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NEWBERRY – The life of a Newberry man who suffered a heart attack was saved through the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency agencies, leading to the inaugural presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence during a joint Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and City of Newberry meeting on May 12, 2025.

Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman led the ceremony, highlighting the extraordinary teamwork that brought the man back from cardiac arrest.

“Although this exceptional outcome has occurred in Alachua County in the past, the City and County have chosen to recognize this achievement in a new way with the Phoenix Award,” Lyman said.

Lyman explained that the Phoenix Award honors those who “played a direct and critical role in saving a person who was in cardiac arrest — whose heart had stopped — and who, because of the incredible teamwork, determination and skill of those involved, not only survived, but walked out of the hospital just a few days later with a full, neurologically intact recovery.”

The life-saving event unfolded on Sunday, April 13, just after 10 a.m. when a 911 call was made reporting a man unresponsive outside his home. Telecommunicator Cherie Muse at the Alachua County Combined Communications Center took the call, collected vital information, and began delivering CPR instructions to the man’s wife.

“She continued to coach, reassure and encourage the man’s wife until the first Sheriff’s Deputies, Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake, arrived at the scene and took over CPR,” Lyman recounted.

Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg simultaneously directed first responders to the scene, providing continuous updates to ensure they were prepared upon arrival.

When units arrived, the patient was found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Responders immediately began advanced life support procedures, including connecting a heart monitor, establishing an intravenous line, and securing his airway. Crews administered medications, delivered electric shocks to the heart, and performed manual breathing. These efforts restored the man’s pulse on-site.

The patient was then transported by Alachua County Fire Rescue's Rescue 28 to UF Health Shands Hospital with Rescue Lieutenant Michael Reddig, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, and Newberry Firefighter/Paramedic Kristi Langston onboard.

He underwent emergency surgery to repair a blockage, followed by a second procedure the next day. On April 17, just four days after the cardiac event, the man walked out of the hospital with a full recovery.

“The co-location of ACFR Rescue 28 in Newberry’s fire house played a central role in transporting this gentleman in a timely manner and in his outcome,” Lyman said. “This is what partnership looks like. This is what serving a community together truly means.”

During the ceremony, Newberry Mayor Tim Marden presented each award recipient with a metallic ribbon pin to wear on their uniform, symbolizing their role in the life-saving effort. Each honoree also received a plaque commemorating their achievement.

“Tonight, we recognize that it takes a team of this size—working as one—to create the best possible outcome. This is what our residents deserve and this is what they received that day,” Lyman added.

The Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence was presented to the dedicated individuals who played critical roles in the rescue effort. Among those honored were Telecommunicator Cherie Muse, who provided CPR instructions and reassurance during the emergency, and Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg, who coordinated the response with real-time updates.

Deputies Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake were recognized for their immediate on-scene efforts to perform CPR, while Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, Lieutenant Michael Reddig, and Firefighter/Paramedics Kristi Langston and Louis Derousie were acknowledged for their advanced life support measures. Additionally, Driver/Operator Amby Cason and Lieutenant Justin Asbell were commended for their critical roles in transporting the patient to the hospital.

The Alachua County Combined Communications Center, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were also recognized for their seamless coordination and life-saving teamwork during the incident.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission held a special meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, to begin outlining the process and qualifications for hiring a new city clerk, as longtime clerk Judy Rice prepares to retire in early September.

Rice, who has served in the role for approximately 13 years, provided backup materials and initial recommendations to guide the discussion. Commissioners reviewed the qualifications for the position and considered adjustments to the job description based on current operational needs.

Following discussion, the commission voted unanimously to expand the position to include responsibilities as clerk for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), given that CRA meetings typically coincide with City Commission meetings.

Commissioners also approved a minimum qualification requirement of a high school diploma and five years of experience in either government or administrative work.

The commission agreed to post the position internally for one week — from Monday to the following Monday — before opening it to outside applicants. Commissioner Rick Coleman emphasized the importance of giving current city employees the first opportunity to apply. He added that if no internal candidates express interest, he would support opening the search to the public.

Salary ranges will be determined based on applicant experience, with consideration given to both entry-level candidates and those exceeding the minimum qualifications.

Rice will now draft a formal job description reflecting the commission’s approved qualifications and responsibilities.

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ALACHUA – A 29-year-old Alachua man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly trespassing onto a neighbor's property, firing gunshots, and damaging items on their porch, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to reports of an armed disturbance at 9719 N.W. County Road 235, north of Northwest 94th Avenue, at approximately 4:43 a.m. on May 11. The victims, who were inside the home at the time, told deputies the suspect, identified as Max Jacob Barreto, lived at a neighboring property.

According to the victims, they were awakened by gunshots near their front porch, followed by loud banging on their front door. They said they immediately recognized the voice of Barreto, who was reportedly shouting at them to "come out and fight." All four occupants of the home said they feared for their lives during the incident.

One of the victims reported looking out the window and seeing Barreto standing at the front door, wearing a headlamp and yelling. The victim noted that he is familiar with Barreto because Barreto regularly cleans their pool. The victims also said they could hear Barreto smashing decorations and plants on their front porch. When they told him to leave, Barreto allegedly continued yelling. He reportedly fired another shot while walking away after the victims said they were calling the police.

