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UPDATED 04.02.2025 5:42 p.m. - GAINESVILLE ‒ A lawsuit alleging incidents of a “sexual” nature at Santa Fe High School, brought by Anneke Acree on behalf of her child, has been dismissed.

The amended complaint, dated Jan. 8, 2025, stemmed from an initial filing on Oct. 30, 2024, against both the Alachua County School Board and the City of Alachua.

On Monday, March 31, 2025, Circuit Judge Donna Keim dismissed Count III (negligence per se) against the City of Alachua with prejudice—barring the plaintiff from refiling the same claim.

On Tuesday, April 1, Judge Keim also dismissed both remaining claims against the Alachua County School Board: Count I (negligent supervision) and Count II (negligence per se). Count II was dismissed with prejudice, while Count I was dismissed without prejudice—though the judge's order casts doubt on whether any amendment could keep the case alive.

As to the count lodged against the City of Alachua, the judge stated the negligence theory advanced by Acree’s attorney, based on an alleged violation of statute, is premised on an unknown City employee's failure to comply with the child abuse reporting guidelines of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes. “Notably, Plaintiff does not identify the City employee or employees purported to have been negligent, nor does she articulate what knowledge is imputed to the City regarding the alleged abuse,” the judge wrote.

Additionally, Judge Keim clarified that courts in Florida have repeatedly ruled that Chapter 39 does not give individuals the right to sue over a failure to report abuse. Unless a law clearly states that people can file lawsuits, or lawmakers intended for it to be an option, no such right exists. This has been confirmed in several court cases, the judge said.

The Count II negligence per se claim against the Alachua County School Board was dismissed with prejudice for the same reasons as the count against the City of Alachua. In other words, the allegations by Acree are vague, and the legal theory advanced by Acree’s attorney is statutorily unsound.

Finally, the court left little room for hope on Count I against the Alachua County School Board, which is titled as “Negligent Supervision.” In ruling on that issue, the court found that under Florida's Impact Rule, a plaintiff can only recover damages for emotional distress in this type of case if the person suffered a physical injury, a direct impact, or if their emotional distress has caused physical symptoms. The judge held in this case that the alleged physical manifestations of emotional distress clearly fell outside of the exceptions to the “impact rule,” contrary to those arguments put forth by Acree’s attorney. In fact, court cases cited by the court specifically found that the types of “trauma” allegedly suffered by the student are precisely the types that elude any exception to the impact rule.

Although the judge left the door open for Acree to file an amended complaint, the outlook for the plaintiff is bleak. “The Court believes additional amendment to the Complaint is likely futile as the detailed facts previously alleged clearly fail to state a cause of action against this Defendant due to the impact rule.” However, Judge Keim is allowing Acree 10 days to attempt to file a second amended complaint. A failure to file an amended complaint will close the case without further order.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua Commission recognized Cayden Parker, a Santa Fe High School senior, during its regular meeting on Feb. 24, 2025, celebrating his academic achievements and contributions to the community. Parker was awarded the prestigious Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Award and became the first recipient of the Alumni Scholarship, securing more than $15,000 to further his education.

The Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Award honors students who exemplify leadership, resilience and a commitment to making a positive impact. Parker’s recognition highlights his dedication to academic success and his role in inspiring others in the community.

Surrounded by family, friends and local residents, Parker took the podium to reflect on his journey and express gratitude. “I realize that my success is a product of my community,” Parker said. “I also want to thank my mother and my grandfather.” His remarks underscored the importance of community support in shaping his achievements, as he acknowledged the encouragement of his family, particularly his mother and grandfather.

Parker’s recognition comes just days before the City of Alachua’s Education Task Force (ETF) is set to convene for a community workshop, where members will update the group’s strategic plan for strengthening local education. The ETF, established to support schools through grassroots initiatives, plays a key role in enhancing student success and fostering partnerships between the city and its educational institutions.

City officials say that education remains a top priority for the City of Alachua, as outlined in its annual strategic plan and that the City reaffirms its commitment to providing resources and opportunities for students, ensuring initiatives like the ETF continue to serve future generations.

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GAINESVILLE – Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Gainesville area. Recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and to help ensure the safety of all parties. Attendees must arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed.

With more than 3.9 million families suffering from food insecurity throughout Florida, Farm Share meets the everyday hunger needs of Floridians by working hand-in-hand with local farmers to recover and redistribute produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic imperfections. 

Farm Share also distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and senior centers across Florida free of charge. To find a food pantry near you, please visit www.farmshare.org/food-pantries.

More information about this week’s events:

Event: Gainesville COGBF Free Food Distribution

Location: 735 SE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 32641

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. while supplies last 

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ALACHUA – Alachua City Commissioners on March 24, 2025, failed to adopt a staff recommendation that would have resulted in the City contracting with an independent engineering firm to fill in the gap in the City of Alachua’s planning department. In a narrow vote of 2-3, commissioners did not approve of securing professional services from Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to support the Planning & Community Development Department.

With recent retirements and resignations in the City of Alachua’s Planning & Community Development Department, the City finds itself short staffed with only one city planner. According to city staffers, the City currently has 31 development review applications under the purview of the Planning & Community Development Department. Of those 31, 11 applications are in the project assistance team review stage and being circulated to other departments for input, four are on hold, three are incomplete and awaiting resubmittal, nine are scheduled for upcoming public hearings, two are currently in review for completeness, and two have only been received but not undergone any review.

