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GAINESVILLE ‒ About one in 20 residential properties in the city of Hawthorne are at risk of entering the costly and lengthy probate legal process. The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office will be hosting its second Probate and Estate Planning Summit on Aug. 18, 2022, at 6 p.m. at Hawthorne Middle/High School, 21403 S.E. 69^th Avenue.

This event will feature an interactive panel discussion led by representatives from the Alachua County Clerk of Court, the Alachua County Tax Collector, Alachua County Commissioner Anna Prizzia, the University of Florida Levin College of Law and Three Rivers Legal Services Inc.

Each panelist will discuss how their respective offices are directly impacted by the extensive probate process and how many individuals can opt to create estate plans that are aimed at allowing assets to pass outside of the probate process.

“In February 2022, we launched our initial summit to help families affected by the financial burden of the probate and estate planning process,” said Alachua County Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon. “This momentum spurred us to share approaches and evidence-based practices that have shown promise for reducing the 6.5 percent of properties in the area that are currently at risk of entering the probate process.”

The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office formulated this initiative through a dual data driven approach that identified all the parcels that are classified as heirs’ property throughout the county, as well as parcels with only one remaining owner listed on the property suggesting a lack of proper estate planning.

After successfully analyzing both data sets, two heat maps were created to showcase the “hot spot” areas in the county that are affected the most by these issues.

Hawthorne City Manager Wendy Sapp said, “We hope that our community will benefit from this initiative and be able to walk away with information and resources that will help them navigate through probate and estate planning.”

The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office will be practicing social distancing measures to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to guests.

The Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Office ensures that all taxable property in the county is assessed equitably and at its fair market value in accordance with Florida statutes. The Property Appraiser’s Office has two locations: 515 N. Main Street in Gainesville and 15010 N.W. 142^nd Terrace in Alachua.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The city of High Springs came together with its police department, High Springs parks and recreation department and other city departments for a night of music, fun, and giveaways. For the past 39 years, on the first Tuesday in August, communities throughout America hold a National Night Out event. Over 38 million neighbors take part across 16,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories and military bases worldwide. National Night Out gives residents an evening to meet neighbors, area first responders and other organizations that provide services to the community.

“We work very well together in the city with a lot of communication, especially as the school year approaches,” said the City’s Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina. “We like to bring fun activities like this and our summer programs to our citizens, and we have good support and working relationship with many community groups.”

High Springs is one of 100 communities in Florida that sponsor a National Night Out event. Each year High Springs first responders and City staff host the event at the Civic Center field. A line of police and fire vehicles are parked with lights flashing for kids to explore along with games and prizes hosted by local civic organizations and churches.

“The goal is to get out there and interact with the community, show we are their neighbors whose kids attend the same school, we shop at the same stores and attend the same churches,” said High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard. “We want to break down the walls that hinder communication. We want to empower the community with the ability for them help protect their community and to have a more confidence in working together with the police as a team. But we want it to be a fun event as well.”

This year, a long line of parents and students formed at the doors of the civic center for a back-to-school giveaway. Deeper Purpose Church, 1^st Baptist Church, Lee's Pre School, Santa Fe Kiwanis club and the GFWC High Springs Womens Club spent months gathering new school supplies to distribute at the event to families. Everything was laid out in orderly rows as families collected needed supplies for the start of a new school year.

Outside, police and fire vehicles were parked with crews who were interacting with people and giving tours of their vehicles to curious children. A DJ played music for the crowd as people lined up for free hot dogs, pizza or burgers served by police and City staff

Various groups set up stations to give away small prizes or games for the kids. By far though, the favorite game was a dunking machine. People took turns testing their skills at tossing a baseball at a bullseye target to dunk a police officer in a water filled tank. Police officers took their dunking good naturedly, even encouraging children to hit the target with their fists to send the officer into the water accompanied by hilarious laughter and a resounding splash.

The High Springs Lions Club had their “train” on site offering free rides to children while the Florida National Guard gave tours of a Humvee. In the middle of the field was a small kiddie pool filled with water balloons, which quickly turned into a favorite spot for the kids, as they threw water balloons at each other and at several daring police officers who became involved.

The event brought residents out for a fun evening where they could meet their neighbors and meet with police officers and firefighters who protect the public. “We want to maintain a positive environment for our residents,” said Messina. “Let them know that the City of High Springs and first responders are there for them as part of the same community.”

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The early voting period for the 2022 Primary Election will begin on Saturday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. and run through Aug. 20. Registered Alachua County voters will be able to vote early at any of the county's seven early voting locations between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Additionally, during the early voting period, voters will be able to deliver their completed vote-by-mail ballot to any of the secure ballot intake stations located outside of each early voting site. The secure ballot intake stations will be available during early voting hours, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and will be continuously monitored by trained ballot intake station attendants.

