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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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ALACHUA COUNTY - Due to a minor sinkhole opening, the Alachua County Public Works Department announced an emergency road closure on SW 24^th Avenue between SW 91^st Street and SW 87^th Way.

 Drivers will be detoured around the area using SW 87^th Way to SW 91^st Street. Residents of the Shannon Woods subdivision, exiting the neighborhood using SW 88^th Street, will only be able to go east on SW 24^th Avenue.

 Drivers should use caution, stay alert and focused, follow the designated detour signs, and maintain a safe speed and following distance when traveling through the detour. Drivers should expect delays and plan ahead during this construction.

 For more information, contact Alachua County Construction Inspection Superintendent Aaron Burke at 352-548-1240.

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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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ALACHUA — The holiday season will take center stage in Alachua as Dance Alive National Ballet presents a free community performance of The Nutcracker on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. The City of Alachua is hosting the event, which features two showtimes, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., and is open to all residents at no cost.

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GAINESVILLE – A timely donation Nov. 1, 2025, will help Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 feed former servicemembers and their families this upcoming holiday season. As part of its annual National Hometown Heroes Day to honor the military, veterans and first responders, Tractor Supply Co. of Gainesville presented a $250 check to VFW Post 2811 Commander Jason R. Sanford.

That money, said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, is needed to buy and stock more items at the unit’s food pantry, as well as to purchase meals to be prepared by the post and its auxiliary.

“Over the next few weeks, we’re going to have Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s,” said Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard. “We typically use a donation like this to leverage more money available through other grant programs to make the holidays better for veterans and their families who are in need.”

 In addition to cash donations, VFW Post 2811 accepts nonperishable and canned food items at the unit’s home on 1150 N.E. Waldo Road in Gainesville throughout the year.  A large 55-gallon receptacle located in the post’s main hall holds the food until it can be distributed.

“We’re currently participating in a grant program where the food we collect can be matched pound-for-pound,” Owen said. “We’ve been doing this for years, and have learned to be very creative.”

Owen said that part of Tractor Supply Co.’s donation will also be used for soldiers and family members of the 257^th Transportation Battalion, 399^th Movement Control Team. The local unit recently participated in a deployment to the Middle East, and VFW Post 2811 intends to prepare food for them during a Christmas party Dec. 8.

“That’s what this organization and this post have always been about,” said Commander Sanford, who earned the Bronze Star Medal during his 22 years of service with the Navy, Air Force and Army. “We have much of the same camaraderie as we did when we were deployed, but our mission is different. We’re now directing our efforts to helping our fellow veterans.”

In addition to food, the post also collects books. These are donated to the Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Southwest Archer Road, Gainesville.

“We’re mindful that a few of our comrades may have to spend some of the holidays away from family members in a hospital room,” said Sanford. “Over the last few years, one of our post members, Richard Reedy, has spearheaded a book drive. We gather the books here at the post, sort them and drive them down to the hospital. We’re hoping to get that done this year by Thanksgiving.”

The donation from Tractor Supply Co. is part of a million-dollar effort by the organization’s corporate foundation to honor military, veteran and first responder groups at approximately 2,300 stores across the United States.

The post is always accepting of donations and the efforts of those who are eager to help veterans and their family members. Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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Trick-or-Treaters fill Main Street in Alachua during the city’s annual Halloween celebration, weaving through crowds under festive lights as local businesses hand out candy and families take in the lively holiday atmosphere. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ Main Street shimmered with fairy-tale magic and Halloween glow Friday evening as families packed into downtown Alachua for the city’s annual “Trick or Treat on Main” celebration. From princess tiaras to superhero capes and tiny pumpkins toddling beside parents, the event delivered a festive and safe Halloween night for the community.

Hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce with support from the City of Alachua, local businesses and civic groups, the event once again turned the historic downtown district into a pedestrian-only corridor filled with treats, themed displays and festive photo stops. The celebration ran from 5:30 to 8 p.m., giving families time to explore, gather candy and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere before heading off to neighborhood trick-or-treating or home for the night.

This year, Main Street took on the classic charm of “Snow White” for the annual Scarecrow Row, a highlight that has become a signature element of the celebration. Businesses and organizations lined the street with handcrafted scarecrows and scenes inspired by the beloved fairy tale. Guests wandered past depictions of Snow White, forest-dwelling dwarfs, enchanted mirrors, and apples both sweet and sinister.

The competition brought out big creativity from local participants. The Mustard Seed claimed first place, Boukari Law / Alachua County Today placed second, and Sysco earned third for its imaginative display. Judges praised the entries for their craftsmanship and playful spirit, adding cinematic flair to the evening.

Children darted from storefront to storefront, collecting candy while parents snapped photos amid twinkling lights and costumed characters. The Snow White’s Cottage photo booth proved popular, offering families a cozy spot to pose among woodland-themed décor, complete with peek-through cottage windows and friendly animal characters perched along the sills.

Organizers credited strong support from corporate participants and local merchants who decorated, handed out candy and kept the festive energy high. “A heartfelt thank-you to all the businesses who participated and handed out candy. Your support made this event such a memorable experience for the kids (and adults!) who came out to celebrate,” the Alachua Chamber of Commerce shared in a statement.

Parking lots near downtown filled quickly, with many families arriving early to beat the crowd. Alachua Police officers were stationed throughout the event to ensure a smooth and safe evening for all attendees.

As crowds trickled away under streetlights and the last of the candy buckets emptied, children clutched glow sticks and candy bags, and parents pushed strollers past the final displays. Once again, “Trick or Treat on Main” offered a community-centered way to celebrate Halloween—fun, festive and filled with small-town magic.

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