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Scholarship recipients recognized by the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association pose for a photo following the Dec. 28, 2025, awards program at Paradise Community Church in Alachua. Nine first-term college students received scholarships during the ceremony./ Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association, Inc. recognized nine first-term college students during a scholarship program held Dec. 28 at Paradise Community Church in Alachua.

The alumni association, which provides social services, cultural enrichment and scholarships, honored the students during a ceremony that celebrated their transition to higher education and encouraged continued academic success.

The students were challenged and encouraged by Tarico Williams, dean of students for Clay County Schools and a Marine Corps veteran, who addressed the group during the program.

Scholarship recipients included J’lyn Guyden, attending Florida Gulf Coast University; Caiden Lee, attending East Carolina University; Alyssa Jones, attending Florida Gateway College; Morgan Reshard, attending Santa Fe College; Angelina Knapik, attending the University of Florida; Stephen Andrews, attending Santa Fe College; Destiny Lewis, attending Santa Fe College; Keeshan Jenkins, attending Valdosta State University; and Cayden Parker, attending the University of Florida.

Additional scholarships were presented by members of the graduating classes of 1967 and 1970, reflecting continued alumni engagement across generations.

The alumni association extended congratulations to the recipients and expressed appreciation to community sponsors who support the scholarship initiative.

“Again, Congratulations to the recipients!” organizers stated. “Our sincere gratitude to our many sponsors for your continued support of our first term college students – You Make It Happen!”

Founded to preserve the legacy of A.L. Mebane High School and support educational advancement, the association continues to invest in local students pursuing postsecondary education. Leaders say the annual scholarship program remains one of the organization’s most visible and impactful efforts.

By recognizing first-term college students, the association aims to encourage persistence in higher education while honoring the historic role A.L. Mebane High School played in the community.

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NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry took steps Monday night to formally align land use and zoning designations for several city-owned parks, while also hearing resident concerns about potential kennel expansions and nuisance code updates.

During its Feb. 23, 2026, regular meeting, the City Commission unanimously approved on first reading two related ordinances that would amend both the future land use map and zoning classifications for a series of smaller municipal parks.

Ordinance No. 2026-19/CPA-26-08 would amend the future land use map designation for city-owned properties that include Barry Park, Martin Luther King Park, Lois Forte Park and Jimmy Durden Park. The properties are currently designated as Commercial, Recreation and Residential Low Density and would be changed to Public Facilities and Land.

According to city officials, the amendment aligns the parks’ existing use with the appropriate future land use classification. A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for March 9.

Commissioners also unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2026-20/LDR 26-10 on first reading following a quasi-judicial public hearing. The city-initiated application would amend the Zoning Atlas for the same properties, changing their zoning districts from Commercial Central Business District, Residential (Mixed) Single Family/Mobile Home-2 and Residential, Single Family-2 to Public Facilities.

As with the land use amendment, officials said the zoning change is intended to reflect the properties’ current use as public parks. A second reading of the zoning ordinance is also set for March 9.

Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus introduced both items, noting that the department is reviewing city-owned properties in phases. She said the next group of properties to be addressed will be the city’s larger parks, followed by ordinances covering all remaining city-owned parcels.

While the park-related items moved forward without opposition, other discussions drew public comment.

Commissioners received input on potential updates to Code Section 4.2.41, which addresses commercial kennels, veterinary clinics and small animal boarding facilities; Section 4.4 governing agriculture zoning districts; and Section 12.2 related to special exceptions. The commission also discussed possible amendments to the city’s nuisance code and the creation of a formal abatement process aimed at improving property conditions.

Several residents spoke during public comment regarding commercial kennels permitted by special exception. The discussion centered on a request from a property owner seeking to expand existing kennels to house additional dogs.

Residents expressed concerns that an increase in the number of dogs could result in frequent or continuous barking, affecting the character of what they described as a currently quiet neighborhood. Property owners urged commissioners to consider the potential quality-of-life impacts before approving any expansion.

City staff will review feedback from commissioners on both the kennel and nuisance code discussions before bringing proposed amendments back to the commission for further consideration at a future meeting.

