Local

NEWBERRY ‒ A land donation to the City of Newberry may soon provide for expanded local reactional opportunities and revenue generation. The Newberry City Commission on Nov. 25, 2024, approved the acceptance of a 60-acre land donation from the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD). This acquisition, located adjacent to Easton-Newberry Sports Complex, is valued at $900,000.

Newberry Director of Capital Projects and Facilities Joe Lovelady detailed the years-long negotiations with SRWMD to secure the property, originally acquired by the district in the 1980s for use as a city wellfield. The land already hosts two city water wells, treatment facilities, and an elevated storage tank, with plans for additional wells as needed. Most of the tract remains undeveloped, serving as a vital buffer to protect the water supply.

“The Deed of Conveyance and Conservation Easement Agreement resulted from hours of persistent negotiations to reach an agreement that meets the needs of Newberry citizens while preserving protections important to SRWMD,” Lovelady said.

The donated land opens opportunities for the city to expand its recreation offerings. The site may be used to house three lighted, multi-purpose turf sports fields, part of the city’s 10-year parks master plan. These fields aim to meet increasing demand for local recreation. Lovelady noted that development of the fields aligns with the city’s FY 2024-2025 budget, funded by the county-wide Wild Spaces Public Places sales tax.

As part of the agreement, SRWMD will thin pine trees on the property before conveyance and impose a conservation easement to restrict certain types of development. While the easement prohibits the construction of impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and buildings, it permits recreational development such as turf fields.

“Staff reviewed the proposed conservation easement and finds that it constrains development but is workable,” Lovelady explained. “It permits construction of multi-purpose turf fields, aligning with our master plan.”

The Commission voted unanimously to accept the land donation, authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize the acquisition, and proceed with the closing.

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ALACHUA – Legacy Park Multicultural Center in Alachua will soon transform into a wonderland of holiday magic as Dance Alive’s Nutcracker kicks off its 21-performance tour across the Southeast. Sponsored by PNC Foundation, the celebrated ballet will enchant local audiences with two free performances on Nov. 23, 2024, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

This year’s Nutcracker offers an opportunity for the community to experience the holiday classic in an intimate setting. The captivating tale of Clara and her journey to the Kingdom of Sweets will unfold with the elegance and charm that have made this production a staple of the season.

Artistic Director Kim Tuttle promises audiences a feast for the senses, saying, “Tradition, beauty, grace, and a terrific story. What more can you ask for?” Set to Tchaikovsky's timeless score and featuring stunning set designs by Denis Mauldin, the production also boasts costumes crafted by Soili Arvola and a team of skilled designers.

Following the performances at Legacy Park, the ballet will travel to South Carolina, The Villages, Ocala, and Belle Glade, before culminating in Gainesville with five public shows at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts from Dec. 19 to 22. These performances will include matinees and evening shows, ensuring everyone can enjoy the holiday cheer.

Additionally, Dance Alive is committed to inclusivity with special events like the Magic of Nutcracker for special needs children and Class with Clara sessions, which allow young fans to step into Clara’s shoes.

Beyond its professional cast, the production will feature local dance students, creating a bridge between professional artistry and community involvement. Tickets for Gainesville performances are available at the Phillips Center box office, by phone, or online.

“As a Main Street Bank, PNC is proud to support the arts in our local communities, knowing how a vibrant arts community enriches lives and builds strong communities,” said Chris Kalin, PNC regional president for North Florida. “In this context, supporting Dance Alive’s performance of The Nutcracker, which is a holiday tradition for many, not only makes sense, but it is also something we couldn’t be prouder to be part of.”

As the holiday season approaches, Dance Alive’s Nutcracker invites families to gather and celebrate a cherished tradition, starting with the warmth and spirit of the Legacy Park performances.

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ARCHER – A 45-year-old Archer man, Quinnell Lavon Thompson, was arrested Wednesday afternoon and faces multiple charges, including battery on a deputy, resisting an officer without violence, and making threats. The incident began at around 1:24 p.m. when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call from a woman alleging that Thompson had threatened her.

Upon arriving at the scene, the deputy found Thompson on one side of the road, with the woman who made the call standing across the street from him. When the deputy approached Thompson, he allegedly became agitated, shouting that the deputy should not be speaking to him since he was not the one who called. The deputy reported that he ordered Thompson to stop, but he kept walking. The deputy reported that after he drew his taser, he was able to handcuff and arrest Thompson for resisting an officer without violence.

According to the deputy’s report, Thompson resisted efforts to secure him in the patrol car and allegedly struck the deputy with his elbow, causing a minor injury as the deputy’s hand was pushed into his uniform tools. The confrontation reportedly started over an argument regarding the handling of leaves on the victim’s property. Both the victim and a witness stated that Thompson grew aggressive, and about six feet away, advancing toward the victim with fists clenched and threatening to beat her up.

Thompson has a criminal history that includes eight felony convictions—six of which were violent—and 14 misdemeanor convictions, two of which involved violence. He has previously served two prison sentences, the most recent ending in 2011. In March of this year, he was convicted for pulling a knife on a store clerk, resulting in six months of house arrest followed by probation, which is set to continue through March 2027 under an alias, Quindell Devon Thompson.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set Thompson’s bail at $55,000. Records from the Department of Corrections indicate that Thompson has used several aliases, contributing to some confusion over his current probation status.

