Local

NEWBERRY ‒ The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex may be undergoing a significant expansion. At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, Carl Green of the Easton Foundation presented a proposal to expand the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex and extend the existing agreement with the City for approximately 35 years.

The current City/Easton agreement expires in 2029, but allows continuation of the current contract for another 10 years. Green said with a new agreement of 20 years, the same period of time of their first agreement, it would equal a total of 35 years.

The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex was established as a joint effort between the City and the Easton Foundation. In 2008, Newberry provided the property and managed construction of the main 17,600-square-foot facility, which was completed in 2009. Easton Foundation contributed $1.5 million to the project, while the City covered the remaining $1 million and handled additional transportation improvements on U.S. Highway 27/41. Both parties have shared the use of the facility since its opening.

During the project development, the City and Easton developed a contract that spells out the relationship between them during construction and during the operational period afterwards. Under the current agreement, the City shoulders most of the operational and maintenance costs. The contract included a 20-year term, terminating around 2029. After the 20-year operating period the facility is to be utilized for archery.

City staff also noted that the Easton Foundation had previously considered relocating its facilities to a 40-acre site adjacent to Champions Park, owned by the City. However, the Foundation has not moved forward with that plan, and Green’s presentation focused on expanding the existing complex.

Green presented plans for a $3.1 million expansion to the facility, including detailed renderings of how the upgraded complex would look. While Green emphasized the benefits of the proposed modifications, City staff raised concerns about parking availability and suggested incorporating expanded parking into negotiation.

Staff provided the Commission with several options regarding the proposal. Those options included directing the City to negotiate a new contract with Easton Foundation, outlining specific terms and responsibilities for both parties. These negotiations would not be binding, allowing either party to withdraw at any time. Another option would provide for termination of the discussions with the Easton Foundation and decline the renewed partnership. A third option would be to postpone the decision and bring the matter back for further discussion at a later date.

While Green’s presentation highlighted the benefits of the expansion and extended partnership, the Commission opted to take more time to deliberate, promising to reach a decision within 90 days.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ What started as an ordinary Monday transformed into a day of challenges and triumphs for the High Springs Fire Department (HSFD), culminating in a heartwarming rescue of a puppy trapped in a 40-foot sinkhole.

The day’s events began at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, when firefighters from High Springs, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were dispatched to the Springstead neighborhood near Northwest 142^nd Avenue. Gusty southwesterly winds had driven flames from a brush fire beyond control, igniting several spot fires on nearby land and threatening homes.

Working to contain the rogue flames, fire crews used a coordinated attack. They extinguished the brush fires and ensured the safety of nearby residences. No injuries or property damage occurred, and the initial fire threat was neutralized.

While monitoring the scene, the firefighters received a second emergency call at 3:12 p.m.—a puppy had fallen into a 40-foot sinkhole. Responding immediately, a specialized crew from HSFD diverted to the site, bringing along their newly deployed “light rescue” truck, a vehicle specifically equipped for such emergencies.

Arriving at the sinkhole, firefighters assessed the situation and deployed the specialized gear stored on the new truck. A firefighter descended into the sinkhole, finding the frightened but miraculously unharmed puppy. The rescue team brought the puppy to safety in just 12 minutes.

The rescue not only showcased the HSFD’s technical expertise but also underscored the department’s dedication to protecting all members of the community—including its four-legged residents.

Adding significance to the rescue was the fact that it marked the inaugural mission for HSFD’s Light Rescue truck, which had gone into service mere hours before the call. The truck’s successful deployment demonstrated its vital role in enhancing the department’s operational capabilities.

HSFD issued a statement thanking High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall, the High Springs City Commission and the truck committee for making the light rescue truck purchase possible.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ A 26-year-old Alachua man was arrested Saturday night, Dec. 7, 2024, after a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer conducted a traffic stop for loud music, which escalated into charges of drug possession and firearm possession during the commission of a felony.

Telvis Tashay Hall, Jr. was stopped at approximately 9:36 p.m. in the 4100 block of North Main Street in Gainesville when an officer reportedly heard music from Hall’s vehicle at a distance of about 20 yards.

According to the police report, Hall, the sole occupant of the vehicle, expressed surprise at being pulled over for loud music. However, the encounter took a more serious turn when the officer allegedly detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered 27.8 grams of marijuana, a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol in the glove compartment, a digital scale, and empty sandwich baggies. Hall was also found with $436 in various cash denominations in his pocket, according to the report.

Police stated that after being read his Miranda rights, Hall admitted the marijuana belonged to him but refused to answer further questions and became uncooperative.

Based on the evidence—including the scale, empty baggies, multiple cash denominations, and the quantity of marijuana—the officer charged Hall with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Hall, a lifelong area resident with no prior criminal convictions, was booked into the Alachua County Jail. Judge Donna Keim set his bail at $11,000.

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ALACHUA ‒ Last week, 399 Sports & Recreation kicked off their Winter Basketball program with the Alachua County Task Force on Recreation (A.C.T.F.O.R.) Youth Basketball evaluations, bringing hundreds of young athletes together to showcase their skills. The evaluations, which included participants aged 7 to 14, were overseen by 399 board members, coaches, and volunteers.

