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ALACHUA ‒ Following the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene, Alachua’s Criswell Park quickly became a central focus for the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture staff. Crews worked to restore a sense of normalcy in the Merrillwood area, which had been left without power. Prioritizing community well-being, city staff ensured the park was accessible for families to enjoy.

After crews cleared trees and debris, organizing them into piles, Criswell Park became a popular gathering spot for neighbors. And in a short time, locals began to gather at the park, taking advantage of the courts and pavilion for play and relaxation.

Despite the challenges the city faced during and after the storm, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. City staff expressed their gratitude to the residents, who, through their support and spirit, inspired the recovery efforts.

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NEWBERRY - On Sept. 23, 2024, the Newberry City Commission finalized financial decisions for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25. Public hearings were held to adopt a final millage rate, establish a budget and amend utility and development fees. Additionally, a resolution was passed authorizing a loan application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection State Revolving Fund. The commission also formally declared a state of emergency as Hurricane Helene approached.

Millage & Budget

The Commission adopted the FY 2024-25 final budget and approved a resolution adopting the final rate of taxation and real and personal property. The final millage rate was set at 5.9000 mills, which is 9.83 percent higher than the roll back rate of 5.3721. Reserves are $50,197,159. Assistant City Manager/CFO Dallas Lee said the final General Fund budget is $14,455,349. The final budget with all funds is $34,533,573. The City has reserves of $50,197,159. Final revenues are $54,730,732. He explained that there would be no rate increases for fire services and the millage rate would stay the same as the previous year.

Utility Rates

The Commission approved modest increases in electric and wastewater rates for the upcoming fiscal year. The electric rates will see a 0.05 percent increase across all customer categories, resulting in an additional $1.81 per month for the average residential user, according to Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee. Non-residential rates will see similar adjustments.

In addition to the electric rate hike, the Commission also passed Ordinance 2024-31, which amends the wastewater rates. At the City Commission’s budget workshop, staff presented proposed changes to the city’s water and wastewater consumption charges. The new rates, which include a 9.5 percent increase in the consumption charge, were incorporated into the budget.

Lee noted that, “After these rates increases, the City of Newberry will offer the second lowest residential water rates in our area.” This move aims to ensure the City's utility services remain affordable while maintaining the necessary revenue to support operational expenses and future improvements.

The City Commission requested that staff evaluate the Florida Public Services Commission’s Annual Price Index for Water and Wastewater Service as part of its rate evaluation and supports using the price index as a basis for rate increases. The FPSC Water and Wastewater Price Index for 2024 is 3.24 percent.

At the City Commission’s Budget workshop staff presented proposed water and wastewater rate changes and the City Commission gave consensus to include those rates in the budget. These changes represent a six percent increase in the consumption charge. “No proposed change in the customer charge,” said Lee. “After these rates increases, the City will continue to offer some of the lowest residential water rates in this area.”

Development Fees

The commission approved a phased 50 percent increase in development fees over the next two years, aiming to offset the impact of ongoing development on the city’s utility infrastructure. Lee emphasized that this step is crucial in meeting the city’s future obligations, particularly with several infrastructure projects slated to cost over $100 million. “The proposed fee increases will ensure we meet our debt obligations with the FDEP,” Lee said.

Development fees are collected to offset development's impact on the utility infrastructure. These fees are charged against new construction at the time of permit issuance to offset the cost of the utility's new infrastructure needs. The City Commission directed staff to hire a consultant to produce a study, which was completed at the end of 2023. The study identified a substantial increase was required to meet the City’s obligations. “The proposed increase steps the increase in over two years. These fees will be sufficient to meet FDEP debt obligations associated with new infrastructure projects,” said Lee.

Municipal Water Storage

The Commission also took a significant step forward in expanding water storage capacity. In 2022, the City was awarded funds from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) State Revolving Fund to complete a Water Facilities Plan to evaluate existing infrastructure and future capacity projections. The Facility Plan has been completed and approved by the FDEP State Revolving Fund. Newberry has now been approved by the FDEP) to receive $5.35 million in construction funds for a new 500,000-gallon water storage tank. This will support the growing demands on the city's water system. As part of the loan process, the Commission passed a resolution authorizing the loan application.