Early voting ends on Aug. 20. Voters can still return their vote-by-mail ballot on Aug. 21 and Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. to the secure ballot intake station located at the Supervisor of Elections Office. On Election Day, Aug. 23, the secure ballot intake station will be available only at the Supervisor of Elections Office from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Here are the seven early voting locations:

• Supervisor of Elections Office: 515 N. Main Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
• Millhopper Branch Library: 3145 N.W. 43^rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32606
• Tower Road Branch Library: 3020 S.W. 75^th Street, Gainesville, FL 32608
• Orange Heights Baptist Church:16700 FL-26, Hawthorne, FL 32640
• Legacy Park Multipurpose Center: 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua, FL 32615
• J. Wayne Reitz Union: 655 Reitz Union Drive, UF Campus, Gainesville, FL 32611
• Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center: 23100 W. Newberry Road, Newberry, FL 32669 (New for this election.)

Voters must present valid photo and signature identification to vote early. To find a full list of acceptable photo and signature ID, please visit VoteAlachua.gov or call the Supervisor of Elections Office during normal business hours at 352-374-5252.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry Garden Club has chosen Brenda Kay Bader’s yard at 475 S.W. 254^th Street as Yard of the Month for July. “We are all rewarded by her efforts in making her yard such a fun place to see,” a garden club spokesperson said. “It is evident that she is a very creative in placing yard art and potted plants around to attract one's eye to her space. The pollinators enjoy it, too.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ While it is a little early to tell, a unique new exhibit that opened at the Good News Arts Gallery in High Springs may be showcasing the works of a future Picasso or Van Gogh. Instead of featuring an established artist, this exhibit introduced the art work compilation of students who attended the Good News Arts Summer Arts Camp from June 6 to July 22. The exhibit featured the art work of nearly 100 students who attended the High Springs camp.

The Summer Arts Camp was created by Jessica Caldas, director and owner of Good News Arts Gallery. The gallery, in conjunction with the City of High Springs Parks and Recreation Department, established the camp to introduce students in K-12 to a variety of artistic mediums while working with a group of their peers. Each week a different medium was chosen to expose the students to a variety of art and dance.

“We had 130 kids register for the camp and a weekly attendance of 80-100. But the project was a group effort by a lot of people and organizations,” Caldas said. “Since our gallery is fairly small, we needed a bigger space for the multiple classes and the City of High Springs loaned us the old school building at the High Springs Museum.”

Caldas said the Children’s Trust of Alachua County covered much of the funding by creating scholarships to help keep costs down. Enrollment/registration fees for all families was $5 per child and the camp was free for youth who lived in Alachua County and whose family is at or below 200 percent of the 2020 federal poverty threshold, or a child with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or with family receiving SNAP benefits. For youth whose families did not meet these requirements, the camp cost $93 per week including lunch and snacks.

The local Winn Dixie helped fill the gap on food and snacks for meals during the camp. The High Springs Fire Department organized a water playday and helped with field trips as well. The High Springs Police Department worked to provide School Resource Officers (SROs) for the children's safety and ran special programming like boxing and breathing exercises as well as accompanying the students on class field trips.

All the supplies were provided by organization as well as individuals and patrons who supported the program. “We received support and funding from all over the community including Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe, Satchel's Pizza, The Great Outdoors, The Pink Flamingo, The Barber Group, East End Eatery, The High Springs Woman's Club, Deeper Purpose Community Church, Kona Ice and others,” said Caldas. “We could not have accomplished this program without all the support to provide our community children an opportunity to explore their creative side.”

All classes were taught by volunteer local artists and Counselors and Artists in Training (CAITs), which was staffed by high school students. The program was not just about encouraging kids to learn about art and express their creativity, the experience included an exhibit for students to showcase their work and gain confidence in their abilities.

On Saturday, Aug. 6, the gallery held the opening reception to display the students’ work. Young artists brought their parents to the gallery to proudly show off their art. The exhibit will remain up until Aug. 20 at the Good News Arts Gallery located at 18555 Main Street in High Springs. The gallery is open on Friday and Saturday from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. as well as some Wednesdays and Thursdays.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs, on July 28, tabled discussion of an ordinance to amend design standards for murals. The delay was requested by City Attorney Scott Walker who said the item needed more work. Commissioner Linda Jones voiced concern about the delay, “We don’t have any protection in place and we need it.” Jones wants to see it on the next commission agenda. The subject of outdoor wall murals has been a topic of controversy in the community, with opposing viewpoints leading to continued friction.

