCs to address these issues and upon contacting the operators, they discovered the PWCs were rented, prompting an investigation into the rental operation. Their investigation revealed the individuals who had rented the PWCs were in violation of several regulations including they lacked an FWC livery permit, did not have the required insurance, knowingly rented the PWCs to five individuals who did not possess a boating safety education identification card, failed to provide written rental agreements, did not conduct pre-rental or pre-ride instruction, and did not have records available for inspection. Additionally, two of the renters were charged with renting a PWC that lacked the required safety equipment on board. The officers issued 26 notice to appear citations to the four individuals who rented the PWCs.
• Officer Willis conducted land patrol at Stormwater Treatment Area 3/4 where he stopped a vehicle to perform a resource inspection and a license check related to duck hunting. During the inspection, Willis discovered one of the occupants of the vehicle did not possess a migratory bird permit. As a result, Willis issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
• Officers Hammad and Olivera conducted land patrol near U.S. 27 and South Florida Water Management District lands when they observed a vehicle driving past them at a high rate of speed. The officers noticed the vehicle was recklessly weaving between other cars, forcing other drivers to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. Hammad and Olivera initiated a traffic stop to address this violation. They issued a citation for reckless driving. 

Palm Beach County

•  Lieutenant Brodbeck was on vessel patrol in Boynton Beach and observed a rental vessel on plane passing through a bridge posted as a slow speed zone. While speaking with the operator, Lt. Brodbeck observed the fire extinguisher gauge displaying empty.  Due to the safety gear deficiency on board a livery vessel, the vessel returned to the rental dock, where Lt. Brodbeck issued the owner of the business a uniform boating citation for renting a vessel with improper safety equipment. 
• Officers Lardakis, Yetter, and Moss conducted a fisheries inspection on a vessel coming from offshore to Jupiter Inlet. Officer Lardakis inspected their live well and found they were in possession of an egg bearing spiny lobster. The boat captain was issued a misdemeanor summons for the violation. Later the team conducted a resource inspection on an inbound charter fishing vessel and found several undersized mutton and yellowtail snapper among their catch. The charter captain was issued a notice to appear for possession of less than legal sized mutton snapper and a warning for less than legal sized yellowtail.

CASES

Collier County

• Officer Parlapiano responded to a complaint regarding an individual keeping three snook on Tigertail Beach. Officer Parlapiano observed an individual who matched the description setting down a stringer of fish on the beach. Officer Parlapiano conducted a resource inspection and located three undersized snook on the stringer and two sheepshead, one of which was undersized. Officer Parlapiano issued the subject a notice to appear for take of snook during the closed season, violation of snook bag limits, possession of undersized snook and for possession of an undersized sheepshead. The subject was also issued a citation for not having a valid snook permit. 
• Officers Richards, Foell, Esilva and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Officer Powell conducted an inspection on a commercial shrimp vessel anchored south of Key West. During the inspection, the officers located 32 wrung spiny lobster tails, 20 of them measuring less than the legal minimum size. The officers also located a bag containing 39 frozen scrawled cowfish, a species designated as marine life, which requires them to be alive, and a recreational bag limit. One of the crew members admitted to catching the spiny lobster and scrawled cowfish in the shrimp nets and admitted to keeping them. The subject was arrested and transported to the Stock Island Detention Cente

ALACHUA COUNTY - The Alachua County Commission invites residents, businesses, and local leaders in Eastern Alachua County to a community input session for the Forward Focus initiative. The session is on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at 9 a.m., at the Waldo City Square (14450 NE 148th Ave, Waldo). Light refreshments will be served.

 This session is an opportunity for the Waldo community and other East County residents to share their thoughts on the future of their communities. Attendees will learn more about the Forward Focus project goals and timeline. They can also provide feedback to help shape a community-wide survey and network with neighbors and local leaders.

 The Forward Focus project team will use this and future community meetings to develop a comprehensive plan to address Eastern Alachua County's unique needs and aspirations.

 "The input we received at the 2024 kickoff conversation in Hawthorne was invaluable," said Missy Daniels, Assistant County Manager and Forward Focus Team Lead. "We heard concerns about social services, economic development, transportation, and a desire for more engagement with Eastern County communities. We encourage everyone in Waldo and surrounding areas to join us on January 25 to share their thoughts and ideas."

 Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County is a three-year project designed to improve the quality of life, boost economic opportunities, and address community needs in the eastern part of the county. This community input session follows a successful kickoff meeting in Hawthorne in October 2024.

 Learn more about the project and provide comments directly to the County.

 After Waldo's discussion, the project team will head to Micanopy's City Hall at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, to get residents' feedback. 

 For more information, contact Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County at 352-374-5204 or ForwardFocus@alachuacounty.us.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

 ALACHUA COUNTY — Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton, through the Florida Supervisors of Elections (FSE), is offering Florida college and university students the opportunity to apply for one of three $1,200 scholarships.

The scholarships are awarded as part of the association’s ongoing commitment to education in Florida.

Eligible students must be enrolled as a full-time junior or senior studying political science, public or business administration, or journalism/mass communications. Students must be registered to vote in Florida. Applications are due March 7, 2025 and must be submitted to the Supervisor of Elections of the county in which the student is registered to vote.

Each county will review the applications it receives and conduct interviews. The county will choose one student from its applicants to be considered by the FSE scholarship committee.

The application, additional guidelines and more information can be found at https://www.votealachua.gov/Outreach-Media/Scholarship

FSE is the statewide association of Florida’s Supervisors of Elections. Its aim is to provide a forum where elections officials can share information and best practices on all elections-related matters.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. It can be reached by phone at 352-374-5252. 

