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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department successfully hosted two large-scale youth sporting events this past weekend, welcoming more than 1,500 athletes and their families from across Florida and Georgia.

The city coordinated both the High School Raider Rumble Soccer Tournament and an AAU basketball fundraiser, with more than 150 teams participating in total. The soccer tournament was organized by Santa Fe High School varsity head coach Morgan Dall’Acqua in partnership with 399 Sports & Recreation, which also led the basketball event to close out the summer season.

Local athletes were among those who competed, gaining an opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage.

Volunteers played a key role in the events’ success, helping with field preparation, goal setup, concessions, scheduling and providing what organizers called “Southern hospitality” to visiting teams.

In addition to sports programming, the Recreation and Culture Department is partnering with the Alachua Police Department for a Back 2 School Giveaway on Friday, Aug. 2. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Legacy’s Multipurpose Center.

Youth volleyball registration is also now open through 399 Sports & Recreation for coed players ages 7 to 17. Practices begin the first week of September, with evaluations scheduled for Aug. 25–29 and games starting Sept. 22. The registration deadline is Aug. 22.

For more information, contact the City of Alachua Recreation and Culture Department or 399 Sports & Recreation.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Firefighters responded to a large structure fire early Tuesday morning at a workshop and barn located near the intersection of U.S. Highway 27/41 and Northwest 62^nd Avenue, just north of Newberry.

The call came in around 5:45 a.m. on July 1, 2025. Crews from the Newberry Fire Department and Alachua County Fire Rescue arrived to find a well-involved blaze at a building that housed heavy equipment and multiple vehicles.

According to officials, several explosions were heard during the incident, likely caused by propane cylinders and fuel tanks that ruptured due to the heat. Firefighters worked to contain the flames and fully extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported.

The fire caused significant damage to the structure and its contents, including several vehicles and pieces of machinery. A full damage assessment has not yet been released.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Fire officials are expected to conduct a follow-up inspection and will release further details as they become available.

Residents storing fuel or combustible materials in outbuildings are reminded to follow local fire codes and safety guidelines. Fire officials emphasized the importance of regular inspections and safe storage practices to reduce the risk of fire.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission voted unanimously on July 14, 2025, to set the city’s preliminary fire assessment rate at the maximum level permitted under state law, locking in flexibility for final budget decisions later this year.

The decision establishes a preliminary rate of $412 annually per residential property, based on updated cost calculations from Anser Advisory, a firm recently contracted to reassess the fair distribution of fire service costs among property types.

Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee introduced the resolution and explained the purpose behind adopting the highest allowable rate at this stage.

“A special assessment for fire services can only be used to fund personnel costs, capital improvements, equipment and other costs related to responding to fire/non-medical emergencies; and maintaining readiness to respond to fire/non-medical emergencies through staffing, training, procuring and maintaining facilities and equipment,” Lee said.

Under Florida law, the city must formally adopt an initial fire assessment rate each year for inclusion in Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices, which are mailed to all property owners in August. Once set, that rate becomes the ceiling for the fiscal year — the city may adopt a lower rate later during final budget hearings, but it cannot raise it without sending out new notifications and restarting the process.

Study Drives Rate Shift Toward Commercial Users

Anser Advisory’s fire assessment study, conducted as part of a best-practice review done every 5–7 years, evaluated current call volumes, service demands, and cost allocation based on property use. The study showed that commercial and industrial users generate a larger share of calls and require longer response times.

As a result, a greater proportion of the overall assessment burden is now being proposed against those user classes, while the residential rate—though increased—remains within the limits justified by the study’s findings.

Planning for Growth, Staffing, and a Second Station

Lee also emphasized that the City of Newberry is proactively responding to anticipated growth and legislative changes impacting fire service operations. Proposed increases to fire staffing levels are being encouraged by state regulations aimed at improving public safety and response readiness.

Additionally, the city is beginning to build reserves for a future second fire station, which would help serve a growing population and reduce response times in outlying areas.

“Staff proposes raises, higher staffing levels, and future capital investments,” said Lee. “This preliminary rate gives the city the financial capacity to meet those needs while retaining the option to reduce the rate before final adoption.”

By setting the rate at the maximum allowable under Anser’s formula, commissioners ensured they would not be constrained later in the year if unexpected expenses arise or if fire service enhancements are approved during budget planning.

Next Steps in the Budget Process

The fire assessment rate will appear in August TRIM notices mailed to all property owners within city limits. Final adoption of the fire assessment, along with the full city budget and millage rate, is expected to take place in September, following public hearings.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 28 at 7 p.m.

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Mi Apa Latin Café’s new Alachua location is open and offers more space, parking, and a drive-thru at 14829 N.W. 157th Lane, just off U.S. Highway 441.\ Today Staff Photographer

ALACHUA ‒ For more than 13 years, Mi Apa Latin Café has served up authentic Cuban food and rich, aromatic coffee to residents of Alachua and its neighboring communities. Now, the beloved local restaurant is entering a new chapter with the opening of its new and expanded location fronting U.S. Highway 441.

The new Mi Apa restaurant, located at 14829 NW 157^th Lane, offers everything longtime customers love including fast, flavorful meals and affordable prices. And with the added benefits of a larger dining space, improved parking, and a convenient drive-thru window, customers can enjoy more options for their dining experience.

“You can find the same great Mi Apa food and coffee as you always have,” said a spokesperson for the restaurant, “now with a drive-thru, larger seating area, and more parking.”

