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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ One member of the High Springs City Commission pushed for a staff hiring freeze at the Feb. 8, 2024 High Springs City Commission. Commissioner Andrew Miller voiced his concern that the City should not hire any more staff until a new city manager was on board.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder agreed in part, saying he didn’t see the need for a formal hiring freeze, but instead, he recommended that the City hire only critical staff, if needed, as some positions require full staffing in order to meet required regulatory demands. Positions noted for consideration might be fire personnel and police officers.

City Clerk Angela Stone reported that hiring a new fire chief was already underway. Commissioners suggested that since the hiring process was already in place, the City should move forward with it.

Interim Fire Chief Mike Vogel said he would be available to fill that position until someone new was hired and in place. He also said that a selling point for a new city manager might be that he/she would be able to hire their own team to fill vacant positions.

Miller moved forward with a motion to approve a staff hiring freeze, but the motion died for lack of a second. Instead, Commissioners agreed that they would ask the city manager to refrain from hiring unless a critical position had to be filled.

SFHS Environmental Club

Santa Fe High School Environmental Club/Marine Biology students received a $1,500 grant from former City Commissioner Ross Ambrose, when he was on the Commission, to help fund a trip to Cedar Key, Seahorse-Key Marine laboratory. The only requirement was that the students were to come back to the City Commission and share what they had learned from the trip. Three students and Science Instructor Maureen Shankman were on-hand to talk about their experience and to also thank the Commission for the donation.

The group has recently partnered with the High Springs Youth Advisory Council to participate in several springs clean-up activities.

Other City Business

In other City business, the Commission unanimously approved a proclamation declaring February as Black History month in High Springs.

In response to a citizen’s complaint about the City’s waste hauling rates, the Commission directed the city attorney to contact the City’s contracted waste hauler, Waste Pro, about businesses having private contracts with the waste hauler. The individual complained that the City’s waste hauling prices increased by 60 percent from $188 to $302 per week for a six cubic yard pickup once a week. The business owner said he had the same size and pickup times in Alachua with the same waste company and it was 2 ½ times less for the same size and service.

Another complaint was lodged that the electric vehicle (EV) station had cars parked in the designated EV parking area that were not using the EV facilities and questioned if those drivers could be ticketed. Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said he was not legally allowed to ticket for that purpose.

The same individual also requested the City put in a turn lane on U.S. Highway 441 in front of the Pink Flamingo restaurant and a crossing lane on U.S. Highway 441 in front of Winn Dixie. She was told that in both instances, that the turn lane and the crossing lane are under the jurisdiction of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as it is responsible for state highways.

In response to a request for the City to install other EV parking areas in the Winn Dixie parking lot, she was told that the City had no authority over business parking lots, but would see if they could facilitate conversation between the store and Duke Energy. Duke earlier expressed an interest in installing five EV parking facilities in downtown High Springs.

In other business, Sheppard said he had two officers on duty over the weekend and they had written 100 tickets during that time period.

Giving an update on the City’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) initiative, Public Works Director Thomas Henry said the project was 150 smart meters away from completion.

Stone updated the Commission on the status of a joint meeting between Alachua County and the City. The Commission agreed to the June 6 date that Alachua County requested.

Stone also reported that two individuals, Wayne Bloodsworth, Jr. and Chad Howell, had qualified for the upcoming March 26 election to fill City Commission Seat #2 The last day to register to vote for this election or to update voter information to vote in this municipal election is Feb. 26.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 22.

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GAINESVILLE, FL - Thirty-four Alachua County Public School students have been selected as finalists in the prestigious National Merit Scholarship Program, which each year recognizes the nation’s top-achieving high school students.

Earning finalist status has long been recognized as an indicator of high academic achievement. There are several standards students must achieve to become National Merit finalists.

First, they must qualify as semifinalists by earning among the nation’s highest scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT), which is taken by more than 1.5 million students annually and measures a student’s critical reading, math problem-solving and writing abilities. About 16,000 students are named semifinalists each year.

To become finalists, students must also earn high scores on the SAT. They must also submit applications highlighting their other academic achievements, awards and honors and leadership activities within their school and community. Teacher recommendations and an essay are also required.