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ALACHUA – A 59-year-old Newberry man, Joseph Paul Andes, has been sentenced to five years in state prison after pleading nolo contendere to 14 counts of possession of child pornography. The sentence was handed down by Judge David Kreider, who credited Andes with 351 days already served in jail.

Andes was arrested on Nov. 15, 2023, following a months-long investigation triggered by three CyberTips submitted in 2022. Authorities executed a search warrant at Andes’s Newberry residence on April 11, 2023.

During questioning, Andes initially denied possessing any child sexual exploitation material. However, he admitted to having detailed knowledge of such investigations, citing his previous role on a Federal Grand Jury that had overseen similar cases.

Digital forensic examiners discovered recent searches on Andes’s electronic devices for terms commonly associated with child sexual abuse material. When confronted, Andes claimed ignorance, insisting he didn’t understand the terms’ meanings. He suggested he was merely curious about how accessible such content might be but denied ever finding illegal material.

Despite his denials, investigators found multiple images of child sexual abuse on his devices. When asked if he had engaged in hands-on offenses involving children, Andes responded, “No, as a matter of fact, I am around kids a lot because I am a soccer referee.”

Following his arrest, Andes’s bail was set at $1.4 million, and he has remained in custody since. His plea of nolo contendere, which neither admits guilt nor disputes the charges, led to his conviction on 14 counts of possession of child pornography.

Judge Kreider sentenced Andes to 14 concurrent five-year prison terms.

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Alachua Family Becomes 185^th Habitat for Humanity Homeowner

ALACHUA ‒ For Shinda Ivery, a mother determined to overcome economic challenges, Oct. 30, 2024, was a special day. On the day that Alachua Habitat for Humanity celebrated the dedication its 185^th home, it was a first for Ivery and her family.

The dedication ceremony, held at 14263 N.W. 136^th Terrace, marked the culmination of an inspiring journey for Shinda Ivery, her husband and three sons, ages 18, 12 and 8. Shinda Ivery worked alongside Alachua Habitat for Humanity to fulfill her dream of homeownership. The Ivery home build brought together 129 dedicated volunteers who contributed 1,027 hours of labor, and a network of generous sponsors.

It was a stirring moment when the Ivery family received the keys to their new home and Shinda cut the bright red ribbon officially opening the home to her family. And it was especially meaningful for her, as it was Shinda’s dream to one day return, along with her family, to the community where she grew up. In fact, Shinda held out for an Alachua homesite even in the face of other areas being available earlier. For the entire Ivery family, the new home represents stability and a fresh start in the community they can all call home now.

On hand representing Habitat for Humanity was Habitat Executive Director Stevie Doyle and Family Services Director Kristine Thompson. Minister Ashley Hill of Consecrated Contemplations Faith Community offered the home blessing.

Special thanks were given to the City of Alachua for donating the lot and to grant partners including Florida Realtors Homeownership for All, State Farm, TD Charitable Foundation, Walmart Foundation, and the Hall of Framers 2024 Paddle Raise. Alachua city officials were on hand including Commissioner Dayna Williams along with Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper and Vice Mayor Ed Potts who spoke at the event, honoring the partnerships that made the project possible.

Alachua Habitat’s Homeownership Program has changed lives by empowering local families to achieve homeownership and offering them a stable foundation for the future.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission convened for a special meeting on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024, to tackle two key agenda items: a first reading of an ordinance amending the City’s Comprehensive Plan and a letter of financial support for the Newberry Charter School application.

Comprehensive Plan Update Moves Forward

Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus and CHW Executive Vice President Gerry Dedenbach presented the latest updates to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Their overview highlighted the extensive public engagement process and outlined a timeline for finalizing the document.

The commission unanimously approved the transmittal of the plan to the Florida Department of Commerce's Community Planning, Development, and Services division for review. The state’s review process, which can take up to 45 days, will determine whether any revisions are needed. The plan is expected to return to Newberry in January 2025, with potential adoption as early as February, pending state feedback.

Charter School Secures City Support

The commission also addressed a request for financial backing from the Newberry Community School. Board Chair Derek Danne sought a $2,201,000 funding commitment from the City to support the establishment of the Newberry Charter School.

The funding includes an initial $200,000 for the application process with the Florida Charter Review Commission, with the remaining $2,001,000 to be disbursed upon official approval of the application by the Florida Charter Review Commission, in accordance with a formal loan agreement. Danne noted that the application is due by Nov. 26, 2024, and anticipated an approval decision by February 2025.

Danne assured the Commission that as successful grant funds are awarded, the City of Newberry will be reimbursed toward the $2,201,000 loan, positioning the funding as a financial safeguard. Following public comments, where six residents expressed support and three opposed the measure, the Commission unanimously approved the letter of financial support.

Additional Announcements

City Manager Mike New informed attendees that three seats on the Planning and Zoning Board will soon be open. Interested residents are encouraged to apply. He also announced plans to install lights at the Easton soccer fields.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe reminded the community of CLF Church’s “Thanksgiving in the Park” event on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon. The event, offering boxed Thanksgiving meals, will be held at 120 N.W. 260^th Street in Newberry.

Upcoming Meetings

The next regular City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at 7 p.m., followed by a Board of Adjustment meeting. A City Roads Workshop will be held on Dec. 16, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. The Planning and Zoning Board will not meet this month.

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