Local

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas parade attracted spectators from all around north Florida on Dec. 10, with more than 300 floats featuring this year’s theme of a Candy Cane Christmas.

“We had around 7,000 people that came to see our Christmas parade this year,” said Chamber President Sharon Decker. “It was a beautiful night and a great turn out. We had some people that came from Cedar Key, Ocala and all around the surrounding area.”

Martial arts demonstrations, Santa Claus riding on the Historical Society’s old fire truck float and Santa visiting with children after the parade were highlights of the event.

Announcers Damon Messina and Ben Boukari, Jr., brought the parade to life as they described the high points of each of the floats as they traveled down High Springs Main Street.

This year’s parade may have been the largest turnout for a Christmas parade ever according to some long-time High Springs citizens.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA CUNTY ‒ Alachua County is seeking applicants to fill three current vacancies on the Land Conservation Board (LCB) for the positions of Natural Resource Professional. They generally meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The application deadline is Jan. 20, 2023.

The LCB provides an opportunity for citizen involvement in selecting Alachua County Forever Conservation Lands. The Board reviews and recommends properties for acquisition through the Alachua County Forever Program to the County Commission and provides recommendations on stewardship issues.

Alachua County Environmental Program Manager Andi Christman said, “Members of the Land Conservation Board are helping to shape the future of our County and become part of the legacy of conservation we create for future generations.”

Interested applicants may apply online. Click on “Vacancies” and scroll down to the Land Conservation Board. Indicate in the appropriate section of the online application the category position and relevant qualifications as applicable.

For more information, contact Alachua County Office of Land Conservation and Management Senior Planner Emily Uhlmann at 352-275-2050 or euhlmann@alachuacounty.us

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA - Members of the Alachua Business League's (ABL) board participated in the Alachua Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 10.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) strives to keep Florida clean for its residents and visitors. It takes the cooperation of everyone traveling across our roadways to keep them clean.

In conjunction with the FDOT’s “Drive It Home, Keep Our Paradise Litter-Free” campaign, the FDOT in Northeast Florida is launching an anti-litter campaign next week focused on the reduction of traditional litter, dumping and keeping loads secure. This targeted campaign will take place throughout January and February.

FDOT District 2 Secretary Greg Evans said, “When you litter, you’re creating unsafe conditions for your fellow motorists and you’re making it unsafe for maintenance crews that work to keep our roadways clean. We’re asking everyone to partner with us to keep our roadways safe, free from debris and beautiful for years to come.”

This campaign will stress the importance of the public’s responsibility to properly discard trash and secure vehicle loads.

In 2021, in Duval County alone, an average of over 55 tons of garbage per month was collected from interstate highway system. By reducing litter through education, enforcement and partnership with the community through the Adopt-A-Highway program, the community and Florida’s visitors can help keep the Sunshine State beautiful.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL ‒ Alachua County is hosting a workshop to discuss the details of the County’s new Residential Rental Unit Ordinance and the permitting requirements for landlords. The workshop is on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Jack Durrance Auditorium on the second floor of the County Administration Building (12 S.E. 1st Street, Gainesville). Property owners, rental property managers, and other interested persons are invited to attend.

The public may view the meetings on Cox Channel 12 and the County’s Video on Demand website.

The permit application letters will be mailed out to property owners two to three weeks after the workshop, and the permit fee has been set at $122.00. The inspections will begin on October 1, 2023.

The rental permitting program regulates rentals that are rented for 30 consecutive days or more and covers properties with four units or fewer. The Rental Permitting Ordinance does not cover short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO, etc.).

“The County Commission has recognized that some residential rental units in the County are substandard and do not currently meet certain minimum housing codes and energy efficiency standards,” said Alachua County Acting Assistant County Manager Missy Daniels. “In order to address these issues, the County Commission adopted a Residential Rental Permitting Ordinance with minimum housing and energy efficiency standards that must be met in order for a landlord to rent a unit. The goal of the program is to ensure renters are living in safe, decent housing and to help alleviate the substantial cost burden many face from rising energy prices.”

Learn more about the Residential Rental Unit Permit Program.

For more information, contact Alachua County Code Administration at 352-374-5238

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE – For two local families, the big day is almost here. On Thursday, January 12th, at 9:30 AM, Alachua Habitat for Humanity will welcome the new homeowners to their newly constructed homes that they helped to build with their very own hands.

Like all Alachua Habitat homes, these were fueled by volunteers, donors, and future homeowners. Because volunteers gave the gift of their time and their talents, and our generous donors gave monetary contributions, these new homeowners will start to pay an affordable mortgage and will achieve the strength, stability, and self-reliance they need to build a better future.

Alachua Habitat for Humanity works to eliminate barriers to a better, healthier, more financially stable life. Alachua Habitat builds homes for families who have a need for housing, have demonstrated the ability to pay a modest mortgage, and are willing to partner through sweat equity volunteering. These homes are not given away, rather homeowners take on the responsibility of paying a mortgage they can afford. Their sweat equity requirement consists of 250 hours working on their own home, working on the homes of others, and attending homeownership and financial literacy workshops.

Thanks to the generosity of the house sponsors, Eye of the Eagle Wildlife Foundation, Bank of America, and Clay Electric Co-Op, two more Alachua County residents will receive the keys to their new homes. “My two greatest accomplishments are my wonderful children and getting approved for the Alachua Habitat Homeownership Program,” says Curnika, one of the two future Alachua Habitat homeowners. “I would like to tell all supporters, donors, and volunteers of Alachua Habitat how thankful I am for this opportunity to give my children a safe and stable place to call home.”

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com