Local

Gainesville ‒ In a surprise decision Oct. 15, 2024, the Alachua County School Board voted to fire Superintendent Shane Andrew. The termination, which is effective Nov. 15, was spearheaded by Board member Kay Abbitt and passed narrowly in a 3-2 vote.

In a highly contentious special meeting held Oct. 21, the Board was set to select an interim superintendent to fill the vacancy left by Andrew’s departure. After considerable discussion and input from the community, the Board was unable to name a person to fill the position.

Several residents and parents spoke out and raised concerns that an interim would be selected just weeks before new Board members would take their seats.

During the meeting, Board members reflected on their previous vote. Sarah Rockwell and Tina Certain, who both voted against Andrew’s termination, expressed their dissatisfaction with the process. Rockwell stated that she felt blindsided by how quickly the vote occurred and was upset with how events transpired. Certain acknowledged that while Andrew was still learning on the job and had areas to improve, she did not believe termination was the right course of action at that time.

On the other hand, Leanetta McNealy and Kay Abbitt, who both voted for Andrew’s termination, stood by their decision. McNealy shared the challenges she faced in trying to recruit candidates for the interim position, noting that many declined due to the Board’s divided vote. She also dismissed the possibility of Andrew returning, citing personal reasons for his inability to resume the role.

Chairwoman Diyonne McGraw, who cast the decisive third vote to terminate Andrew’s contract, defended her position despite the criticism. Reflecting on her four-year term, which ends in November, McGraw stated, “I don’t like the fact that people insinuate that I did something wrong,” expressing frustration with the backlash she has received.

Board members inquired Oct. 21 if Deputy Superintendent Cathy Atria would consider stepping in as interim superintendent. Atria appeared reluctant, said she would consider it, but needed to consult with legal counsel before committing.

Andrew, the seventh superintendent in 10 years, leaves behind a district still grappling with financial challenges and ongoing tensions over leadership decisions. The next meeting will likely focus on selecting an interim leader while the Board prepares for a national search to find a permanent replacement.

Andrew’s termination came during a meeting meant to review Board members' evaluations of Andrew’s performance. Abbitt, who rated Andrew’s overall performance as “Needs Improvement,” made the unexpected motion to terminate his contract, citing the evaluations as evidence for the need for “new leadership.” Board members were divided, with some calling for change and others defending Andrew’s performance.

The Board's evaluations of Andrew varied significantly, with ratings spanning from “Effective” to “Unsatisfactory.” Chairwoman McGraw and member McNealy rated him as “Effective,” while Abbitt and Rockwell assessed his performance as “Needs Improvement.” Certain delivered the lowest rating, deeming Andrew's performance “Unsatisfactory.”

A notable point of contention arose when Rockwell criticized the absence of Andrew's self-evaluation from the process, which McGraw clarified was not required by policy. However, Rockwell and Certain expressed concerns that important priorities, such as rezoning and strategic planning, were not adequately addressed in Andrew’s evaluations.

After accepting the evaluations, Abbitt reiterated her belief that the district required new leadership. She proposed appointing an interim superintendent immediately and initiating a national search for a permanent replacement.

Board Member Certain, though agreeing with the need for new leadership, opposed appointing an interim superintendent, preferring instead to begin a direct search for a permanent replacement. McNealy, while expressing concerns over the current direction of the district, supported Abbitt’s motion for immediate action, noting that she did not see the district moving forward with Andrew based on the divided Board.

Chairwoman McGraw strongly defended Andrew, pointing to data that she said showed improvements in closing the achievement gap between African American and white students under his leadership. McGraw acknowledged the frustrations of the Board but urged members to focus on the students, citing to positive data and things moving in a positive direction. While academic progress was being made, McGraw said she was disappointed that personal disagreements were influencing Board decisions.

Despite McGraw’s defense, Abbitt’s motion moved forward, and after public comments, the Board voted 3-2 to terminate Andrew’s contract. McGraw ultimately cast the decisive vote to remove Andrew, despite her earlier defense.

Despite a lengthy discussion about potential candidates, the Board was unable to reach a decision during the Oct. 21 meeting, which ended without an appointment, leaving the leadership of the school district uncertain until the Board reconvenes on Nov. 4.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatodya.com

NEWBERRY – In a brief session, Newberry’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board convened to hold a public hearing and discuss the adoption of the CRA budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The budget, amounting to $1,145,390, was presented by Newberry Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee, and received unanimous approval from the board.

The CRA is focused on revitalizing and improving areas that are economically distressed or underdeveloped. The CRA uses tax increment financing (TIF) to fund improvements like roads, utilities, and public spaces, aiming to attract businesses, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for residents.

During the meeting, there were no questions or comments from the public regarding the proposed budget.

City Manager Mike New highlighted that a significant portion of the budget — approximately $1 million — has been designated for critical infrastructure improvements within the CRA District.

