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~ The following is a press release provided by the Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

Gainesville, FL – September 30, 2025 – The Gainesville (FL) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated proudly joined thousands of members across the globe in celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Walk for Healthy Living, an initiative first launched in 1995 under the leadership of the organization’s 11th National President, Link Patricia Russell McCloud.

The Gainesville Chapter gathered for a spirited community walk, uniting members, families, and supporters to raise awareness of cardiovascular health while celebrating the joy and benefits of walking. From strengthening the heart and boosting energy to improving mood and extending life expectancy, walking remains one of the most accessible and impactful tools for long-term wellness.

“This walk is about more than fitness—it’s about fellowship, education, and empowerment,” said Alena Lawson Bennett, President of the Gainesville (FL) Chapter. “On this 30th anniversary, we are proud to walk together and engage the people in our area to promote living healthier lives and building stronger communities.”

National Movement, Local Impact

The Walk for Healthy Living is a signature national program of The Links, Incorporated, designed to Educate, Communicate, and Save Lives. Over the past three decades, thousands of members and communities have participated, from toddlers to centenarians, underscoring the importance of health equity and civic responsibility in communities of color.

By combining wellness with civic awareness, the Gainesville (FL) Chapter added its local impact to the national movement—proving that small steps create lasting change.

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High Springs Commissioner Robert Chad Howell, center, was honored as the 2025 High Springs Hero during the Sept. 22 City Commission meeting. Joining him for the recognition are, from left, Vice Mayor Andrew Miller, Mayor Tristan Grunder, Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. and Commissioner Katherine Weitz. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A local leader known for his military service, law enforcement career, and community involvement was honored during the Sept. 22 High Springs City Commission meeting. Commissioner Robert Chad Howell was recognized as this year’s High Springs Hero, an award highlighting an individual who exemplifies service, dedication, and commitment to the community.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz presented the recognition, reading aloud a proclamation that recounted Howell’s career and community service. The words detailed a life of public commitment that began more than two decades ago and has continued through military, professional, and civic roles.

Military Service and Law Enforcement Career

The proclamation began by noting Howell’s enlistment in the United States Marine Corps in 2001. His five years of service included a deployment to Okinawa, Japan, and two tours in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. According to the proclamation, those years instilled in him a lasting sense of duty and a determination to serve.

After leaving the Marines in 2006, Howell moved to Alachua County in 2010. In 2013, he joined the Alachua Police Department, where he has spent the past 15 years. His career has spanned multiple roles, from patrol officer and school resource officer to detective and field training officer. He currently serves as detective sergeant overseeing the Criminal Investigations Division. The proclamation emphasized that he has approached each role with professionalism and dedication.

In addition to his police work, Howell pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a management focus from Saint Leo University in 2016 while balancing career and family responsibilities.

Community Contributions

The recognition extended beyond Howell’s professional work. Since relocating with his family to High Springs in 2018, he has become active in civic life, serving on the Parks and Recreation Board and participating in the Law Enforcement Family Memorial Crisis Fund. He has also organized charitable fundraisers, including cornhole tournaments, to support local causes.

In 2022, Howell received the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s Officer of the Year Award, underscoring his impact within the broader community.

Family and Personal Life

The proclamation also highlighted Howell’s personal side, describing him as a devoted husband of 23 years and father of two daughters who attended High Springs Community School and Santa Fe High School. Friends and family members described him as passionate, patient, supportive, and charismatic, while his wife characterized him as selfless and compassionate.

Recognition as High Springs Hero

The proclamation concluded by recognizing Howell’s wide-ranging service and steady commitment to others. Audience members responded with a standing ovation, applauding his years of service to country, community, and family.

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Big Bend Swamp/Holopaw Ranch Florida Forever Project | Photo by Lauren Yoho/Wildpath

~ The following is a press release provided by the Office of Governor Ron DeSantis. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Yesterday, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the protection of 20,086 acres of critical conservation lands, representing a $167.25 million investment in Florida’s natural resources. Six of the properties are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and another will expand Cary State Forest in Duval County. 