Mi Apa Latin Café first opened in 2003 in Gainesville’s Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of 34^th Street and University Avenue. From those early days, the restaurant has grown steadily, fueled by word-of-mouth praise and community loyalty. Today, Mi Apa operates six locations across Alachua County, each offering the vibrant flavors and culture of traditional Cuban cuisine.

The relocation in Alachua marks a milestone for the business as it continues to expand its footprint while remaining rooted in the communities it serves. The new building reflects a growing demand for quick-service dining options that don’t sacrifice quality or heritage.

Popular menu items include pressed Cuban sandwiches, slow-roasted pork, black beans and rice, maduros (sweet plantains), and the café’s signature Cuban coffee — strong, sweet, and served just right. The restaurant has become a go-to stop for families, professionals on lunch break, and longtime locals alike.

In addition to food, Mi Apa offers something less tangible but equally important: cultural connection. From the music playing inside to the Spanish-language greetings and the scent of espresso in the air, the experience is as rooted in tradition as the recipes themselves.

“We’re proud to continue serving the city of Alachua, High Springs, and surrounding communities,” the spokesperson said. “Although the building is new, our mission is the same — offering a taste of our culture and making people feel at home.”

The restaurant’s leadership said the new location was designed with both customer comfort and efficiency in mind, especially for those looking to grab a quick meal or cafecito on the go. With the drive-thru now open and ample seating indoors, the team hopes to welcome even more guests in the coming months.

For more information, including hours, menu offerings, and other locations, visit www.miapalatincafe.com.

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ALACHUA – A 31-year-old Alachua man has been charged with two counts of grand theft after authorities say he falsely reported being the victim of an armed robbery that he staged to steal more than $16,000 from his employer, Hitchcock’s Market.

Denzell Romel Singleton was arrested Thursday, July 10, 2025, following an investigation that began in April 2024 when he reported an alleged robbery at Hitchcock’s Supermarket, located at 15560 N.W. U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.

According to the initial police alert issued April 2, 2024, Singleton claimed that an unidentified man approached him as the store was closing, brandished a firearm, and forced him to open the store’s safe. Singleton also reported that the assailant pistol-whipped him before fleeing the scene with a substantial amount of cash. Police said Singleton was transported to a hospital with what he described as injuries, though officers at the scene noted he had only a superficial scratch and no visible signs of trauma.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deployed a K-9 team, which tracked the alleged suspect's path from the store to a nearby parking area where a vehicle registered to Demetrius Hardaway — who has a prior felony conviction for armed robbery — was found. Officers reported spotting a black pistol, a large backpack, black shoes, and other clothing in plain view inside the vehicle.

Surveillance video from inside the store reportedly contradicted Singleton’s account. Police said Singleton appeared calm when interacting with the alleged suspect and was seen handing over the bank bags. The video also showed the safe and front door were open when the suspect entered, which authorities noted was unusual for store closing procedures.

Officers stated that Singleton “dramatically” crawled out of the store before calling 911, several minutes after the alleged robbery. This delay gave the suspect time to stow the money and flee, police said.

The investigation intensified when Singleton called APD to ask why his vehicle had been towed. He claimed the car belonged to his brother, though police had already secured a warrant to search it. Inside the car, officers found two Hitchcock’s-branded bank bags in a backpack that also contained items bearing Singleton’s name. The bags, still locked, were opened by a store manager and reportedly contained $16,310 in cash.

When Singleton voluntarily appeared at the police station for questioning, he wore dark sunglasses and used a cane, saying he suffered from light sensitivity and headaches due to the alleged pistol-whipping. Investigators, however, said the video evidence did not support that level of injury and that Singleton reportedly said he had not been told by a doctor that he had any injuries.

After being read his Miranda rights, Singleton denied knowing what the money bags were and claimed no involvement in the theft. When asked why the cash was in his vehicle, he offered no explanation, police said.

Detectives allege that Singleton conspired with the unknown suspect to stage the robbery. They noted that Singleton was working alone at the time, and a cash deposit had not been made in several days due to a holiday weekend.

Singleton allowed police to search his phone, but investigators reported that portions of his text messages and activity around the time of the incident had been deleted. One text thread showed him asking about a haircut the day of the alleged assault, which officers cited as inconsistent with his claims of serious injury.

The second suspect remains unidentified, according to a sworn complaint filed in October 2024.

Singleton, who has 10 prior misdemeanor convictions, is charged with two counts of grand theft exceeding $10,000. Judge William Davis set bail at $25,000.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Police Department will join thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event that promotes community partnerships and public safety awareness. The free, family-friendly event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the High Springs Civic Center, located at 19107 N.W. 240^th Street.

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that fosters relationships between law enforcement and residents, with the goal of creating safer, more connected neighborhoods. The event is designed to strengthen the bond between neighbors and police officers by bringing them together under positive and relaxed circumstances.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, meet their local officers, and have some fun in the process,” the High Springs Police Department said in a release. “It’s about building trust and showing that we’re all working toward the same goal — a safer, more caring community.”

New this year, Safe Kids North Central Florida and State Farm will host a Child Passenger Safety Station at the event from 5 to 8 p.m. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to install car seats at no charge and provide guidance on proper installation and usage. The car seat checkup station is part of a national initiative focused on improving access to safety education and resources, encouraging safer behaviors, and fostering a safety-conscious culture among families.

The evening will feature a variety of attractions and activities, including a DJ, free food, a balloon toss, a bounce house, a water slide, and more. Bicycle and helmet giveaways will also be offered while supplies last.

Organizers encourage all residents to attend and help promote neighborhood unity and crime prevention.

“National Night Out reminds us that by working together and looking out for one another, we can make a real difference,” the department’s statement said.

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