These funds will be directed towards projects aimed at enhancing the district’s roads, utilities, and overall accessibility, which are considered essential to fostering economic growth and development in the area.

The CRA's commitment to infrastructure underscores its long-term goal of revitalizing areas within the district and attracting new businesses and investments.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On a crisp, sunny Saturday afternoon, downtown High Springs came alive with a celebration of local artistry as the town’s much-loved ArtWalk took over the sidewalks. From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., sidewalks stretching from Main Street to U.S. Highway 27 were lined with artists and makers, turning the town center into a vibrant open-air gallery. The event attracted locals and visitors eager to experience the creativity and charm that have become hallmarks of this event.

The perfect fall weather added to the day’s allure, with clear blue skies inviting art lovers to stroll the bustling sidewalks. Against the backdrop of High Springs' historic architecture, attendees explored a diverse collection of artworks displayed in front of local businesses. The ArtWalk featured an impressive range of creative expressions, from colorful paintings and elegant ceramics to intricate handcrafted jewelry and playful woven crafts like crocheted tote bags and whimsical animal figures. Each booth offered something unique, captivating the imagination and appealing to every artistic taste.

High Springs’ downtown charm was on full display, as restaurants and shops joined in the event’s spirit. Patrons moved seamlessly between art displays and cozy eateries while mingling with artists and other visitors.

A standout of the ArtWalk was Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, which opened its doors to showcase the folk art of Mike Segal. Known for his vibrant depictions of coastal life, Segal’s work drew many admirers. Having recently lost his Cedar Key Island Arts Coop location to Hurricane Helene, Segal brought his Cedar Key-inspired pieces to High Springs, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the island’s beauty and resilience through his art.

Just across the street, the High Springs Fall Festival was in full swing, creating a lively exchange of visitors between both events. Many attendees made their way back and forth, enjoying the energetic atmosphere of the festival alongside the quieter, reflective spaces of the ArtWalk. The dual events created a seamless blend of creativity and community celebration, making the entire downtown area the heart of High Springs’ autumn festivities.

ArtWalk is more than just a display of creativity—it’s a testament to the town’s vibrant cultural scene. Supported by local merchants, this series of seasonal gatherings provides local artists with a platform to share their talents, engage with the community, and connect with art enthusiasts. For the artists, it’s a chance to showcase their work and find new audiences; for visitors, it’s an opportunity to discover new art and meet the people behind the creations.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2024) – The City of Gainesville Transportation Department today announced a number of changes to its Regional Transit System (RTS) bus services aimed at managing budget constraints linked to reductions in federal, state and local funding as well as abnormally high increases in operating costs over the past three years.

Although passenger counts are moving steadily back toward pre-pandemic levels, with Fiscal Year 2024 ridership increasing 7.3 percent compared to the previous year (5.5 million compared to 5.1 million), this is not enough to cover rising costs. As a result, RTS is among the public transit agencies nationwide seeking new revenue sources while streamlining to reduce costs.

• Holiday Service

RTS discontinued holiday service as of Oct. 1, 2024. The bus routes previously scheduled on Veterans Day, Black Friday and Christmas Eve will not run this year.

• Paratransit Service

For eligible riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on the fixed-route buses, RTS offers a shared ride door-to-door service called Paratransit. Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, this service has been scaled back to locations within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.

• Fare Free

To ensure the program is working as intended, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, riders who are 18 and younger and 65 and older will require a pass for Fare Free boarding. RTS will add an online application webpage to register for these passes before year’s end.

 RTS and UF Partnership

 The city and the University of Florida are continuing discussions to improve route efficiency for students while maintaining a public transit system that works for all riders.

 “We value our partners in the City of Gainesville and look forward to continuing to work with them on this vital issue,” said Brandi Renton, UF’s interim vice president for business affairs.

 As UF continues reassessing the most efficient use of student transportation fees, adjustments are planned for some routes that have been funded by the University.

 Route 25 to Gainesville Regional Airport

Route 25 will end with the start of spring service on Jan. 3, 2025. Given this route's low UF ridership, and to be good stewards of the student funds that finance this route, the University of Florida will reallocate those assets to other student transportation solutions.

 UF Route Changes

The following route changes are recommended by UF to improve efficiency and service to students and other campus riders. If agreed upon by both sides, the following route modifications would take effect with the start of RTS spring service on Jan. 3, 2025.

 Route 125 – UF Campus Connectors will operate this route.

• Route 122 – Returns to the original north/south orientation.
• Route 150 – UF assumes operation of this route.
• Route 1 – Route moved to enter/exit campus on Museum Road to stop at the Reitz Union before resuming the regular route.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ This Halloween, Alachua is inviting families to a spooky yet family-friendly event that promises a memorable evening for trick-or-treaters of all ages. The annual Trick-or-Treat on Main and “Scarecrow Row” will return on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, with a special twist: this year’s theme is inspired by the classic 1988 movie “Beetlejuice.”