Twenty students at Buchholz High School have been named finalists, seven at Eastside High and seven at Gainesville High.

National Merit finalists are all eligible for thousands of dollars in scholarships provided by businesses, colleges and universities and other organizations.

This year’s finalists are: Buchholz High School—Megan Chen, Richard Feng, Nolan Gao, William Guan, Noah Hunter, Max Kaplan, Melissa Li, Hailey Lin, Edison Loftus, Kelsey Morey, Peter Neubert, Warren Pfund, Sarah Rodkin, Parsa Tehranipoor, Daniel Wang, Laurie Wang, Nathan Wei, Billy Yang, Kailyn Zhai, Emmanuel Zheng; Eastside High School—Madeleine Gurka, Daniel Huang, Shravya Mandava, August McDaniel, Isaac Savin, Noah Siegel, Rachel Xu; Gainesville High School—Cadien Archer, Maheer Bansari, Peter Blay, Kyle Choe, Kathleen Ferrer, Ellee Guin, Katelinn Kochtan.

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WALDO ‒ A 46-year-old Bradenton man was arrested on Saturday, Feb. 17, following a call at 5:48 a.m. in response to a burglary of a vehicle at Waldo Motorsports Park, 17000 N.E. U.S. Highway 301. Upon arrival, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Deputies spoke with security officers on the scene who stated that a disturbance occurred between the defendant, Robert Wayne Powell, the victim and the victim’s boyfriend.

The couple indicated they were sleeping in the back of their vehicle when Powell approached and attempted to enter the vehicle. Powell allegedly opened the vehicle door and repeatedly stated that he wanted to have sex with the victim.

The victim’s boyfriend then exited the vehicle and began having a scuffle outside of the vehicle. Multiple other people staying at the motor park ran over and began holding the defendant back. The victim’s boyfriend then returned inside his vehicle with the victim.

The defendant allegedly later returned to the victim’s vehicle and ripped off the passenger side view mirror and scratched the passenger side window. Shortly after that security arrived on scene and detained the defendant.

According to the ACSO, security officers stated that Powell continually mentioned wanting to have sex with the victim and even offered the Security Officers money to facilitate it.

ACSO Deputies estimated the damages to the vehicle at approximately $800.

Post Miranda, Powell stated that he did open the vehicle’s door and broke the mirror. Later, after being asked more specific questions, he denied both allegations.

Powell has been charged with attempted burglary of an occupied conveyance and criminal mischief for damage to the vehicle of more than $200, but less than $1,000.

Powell has no local court history but was convicted of disorderly intoxication and resisting an officer in 2023 in Manatee County.

Bail was set by Judge Sean D. Brewer at $55,000.

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ALACHUA Feb. 26, 2024 - On Tuesday, February 27th, at approximately 10:00 AM, CSX will conduct road maintenance on the railroad crossing at CR 235 and CR 235A (NW 173rd Street). This maintenance will have CR 235A (NW 173rd Street) inaccessible from CR 235 until the morning hours on Wednesday, February 28th. Please plan accordingly.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry is weighing its options, including assessments, to fund costs of running the City’s infrastructure and upcoming development.

The City Commission previously expressed interest in possibly establishing a stormwater assessment district to fund stormwater maintenance and improvements in the downtown area. The stormwater assessment, much like the fire assessment, is required to benefit the properties that pay the assessment, and funds collected are restricted to use on stormwater projects.

At the Feb. 12, 2024 City Commission meeting, the Commission voted 4 – 1, with Commissioner Tim Marden casting the dissenting vote, to move forward with a stormwater assessment study.

“Proceeding with the study does not implement the fee without several additional actions of the Commission,” said Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee. The Commission will have several opportunities to move forward or put the brakes on the matter following completion of the study.

It is estimated that adoption of a stormwater ordinance could occur sometime between April and June of this year. If approved at that time, the Commission will consider a final resolution to adopt the new rate sometime between July and August.

The study is expected to cost approximately $30,000.

Newberry Historical Association

With an eye toward the town’s past and future, the Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2024-04, to create a five-member Newberry Historical Association (NHA). Each member, who will be appointed by the mayor, will have one vote, as well as a non-voting chair. The NHA will elect its own officers and establish its own procedures. NHA meetings will be open to the public will conform to Sunshine Laws and Roberts Rules of Procedure.