Certificate of Achievement

In other business, Mayor Jordan Marlowe commended the City Manager and staff for receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for the fourth consecutive year. Marlowe said, “It means that other folks are outside looking in, and they are saying ‘You guys are transparent. You guys are accountable. You guys are financially responsible. ‘I don’t know of any other local community that can claim that.”

Commissioners approved a State of Emergency resolution for Hurricane Helene, which at the time of the Commission meeting, was expected to hit the area on Thursday, Sept. 28. The resolution was effective as of Sept. 24 for seven days or until the emergency has expired.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 22-year-old man from Newberry, Kobe Deon Delima, was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at 9:50 a.m., and charged with burglary of an unoccupied vehicle during a state of emergency following Hurricane Helene. He was also booked for an outstanding warrant related to the grand theft of a motor vehicle.

The arrest came after a Newberry woman reported seeing a man inside her car, which was parked in her driveway, around 9:15 a.m. The woman stated that the man did not have permission to be in the vehicle and appeared to be “sneaking around.” When she saw him, the man fled. The woman called out to a family member, who chased after the suspect.

The family member told Alachua County Sheriff's Deputies that he saw the man's face and believed he could identify him. The suspect was last seen running from the property, and later, authorities located Delima at his residence a few blocks away. The family member reportedly identified Delima as the individual inside the vehicle.

In addition to the burglary charge, Delima was booked on a warrant for the grand theft of a vehicle, which stemmed from an incident on Aug. 23, 2023. A body shop owner reported that someone broke into the business, stole several thousand dollars in cash, and took a red Volkswagen Jetta. Two days later, on Aug. 25, deputies found the Jetta parked behind a church in Newberry. Fingerprints recovered from the vehicle reportedly matched Delima’s, leading to the warrant for his arrest.

Delima has a criminal history that includes two felony convictions, one of which was violent, and two misdemeanor convictions, also including a violent offense. In 2022, Delima was arrested for fleeing law enforcement and a hit-and-run with property damage, though those charges were later dropped. While on pre-trial release in that case, he was arrested again in 2023 for smashing multiple car windows with a brick. He was placed on probation for 18 months after adjudication was withheld. However, after violating his probation by contacting the victim, he was sentenced to 21 days in jail, with credit for time served, and the terms of his probation were reinstated.

Six months later, Delima was arrested for battery, trespassing, and battery on a law enforcement officer. His probation was converted to house arrest, which he violated twice. As a result, in January 2024, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with credit for 159 days already served.

Delima is also facing a sworn complaint for voyeurism but has not yet been booked on that charge. Judge Meshon T. Rawls set bail at $60,000 for the current charges.

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Photo by SUZETTE COOK/special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE – The sounds of nature and the feel of leaves and pine needles under your feet are a bonus for runners who take part in the University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (FFGS­­­) annual Flatwoods 5K event.

Hundreds of participants will take off just after sunrise on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, on a trail around the Austin Cary Forest (ACF), a 2,632-acre teaching and research forest northeast of Gainesville.

The forest is not usually open to the public. It serves as a space for FFGS faculty, staff, and students to put into practice the theories and principles of its academic subjects such as silviculture, forest ecology and conservation, timber management, genetics, and prescribed burning.

Race proceeds support forestry education and outreach to help sustain Florida's natural heritage. FFGS Professor of Ecotourism Taylor Stein is the event organizer. His research efforts focus on exploring the benefits of nature-based recreation and tourism and how to best integrate the recreation use of conservation lands into natural resource decision-making and planning.

“You will not find a more scenic race than the Flatwoods 5K,” Stein said. “The Austin Cary Forest is not open for general use, so this is the rare chance people get to experience one of the prettiest forests in the state.”