Solar Farm Zoning Final Approval

In other business, the Commission approved in a 4-0 vote second reading of an ordinance changing zoning on some 735 acres from County Agricultural to City Agriculture to clear the way for construction of a solar power facility proposed by Duke Energy. The property is located south of Northwest 174^th Avenue on the southwestern outskirts of High Springs. The related Comprehensive Plan Amendment was approved by the state a few weeks ago.

Commissioner Ross Ambrose recused himself from the vote although he maintains he has no conflict of interest, but since he had recused himself from the first vote on the related application, he thought it best to do so again in an abundance of caution.

Emergency Repairs of Sewage Lift Station

In other city business, the Commission authorized staff to move forward with emergency repair of a section of piping, fittings and valves at the City’s main lift station that serves as the main point for all city sewage. Public Works Director Thomas Henry said, “You can touch a bolt with your fingers and it just crumbles in your hand.” Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham said he would bring back prices to the next Commission meeting for authorization to proceed with the emergency repairs.

Chamber Freebie Questioned

In other action, the Commission is questioning whether the High Springs Chamber of Commerce should continue using City-owned facilities free of charge. A facilities fee waiver for the use of the Civic Center by the organization was pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Previously, the City approved a fee schedule for use of City buildings and facilities that allowed for a 50 percent reduction in cost to non-profit organizations.

Commissioner Ambrose said it was not appropriate for a 100 percent exemption to be allowed for the Chamber so they can hold their monthly meetings, referencing the Chamber’s growth and ability to pay. He pointed out that originally the Chamber said they couldn’t afford to rent the building.

Reading from an email sent out by the Chamber president on June 17, Ambrose said that the communication talked about starting out with only 30 members two years ago but now boasted 100 members. With a significant growth in membership, Ambrose wondered why the Chamber couldn’t afford to rent the Civic Center at the 50 percent rate.

Commissioner Jones asked for a list of organizations that rent City facilities that have not paid. The Commission voted unanimously to allow the Chamber to use the Civic Center for their August meeting and to address the issue again when the list Jones requested was available.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure Interim Financing

The Commission approved on May 12 an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) project and now City Finance Director Diana Wilson wants to use the General Fund to foot the costs until financing is obtained. Wilson presented a resolution to formalize the request. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for financing is pending, but has not yet been finalized. Meanwhile, Utility Services Co., Inc. a/k/a Suez is ready to begin the project.

Wilson said formally taking this action makes the reimbursement of funds “transparent” and appropriate. Commissioner Katherine Weitz opposed the action because a specific dollar amount that would need to be reimbursed could not be determined at this time. The motion passed in a 4-1 vote with Weitz casting the dissenting vote.

FY 2022-23 Budget in the Works

The Commission unanimously approved the proposed tentative not-to-exceed millage rate for FY 2022-23 at 6.25 mills and the rolled-back-rate at 5.5251. Wilson is preparing next fiscal year’s budget based on last year’s 5.99 millage rate. “The rolled-back rate is what a city would need to set the millage rate at to collect the same amount of revenue as the previous year,” said Wilson.

Budget workshops are set for Aug. 4 to discuss the General Fund, Aug. 16 to discuss other funds and Aug. 23, if needed. Budget hearings are set for Sept. 8 for First Reading and Sept. 19 for Second Reading. Budget hearings will take place at 6:30 at High Springs City Hall Commission Chambers.

Water Pressure, School SRO, Summer Arts Camp

The Commission also approved awarding low bidder General Underground out of Chiefland to improve water pressure and flow on the west end of town. This Suwannee River Water Management District Water System Interconnect Project is a grant funded project that will connect West U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441 water lines through River Run Plantation and Riverglen subdivisions. It will eliminate the need for flushing of the water system in this area and will help reduce non-revenue water loss. The City is providing a financial match for the project.

Commissioners approved an agreement to provide one High Springs police officer to act as a School Resource Officer (SRO) for First Christian Academy. The School Board agrees to pay up to $53,071 as its share of funding for this SRO for the 2022-2023 school year.

Good News Art Director Jessica Caladas addressed the Commission to review the Summer Arts Camp, which was in held in partnership with the City’s Parks and Recreation Department. Caladas said that 130 youth from kindergarten to eighth grade participated in the program over the summer with 60 – 80 children participating per week. She said the Children’s Trust of Alachua County provided scholarships to those children who couldn’t afford to pay as well as helping to provide lunches and snacks.

Caladas reviewed the field trips the group took to Poe Springs, Cade, Harn and Florida Museums and thanked the Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina for his help and support. Caladas invited everyone to attend the Summer Arts Camp Art Show at Good News Arts on Aug. 6 from 5 – 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

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