Deputies who arrived on the scene reported finding several plants and pots smashed on the front porch, with damages estimated at $200. The front gate of the property, which was closed and marked with a "No Trespassing" sign, appeared to have been accessed by Barreto. Deputies also recovered a spent .380 shell casing on the victims' driveway.

When deputies surrounded Barreto's residence and ordered him to come out with empty hands, he allegedly refused for nearly three hours. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Barreto finally exited his property but continued to ignore commands, leading to his apprehension by a K-9 team.

Barreto has been charged with armed burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer without violence, and property damage. He has no prior criminal convictions but was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. That charge was later dropped.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered a mental health evaluation for Barreto and ruled that he be held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him in custody until trial.

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ALACHUA – A 38-year-old Alachua man faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior stemming from allegations he inappropriately touched a 13-year-old girl he knew during an incident last fall, according to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Dustin Adam Zamzow was arrested April 10, 2025, after prosecutors formally charged him on April 4. An arrest warrant was issued shortly after charges were filed.

The sheriff’s report states the alleged incident occurred in the fall of 2024. Authorities said Zamzow encountered the victim walking along a road, and because they had known each other for several years, the victim agreed to accompany him to pick up pizza.

During the drive, investigators say Zamzow allegedly encouraged the victim to sit on his lap to steer the vehicle and reportedly touched the victim’s genitals over their clothing. On the return trip, Zamzow again allegedly had the victim sit in his lap and reportedly touched her under her bra.

According to the arrest report, Zamzow allegedly instructed the victim not to tell anyone about the incident, stating he could be jailed if others found out.

Formal charges were filed on April 4, and a warrant was issued for Zamzow’s arrest a few days later. He has been charged with lewd/lascivious behavior with a victim under the age of 16.

Prosecutors initially argued that Zamzow should be held without bail, citing concerns about potential harm to the community and referencing Zamzow’s prior criminal history, which includes two misdemeanor convictions for stalking. They also cited a previous allegation from New York with an 8-year-old victim when Zamzow was 15 years old.

However, Judge William Davis ordered him released on his own recognizance with requirements for a GPS monitor and no unsupervised contact with minors, including his own children.

Further court proceedings in this case are pending.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 19-year-old Newberry man was arrested early Thursday morning after deputies discovered a Draco AK-47-style pistol with a loaded magazine in his backpack during a routine traffic stop.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped Romance Lamar Bryant, Jr. at approximately 2:34 a.m. on May 8 for riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic without lights on State Road 45 in Newberry.

During the stop, the deputy asked Bryant if he was carrying any weapons, a question the deputy noted is standard procedure during stops. Bryant reportedly responded that he had an "assault rifle" in his backpack. Deputies detained him after learning that Bryant, at 19 years old, was not legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm.

A search of Bryant’s backpack reportedly revealed a Draco AK-47-style pistol, equipped with a loaded magazine of 7.62 × 39 bullets. The Draco, a compact semi-automatic pistol modeled after the AK-47 rifle, is legally classified as a handgun but cannot be lawfully concealed by individuals under 21.

The deputy also noted the odor of marijuana coming from Bryant and the backpack. Post Miranda, Bryant allegedly told deputies that a friend had handed him the backpack at a nearby gas station just before the stop. He admitted that he knew a gun was inside and was aware that he could not legally carry it concealed due to his age. Bryant reportedly expressed regret for his decision to carry the weapon and denied possessing drugs, though he mentioned he might have a small amount of marijuana in his jacket.

During a search incident to arrest, deputies reportedly found one broken oxycodone pill in his possession, which Bryant spontaneously identified as “probably a perc.”

Bryant has been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. According to court records, he has no prior criminal history.

Judge Adam Lee set bail at $30,000.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe held its 5th Annual Kids and Family Mini-Golf Tournament on May 3, 2025, at the Pink Flamingo Diner Mini-Golf facility in High Springs. The community-driven event brought together families, local organizations, and spirited competition, all in support of children and families in the Alachua and High Springs communities.

A highlight of this year’s tournament was the showdown between the High Springs Fire Department and the High Springs Police Department. After three consecutive victories by the Fire Department in past years, the Police Department clinched the win in a dramatic sudden death playoff.

In addition to the friendly rivalry, several community teams competed for top honors. Decades took home first place, followed by The Flamingos in second, and The Purple Cobras securing third.

The event was made possible by the generous support of local sponsors, including Campus USA Credit Union, Waste Pro, Alachua Today Newspaper, Pink Flamingo, Great Outdoors Restaurant, The Kronholm Family, SAS Tree Service, Decades on Main Street, Prohibition Pizza, The Barber Group, Landscapes Unlimited, and Watershed Restaurant.

The Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe extended its appreciation to all sponsors and participants, noting that the annual tournament serves as one of its largest fundraisers. Proceeds from the event support various children and family-focused initiatives within the community.

A representative of the Kiwanis Club expressed their gratitude for the support of its sponsors and the participation of the players saying, “as one of the largest fundraisers for the Kiwanis Club, this tournament plays a crucial role in supporting children and families within the Alachua and High Springs communities.”

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