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NEWBERRY – A 46-year-old teacher at Newberry’s Oak View Middle School has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a February crash that killed a 29-year-old pregnant woman from Newberry, according to law enforcement officials.

Carrie Janeene Russell was placed on administrative leave by Alachua County Public Schools on Monday, May 19, following her arrest, according to district spokeswoman Jackie Johnson. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of Feb. 16, 2024, around 7:38 p.m., when a northbound pickup truck driven by the pregnant woman was struck head-on by an SUV on U.S. Highway 27/41, near Newberry. Witnesses told investigators the SUV, later identified as being driven by Russell, crossed the center line and veered approximately three feet into the northbound lane before the collision.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her unborn child did not survive.

A toxicology report later indicated that Russell’s blood alcohol content was 0.11, exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08. The report also detected the presence of amphetamine at a concentration of 57 ng/mL. An autopsy report showed the victim tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

According to findings by the Florida Highway Patrol, Russell was solely responsible for the crash, which also caused significant damage to both vehicles.

Russell has no prior criminal history. She has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. During a court appearance, Judge James Colaw set bail at $500,000. The judge also ordered Russell to be fitted with a transdermal alcohol monitor and to surrender her passport to her attorney.

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ALACHUA – A 42-year-old Alachua woman was arrested Saturday after allegedly striking her boyfriend, threatening him with a knife, and attempting to hit him with a vehicle, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO).

Deputies said the incident occurred around 1:28 p.m. on April 26, 2025, at a residence on Northwest 75^th Street, west of LaCrosse. According to the arrest report, Denetria Shaunte Griffin and the victim, her boyfriend, were involved in a verbal argument that escalated when she allegedly struck him, leaving visible injuries on his chest and hand.

Authorities said Griffin then pulled the victim outside the home and retrieved a kitchen knife from her vehicle. She allegedly threatened to harm him and to cut power to the mobile home and its air conditioning unit. Deputies reported that Griffin then got into her vehicle and attempted to hit the victim.

Responding deputies noted fresh scratch marks on the victim’s chest and left hand. No injuries were observed on Griffin.

Griffin was later located at a relative’s home in the city of Alachua, where deputies said they recovered a kitchen knife consistent with those found in the victim’s residence. After being read her Miranda rights, Griffin reportedly denied trying to run over the victim and could not explain how the knife ended up at her location, according to the report.

She was charged with domestic battery and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Records show Griffin has seven prior misdemeanor convictions, including one involving violence.

Judge Gloria Walker set bail at $5,000.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission at its May 22, 2025, meeting, addressed several key items, including the adoption of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan, appointments to the Mayor’s Youth Council, and recognition of St. Madeleine Catholic Church’s 100-year anniversary.

The meeting opened with a special presentation by State Attorney Brian Kramer, who introduced himself to the commission and community members, shared contact information, and discussed his office’s availability to support local needs.

Commissioners also issued a proclamation recognizing the Centennial Jubilee of St. Madeleine Catholic Church, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary on May 25. Applause followed the reading of the proclamation.

Two students, Jenelie Camille Avila and Zachary Nichol, were unanimously appointed to the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Kristen Kborn of GAI Consultants presented the final version of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, developed in partnership with the city through workshops and focus groups. The plan outlines a vision for future park services, levels of service, and key community priorities. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the plan.

The commission also unanimously approved Resolution No. 2025-E and a services agreement with the Gilchrist Law Firm, P.A., securing special magistrate services for the city.

Upcoming Meetings:

• June 6: Joint meeting with Alachua County Board of County Commissioners at the Civic Center.
• June 12: City Commission Budget Workshop at 5:30 p.m., followed by a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.

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UF Health President and System CEO Stephen J. Motew, M.D., MHA, FACS, and Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II, Ph.D., signed an agreement Wednesday to formalize the third-year of a highly successful nurse training partnership. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE — UF Health and Santa Fe College have formally renewed a critical partnership aimed at strengthening Florida’s nursing workforce. On Wednesday, leaders from both institutions gathered at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus to mark the third year of collaboration that has already yielded millions in combined funding for nursing education.

UF Health President and System CEO Dr. Stephen J. Motew and Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II signed the agreement during a late-morning ceremony attended by students, faculty, and staff from both organizations.

