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HIGH SPRINGS – A 39-year-old High Springs man was arrested Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop, provided false identification and later refused fingerprinting during the booking process, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began at approximately 12:36 p.m. when a deputy attempted to stop a car displaying an expired tag on U.S. Highway 441. A registration check showed the vehicle belonged to a woman, but records also linked the vehicle to a man identified as Maurice Marko Shuler. A driver’s license photo associated with Shuler reportedly matched the man behind the wheel. The deputy also learned that Shuler had an active warrant for failing to pay child support and that his driver’s license had been revoked for the same offense.

When the deputy activated emergency lights to initiate the stop, the driver reportedly looked at the deputy in the side mirror but continued driving, maintaining the speed limit and obeying traffic laws. The vehicle turned into the Oak Ridge subdivision and continued for more than a mile before pulling into a driveway.

The driver allegedly presented a driver’s license identifying him as “Marcus Leon Shuler,” listing the address of the home where he stopped. The photo on the card, however, matched Maurice Shuler, the man affiliated with the vehicle. When asked about the expired tag, the driver reportedly said the car was not his and he did not wish to pull over on the roadside.

The deputy asked whether “Marcus” Shuler knew anyone named Maurice. Shuler reportedly denied knowing anyone by that name. A database check revealed that the true Marcus Shuler was a different individual with a thinner face, full head of hair and an address in Leesburg, information the deputy noted did not match the man in front of him.

The deputy detained the driver and verified his identity as Maurice Shuler, locating two active child-support warrants from Alachua and Lake counties. Records showed that Maurice’s license had been revoked six times and suspended three times. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded with a Rapid ID kit but reported that Shuler refused fingerprinting by clenching his fists and stating he did not consent.

A vehicle inventory before towing reportedly produced a band card and employee identification card in Maurice Shuler’s name. At the jail, Shuler allegedly refused fingerprinting, refused to be photographed and refused to sign citations related to the traffic violations.

Shuler was charged with fleeing from law enforcement while lights and sirens were active, possession of a forged identification card, resisting an officer without violence, driving with a revoked license and refusal to sign a citation. He has a documented criminal history that includes one violent felony conviction and three misdemeanor convictions, one of them violent. He previously served one state prison sentence and was released in 2009.

Shuler also has an active warrant out of Gadsden County for driving with a revoked license. He was booked into the Alachua County Jail following his arrest on the Lake County warrants. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set his bail at $40,000. Records indicate he owes $3,070 in child support.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – Floyd “Sonny” Tillman, the Gainesville restaurateur whose vision and hospitality grew Sonny’s BBQ into one of the nation’s most recognizable barbecue chains, died Dec. 7, 2025, at age 96, according to a public announcement shared on social media.

Tillman opened the first Sonny’s BBQ in 1968 with what the announcement described as “a singular and powerful vision: to create a place where folks could slow down, gather ’round the table, and enjoy good BBQ with the people who matter the most.” That guiding principle became the foundation of a brand that spread across the Southeast and earned a devoted following for its smoked meats and casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The statement said Tillman “never lost sight of the principles that guided the restaurant’s founding,” crediting his approach to service and community for helping transform the local Gainesville restaurant into a beloved regional chain.

Married to his wife, Lucille, for more than 70 years, Tillman was remembered as “a devoted family man, a successful entrepreneur with a generous heart,” and someone with “the rare ability to create a true family atmosphere in his restaurants.” His leadership style and personal warmth, the announcement said, extended beyond his immediate family to “the thousands of employees who became part of the Sonny’s family over the decades.”

“We are forever grateful for his vision, his values, and the legacy of bringing people together that he leaves behind,” the statement read.

The announcement encouraged the community to pause in reflection and “spread a little kindness to those around you in his honor.”

Funeral arrangements were not included in the statement.

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NEWBERRY – A 26-year-old Archer man was arrested late Friday night after deputies say he punched a bartender during an altercation at a Town of Tioga bar, then resisted deputies when they attempted to take him into custody.