The goal of the evaluations is to ensure balanced recreation teams by assessing each player’s abilities and establishing a fair draft process.

The season officially begins on Jan. 4, 2025, with Opening Ceremonies at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event will feature team introductions, awards, refreshments, and a full slate of youth basketball games. Organizers invite the community to attend and support Alachua’s young athletes as they tip off the season in style.

Meanwhile, the Legacy Multipurpose Center was also abuzz this past Saturday as the Swamp Bots of Alachua & High Springs hosted the First Lego League Florida State Tournament. This STEM-focused competition brought teams from across Florida to compete for a chance to advance to the Regional Tournament, also slated to take place at the Legacy Multipurpose Center on Jan. 18, 2025.

The state tournament attracted over 1,500 attendees, including representatives from the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, the Alachua County School Board, and local city commissioners. The event highlighted the importance of STEM education, with the Swamp Bots and First Lego League guiding participants through hands-on STEM learning, teamwork, and problem-solving in a high-energy, competitive environment.

“Hosting back-to-back tournaments is both an honor and a reflection of the tremendous support our community shows for youth STEM and recreation programs,” said a spokesperson. The tournaments provide an exciting platform for youth to apply their skills in engineering, coding, and robotics while building habits of perseverance, collaboration, and confidence.

For those interested in joining the First Lego League or learning more about local recreation opportunities, contact recreation@cityofalachua.com.

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NEWBERRY ‒ At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, City Manager Mike New addressed a pressing concern: the city’s current wastewater treatment facility is nearing capacity due to sustained growth.

“At the rate we are approving development, the wastewater treatment facility will reach capacity in four years,” New stated. To address this, the City has proposed constructing a new advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day—double the current capacity.

The total estimated cost for the design and construction of the new facility is $88 million. So far, the City has secured $27,209,848 in funding, with an additional $14,935 coming from the City of Archer, a partner in the project.

New outlined the proposed usage of the new facility’s capacity:

• 300,000 gallons/day (25%) for existing customers.
• 175,000 gallons/day (15%) allocated to Archer.
• 725,000 gallons/day (60%) designated for new development.

With a current growth rate of 200 building permits per year, New estimated the facility would serve the city for 15 years. If the pace of development slows, it could extend the plant’s utility up to 30 years.

To manage the strain of rapid development, New discussed development agreements with builders to secure wastewater capacity. Developers were presented with four options to consider.:

1. Option 1 allows for upfront payment: Developers can pay for their wastewater capacity at the current rate, locking in lower costs as rates increase over time.
2. Option 2 allows for an Installment Plan: Developers pay system development charges in installments: 25% upon agreement execution, three additional payments of 20% at 60-day intervals, and the final 15% upon service availability. This option guarantees proportional capacity based on the amount paid.
3. Option 3 is based on a Per-Use Payment Plan: Developers pay charges for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) placed into service, with a minimum annual payment of 10% of the total ERUs requested over a 10-year period.
4. Option 4 allows for a Surety Bond: Similar to Option 3, developers guarantee their minimum annual ERU commitment by issuing a surety bond, ensuring they will meet their building obligations.

While the wastewater treatment presentation was the main topic of the commission meeting, no vote was taken. New emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the advanced treatment facility would not only support Newberry’s growth but also provide a sustainable solution for decades to come.

“The advanced treatment facility will likely last 15 years at the current pace of growth,” New explained. “If permit numbers slow down, the plant could last up to 30 years.”

The Commission is expected to revisit the topic in future meetings, as the City works to balance the demands of growth with the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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ALACHUA ‒ Dr. Cindy Sanders, a distinguished Livestock Agent and County Extension Director with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), took center stage as the keynote speaker at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Dec. 3, 2024. The event brought together local business leaders and community stakeholders to focus on the critical role agriculture plays in the economy and fabric of Alachua County.

Dr. Sanders, a sixth-generation member of an agricultural family, has dedicated her career to advancing agricultural education and practices. She holds a Doctorate in Extension Leadership and Administration, a Master’s in Extension Education, and a Bachelor’s in Animal Science/Agricultural Education, all from the University of Florida. Her deep ties to agriculture, combined with her academic expertise, have made her a respected leader and advocate for the agricultural community.

Sanders highlighted the substantial economic impact of agriculture and livestock production in Alachua County. She provided detailed statistics on local agricultural output and underscored how the sector connects with various local industries.

Sanders also addressed emerging trends and challenges faced by producers, including farming practices. She emphasized the importance of adopting innovative technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in agricultural operations.

Beyond economic discussions, Sanders shared updates on educational programs offered through UF/IFAS. These initiatives include workshops for producers, resources for the public, and youth-focused programs like 4-H.

She highlighted the role of 4-H in developing leadership and agricultural skills among young people, ensuring the next generation is equipped to continue Alachua County’s agricultural legacy.

Following Sanders’ presentation, the luncheon offered attendees an opportunity to ask questions about agricultural practices and the future of farming in the region.

The event also featured networking opportunities and updates from Chamber President Adam Boukari, who commended Sanders for her leadership and dedication to the agricultural sector.

Chamber members also praised Sanders’ insights and passion for strengthening the ties between the agricultural sector and the broader community.

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