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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted on July 10,2025, to finalize the ballot language for proposed changes to the city’s alcohol sales regulations, which will be presented to voters during the Nov. 4, 2025, municipal election.

Although commissioners initially intended to hold a first reading of the ordinance at the July 10 meeting, substantive changes to the language prompted a delay. The first reading is now scheduled for July 22, with a second reading planned for a special meeting on July 31 at 6 p.m. Officials said they anticipate only minor revisions, if any, will be needed before the second reading.

Because of the complexity of the topic, city staff divided the proposal into three separate code amendments to simplify the ballot for voters. The first proposed amendment would remove distinctions between malt beverages and other types of alcohol for off-premises packaged sales, allowing all alcoholic beverages to be sold Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following morning.

The second proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that businesses meet specific revenue thresholds from food or nonalcoholic beverage sales to qualify for alcohol service. If approved, this change would allow all restaurants and breweries that manufacture malt beverages on site and hold a beverage license to sell alcoholic drinks for on-premises consumption from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The third proposed amendment, which would have addressed the use of special permits for extending alcohol sale hours, was removed from consideration entirely.

In other business, commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance granting Duke Energy Florida, LLC the right to use the city’s electric utility rights-of-way. This agreement formalizes Duke Energy’s access to city-owned corridors for service operations and infrastructure.

The Commission also held a discussion on a potential partnership with Alachua County to establish a community outreach center in High Springs. The proposed facility would serve as a centralized location offering a range of services, including veterans assistance, legal aid, food distribution, and family support programs. County officials expressed interest in creating a one-stop hub that could host various nonprofit and government services under one roof.

Local faith-based organizations, including St. Madeleine’s Catholic Church and representatives of Reverend Adam Joy’s ministry, described their current outreach efforts and expressed willingness to collaborate. Children’s Trust of Alachua County also indicated interest in supporting the initiative. The Commission agreed that a workshop should be scheduled to bring together churches, nonprofits, and public agencies to explore the possibility of unified service delivery, though no date was set for that workshop.

Also on the agenda was a review of responses to the city’s Request for Proposal to update the Land Development Code. Three firms submitted bids, with Calvin Geodono & Associates offering the most budget-friendly option. Representatives from two of the firms were present at the meeting to explain their pricing structures. The Commission voted unanimously to table the item until the next meeting.

The next regular High Springs City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 22. A special meeting will be held July 31 at 6 p.m. for the second reading of the alcohol ordinance, pending adoption on first reading.

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Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

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