The event, organized by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and feature candy, costumes, and plenty of whimsical Halloween fun.

Annually, the Saturday before Halloween, Main Street Alachua is transformed into a pedestrian-friendly zone, allowing children to safely trick-or-treat from one decorated storefront to the next. Local businesses are participating by handing out candy to kids in costume, creating a vibrant trick-or-treating route along the heart of downtown.

“The trick-or-treating experience on Main Street is something families look forward to every year,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “This year’s Beetlejuice theme is going to make the evening extra special, with businesses really going all out on their decorations. It’s a great way to bring our community together in a fun and safe way.”

In addition to the sweet treats being given away by local merchants, the Chamber has arranged for a photo booth featuring Beetlejuice offering a fun backdrop for capturing memories of the night.

Adding to the Halloween fun is the annual Scarecrow Row, a Chamber sponsored showcase of creative scarecrow displays lining Main Street. This year’s Beetlejuice theme has inspired local artists, businesses, and community groups to create scarecrows featuring iconic scenes and characters from the film, such as Beetlejuice himself, Lydia, and the eerie sandworms. From spooky to whimsical, the displays are sure to delight visitors of all ages.  

Families can stroll down Main Street, marveling at the 34 Beetlejuice scarecrow displays, each one more creative than the last. Prizes of $300, $200 and $100 will be awarded for first, second and third place respectively with the winners to be announced during Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street

Corporate sponsors for this year’s Scarecrow Row are the Alachua Business League, Alachua Today Newspaper/Boukari Law, Campus USA, Canvass Church, Cisco South RDC, Matchmaker Realty, Optimal Station, Polaris of Gainesville, Santa Fe Ford, The Seed and WastePro.

With community safety in mind, Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event hours. Additionally, families are encouraged to bring flashlights and wear reflective accessories to ensure visibility as they enjoy the event. Local police will be on hand to assist and ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. Parents are also encouraged to review trick-or-treating safety tips with their children before the event.

Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street is free to attend, and all families are welcome. Parking will be available at nearby lots, but spaces are expected to fill up quickly, so early arrival is recommended. For more details about the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main and Scarecrow Row visit the Chamber’s website at https://www.alachuachamber.com/trick-or-treat-on-main-scarecrow-row.

With spooky decorations, creative scarecrow displays, and plenty of candy, this year’s Scarecrow Row and trick-or-treat event promises to be the perfect way for families to celebrate. Whether you’re a fan of Beetlejuice or just looking for a safe place to enjoy the holiday, Main Street is the place to be this Saturday evening

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is intensifying its efforts to locate and address the hundreds of vessels displaced across the state after the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FWC, in a statement released Oct. 24, 2024, said that Florida, celebrated as "The Boating Capital of the World," faced severe challenges as high winds and storm surges from these hurricanes pushed boats ashore, damaged those docked in marinas, and even left some partially or completely submerged in state waters.

To manage the aftermath, FWC has deployed 17 additional officers alongside three derelict vessel (DV) specialists to the heavily affected southwest region of the state. Their mission is to identify and assess boats that have become derelict due to the hurricanes, ensuring safety on the waterways and protecting the environment from potential hazards.

"We understand the difficulties caused by the recent hurricanes," said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC's Boating and Waterways Section Leader. "Our officers and DV specialists are working diligently to identify displaced and damaged vessels statewide. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensuring the removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct waterways, or were rendered derelict."

Removing displaced vessels can hasten the recovery and overall resilience of native marine plants and animals. To report a lost or sunken vessel, vessel owners can call the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850‐488‐5600. Operators will be available to help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Options for Vessel Owners

Vessel owners are being encouraged to hire professional salvage companies to recover their boats. This approach aims to minimize further environmental impact, accelerating the recovery of local marine life and ecosystems. However, the FWC recognizes that not all boat owners may have the resources to manage such operations.

In cases where vessels are beyond repair or owners cannot afford to facilitate the salvage, they can initiate a waiver process to relinquish ownership. This can be arranged by contacting the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600, where representatives can assist with the process. Maj. Holcomb emphasizes the urgency of these actions, noting, "Owners of vessels that have become derelict have 45 days to either remove their vessel or bring it into a non-derelict condition."

Environmental Concerns and Public Safety

Displaced vessels pose multiple risks, including potential oil spills, obstruction of waterways, and damage to marine habitats. FWC’s priority is to manage these risks swiftly, removing boats that could contribute to environmental harm or hinder navigation. Anyone witnessing oil spills or hazardous material releases should contact the State Watch Office at 800-342-3557.

The recovery efforts underscore the importance of community involvement. Those with information about non-vessel debris in state waters are advised to reach out to the Florida Debris Hotline at 850-366-6007. Vessel owners whose boats have washed ashore should coordinate with local sheriff's offices for assistance.

For additional questions or resource materials regarding waterway debris or derelict vessels, call 850-366-6007 or visit FloridaDebrisCleanup.com.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com