Local

• Presentation on proposed changes to codes related to landscape irrigation and water conservation

• Policy discussion on parameters of the Pavement Management Program

• Update on the Newberry Meat Processing Facility

NEWBERRY ‒ Joseph Michael Tugman, 26, of Newberry, was arrested on March 12, 2023 at approximately 12:25 a.m. and charged with drug possession and carrying a concealed firearm after a deputy reportedly found him asleep in a parked car with the engine running.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy made contact with Tugman after he observed a silver Toyota sedan parked with its lights on and engine running just outside the entrance to the bus loop at Oak View Middle School in Newberry.

The deputy made announcements over his patrol car’s PA system for the driver to get out of the car, but there was no response. Approaching the car, he reportedly saw a male, later identified as Tugman, in the driver’s seat, apparently asleep. The deputy awakened the man by knocking on the passenger side window and Tugman was asked to get out of the car.

The deputy reported that Tugman had a large fixed-blade knife visible on his belt and that Tugman denied having any other weapons and gave consent to search his person. Deputies reportedly found a loaded .38 revolver in an inside-waistband holster, about one gram of cocaine, and about 0.7 grams of methamphetamine.

Post Miranda, Tugman reportedly said he didn’t know what the substances were and admitted he did not have a valid concealed weapon permit.

Tugman has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a permit, committing a third-degree felony while armed, cocaine possession, and possession of a controlled substance. Bail was set on first appearance at $25,000 by Judge Denise R. Ferrero.

Currently, Tugman is not listed as being in the Alachua County Jail.

Tugman was arrested in 2015 and charged with stealing an iPod, a BB gun, and a revolver from a neighbor and pawning the items. He entered a plea of nolo contendere to five felonies in exchange for one year of community control, followed by four years of probation; adjudication of guilt was withheld. In 2018, he requested early termination of his probation and thanked the judge in advance for giving him a “second chance.” The probation was terminated shortly thereafter.

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HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Tractor Supply Company today announced it will celebrate its Grand Opening in High Springs from Thursday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1. Throughout the weekend, customers can enjoy hot deals storewide, daily giveaways and more.

The High Springs store values community engagement and is delighted to have the opportunity to support youth education like area 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, along with local animal shelters and veterans. “At Tractor Supply, we are passionate about serving the needs of those who enjoy the Out Here lifestyle. Homeowners, livestock and pet owners, gardeners, hobby farmers, ranchers, tradesmen and others rely on Tractor Supply for a wide assortment of products,” said Julie Harrison, manager of the High Springs Tractor Supply store. “We’re excited to call High Springs home and serve the community with the essentials you need to live life on your own terms. We’re proud to hire our customers as Team Members. As experts in the lifestyle, they bring more value to our customers with every interaction.”

The Garden Center at the High Springs store carries top brands including Scotts Miracle-Gro and Bonnie Plants, and features an expanded assortment of annuals and perennials, shrubs and decorative plants, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. The Garden Center also has the tools to make gardening easier, including pots and planters, fertilizer, soil and gardening hand tools. Other items like greenhouses, lawn tools and equipment, mowers, trimmers, edgers and more can be found for landscaping projects.

The new store comes equipped with a Pet Wash where pet owners can enjoy a convenient washing station stocked with professional grade equipment and high-quality products. The Pet Wash has elevated wash bays, grooming tables, specialty shampoos, use of brushes, combs and towels as well as a waterproof apron and professional dryer.

The High Springs Tractor Supply store at 20460 N US Highway 441 will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua has cancelled its upcoming municipal election. The qualifying period for the scheduled April 11, 2023 election ended at 12 p.m. on Feb. 28, 2023. Current City Commissioner Dayna Miller was the only individual who submitted qualifying documents for Commission Seat 3. As there were no other races or matters to be placed on the ballot, the scheduled April 11, 2023 election was cancelled. There will be a swearing in ceremony held on April 24, 2023 for Miller as she enters a three-year term.

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Gainesville, Fla. – In 2022, Haven Hospice’s combined five Attic Resale Stores—located in Chiefland, Gainesville, Lake City, Orange Park and St. Augustine— made more than $1.8 million in net revenue in support of Haven Hospice.  

Thanks to the dedication of 345 volunteers, loyal customers, donated goods, and a committed staff, the Attic Resale Stores generated a total net revue of  $1,823,422.

“Haven Hospice Attic volunteers are the true reason the Attic stores are able to keep their doors open and products stocked,” said Clay Dzioba, Haven Hospice Attic Volunteer Services Manager. “Attic volunteers give their time, hearts and many inventive ideas that differentiate our stores from others.”

Dzioba also extended Haven’s thanks to the shoppers and donors who have supported the Attics. He said it is their continued support that brings shoppers and builds the Attics’ positive reputation. 

“Without the support of our communities providing the much needed donations, we would not be able to offer the wonderful quality products to those that may not otherwise be able to afford them,” said Dzioba.

Merchandise at the Attic is solely generated by donations. Each Attic accepts new or gently used housewares, clothing, and electronics. All proceeds financially support the Haven mission, local hospice patients and families, as well as many other people in the community served by Haven programs and services.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Haven’s Attic Resale stores, please visit https://BeYourHaven.org/Attic for more information. 

About the Haven Hospice Foundation: The Haven Hospice Foundation, formed in 2020, is a 501 ©(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting the work and mission of Haven Hospice, which provides hospice and palliative care across 18 Florida counties.  For Foundation details, visit https://beyourhaven.org/donate. 

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GILCHRIST COUNTY ‒ A silver 2018 – 2021 Kia Rio sedan was traveling west on State Road 26, east of Southwest 19^th Circle, on Wednesday, March 15, sometime before 6 a.m. At the same time a female pedestrian was walking east on the north paved shoulder of SR-26.

For unknown reasons the Kia Rio travelled to the north shoulder where it struck the pedestrian. The driver of the Kia Rio fled the scene. The pedestrian, a middle-age white female, was transported to UF Shands Hospital where she later expired.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is seeking any information the public may have about this vehicle. The Kia Rio should be missing the headlight assembly and trim on the right side. To report any information relevant to this incident, call the local Crime Stoppers, FHP Communication Center at 1-800-387-1290 or *FHP.

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