Local

HAWTHORNE ‒ Humberto Toledo-Russias, 34, was arrested on Wednesday, March 29, following an investigation into multiple vehicle thefts from local hotels. A search of the property where he lived reportedly produced a large number of vehicles in various states of disassembly, vehicle parts and vehicle documents/titles.

On April 19, 2022, a man parked his orange 2018 Jeep Wrangler, valued at about $39,000, in the parking lot of the Residence Inn by Marriott at 3275 S.W. 40^th Boulevard in Gainesville and reported that it was gone the next morning. The Wrangler was picked up by a license plate reader shortly after the theft and it was reportedly followed by another Jeep Wrangler with a dealer tag registered to Toledo Motorsports, Inc., a company registered in Miami by Elvira Leon and Gisel Soto and operated by Toledo-Russias, his grandmother and his girlfriend, Soto. The second Wrangler with the dealer tag was found stripped and abandoned in Hawthorne on Sept. 4, 2022.

On Sept. 2, 2022, a man parked his black 2020 Ford F-150 Raptor, valued at about $75,000, at Homewood Suites at 3333 S.W. 42^nd Street, Gainesville, and reported that it was gone the next morning. The pickup also contained a Traeger Ranger pellet grill.

On March 11, 2023, a woman parked her black 2020 Jeep Wrangler, valued at about $40,000, at the Red Roof Plus hotel at 3500 S.W. 42^nd Street, Gainesville, and reported that it was gone the next morning. Surveillance video reportedly showed a white Ford “Platinum” edition pickup truck parking directly next to the Wrangler. About four minutes later, both vehicles left together.

On March 29, 2023, a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) Detective drove to Toledo-Russias’ address in Hawthorne, and he was able to see a “large number of new model Jeep and Dodge vehicles” from the roadway. The detective reportedly saw Toledo-Russias drive a forklift off the property and load a vehicle motor onto a semi truck. The detective obtained a search warrant for the property on the evening of March 29, and it was executed by both GPD and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO) personnel just after midnight on March 30.

The ASO SWAT team tactically secured the property and detained Toledo-Russias and Soto. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) on the vehicles and parts found on the property matched several vehicles that had been reported stolen, including a white 2021 Jeep Gladiator “392” stolen out of Alachua County, a gray 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat stolen out of Broward County and a black 2020 Jeep Gladiator stolen out of Seminole County.

A number of orange Jeep Wrangler parts were found, and a windshield still had a parking sticker from a complex in St. Augustine that the owner of the Wrangler, which was stolen in April 2022, identified as his, providing a photo of the vehicle with the same sticker.

The stripped-down chassis of the F-150 Raptor stolen in September 2022 was found on the property, in addition to multiple Raptor parts. The Traeger Ranger pellet grill was also reportedly found on the back porch of the residence.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler that was stolen earlier in March was not found at the property, but multiple parts belonging to a black Jeep Wrangler were found. One part was a center console that still contained various personal effects, including a small pearl earring, which the owner of the Jeep identified as hers. A Wrangler door was also found in the garage and a small umbrella was still in the door pocket. The owner of the Jeep identified it as her umbrella.

The owner of a white Ford F-250 “Platinum” edition that was found at the property could not be determined because the VIN had been tampered with.

Post Miranda, Soto was reportedly asked about blank Jeep key fobs that were mailed to her name, but she said she didn’t know anything about the activities on the property, although she had lived there for about a year and had been dating Toledo-Russias for about seven years. She reportedly did not provide any pertinent information and was not arrested because she is 36 weeks pregnant and has a 7-year-old son.

Post Miranda, Toledo-Russias declined to speak with detectives and requested an attorney.

Toledo-Russias has been charged with six counts of grand theft over $20,000, operating a “chop shop” and dealing in stolen property. He has seven felony convictions, of which two were violent.

“Due to Mr. Humberto Toledo-Russias’ ability to flee to South Florida and possessing the financial means to leave the region, I am requesting an increased bond amount during the time of this active investigation,” said the investigating officer in his report. Judge Thomas Jaworski set bail at $1.35 million.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

L-R: Alachua Mayor and Lions Club member Gib Coerper and Lions Club member Ralph Cellon. Cellon was honored with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award at the 83rd Cattlemen’s Banquet

ALACHUA ‒ On March 28, 2023, the Alachua Lions Club celebrated the 83^rd Cattlemen’s Banquet, holding its largest charity fundraiser of the year to a packed house at Valley View, just outside of Alachua. Keynote speaker Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson delivered an enlightening overview of critical issues facing agriculture in Florida and around the country. His homespun delivery of childhood anecdotes about growing up on the family’s farm were both entertaining and informative. Wilton was introduced by State Representative and House Speaker pro tempore Chuck Clemons.