Scott Sager, FFGS assistant director of undergrad programs, facilities, and forester at ACF agrees. "It's a low-key, fun event in a beautiful setting,” he said. “You run past open pine forests and cypress domes, and around the deepest lake in Florida."

Sager said he has enjoyed running in the race for the past five years. The event is open to the public and is family friendly.

The 5K starts at 8 a.m. and finishes by 11 a.m. The event is chip timed by Start2Finish Race Management. The course is accurately measured (but not USATF certified), with mile markers. There is a water station at the halfway point and post-race refreshments. Strollers are welcome, but please note the road is unpaved.

Registration and race t-shirt. Registration is $20. Runners 12 years and under race for free. Register at https://runsignup.com/Flatwoods5K

Early packet pickup will be Oct. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Cypress and Grove Brewing Co. (1001 N.W. 4^th Street, Gainesville, FL 32601). Participants can also pick up their packet 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Austin Cary Forest on race day.

Pinecone trophies made from native longleaf, loblolly and slash pinecones go to top open and master runners, and top three in all five-year age/gender groups. All runners 14 years or younger will receive an award.

Registration for the event ends on Oct. 24

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ARCHER ‒ A 26-year-old man from Archer, Zachary William Emino, was arrested on Wednesday morning after allegedly attempting to run over a landscaper with his pickup truck, narrowly missing the man and destroying an expensive lawnmower.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a home in the Turnberry Lake subdivision on Sept. 18, 2024, where the victim, who works for a landscaping company, was mowing a lawn. The victim said that he and Zachary William Emino had a brief conversation, which he ended because he was at work.

Emino backed his pickup truck toward the lawnmower at about 25-30 mph. The victim said he jumped off the lawnmower just before the truck hit it. The owner of the business informed the deputy that the lawnmower, valued at $27,000, was a total loss.

Emino has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony property damage. While he has no prior criminal record, this is not the first time he has faced legal trouble. In July 2024, Emino was arrested in Levy County after allegedly pointing a shotgun at another man and pinning him against a gate with his truck. However, those charges were later dropped.

Bail for Emino was set at $75,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

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ALACHUA ‒ Hurricane Helen, a catastrophic Category 4 storm, has left a trail of devastation across North Central Florida and the Big Bend area, upending lives and causing widespread damage to homes, infrastructure, and the environment. With winds topping 140 mph and torrential rains, the storm's impact has been especially devastating in these areas, which are still reeling from the aftermath. As the storm moved out of the area, thousands of Floridians were left grappling with the extensive destruction to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. The state has been left reeling from the storm’s fury, which has caused severe flooding, downed trees, and widespread power outages. As of Tuesday morning, approximately, 49,301 Floridians were without power. Governor Ron DeSantis said that the State of Florida has restored over 2.3 million accounts.

Big Bend: A Region in Ruins

The Big Bend area, a relatively sparsely populated yet vulnerable region, has been hit hardest by Helen's fury. Coastal towns like Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, and nearby inland communities faced the brunt of Helen’s storm surge, which reached unprecedented levels of up to 15 feet in some areas. Low-lying roads have been washed out, and countless homes and businesses lie in ruins, submerged under floodwaters or demolished by fierce winds.

Environmental impacts are also a major concern in the Big Bend area, known for its unique coastal wetlands and wildlife habitats. The storm’s surge has caused significant erosion along the coast, threatening both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those dependent on it. State officials have expressed concerns that recovery in this region could take years, with many residents facing displacement due to the extent of the destruction.

Alachua County

Significant Damage in the Heartland

Despite being further from the coast, inland regions have also experienced significant effects from Hurricane Helen. Alachua County, in particular, endured severe wind damage and flooding in local communities. Though further inland, the county was not spared from Hurricane Helen’s destructive path. Winds over 100 mph toppled trees, blocked roads, and damaged buildings. Many homes suffered significant roof damage, and local officials have reported severe flooding in low-lying areas, including neighborhoods near and along the Santa Fe River. Some areas reported ongoing power outages. And residents in rural parts of the county are facing long delays for help due to impassable roads.