Identified undertakings include exploring establishment of a historic museum within the community. The Newberry Historical Association will prepare a final report and deliver it to the mayor and commissioners with the findings, recommendations and proposals to establish the museum.

The association will also explore opportunities and initiatives for the sole purpose of restoration and preservation of the community’s buildings and artifacts, as well as developing procedural methods for cataloguing historic moments, impactful citizens, events and artifacts.

Solid Waste Rate Amendments

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2024-05, to fund solid waste collection services with WastePro USA. In November 2023, the Commission extended the existing agreement with WastePro, leading to price increases for all customer categories.

The City is revising its customer rates to pay for twice-weekly household garbage collection and once-weekly collection of yard waste and recyclables.

Historically, the City added a 18 percent markup to cover costs related to city-provided waste services, customer service and other solid waste activities. Due to the cost increase, the Commission approved lowering the markup to 15 percent for all categories. The City anticipates this reduction will generate enough revenue for the City’s solid waste operations while offering minor rate relief to customers.

Rate increases in the coming years for residential customers have been calculated as follows: As of 10/01/24 - $24; as of 04/01/25 - $29; as of 10/01/25 - $33; as of 04/01/26 - $34; and as of 10/01/26 and beyond the rate will be based on the CPI Increase amount. In addition, a $0.50/monthly postage fee will be charged to cover the cost of billing customers.

The resolution also addresses non-residential solid waste for small commercial accounts. Garbage, trash and rubbish will be picked up twice weekly with yard debris, recyclables and white goods picked up once weekly. The cost is $43.50 plus $0.50/monthly postage fee to cover the cost of billing customers.

Non-residential solid waste services for large commercial accounts, which will be effective for billing periods after March 1, 2024, are based on the yard size and frequency of pickups. Interested businesses should contact the City for details.

Water/Wastewater System Development Fees

Newberry is currently considering rates for impact fees for water/wastewater systems. Dallas Lee presented information for Commission consideration during the budget process later this year.

A development fee report was completed in 2023 to consider the current rates and/or development fees to ensure funding availability for future infrastructure renewal, replacement or expansion projects.

Development fees are collected to offset the impact development has on the utility infrastructure. These fees are charged against new construction at the time of permit issuance to offset the cost of new infrastructure needs of the utility.

These funds are held in trust funds to only be used on expansion and enhancement of the system. The City Commission adopted development fees in 2005 and last increased the fees in 2022 by 12.5 percent. “These fees have been critical in funding the utility system,” Lee said.

Election Update

The City of Newberry will be holding its annual Municipal Election on April 9. All seats are elected at-large and are non-partisan, with City Commissioners serving two-year terms. The qualifying period for the upcoming election ends at noon on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Up for election this year are seats currently held by Commissioner Group I - Ricky Coleman, Commissioner Group II - Mark Clark and Commissioner Group III - Monty Farnsworth.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26.

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA, Feb. 26, 2024 at 5:45:21 PM EST – The last of 12 federal defendants was sentenced for drug-trafficking and firearm charges related to a joint federal and state investigation into the 4K criminal street gang in the city of Alachua, Florida. The sentences were announced by Jason R. Coody, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

“Our law enforcement partners’ concerted investigation and prosecution of violent crime – here acts of murder and retaliatory gun violence by rival gang members – is central to our mission to protect the public,” said U.S. Attorney Coody. “The sentences imposed in this investigation, some spanning multiple decades, illustrate our shared resolve to keep our communities safe and the significant consequences associated with gun violence by gang-affiliated drug traffickers.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Safe Streets Task Force began an investigation of the 4K gang following a number of gang-related shootings in the city of Alachua in 2018.

The FBI worked with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Alachua Police Department to investigate the initial shooting and numerous other shootings thereafter. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) aided through investigation of 4K’s drug-trafficking activity.

Between Feb. 22, 2020, and May 20, 2020, the United States Attorney’s Office, FBI, and DEA obtained six court-authorized Title III wiretaps on cellphones used by members of the drug-trafficking conspiracy. On May 20, 2020, federal search warrants were executed, and four individuals were federally arrested, with others being indicted in June and August 2020.

