Local

Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The A.L. Mebane Alumni Association gathered at the Hathcock Community Center to plan a special event honoring the enduring legacy of the historic all-Black school and its former students.

The celebration, set for Friday, Sept. 5, at Santa Fe High School’s football field, will highlight the contributions of A.L. Mebane alumni while connecting their stories to today’s students and the wider community.

Organizers said the event will give a nod to the strong tradition of Friday night football in North Central Florida. It will also serve as a bridge between generations, ensuring the experiences of A.L. Mebane graduates are remembered and shared with current students.

The planning session drew alumni, many of whom still live and remain active in the community. Attendees said the effort reflects the bonds built during the era of segregation and the desire to weave that history into Santa Fe’s traditions.

Similar reunions have been held across the country, as graduates of historically Black schools gather to preserve their shared experiences and ensure they are passed on to future generations.

Organizers view the event as both a moment of remembrance and an opportunity for inspiration. By celebrating the resilience, achievements and impact of A.L. Mebane alumni, they hope to spark pride among Santa Fe students and the broader community.

The A.L. Mebane planning committee is working in partnership with the Santa Fe High School Boosters to create what they describe as a meaningful, memorable celebration. The program will highlight not only the alumni’s lasting mark on the community, but also their influence on high school athletics and education in the region.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

COLUMBIA COUNTY – A 73-year-old High Springs man was struck and killed early Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, 2025, after being hit by two vehicles while walking along U.S. Highway 41, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers reported the crash occurred at approximately 5:14 a.m., just north of Adams Street in southern Columbia County. Investigators said the man was walking in the northbound lane when he was hit by a sedan driven by a 58-year-old woman from Fort White.

The impact threw the pedestrian into the southbound lane, where he was struck again by a van driven by a 72-year-old man from Lake City. Emergency responders pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Troopers said it was still unclear why the man was walking in the roadway at that hour, or whether lighting or road conditions may have been a factor. The FHP has not released the name of the pedestrian, in keeping with state privacy laws that shield identifying information in traffic fatalities.

U.S. 41 in that area is a two-lane divided highway with limited lighting. The crash closed portions of U.S. 41 for several hours Wednesday morning as investigators documented the scene. The case remains under investigation, and FHP has not indicated whether any charges are anticipated.

Pedestrian deaths remain a concern in Florida, which consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of pedestrian fatalities nationwide, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Safety advocates often point to rural highways such as U.S. 41, where narrow shoulders and limited lighting increase risks for walkers.

The FHP is asking drivers to remain alert, especially during early morning and nighttime hours, and reminding pedestrians to use sidewalks or shoulders whenever possible.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY – A 27-year-old Ocala woman remains in critical condition and a 60-year-old Hawthorne woman is recovering from serious injuries after a violent two-vehicle crash on Friday morning along State Road 20 in the Grove Park area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. on July 18 near Southeast 159^th Street, a stretch of highway that runs through rural eastern Alachua County and often sees moderate morning traffic as drivers commute between communities like Hawthorne and Gainesville.

According to the preliminary investigation by FHP, the Ocala woman was driving an SUV eastbound on State Road 20, also known as Hawthorne Road, when her vehicle unexpectedly left the roadway. Troopers reported the SUV traveled onto the southern grassy shoulder before beginning to rotate uncontrollably.

The vehicle then crossed both eastbound lanes, entered the center grass median, overturned, and entered the westbound travel lanes. At that point, it collided with a westbound sedan being driven by the Hawthorne woman.

The driver of the SUV had been ejected during the rollover and was found with life-threatening injuries. She was transported by ambulance to a nearby trauma center. Her condition remains critical, according to officials.

The driver of the sedan sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries. She was also transported to the hospital and was later listed in stable condition, according to troopers.

Due to the extent of the damage to both vehicles, troopers have not yet determined whether seatbelts were in use by either of the drivers at the time of the collision. The use or non-use of seat restraints often plays a key role in determining the cause and severity of injuries in such incidents.

The investigation is ongoing, and additional details, including potential contributing factors such as speed, distraction, or mechanical failure, have not yet been released. Authorities did not report any adverse weather conditions at the time of the crash.

FHP stated that this report is based on preliminary findings and subject to updates as more evidence is analyzed. No charges have been filed as of press time, and both drivers' names are being withheld pending notification of family and the outcome of the investigation.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

WALDO ‒ A Gainesville couple was arrested Monday, June 23, 2025, in connection with the theft of lawn maintenance equipment from the Pilot gas station at 17276 N.E. U.S. Highway 301 in Waldo.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, 39-year-old Lindsay May Sheddan, an employee at the gas station, is accused of providing her husband, Christopher Eugene Sheddan, 42, with a key to the business’ maintenance storage shed. Surveillance video reportedly shows Lindsay handing Christopher a key while she was behind the front counter. A separate camera captured Christopher loading a weed eater, backpack blower and water pump from the shed into his vehicle.

The gas station manager told deputies that only management and maintenance personnel should have had access to the storage shed key and that regular employees had no reason to possess it.

