Local

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission took a noteworthy step toward the development of the Westone Planned Residential Community at their meeting on Oct. 14, 2024. In a session that covered several land use and development issues, commissioners voted to approve the establishment of the Westone Community Development District (CDD) on its first reading.

The vote came after a detailed question-and-answer session about how CDDs work, a topic that has garnered significant interest as the city sees increasing residential development. City staff were asked to research these questions further and provide additional information before the second reading on Oct. 28.

Much of the meeting’s discussion centered around the mechanics and implications of Community Development Districts. A CDD is a special-purpose taxing district established to manage and finance infrastructure required for community development, such as roads, parks, utilities, and other public services. A CDD allows developers to issue bonds to fund infrastructure projects, which are then repaid by the future homeowners through an additional assessment on their property taxes. This structure often allows for large developments to proceed without an upfront financial burden on developers, but it also means future residents bear the long-term costs.

For the Westone development, which covers approximately 258 acres at the intersection of Southwest 15^th Avenue and Southwest 266^th Street, the CDD will allow for long-term funding and management of the project’s infrastructure.

Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the CDD, with Commissioner Tim Marden dissenting after a lengthy discussion. Despite his opposition, the other commissioners expressed confidence that the CDD would provide an effective mechanism for managing the infrastructure of the planned community.

In addition to approving the CDD, the Commission addressed two re-adoption items related to the Westone development. These ordinances had been previously approved but were not properly recorded by the state of Florida, requiring them to be brought back for re-adoption.

The first ordinance was a Land Use Map Amendment, which involved changing the land use designation of the 258-acre property from Agriculture to Residential Low Density. This amendment is a critical step in paving the way for the Westone development to proceed as planned. The amendment was unanimously approved on its first reading and will move forward to a second reading on Oct. 28.

The second ordinance involved an amendment to the boundaries of the Urban Service Area (USA) and its accompanying Urban Service Area Sub Element, which are components of the City’s future land use map and development strategy. This change ensures that the Westone development can access necessary public services and infrastructure. Like the land use amendment, this ordinance was unanimously approved and will also return for a second reading on Oct. 28.

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NEWBERRY – On the morning of Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, emergency units from Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Newberry Fire Department were dispatched to the scene of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment on the 16200 block of W. Newberry Road.

Upon arrival, crews discovered a semi-truck and a pick-up truck had been involved in a serious collision, with the pick-up truck overturned on its side, completely blocking both eastbound and westbound lanes of traffic.

Complicating the situation, a large amount of fuel was leaking from the overturned pick-up truck, posing additional hazards at the scene. Emergency responders acted swiftly to control the fuel spill and ensure the safety of the area.

Firefighters utilized the “jaws of life” to extricate the driver, who had been trapped inside the overturned vehicle. After the rescue operation, the occupant was removed from the pick-up and transported to a local hospital by ambulance. The individual was reported to be in stable condition.

The incident caused significant traffic delays while crews worked to clear the roadway and mitigate the hazards. Authorities have not released details about the cause of the accident, but the scene was eventually cleared and the road reopened.

Alachua County Fire Rescue reminds all drivers of the importance of seatbelt safety, noting that seatbelts are crucial in saving lives and reducing injuries during accidents.

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ALA CHUA ‒ The North Florida Livestock Agents Group is hosting the 25^th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, at the Santa Fe River Ranch, located at 29220 N.W. 122^nd Street, Alachua. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers a unique opportunity for livestock producers, farmers, and ranchers to learn about the latest advancements in the livestock and forage industries.

The field day will feature hands-on equipment demonstrations, livestock showcases, and educational presentations from University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) specialists and county agents. The event is designed to help participants improve their management practices and enhance farm productivity.

Attendees will hear expert insights on several important topics, including:

• Cattle Management and Vaccination Protocols: Practical advice on keeping herds healthy and disease-free.
• Bull Selection and Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs): Guidelines on selecting the best bulls based on genetic traits to improve herd quality.
• Emerging Weed Problems: Identification and control strategies for new and increasingly problematic weed species in North Florida.
• Cool-Season Forages: Information on the best forage options for winter grazing and increasing feed efficiency.

In addition to these topics, attendees will have the chance to network with industry experts and fellow producers, exchange ideas, and see demonstrations of the latest agricultural equipment designed to enhance livestock management.

Pre-registration is open at Eventbrite for a fee of $20, plus a $3.18 service fee. This fee includes lunch and access to all field day activities. Participants who register on the day of the event will pay a fee of $40. No refunds will be issued for cancellations.

To view the tentative agenda or to register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com and go to the Eventbrite Livestock & Forage Field Day page.

For those interested in staying up-to-date with the latest trends and practices in livestock management, the 25^th Annual Livestock & Forages Field Day promises to be an informative event.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Oct. 7, 2024, Alachua City Commission meeting was more than just a civic gathering — it was a showcase of the profound connection between performing arts and the community. The Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band took center stage, captivating attendees with stirring renditions of the Santa Fe High School Alma Mater and “The Thunderer” march by famed composer John Philip Sousa.