The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025. According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the bar after receiving a report of a physical disturbance involving an intoxicated patron.

When deputies arrived, the bartender told them the suspect, identified as Brent Thomas Rodgers, had been arguing with him before allegedly punching him in the face without warning. The bartender said the blow knocked him to the ground.

Surveillance video provided by the business reportedly corroborated the incident, and a witness told deputies the bartender had just turned his face away when Rodgers “sucker-punched” him.

Deputies located Rodgers inside a neighboring business. According to the arrest report, when a deputy instructed Rodgers to stand so he could be handcuffed, he allegedly pulled away and said he would not comply. Rodgers was then taken to the ground and placed in custody.

A search following the arrest reportedly revealed a hollow-point .22 LR bullet in Rodgers’ pocket. Deputies noted that, as a convicted felon, Rodgers is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Authorities said Rodgers declined to answer questions after being read his Miranda rights.

Rodgers has been charged with felony battery with a prior conviction, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting an officer without violence. Records show he has one prior felony conviction and two misdemeanor convictions, including one for a violent offense.

He was arrested in 2024 for fleeing law enforcement and entered a pre-trial diversion program. The arrangement was later revoked following his arrest in March 2025 for domestic battery. He entered pleas in both cases and, in June, was sentenced to 23 days in jail with credit for time served and 13 months of probation. He later received an additional year of probation in July following the domestic battery case.

Rodgers was booked into the Alachua County Jail and is being held on $175,000 bail, set by Judge Meshon Rawls.

The bartender was not reported to be seriously injured, and deputies did not report additional disturbances inside the business or the surrounding plaza.

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ALACHUA – The Chain Hawks Disc Golf Club capped off a banner weekend on Sunday as the 14th Annual Chain Hawk Open wrapped up what organizers described as an “absolute success” — a three-day showcase of athletic skill, community spirit and the growing worldwide enthusiasm for disc golf.

Presented by Dynamic Discs, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) A-Tier event transformed Alachua Legacy Park fields into a high-energy arena from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7. More than 350 registered competitors made the trip, representing 26 states and five countries, illustrating just how far the tournament’s reputation has spread since its inception. Players ranging from rising amateurs to internationally ranked professionals navigated challenging layouts, shifting weather conditions and the pressure of top-tier play as spectators filled fairway edges to watch the action unfold.

Tournament organizers said they were immensely pleased with the turnout, noting that the growing participation reflects the sport’s accelerating expansion. The event has long been recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, and this year’s championship continued that tradition, elevating the competition while still embracing an inclusive, community-driven environment.

Beyond the scorecards, the tournament strengthened bonds across the disc golf community. Player parties offered competitors and supporters the opportunity to unwind, share stories and build connections that stretch far beyond the final leaderboard. Virtual raffles throughout the weekend helped support the Paul McBeth Foundation, an initiative dedicated to growing disc golf in underserved regions. The fundraising element added purpose to the festivities, reminding attendees that the weekend served not only competitive ambitions but also the broader mission of expanding access to the sport across the globe.

For many participants, the Chain Hawk Open has become a can’t-miss date on the PDGA schedule — known for high-quality course setups, smooth operations and a local club that takes pride in delivering a memorable weekend. This year’s tournament continued that legacy, earning praise from competitors who described the event as one of the best organized and most enjoyable stops on the disc golf calendar.

Organizers said the success of the 2025 event establishes a strong foundation for the future with the Chain Hawks Disc Golf Club already setting its sights on next year’s championship and exploring ways to elevate the experience even further.

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ALACHUA COUNTY - Other than emergency services, most Alachua County government offices will be closed Dec. 24-25, 2025, and Jan. 1, 2026, in observance of the holidays.

Curbside Waste Collection/Collection Centers

 Residential curbside collection service for solid waste, recycling, and yard trash will not operate on Dec. 25 or Jan. 1. Collection services for those two weeks will be delayed by one day. Thursday’s collection will take place on Friday, and Friday’s will take place on Saturday.