Deputies say Christopher later sold the stolen equipment to a private party and that Lindsay assisted in the theft.

After being read his Miranda rights, Christopher reportedly confessed to stealing and selling the backpack blower and weed eater. Lindsay, however, denied involvement, claiming she handed Christopher her phone, not a key. Deputies reported that surveillance footage contradicted her statement.

Both individuals were charged with burglary of an unoccupied structure, dealing in stolen property, grand theft, and petit theft.

Christopher has a criminal record that includes seven felony and eight misdemeanor convictions. His bail was set at $45,000 by Judge Meshon Rawls.

Lindsay, who has no prior criminal history, was also held on $45,000 bail set by Judge Rawls.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY – The Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board reviewed ongoing and proposed initiatives for downtown at its Aug. 11, 2025, meeting, including a new mural, the first application for a commercial façade grant, and potential programs to support business marketing and residential improvements.

Work began Aug. 4 on a mural for the west wall of the city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. Artist Jesus Martinez was selected after a public call for submissions. The mural is partially funded by a $2,000 matching Art Tag Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville, and sales of “State of the Arts” license plates. The project also includes landscaping, a bench, and sidewalk improvements to encourage visitors to stop downtown.

In other business, the board approved the first application under its new Commercial Façade Grant Program. Pabst Personal Care, PLLC, the owner of 25050 W. Newberry Road, received approval for improvements including seal-coating and painting the parking lot, repairing handrails, pressure washing, exterior painting, updated signage, and landscaping.

The work is estimated at $12,125, with the CRA covering up to 75 percent of the final cost, capped at $9,093.95. Board members unanimously supported the application.

Members also discussed creating a Business Marketing Grant Program to help downtown merchants with advertising, branding, digital campaigns, and promotional events. The proposal, modeled in part after Boynton Beach’s program, could reimburse businesses for marketing efforts and align with Newberry’s Downtown 5-Year Action Plan.

Organizers suggested collaboration with the Newberry Main Street Organization, Visit Newberry, and the Chamber of Commerce to promote downtown through consistent messaging and small-scale events. No decisions were made, but staff will continue exploring the idea.

The board also reviewed the possibility of launching a Residential Paint Program in fiscal year 2026. Similar programs in other Florida cities provide free or discounted paint, vouchers, or contracted labor to assist homeowners with exterior improvements, historic preservation, and blight prevention.

Board members were shown examples of local homes in need of repair and asked to consider options that might best serve the CRA district. No final action was taken.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

The vibrant “Greetings from Newberry, Florida” mural, completed by artist Jesus Martinez, now brightens the west wall of a city-owned building, serving as both public art and a new downtown landmark. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

City’s first mural, blending local history with a splash of color

NEWBERRY –A once-blank wall along West Newberry Road has been transformed into a splash of color that Newberry city leaders hope will capture the spirit of the community and draw new attention to downtown.

Now completed, work began Aug. 4, 2025, on Newberry’s first downtown mural, the opening project of a mural program launched by the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The design, created by artist Jesus Martinez, spells out “Newberry, Florida” in bold letters filled with images of local landmarks and themes.

The project reflects months of planning, community engagement and funding partnerships. The CRA Board directed staff to pursue a mural and apply for the Alachua County Art Tag Grant to help cover costs. That application was successful, bringing in a $2,000 matching grant supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville and sales of Florida’s “State of the Arts” license plate.

The mural design emerged after input from residents, social media feedback, and review by the CRA Board and the Historic Architectural Review Board. Suggestions included highlighting Newberry’s agricultural history and incorporating Veterans Memorial Park, which was dedicated in 2024. Martinez’s final design weaves these elements into the city’s name, turning the wall into both artwork and a statement of civic pride.

The mural can be seen on the western wall of a city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. To encourage visitors to stop and enjoy it, the CRA has also funded improvements around the site, including a sidewalk, landscaping and a bench.

The mural program is part of Newberry’s Downtown 5-Year Action Plan, which called for a “selfie wall” to promote the city through social media and boost foot traffic to local businesses. Public art projects like this are increasingly recognized as tools not only for beautification but also for economic development.

By creating a focal point for visitors, city officials believe the mural will strengthen downtown’s role as a gathering place and encourage people to linger at nearby shops and restaurants.

The mural is the first in what city leaders hope will be a series of public art initiatives. Along with other redevelopment programs — such as façade improvement grants, marketing support for businesses, and potential residential paint programs — the mural reflects Newberry’s broader effort to balance historic character with growth.

Public art has been shown in other communities to become informal landmarks and popular social media backdrops, providing free publicity for small cities while fostering civic identity. For Newberry, this mural marks an important step in that direction.

The completed mural has quickly become a focal point, drawing residents and visitors who pause to take photos and admire the bold “Newberry” letters filled with images of the city’s history and character. The artwork now serves as both a visual welcome to the community and a lasting reminder of how creativity and collaboration can transform public spaces into landmarks. From blank wall to bold landmark, the mural now tells Newberry’s story in color.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com