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

First Sweet Potato Festival Draws a Crowd

The Waldo Area Historical Society welcomed the community to Waldo City Square on Sept. 13, 2025, for the first-ever Sweet Potato Festival and Car Display. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., families enjoyed sweet potato dishes, admired classic cars, and connected with neighbors in a celebration of local heritage. Along with other numerous groups and vendors, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Motor Unit and Community Services Division joined the festivities, spending time with youth and engaging with residents during a day filled with sunshine, conversation, and hometown pride.

GAINESVILLE, FL (Oct. 1, 2025) – Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology at Santa Fe College (SF) announces their presenta on of “Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself).”  Directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre Ma Lindsay, “Shipwrecked!” brings to life the fantas c true story of five characters — and a dog — lost at sea, flying wombats and buried treasure, as told by the man who lived through it. The performance will be held Oct. 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Sasser Fine Arts Hall on the main SF campus at 3000 Northwest 83rd Street, Gainesville. Tickets may be purchased online by going to h ps://www.showpass.com/ and entering the presenta on name in the search.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry City Commissioners moved swiftly through a lengthy Sept. 22, 2025, meeting, finalizing the city’s tax rate and budget for the coming fiscal year, approving adjustments to utility rates, and advancing a series of land use and rezoning changes.

Final Millage Rate

On second and final hearing, the Commission adopted a millage rate of 5.8800 mills for Fiscal Year 2025-26. The rate applies to each dollar of taxable property value within the city and was approved without debate.

Final FY 2025-26 Budget

By unanimous vote, commissioners adopted Resolution 2025-45, which establishes the city’s budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and ending Sept. 30, 2026. The spending plan supports personnel services, operations and maintenance, capital projects and debt service.

The budget process included three public workshops earlier this year, where commissioners provided direction to staff. The final plan totals $75,124,284, including $66,709,940 in revenue and financing sources and $8,414,344 in reserves carried forward. Appropriations include $32,436,050 in expenditures and $42,688,234 reserved for future use. Roughly $34 million of the budget is tied to grants supporting upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

Electric Utility Services

Commissioners gave final approval to Ordinance 2025-69, adjusting electric utility rates. Residential customers will see a 4.5 percent increase in the customer charge, averaging $5.31 more per month. Nonresidential rates will rise in a similar manner. Despite the increases, city officials said Newberry’s rates remain competitive with other regional providers.

Water Rates

In a legislative public hearing, commissioners advanced Ordinance 2025-70 on first reading. The ordinance increases both the consumption charge and the base customer charge for water service by 7.5 percent, along with adjustments to higher-tier rates.

The city conducts annual reviews of water and wastewater rates during the budget process and considers the Florida Public Service Commission’s annual price index as a benchmark. For 2025, that index was set at 2.23 percent. Staff presented proposed increases at earlier workshops, and the Commission directed that the changes be included in the budget. Even with the adjustments, city officials say that Newberry’s water rates are expected to remain competitive compared with surrounding municipalities.

Wastewater Rates

The Commission also approved on second reading an ordinance updating wastewater service charges. Residential customers will pay a $12.01 monthly base charge and $7.83 per 1,000 gallons of usage, capped at 15,000 gallons. Nonresidential users will pay an $18.02 base charge and $9.43 per 1,000 gallons.

Like water service, wastewater rates are evaluated annually during the budget process and tied in part to the Florida Public Service Commission’s price index.

Land Use Amendments and Rezonings

Commissioners approved a series of land use and zoning measures affecting nearly 200 acres.

• Industrial Rezoning: On second reading, commissioners approved a small-scale Future Land Use Map (FLUM) amendment and rezoning for 9.6 acres at 710 N.W. County Road 235, owned by Laura J. Pries. The land shifted from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to Newberry’s Industrial classification following annexation in August.
• Small-Scale FLUM Amendments: Eleven ordinances were approved on second reading, changing the future land use classification of 38 annexed properties from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture.
• Rezoning to Agriculture: Commissioners also approved rezonings on second reading for the same 38 properties, shifting them from Alachua County Agricultural to City of Newberry Agricultural zoning.
• AgTech Food Park: In a city-initiated action, commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-68/LDR 25-29 to rezone approximately 165.88 acres, known as the AgTech Food Park, from Agricultural to Agriculture Technology (AT).

Looking Ahead, the Newberry City Commission is scheduled to meet again on Oct. 13, 2025.

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