The annual Cattlemen's Banquet is the longest continuous Lions Club fundraising event in Florida, with all profits from the banquet supporting charitable sight, hearing, youth and community service activities. It all started 1940 when the Alachua Lions Club sought to bolster Alachua High School Future Farmers of America (FFA) students in their quest to raise a steer for auction. Lions Club members attended the auction and drove the bidding higher. Not only did their winning bid cover the FFA's cost, but it also provided additional funds to the FFA.

Each year the event grew, bringing many of the area’s cattle ranchers, politicians and residents to the event. For years the event was held at the Alachua Woman’s Club and attracted the attention of local and state officials as guest speakers including President Jimmy Carter, Florida Governors Buddy McKay, Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham. Eventually the event outgrew the Woman’s Club and was moved to a bigger venue at the Santa Fe River Ranch, and in 2022 the fundraising event was moved to an even larger venture at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch.

Last Tuesday was another fun filled evening of laughter and good food as nearly 450 people attended the event that was kicked off with a cocktail hour on the veranda overlooking rolling pastures dotted with sprawling oak trees. An event of this size takes months of planning as well as coordinating support from the 28 corporate sponsors who provided either funding or services for the banquet. The Alachua Woman’s Club, a longtime partner with the Alachua Lions Club, once again sponsored a Silent Auction. And, in keeping with tradition, the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter was on hand to assist as guests helped themselves to the choice aged controlled steaks, loaded potato casserole, salad and dessert.

A number of county-wide politicians mingled in the crowd as well as city leaders, Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., and Alachua Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky. When the doors opened to the main hall, guests were welcomed by Alachua Lions Club President Jeremy Thomas. The Pledge of Allegiance ceremony was led by Lions Club District Governor Charlie Largen, the traditional singing of “God Bless America” was led by Alachua Lions Club member Bill Johnson, and the invocation was led by Alachua Lions Club member Gladys McMillan.

Former City of Alachua Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremony and offered good natured jokes, many directed at attending guests, who took it all in stride as an appreciative audience laughed.

A special recognition paid tribute to longtime Alachua Lions Club member Ralph Cellon as he was presented with the Lions Club International Melvin Jones Progressive award by Lions Club member Gunter Hirsch. This year’s Cattleman of the Year award went to Edward W. Jennings (Ed), IFAS County Extension Director and Extension Agent.

The books are closed on this year’s Alachua Lions Club Cattlemen’s Banquet, but it will undoubtably be back next year for another rendition of good food and good times for a good cause.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The 6th Annual Santa Fe Plein Air Paintout begins Wednesday, April 12 with public viewing for three days in three parks. For the past six years, local and out-of-town plein air artists have flocked to High Springs to capture beautiful parks and springs through their plein art. This year, 18 artists will be painting in outdoor daylight at various park locations. This year’s poster painting is “Blue Springs” by Alachua artist Dana Queen.

Public observation days are Wednesday, April 12, Thursday, April 13, and Friday, April 14. For the best viewing experience, go early to capture most of the artists at work in the parks. Maps will be available at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies during normal gallery hours all week 

April 12’s plein air observation is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Rum Island Springs County Park, 1447 S.W. Rum Island Terrace, Fort White, Fla. There is a $5 park entrance fee.

April 13’s plein air observation is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, 7450 N.W. 60^th Street, High Springs, Fla. There is a park entry fee of $4 per person or $6 per car.

April 14’s plein air observation is 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at O'Leno State Park, 410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road, High Springs, Fla. L. There is a park entry fee of $4 per person or $6 per car.

Celebrate the work of all the plein air artists at an art reception at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies on Saturday, April 15, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served, and all works are for sale with a percentage of all paintout sales going to the Howard T. Odum, Florida Springs Institute for the preservation of springs and rivers. The exhibit will be on display for sale at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, Saturday, April 15 through May 20, 2023.

For customers needing more information, call Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies at 352-474-1049.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Photo by VIVIAN ARNDT/Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe congratulates Oak Hill Middle School students Dylan Lamb and Aurora Aguero on winning nationals in the VEX IQ Robotics Competition and qualifying to go on to international competition in April.

NEWBERRY ‒ Spring is in the air and so are the festivals that celebrate them. This weekend it was the Newberry Main Street Organization’s 2023 Spring Festival that brought the people out in full force.

“We are thrilled with the turnout this year,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. “Just this year we have doubled the number of vendors participating in our festival.”

Tents stretched as far as the eye could see down Seaboard Drive, the smell of BBQ beckoned and the mood was lighthearted. In addition to the many booths showcasing crafts, woodwork, jewelry, and plants, there was a big focus on activities. Camel rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a children’s train delighted young and old alike and provided many picture-worthy moments.