 Holiday closures for Alachua County Solid Waste offices and facilities:

 Administrative Offices: closed Dec. 24-25, and Jan.1

Rural Collection Centers: closed Dec. 24-25, and Jan.1

Leveda Brown Environmenta Park & Transfer Station: Open Dec. 24, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Hazardous Waste Collection Center: Open Dec. 24, From 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

 For more information, contact Alachua County Solid Waste and Resources Recovery Director Gus Olmos at 352-338-3233.

 Animal Resources

 Animal Resources (3400 NE 53rd Ave., Gainesville) is closed Dec. 24-25 and Jan. 1. On all other days, the shelter is open during regular hours, from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

 Although Animal Resources will be closed, resource officers respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, to matters affecting public safety and animals in immediate danger. Citizens should dial 911 to report such emergencies.

 During regular hours, Animal Resources can be reached at 352-264-6870. 

Clerk of the Court

 The Office of the Clerk of the Court will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1. On all other days, offices will be open during regular hours.

 For more information, contact the Office of the Clerk of the Court at 352-374-3636.

Property Appraiser

The Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1-2. On all other days, offices will be open during regular hours. 

 For more information, contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at 352-374-5230.

 Tax Collector 

The Tax Collector’s Office will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan. 1-2. On all other days, offices will be open during regular hours. Appointments are highly encouraged. Please be aware walk-in customers may face long wait times as those with appointments are served first. Visit the Tax Collector website to make an appointment.

 For more information, contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 352-374-5236.

Supervisor of Elections

 The Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed Dec. 24-26 and Jan 1. On all other days, offices will be open during regular hours.

 For more information, contact the Supervisor of Elections Office at 352-374-5252.

 Health Department

 The Health Department will be closed for Christmas starting Wednesday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. and will reopen on Monday, Dec. 29. For New Year’s, they will be closed starting Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. and reopen on Monday, Jan. 5 at 8 a.m.

 For more information, contact the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7900.

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ALACHUA – Local property owners who may be affected by a proposed rail-trail conversion near High Springs will have an opportunity next week to learn whether they qualify for federal compensation. Two public informational meetings organized by the Lewis Rice Law Firm are scheduled in Alachua on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 to explain how landowners can pursue claims related to the project.

The proposed rail-trail would convert approximately 1.4 miles of a former CSX railroad corridor into a public hiking and biking trail. While the corridor itself has long been part of the rail network, adjoining landowners may have underlying property interests that qualify them for compensation if the corridor is repurposed for recreational use.

According to an announcement, dozens of landowners along the route may have takings claims under the National Trails System Act. When a rail line is formally abandoned and converted into a trail, federal law can trigger what is known as a “rails-to-trails” taking. In many cases around the country, landowners have been able to recover compensation from the federal government for property interests impacted by the conversion.

The upcoming meetings are designed to help residents understand that process. Organizers say the sessions will outline why and how a claim can be filed, how the federal review works, what type of representation is available, and how compensation amounts are determined. The meetings will also include time for attendees to ask questions specific to their property.

The Lewis Rice Law Firm notes that it has hosted sessions previously and recovered compensation for landowners in multiple Florida counties, including Sarasota, Pinellas, Lee, Lake and Miami-Dade.

While the proposed High Springs-area project remains in the planning stage, organizers emphasized the importance of educating landowners early. The conversion process can involve a combination of federal action, local planning and private property rights. Understanding whether a parcel qualifies for compensation — and how to preserve that right — can be time-sensitive.

The meetings are free and open to the public, and property owners do not need to register in advance. Anyone with land adjoining or near the former CSX corridor is encouraged to attend, especially those who are uncertain about whether the conversion would impact their title or access.

Meetings will be held Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. - Hampton Inn & Suites Alachua I-75, 15930 N.W. 163^rd Ln, Alachua and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.- Legacy Park Recreation Complex, 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua.

For residents seeking clarity on potential compensation, the sessions aim to provide a straightforward explanation of the rails-to-trails process and what landowners may expect if the proposed trail moves forward.

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