Statewide Response and Recovery

Governor DeSantis on Tuesday announced that Florida secured approval of a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Helene from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The declaration includes Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B). Individual Assistance, which is assistance to residents and households, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Sarasota Taylor and Wakulla counties. Public Assistance, which is available for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities, is available for Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor and Wakulla counties for debris removal and emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance.

The Florida National Guard has rescued 155 people and 56 animals, 84 of which were ground rescues and 63 via air. The Guard is also providing logistics support, law enforcement support, route clearance, search and rescue.

The Florida State Guard (FSG) has mobilized 217 guards in response to Hurricane Helene. The Special Missions Unit (SMU) provided support with route clearance (cut and toss) and damage assessment in Taylor, Dixie and Wakulla counties.

During search and rescue operations and wellness checks in impacted areas, the SMU successfully rescued and transported an 80-year-old, wheelchair-bound, woman from a flooded building.

The Maritime Response Squadron (MRS) rescued one individual from the Suwannee River while on patrol in support of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC). The rescued individual had been adrift on the river for approximately 36 hours and travelled over 25 river miles due to high currents.

The Maritime Response Unit (MRS) continues wellness checks along the Withlacoochee River and Cedar Key area with FWC.

FWC officers deployed to Cedar Key, Yankeetown, Suwannee Town, Horseshoe Beach, Steinhatchee, Keaton Beach, Old Town, Gulf Hammock, Fowler’s Bluff and Rocky Creek to perform welfare checks on residents who did not evacuate. They utilized specialized equipment to push their way in, locate and account for all residents assigned to their team.

Farm Share, the state’s leading food nonprofit and largest independent food bank, is working closely with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and local emergency management officials to conduct community relief operations in areas most affected by the storm. Farm Share has deployed over 910,000 pounds of shelf-safe food, water, and hygiene products in affected areas, including Columbia, Marion, Pasco, Dixie, Taylor, Hamilton, Levy, Madison, Putnam, Alachua, and Jefferson counties.

Hurricane Debris

Hurricane debris is a major issue affecting safety and sanitation concerns. The City of Alachua is partnering with Waste Pro for storm debris cleanup within the city limits. Debris pickup will run six days each week, Monday through Saturday, with heightened efforts on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

For more efficient debris pick up, Alachua residents are advised to place all storm debris by the street in two separate piles, one for large debris items, 6-foot by 4-foot by 4-foot (6’ X 4’ X 4’) dimensions, and one for smaller debris items, not to exceed six feet in length or six inches in diameter. If possible, place all debris in an area by the street with no overhead power lines or water meters in the ground. This allows for unobstructed access for claw trucks and other equipment.

Regardless of road jurisdiction (County Road vs. Federal vs. Municipal), if a home is within the City of Alachua limits, debris pickup will service the address.

Avoid Repair Scams

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and what looks to be long-term recovery operations, Alachua County officials are urging residents to hire licensed contractors for all repair and reconstruction work. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) reports that the Florida Disaster Contractors Network has been activated to connect homeowners with licensed contractors and suppliers to perform emergency repairs.

DBPR encourages Florida’s licensed contractors who provide post-storm construction-related services to register with its Florida Disaster Contractors Network at DCNOnline.org. Since Hurricane Helene’s landfall, more than 5,200 licensed contractors have registered with Florida’s DCN.

FEMA Assistance

FEMA disaster assistance may provide funds to homeowners and renters for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from Hurricane Helene. Assistance available includes money to help you repair or replace homes damaged by the disaster. Funds can be used for privately-owned roads, bridges and docks when that is the only access to a home damaged by the disaster.

Other types of assistance include rental assistance to rent housing if individuals are displaced from their home because of the disaster as well as funds for specific mitigation measures, such as roof repair to withstand higher wind gusts, based on the cause and amount of damage to their home.

A complete listing of disaster assistance and eligibility requirements is available at https://www.disasterassistance.gov.

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