The performance, led by Santa Fe High School band director Jacob Massena, transformed the commission chambers into a vibrant musical setting, reminding everyone of the powerful role the arts play in expressing thoughts and emotions. As the band’s notes filled the room, commissioners, city officials, and community members alike were moved by the students' dedication to their craft.

Music, long considered a universal language, has the unique ability to foster a sense of unity and shared experience, and the Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band exemplified this by bringing the crowd together. Performing live in front of local government leaders, the young musicians highlighted how the performing arts offer a bridge between individual expression and communal identity.

Following the band’s performance, Mayor Gib Coerper and Massena presented certificates to the talented musicians, recognizing their artistic achievement and commitment to excellence.

The inclusion of the Santa Fe High School Symphonic Band in the commission meeting served as a testament to the city’s ongoing support for youth arts programs and the performing arts in general. Events like these provide a platform for students to engage with their community, demonstrating how the arts can enrich public life and strengthen human connection in ways few other mediums can

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission took steps to advance the city’s Veterans Memorial Park during their meeting on Oct. 14, 2024. The Commission discussed funding challenges and approved several actions aimed at ensuring the project moves forward.

Ryan Young, the city’s Assistant Director of Capital Projects and Facilities, presented the latest updates on Veterans Memorial Park. The project has received building donations of $172,000, but the City faces a $90,000 funding shortfall to meet the total guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $595,152 for the memorial's construction.

City Manager Mike New addressed the commission, explaining that the city had previously sought state funding to cover the deficit. A funding request was submitted earlier this year and had received initial approval, but it was ultimately vetoed by the governor. Despite this setback, New assured the Commission that funds were available for a temporary loan to the project to help procure materials for the memorial, many of which have long lead times.

Young laid out three options for the Commission to consider as they deliberated on the next steps for the project:

1. Accept the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Submittal: The Commission could accept the GMP proposal from Oelrich Construction and authorize staff to execute a contract for construction.
2. Submit a Legislative Appropriation Request: This option involved requesting $90,000 in state funding during the 2025 State legislative session to make up for the funding shortfall.
3. Delay Construction: The third option proposed approving the GMP but delaying the start of construction so that the project could be completed just before Veterans Day 2025.

After a discussion on the merits of each option, the Commission held a roll-call vote. Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of proceeding with the first two options, allowing the city to accept the GMP from Oelrich Construction and submit a new legislative appropriation request for the upcoming state session. Commissioner Tim Marden cast the sole dissenting vote.

In addition to the Veterans Memorial Park discussions, the Commission addressed other matters. A scheduling conflict regarding the Nov. 11 Commission meeting, which falls on Veterans Day, prompted the Commission to move the meeting to Nov. 12 instead.

The Commission also reviewed forms for the annual evaluations of the City's Charter Officers—the City Attorney, City Clerk, and City Manager. Commissioners were asked to return their evaluation forms by Oct. 21, 2024.

Additionally, City Manager New provided updates on several other City matters. He mentioned that Alachua County will soon remove the remaining hurricane debris from the area, with the City awaiting an Interlocal Agreement from the county to formalize the cleanup efforts. The Commission unanimously authorized New to enter into the agreement.

Finally, the City’s annual ethics training, a mandatory requirement for commissioners, has been scheduled for Dec. 18, 2024, and will be held at the City Attorney’s office at 4 p.m.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ In the wake of destruction caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Alachua County officials are strongly advising residents to hire licensed contractors for all repair and reconstruction work.

Alachua County and communities sustained widespread damage from the storms, making it critical for residents to ensure that repairs are done safely and professionally. Licensed contractors follow local building codes and regulations, ensuring that all repairs meet necessary safety standards, which is essential to help protect homes and residents from future risks.

Why Hire a Licensed Contractor?

• Safety and Compliance: Licensed contractors adhere to local codes, ensuring that all repairs are compliant and safe. This reduces the risk of future hazards in homes affected by the storms.
• Quality Workmanship: With the proper training and experience, licensed contractors can complete complex repairs correctly and efficiently, minimizing the chances of further damage.
• Insurance and Liability: Licensed contractors carry insurance, which shields homeowners from liability in case of accidents or injuries during the repair process.
• Avoiding Scams: After natural disasters, unlicensed and unscrupulous individuals often seek to exploit vulnerable homeowners. Hiring licensed professionals helps prevent such scams.
• Peace of Mind: Working with licensed contractors provides homeowners with confidence that repairs are done correctly, ensuring their home’s safety and security.

How to Verify a Contractor’s License

• Residents can verify a contractor’s license status by visiting the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) website. Additionally, they should request documentation, such as the contractor’s license and insurance certificates, and ask for references from past clients to ensure the contractor's credibility.

If anyone suspects unlicensed contracting activity, they should report it to the DBPR by calling the hotline at 1-866-532-1440 or visiting their website. For more information on post-hurricane recovery and hiring licensed contractors, visit the Alachua County Building Division website or call 352-374-5243.

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