UF Health’s $350,000 grant to Santa Fe’s Nursing program for 2025 is being fully matched through the State of Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, resulting in a $700,000 investment in the college’s healthcare education infrastructure.

“LINE funding provided by the State of Florida is a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together under a shared vision,” said Dr. Shakira Henderson, Dean of the UF College of Nursing and Chief Administrative Officer at UF Health. “It is not a financial investment, it is a vote of confidence in programs like Santa Fe, which continue to set the bar when it comes to nursing excellence.”

This year’s grant brings the total support from UF Health and the LINE match to over $1.8 million since 2022. Previous awards totaled $345,200 in 2023–24 and $780,000 in 2022–23.

Dr. Broadie expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the tangible outcomes already seen on campus. With past funding, Santa Fe College has expanded faculty, introduced advanced simulation mannequins, and launched programs like ANEW, which supports working adults returning to nursing.

“UF Health stands right beside Santa Fe College in ensuring that we address the nursing shortage and produce the best qualified nursing graduates on the planet,” Broadie said.

Dr. Motew emphasized the increasing need for well-trained nurses, especially as Florida’s population ages.

“I am very proud of the long-standing relationship UF and UF Health have with Santa Fe,” Motew said. “We have to really put into perspective the opportunity to train together, highly skilled, compassionate nurses who deliver exceptional care to our community.”

Motew also praised the collaboration for allowing both institutions to “chase new paradigms” in integrating nursing education with real-world healthcare delivery.

This year’s funding will go directly toward student scholarships, reducing financial barriers for future nurses. Additionally, LINE funds will support development of a dedicated academic space designed for healthcare-focused study and support services.

Santa Fe College has maintained a strong track record in preparing nurses for the field. The school surpassed both state and national averages in 2024, posting a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX nursing certification exam.

One of those students, Seth Mantio, an Army veteran, attended the signing ceremony and reflected on how the program is shaping his future.

“This program ensures that my patients will feel comfortable with me and instills confidence that I can help them when they need it most,” Mantio said.

UF Health’s support for Santa Fe College extends beyond nursing. In 2021, the health system awarded a five-year, $1 million grant to bolster the college’s Surgical Technology program, focusing on recruitment, outreach, and training for underserved populations.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A Newberry woman was arrested Thursday evening after allegedly firing a handgun at a man during a dispute over his dog being on her property, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Tiara Lashay Butler, 29, was taken into custody at approximately 6:20 p.m. on May 8 following an incident at a residence off Northwest 154^th Street. Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a report of gunfire during a confrontation between Butler and the man.

According to the arrest report, Butler and the man were engaged in an argument over his dog being on her property. During the dispute, Butler allegedly fired a Tan Glock 19X in the man’s direction, causing him to fear for his safety.

A witness at the scene told deputies she saw the shooting unfold. "I was inside my house when I looked out the window and saw her fire a single shot toward him," the witness said.

After being read her Miranda rights, Butler reportedly admitted to firing the weapon but claimed her target was the man’s dog, not the man himself. She stated that the man’s proximity to the dog made it appear as though she was aiming at him, according to the report.

Butler has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Court records indicate she has no prior criminal convictions.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst ordered Butler held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep her in custody until trial.

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GAINESVILLE — Animal lovers across North Central Florida are invited to meet their future furry family members during North Florida Pet Adoption Day, set for Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humane Society of North Central Florida, 4205 NW 6th Street in Gainesville.

Presented by VyStar Credit Union and supported by a grant from the ASPCA, the event aims to ease the burden on local animal shelters by finding homes for over 100 cats and dogs. Adoption fees for all adult pets—five months and older—will be waived for the day.

This is a great opportunity to not only save a life but also gain a loyal companion. Spring and summer months are the busiest seasons, and kennels are overflowing with animals ready for loving homes.

All adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and can go home the same day. While no pre-holds or early adoptions are permitted for puppies, adult pets will be available for immediate placement with an approved adoption application.

Visitors can meet animals in free-roaming cat rooms and dog kennels, though entry to dog areas requires a pre-approved application. Prospective adopters are encouraged to preview available animals and submit their applications in advance by visiting humanesocietyncfl.org/adopt.

From playful kittens and seasoned lap cats to energetic pups and mellow adult dogs, organizers say there’s a perfect pet for every household.

“Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy or a couch companion, you’re likely to find your match at this event,” organizers added.

For more information, visit humanesocietyncfl.org.

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