Two bands, The Hogtown Slayers Band and Midnight Blue, kept the crowd entertained under a huge spreading oak offering shade from the warm sunny weather. This event was from 9-4 and if you missed it, keep your eye on The Newberry Main Street Organization website for more events in the future at https://www.visitgainesville.com/organizer/newberry-main-street-organization/

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE ‒ The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is seeking any information the public may have about an unknown make and model silver colored SUV that caused a traffic crash on Friday March 24, around 10 p.m.

The crash involved a motorcycle with a male driver and female passenger and took place at the intersection of State Road 331, (Williston Road) and U.S. Highway 441 when the SUV turned left in front of the 2003 Harley motorcycle.

When the motorcycle rider took evasive action to avoid the SUV, control of the motorcycle was lost, causing both riders to be thrown across the roadway. The motorcycle driver sustained minor injuries, however the motorcycle passenger is in critical condition.

Anyone with tips or any other information about the driver and/or silver SUV that caused this collision is asked to call their local Crime Stoppers, *FHP or the FHP Regional Communications Center at 1-800-387-1290.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ City Commissioners voted to revise language in the Utility District ordinance, heard on first reading during the March 9 meeting, to remove the requirement that property owners along County Road 236 hook up to City water and sewer lines. This action was in response to rumors that the City of High Springs is attempting to force CR 236 residential property owners to hook up at a cost that one woman said would be $12,000 - $15,000.

The proposed ordinance change removes the requirement that residential property owners hook up to City utility lines.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos and Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham stressed that even if residential property owners’ septic tanks failed, the County Health Department would not require those property owners to mandatorily hook up to City lines.

“Connection is voluntary for any property owner who would like to hook up. However, multi-family [apartment complexes] and commercial uses are required to connect and abide by the City’s ordinances as they pertain to water and wastewater,” Stathatos said.

This proposed ordinance was put forth primarily for discussion and direction to staff to include the proposed changes in the Utility District ordinance, scheduled for discussion at the April 13 Commission meeting.

Alcohol Sales

The Commission considered lifting of restrictions on off-premises package sales and on-premises consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Concerns expressed by citizens included an increase in drunk drivers, crashes, DUI arrests, deaths on the roadways and drunks stumbling through people’s yards and vomiting, etc.

Reasons to consider the change included restaurants serving Sunday brunch to be able to serve mimosas and other alcoholic beverages, people going to the springs would be able to buy beer at Winn Dixie and other jiffy stores rather than driving to Alachua to buy alcohol, increased support for small businesses in the city and increased traffic for business owners on Sundays.

Following discussion Police Chief Antoine Sheppard was asked to consult with Alachua’s police department and other policing agencies to determine if there is an increase in crime or drunk driving because of relaxed alcohol sales. No decision was made on this issue at this meeting.

Solid Waste

In an about face, the Commission has rescinded a resolution which approved the termination of the solid waste franchise agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast LLC, opting instead to approve Resolution 2023-E authorizing the City Manager to execute an Agreement to mutually terminate the solid waste franchise agreement between the City and GFL.

The termination date of the agreement is May 1, 2023. The parties agree that GFL shall retrieve all their carts, containers, bins and dumpsters on or before May 7.

Appointments

The City received a resignation from Plan Board member John Walsh, creating a vacant seat set to expire in 2024. An application was received from Richard “Mark” Bertocci for the seat, and the Commission appointed him to fill the vacant position.

The Commission also voted to appoint former City Commissioner Sue Weller as liaison to the High Springs Chamber of Commerce. In the past, other commissioners had appointed themselves as liaison. However, this is the first time the Commission formally appointed an individual to the position.

EJI

The Equal Justice Initiative, “EJI”, Community Remembrance Project, collaborates with communities to memorialize documented victims of racial violence and foster meaningful dialogue about race and justice. The High Springs Subcommittee Chairperson Veloria Kelly provided an overview of the organization and what they are doing.

Kelly invited City Commissioners, staff and citizens to participate in a Soil Collection Ceremony at 10 a.m. on April 22 at Catherine Taylor Park, 18100 Douglas Street. She also explained that they are looking for quilters to help work on Remembrance Quilts. Anyone interested in either of these projects or participation in any EJI events can contact her online at truth.alachuacounty.us.

Other City Business

In other City business, edits to the Commission Orientation Guide were discussed briefly. Gillingham said this was something that had been started earlier, but went by the wayside as other important issues were addressed. This is an attempt to get this back on the front burner to help incoming City Commissioners understand how the City operates.

Discussion on providing sponsorship money to the High Springs Robotics Team ended with a vote to provide $2,500 to the group out of the Commission’s Promotional Activities line item. The money will go towards the team’s participation in an invitational competition in Long Beach, California. To date $14,250 in donations has been raised for the trip.

Commissioners were asked to provide a list of items they would like to have included on the April 20 agenda for the joint meeting between the City and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

Commissioner Byran Williams announced they had 28 volunteers for the recent Farm Share distribution in High Springs. They fed 331 households and 1,121 individuals during that event.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com