City Manager Mike DaRoza emphasized to commissioners that the assistance of an outside firm would be temporary, until adequate and qualified planning staff could be onboarded.

The City is under statutorily mandated guidelines for at least some of the projects currently under review, which is why DaRoza requested the commission provide relief to the department.

Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares presented the commission with the plan that would have engaged Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., a global professional services firm, to review building permits and planning applications for compliance with city regulations and alignment with the Alachua Comprehensive Plan.

Both Valladares and DaRoza said the hiring of the outside firm would help bolster the City’s commitment to maintain a level of services expected of the City. The terms of the contract called for Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to commit at least two American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), including one onsite and one of whom also hold a law degree.

As part of their role, Jacobs would have evaluated a variety of planning applications, including Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Infrastructure Plans, Lot Splits, Minor Site Plans, Minor Subdivisions, Rezoning Requests, Site Plans, Special Exception Permits, and Variance Permits. Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. would not have been permitted to conduct reviews of plans they have prepared themselves.

Although not passed by the Commission, the contract would have cost approximately $160,000 over six months, similar to the salaries, retirement, benefits, and taxes that would have been paid over that same period of time to the staffers who retired and resigned.

As a result of the Commission’s failure to approve the staff’s recommendation, the city manager will likely have to go back to the drawing board for a new plan to fill in the staffing gap.

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ALACHUA ‒ Just over a year after breaking ground, construction is steadily advancing on Alachua County Fire Station 21, a long-planned project aimed at enhancing emergency response and modernizing fire rescue infrastructure in the growing northwest portion of the county.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new station, located at 16121 N.W. 173rd Street (County Road 235-A) in the city of Alachua, was held on March 19, 2024. It was attended by members of the Alachua County Commission and staff, Alachua County Fire Rescue, the Alachua City Commission, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and members of the public.

Now well into its construction phase, the $7 million project will replace the current Station 21 at 15040 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, across from Alachua Elementary School. Once complete, the new station will enhance emergency coverage in western Alachua while complementing Fire Station 25, which recently opened in the Tech City area to serve the eastern side of the city and surrounding county.

Station 21 is the second Alachua County Fire Rescue facility to follow the county’s new prototype fire station design, with Station 80 in Gainesville being the first. The 11,500-square-foot, single-story structure is designed to meet modern safety and efficiency standards and is expected to serve the community for 50 years or more.

Features include three drive-through bays, 10 bunkrooms, backup generator power, and energy-efficient equipment and systems. The building also incorporates sustainable design elements to meet environmental goals.

At opening, the station will be staffed 24/7 by six fire rescue personnel and will house an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Fire Engine, an ALS Ambulance, a brush truck, a water tanker, and a District Chief. The design allows for future expansion as the community continues to grow.

“The station is designed to house 10 people, and as this area continues to grow, strong consideration is needed in adding an aerial apparatus to serve this area,” Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We have recognized the need for a new Station 21 for decades and with the addition of Fire Station 25 in the Tech City area, it makes sense to move to a different location within the city.”

Alachua County Fire Chief Theus previously estimated a 12-month construction timeline, placing completion sometime in early to mid-2025. The new location was strategically selected to better align with the city's development patterns and to reduce response times in key areas.

As construction progresses toward completion, county officials say the new facility marks a significant investment in public safety and reflects a commitment to long-term planning for emergency services in Alachua County.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, with a full agenda that included upcoming election candidate introductions, financial updates, infrastructure agreements, and a recognition for workplace safety.

At the start of the meeting, the commission allowed time for candidates in the upcoming municipal election to introduce themselves. Mayoral candidate Joy Glanzer, a former city commissioner, and current Commissioner Tim Marden each shared their vision for the city and reasons for seeking the mayor’s seat. Group V candidates Rosa Marie Campbell and incumbent Commissioner Tony Mazon also spoke about their qualifications and goals.

Newberry was honored with the 2024 Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award, marking the ninth consecutive year the city has received the recognition. Mayor Jordan Marlowe presented a plaque to Assistant Director of Utilities and Public Works Rance Green in appreciation of the team’s continued commitment to workplace safety.

Barbara Boyd of Purvis Gray CPAs presented the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. Boyd reported that the audit received a clean opinion, with no findings requiring correction.

Amanda Boon of Woodard & Curran presented the results of a vulnerability assessment identifying critical city assets and their risk levels in the event of severe weather. The commission unanimously approved adoption of the assessment.

Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities Jamie Jones presented Ordinance 2025-03, granting Central Florida Electric Cooperative an electrical franchise within the city. The ordinance outlines the terms, conditions and penalties related to the franchise and was unanimously approved by the commission.

The commission adopted three completed elements of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, presented by Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus. She also discussed the need to update the city’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs), estimating the process would take two years. Commissioners requested cost estimates for completing the updates in one year instead of two. Hectus said she would provide those figures at a future meeting.

Commissioners approved a cost-sharing agreement with Publix for a traffic signal at State Road 26/Newberry Road. Under the agreement, Publix will contribute $134,000 toward the signal’s installation.

A $2.4 million contract was also awarded to Watson Construction for a roadway improvement project on Southwest 15^th Avenue. The contract was approved unanimously.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the May 26 City Commission meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 27. Commissioner Mark Clark announced the grand opening of the Newberry Veterans Memorial, set to take place on Memorial Day, May 26.

Chris Mack, president of the Newberry Main Street Organization, announced a Spring Festival to be held Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newberry Historic District. The event will feature more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music and a family fun zone.

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