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott is sworn in by 8th Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard

GAINESVILLE – On Jan. 7, 2025, Alachua County welcomed its new sheriff, Chad Scott, during a swearing-in ceremony that underscored his extensive career and commitment to public safety. Scott secured his position after defeating incumbent Sheriff Emery Gainey in a close November 2024 election.

The ceremony, held at noon in the Alachua County Courthouse, was also an opportunity to recognize the swearing-in of other key constitutional officers. These included Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton, Clerk of the Court J.K. “Jess” Irby, Tax Collector John Power, and Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon. Also being sworn in were State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Brian Kramer and Public Defender Stacy Scott.

Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard administered the oath of office to Sheriff Scott in front of a crowd filled with local leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members.

Scott enters his role as sheriff with a lifetime of experience in law enforcement. In his remarks following the ceremony, he emphasized a commitment to community policing, crime prevention, and addressing mental health and domestic violence issues. His vision centers on fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration between law enforcement and the residents of Alachua County.

“I am honored to lead the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office,” Scott said. “My mission has always been about keeping communities safe.”

Scott’s career in law enforcement is marked by significant achievements. He previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Alachua, where he implemented innovative crime prevention strategies and strengthened community relations. As Colonel at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, he gained a reputation for effectively managing complex law enforcement operations.

Born in Gainesville and raised in Newberry, Scott is deeply rooted in Alachua County. A graduate of Newberry Jr. Sr. High School, where he excelled as a football standout, Scott continued his athletic career at Bethel College in Kansas. Upon returning home, he pursued his passion for public service by enrolling in the Police Academy and embarking on a career dedicated to protecting and serving his community.

Scott began his law enforcement journey as a midnight patrol officer at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Juvenile Relations Bureau. As a school resource officer, he left a profound impact at Lake Forest Elementary, Newberry High School, and Oak View Middle School. His roles included coaching football, counseling students, teaching classes, and helping establish the Criminal Justice magnet program, a legacy program within Alachua County Public Schools.

In his new role, Sheriff Scott aims to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community while enhancing transparency and accountability. His approach prioritizes collaborative efforts to ensure safety and unity across Alachua County.

With decades of experience and deep community roots, Scott’s tenure as sheriff begins with a focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a safer environment. His dedication to public service positions him to make a lasting impact on Alachua County.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE  – Dance Alive National Ballet has received a $2,000 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to support its Outreach Educational Programming.

Kim Tuttle, Artistic Director of Dance Alive National Ballet, and Emily Dixon, Outreach Director, said the funds would be used to expand services provided by DanceAbout and Let’s Dance programs.   DanceAbout provides classes and performance opportunities for students grades K-middle school while Let’s Dance provides classes for physically and/or developmentally challenged children.

“I am particularly pleased that this funding allows us to provide the instruction necessary for special needs students,” Dixon said. “And we have been able to double our DanceAbout classes.” (Dixon is also Director of Programming, Arts4AllFlorida.) “Additional performances, other than those scheduled with NUTCRACKER, include a special performance at Legacy Park in Alachua in March.”

In both rural and urban settings, the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports hundreds of important organizations and programs in the communities where they operate with funding, time, expertise and resources. Weyerhaeuser made its first charitable donation in 1903 and has provided more than $266 million in grants through its formal giving program, which was established in 1948.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Right: Terri Moody recognized for pioneering programs in Alachua County

ALACHUA ‒ This past Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, the 399 Sports organization once again demonstrated the power of community by hosting its annual opening ceremonies for youth basketball. The highlight of the day was the heartfelt recognition of three local heroes who have been pivotal in shaping the culture of mentorship and character development for the youth in Alachua and High Springs.

The 2025 399/Horace Jenkins Award honored Deacon Horace “Skeet” Garrison, Terri Moody, and Brandon Wilson—three individuals who have gone above and beyond in building a foundation of support and positivity for young athletes.

Honoring a Legacy: Horace “Skeet” Garrison

Deacon Horace Garrison, affectionately known as “Coach Skeet,” left an indelible mark on the community through more than five decades of volunteer service. As one of the founding members of the youth basketball organization, Garrison’s leadership and mentorship touched the lives of countless individuals in Alachua and High Springs. He also dedicated his time to coaching youth football for the Santa Fe Pop Warner League, leaving a legacy of teamwork and perseverance. While Garrison passed away in March 2024, his memory and influence live on as a cornerstone of the “Good Life Community.”

Pioneering Progress: Terri Moody

Terri Moody’s contributions to youth sports began in the late 1990s when she spearheaded the creation of Alachua County’s first youth volleyball league. Known as the “founding mother” of recreation volleyball in the area, Moody’s initiative has grown into a thriving program, with volleyball now one of the most popular youth sports in the region. Her efforts not only provided opportunities for young athletes but also set a precedent for future leaders in the community.

Leading with Passion: Brandon Wilson

Brandon Wilson, the founder and current president of 399 Sports, continues to make a difference in the community every day. Under his leadership, the organization has become a beacon of unity and growth. Wilson and his family’s tireless volunteer efforts—from organizing uniforms and managing concessions to producing rosters—have made youth sports accessible and memorable for all participants. His commitment ensures the tradition of community-centered recreation thrives for years to come.

Saturday’s opening ceremonies culminated in thrilling basketball games, bringing together families and fans to cheer on the young athletes. It was a reminder of the incredible impact sports have in fostering connections and character development.

Looking ahead, 399 Sports is excited to welcome the community back for the next home games on Feb. 1, 2025, at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. With leaders like Garrison, Moody, and Wilson who have paved the way, the future of youth recreation in Alachua and High Springs is bright and inspiring.

This weekend wasn’t just about basketball—it was a celebration of the values that make a community strong: dedication, mentorship, and the joy of coming together for a common goal.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com