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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua was recognized for its power restoration efforts during Florida’s destructive 2024 hurricane season, receiving the “Restoring Communities Award” from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) in January.

The award, presented to 28 public power utilities across the state, honors utilities for restoring power after severe weather events and providing mutual aid to other communities.

“These awards follow an incredibly active and destructive hurricane season for Florida, with August’s Hurricane Debby, a Category 1 storm, and back-to-back major Hurricanes Helene and Milton causing widespread power outages within weeks of one another,” an FMEA representative said in a statement.

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region on Sept. 26, 2024, knocking out power to approximately 1,500 electric customers in Alachua. City crews with the Electric Department began restoration efforts as soon as conditions were safe, fully restoring power to all customers—excluding those with property damage preventing service—within six days.

“Last year was a particularly rough hurricane season for Florida,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA executive director. “Millions of people and communities across the state were impacted, some without enough time to recover from the previous storm before the next one hit.”

Just one week after completing local restoration, the City of Alachua sent four electric line workers—Blake Cox, Kris Kadlec, Andy Lindsey and Matt Lynn—to assist with power restoration efforts in Mount Dora, Florida, following Hurricane Milton’s landfall in Central Florida.

“Despite one of the most powerful hurricane seasons to impact the Good Life Community and the state of Florida, none of this would have been possible without an immense group effort, especially including our Electric Department,” City Manager Mike DaRoza said. “They are always willing to lend a hand whenever and however they can.”

The City of Alachua operates one of Florida’s 33 public power utilities and regularly participates in mutual aid during emergencies, providing crews and resources to help neighboring communities restore essential services.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Winter 2025 season officially came to a close for 399 Sports & Recreation this past Saturday with a community-wide celebration at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex in Alachua.

Players, coaches, families and volunteers gathered to mark the end of the season with a day filled with food, fun and festivities. Organizers credited the success of the season to the dedication of the volunteer staff, including 399 officials, coaches and players who contributed their time and effort throughout the winter months.

During the event, the president of 399 Sports & Recreation addressed the crowd, thanking parents, players and, most importantly, the volunteer coaches who helped make the season possible.

With the winter basketball season now wrapped up, 399 Sports & Recreation is shifting focus to its Spring Volleyball program. Official practices began this week, with the first games scheduled to take place on Monday, March 31.

Other local sports organizations are also gearing up for a busy spring season. The Alachua Soccer Alliance kicked off its Spring 2025 practices on Tuesday, with the season running through late May.

Meanwhile, Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball is preparing for its upcoming spring season by hosting a volunteer field day this Saturday, March 8. The event will take place at both Memorial Park in High Springs and the Hal Brady Recreation Complex in Alachua.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) is asking for the public’s help in identifying two women suspected of stealing merchandise from a local department store earlier this week.

According to police, around 8:35 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, two Black female suspects entered the Bealls Department Store located at 20201 N. U.S. Highway 441 in High Springs.

While inside the store, the women gathered multiple items, including boys’ and girls’ clothing, as well as men’s and women’s fragrances. After approximately 12 minutes, police said both suspects left the store without paying, carrying the stolen merchandise.

The total value of the stolen items has not been released.

Investigators are working to identify the suspects and are asking anyone who may recognize them or have information about the theft to contact the High Springs Police Department at 352-955-1818. Tips can also be submitted via email to Detective T. Taylor at ttaylor@highsprings.gov.

Police are urging the public not to approach the individuals if they are seen. Instead, authorities ask anyone with information to contact law enforcement immediately.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A house fire Thursday afternoon in unincorporated Alachua County sent one woman to the hospital with minor injuries and claimed the lives of two cats, according to fire officials.

Firefighters from the High Springs Fire Department, Alachua County Fire Rescue and Newberry Fire Department were dispatched at 3:28 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2025, to a residence at 16528 N.W. State Road 45 following reports of a structure fire.

First crews arrived on scene at 3:33 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the side and rear of a single-story, wood-frame home, estimated to be about 800 square feet. Firefighters quickly began attacking the fire, getting water on the flames within three minutes of arrival, officials said.

The fire was brought under control by 3:48 p.m., and crews remained on scene to conduct overhaul operations, a standard procedure that involves searching for and extinguishing any hidden pockets of fire to prevent rekindling.

According to fire officials, the blaze is believed to have started in the kitchen while the homeowner was cooking. The woman inside the home at the time of the fire was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Two cats were killed in the fire, officials said.

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ALACHUA ‒ Two juveniles were arrested Wednesday after police said a firearm was displayed in the parking lot of Santa Fe High School during an after-hours event.

Around 4:40 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2025, officers with the Alachua Police Department responded to the school following a report that a female student had brandished a gun in the parking lot, according to APD.

The caller provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as its license plate number and said both occupants had entered the school.

Officers arrived shortly after and located the vehicle leaving the campus. Police conducted a felony traffic stop at Northwest 171st Place and Northwest County Road 235A, where both juvenile occupants complied with commands and were taken into custody without incident, police said.

During the investigation, officers learned a loaded handgun was inside the locked glove compartment of the vehicle. According to police, one juvenile admitted unlocking the compartment so the other could retrieve and display the firearm before returning it. The second juvenile denied involvement.

The firearm, which belonged to a parent of one of the juveniles, was recovered and found to have six live rounds in the magazine, police said. The weapon was seized as evidence.

Both juveniles were arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property (F.S.S. 790.115.2b). They were transported to the Alachua County Juvenile Detention Center.

“The safety of the students and school campuses is a top priority for the Alachua Police Department,” APD Chief Jesse J. Sandusky said in a statement. “We have zero tolerance for weapons on school property and will take swift action to ensure a secure learning environment for everyone.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Fire Department, in partnership with Safe Kids North Central Florida, will host a free Car Seat Safety Check event on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to help families ensure their children are properly secured while traveling.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the High Springs Farmers Market Pavilion, located at 23517 N.W. 185^th Road in downtown High Springs.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-site to inspect car seats, assist with proper installation and answer any questions about car seat safety. The event is part of the department's ongoing efforts to promote community safety and prevent injuries.

“Our goal is to educate and assist families in keeping their children safe on the road,” said Captain Kevin Pearson of the High Springs Fire Department. “We encourage everyone who uses a car seat to take advantage of this free opportunity.”

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71%. However, research shows that roughly three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly nationwide.

“The most effective way to protect your child in the car is by using the correct car seat and installing it properly,” said Jordyn Zyngier, pediatric trauma outreach coordinator at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.  “However, research shows that, on average, three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly across the country. Our mission is to help families make informed choices to ensure their child's safety on the road.”

The event is open to all families in the community. Appointments are required, and attendees must bring their vehicles, car seats and child passengers for a full inspection.

To register for an appointment, visit highsprings.gov/fire.

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