The federally sentenced defendants, which included 4K gang members and associates, as well as people selling drugs to the 4K gang, were:

Roddrae Antonio Williams, 32, Alachua, Florida, 480 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

Elboric Quadarius Robinson, 32, Alachua, Florida, 336 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.

Decoda Kadarrell King, 36, Williston, Florida, 168 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.

Eric Jermaine Williams, 42, Gainesville, Florida, 104 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release

Daniel Heath Willis, 30, Alachua, Florida, 96 months in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.

Morris Cordell Robinson, Jr., 58, Alachua, Florida, 78 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

Gregory Lavough Williams, Jr., 44, Yorba Linda, California, 48 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release.

Rakeidra Alexandria Neal, 33, Gainesville, Florida, 14.5 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

Rayme Herhandez, 47, Morriston, Florida, 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release.

Tomeka Necole Bryant, 44, Gainesville, Florida, 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release.

Edward Lashawn Garrison, Jr., 27, Fort White, Florida, 10 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Lorenza Durr, 33, Alachua, Florida, 8 months in prison in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

“The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the grave threats posed by drug trafficking and firearm violations,” said Sheriff Emory Gainey. “We understand that multi-agency cooperation is not merely a strategy but an essential approach to addressing these challenges.  Together, we stand united in our mission to protect our neighborhoods and uphold the rule of law.”

“The sentencing of Roddrae Williams brings to a close a years-long joint investigation involving multiple law enforcement and investigative partners.” 

“The cooperation between these agencies resulted in the successful prosecution of these 12 individuals who terrorized our local communities,” said Alachua Police Chief Jesse J. Sandusky.  “We are thankful for the assistance we received from our partners and hope that this can help bring closure to the victim's families."

Charges by the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office were brought against the following:

Hakiem Brockman, 25, West Palm Beach, Florida, pled nolo contendere to second degree murder with discharge of a firearm causing death, conspiracy to commit first degree murder, and four counts of attempted murder in the first degree with discharge of a firearm. Brockman was sentenced to 35 years in prison, 25 of which will be served day-for-day.

McKenzley Edwards, 30, Alachua, Florida, pled nolo contendere to six counts of attempted second degree murder with discharge of a firearm and actual possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with a witness, victim, or informant, and one count of conspiracy to commit first degree murder (premeditated) and attempted murder. Edwards was sentenced to 25 years in prison, 20 of which will be served day-for-day.

Kenzel Edwards, 28, Alachua, Florida, pled nolo contendere to three counts of attempted second degree murder with a firearm and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 10 of which will be served day-for-day.

Jeffery Robinson, Jr., 29, Alachua, Florida, pled nolo contendere to accessory after the fact to the murder and was sentenced to 5 years in prison.

Roddrae Williams pled guilty to conspiracy to commit first degree murder (premediated) and is pending sentencing

“Each of these violent felony offenders posed a significant risk to the safety of our community.  Thanks to the professional, expert work of this task force and our prosecutors, this community will be protected from further violence by these offenders,” said Brian Kramer, State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit.

“These sentencings demonstrate the FBI's relentless determination to eradicate drug-fueled gang violence that is plaguing communities,” said FBI Jacksonville Acting Special Agent in Charge Mark Dargis. “Disrupting organizations like this one is a critical part of the FBI mission, and we will use every legal means available to hold accountable those who threaten our neighborhoods. The rule of law is not optional, and we want to make clear to other gangs operating in our communities: the FBI and our local, state, and federal partners are coming for you, and the violence won't be tolerated.”

“DEA’s top priority is protecting the safety and health of our Florida communities.  Drug trafficking and associated violence puts our communities in danger,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “The DEA Miami Field Division remains committed to working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime, remove dangerous drugs from our streets, and hold those responsible for distributing this poison in our communities accountable for their actions.”

These convictions were the result of a joint investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua Police Department, Gainesville Police Department, University of Florida Police Department, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ocala Police Department.

The federal cases were prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain, and the state cases were prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Daniel Owen.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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