In addition to land use and zoning matters, the commission also honored Newberry Crossing Guard of the Year Calita Wilcox by proclamation, recognizing her service in helping ensure the safety of local students.

With park reclassifications advancing and broader zoning and code discussions underway, city officials signaled that additional land use and regulatory updates are likely in the coming months as part of a systematic review of municipal properties and development standards.

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Youth players compete during the Gator Soccer Showcase at Legacy Fields in Alachua over the weekend. The tournament, hosted by the Santa Fe Youth Soccer Alliance, drew more than 100 teams from across Florida. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – A weekend of celebration and competition showcased the spirit of service and community pride in Alachua, as residents gathered to honor longtime volunteers and welcome hundreds of youth athletes from across Florida.

On Sunday, St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church hosted the Heritage of Grace: A Salute to Our Elders Banquet, recognizing several community members for their years of service and lasting impact. Among those honored were Rose Brown, Deacon Jerry Debose and Mother Annie Madison.

The event drew a large turnout, reflecting what organizers described as the deep respect and appreciation the community holds for its senior leaders.

“It was wonderful to see such a magnificent turnout this past Sunday at the St. Paul Missionary Church to present Heritage of Grace: A Salute to our Elders Banquet,” Alachua Recreation Department staff said. “Celebrating these champions of volunteerism is crucial, and it was deeply heartwarming to see their dedication and impact recognized and truly appreciated by everyone in attendance.”

Organizers said the banquet served as both a celebration and a reminder of the value of community service, particularly the contributions of elders who have helped shape the city over decades.

“Such an event reinforces the incredible spirit of the community, highlighting the tireless work that makes a real difference,” recreation staff said. “We are deeply thankful for the selfless contributions of all this year’s recipients.”

City leaders and residents alike expressed anticipation for future celebrations recognizing individuals whose volunteerism and leadership have strengthened Alachua’s civic and faith communities.

While Sunday’s banquet focused on honoring the past, much of the weekend centered on youth and the future of local recreation.

From Friday through Sunday, the Santa Fe Youth Soccer Alliance hosted the Gator Soccer Showcase at the City of Alachua’s Legacy Fields and Hal Brady Recreation Complex. The tournament drew well over 100 teams representing various age divisions from across the state.

Fields were filled with players, coaches and families throughout the weekend, as teams competed in matches under sunny skies.

“With well over 100 teams in attendance, it was truly a spectacle to behold,” recreation staff said. “The weather was absolutely perfect, concessions were running smoothly, and the energy from everyone involved was incredible.”

Beyond the logistics of hosting a tournament of that size, organizers emphasized the sportsmanship displayed by participants.

“Most importantly, the participants played their hearts out, showing talent, teamwork, and great sportsmanship,” staff said.

Events of this scale rely heavily on volunteers and community support, from concession workers and field marshals to tournament coordinators.

“A massive thank you to all the local volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this tournament a success,” staff said. “It couldn’t have done it without them.”

The busy weekend continues into the coming days. On Saturday, 399 Sports & Recreation will host the ACTFOR — Alachua County Task Force on Recreation — Youth Basketball Tournament at Legacy Park’s Multipurpose Center. The event is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and continue into the afternoon.

City officials encouraged residents to attend and support local youth athletes.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Two people have been arrested following an undercover operation targeting the alleged sale of nicotine products to underage individuals at a High Springs convenience store.

According to the High Springs Police Department, the investigation stemmed from numerous community complaints alleging that employees at a Chevron store located at 18828 High Springs Main Street were selling tobacco products to minors and alcohol to underage individuals and attracting youth from across the area.

On Feb. 11, 2026, an agent with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco (ABT), working with underage operatives, conducted a compliance check at the store. Authorities allege that 62-year-old Kudamannage Luckshrni-Ramya Perera sold a nicotine product known as Blue Raz Ice to at least one underage operative.

Investigators reported that Perera requested identification from the underage operatives but proceeded with the sale despite the identification presented. She was subsequently arrested and charged with providing tobacco products to a person under 21.

Officials later confirmed that Perera had an active immigration hold issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. She was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Feb. 13.

A second undercover operation was conducted on Feb. 19. Authorities allege that 57-year-old Bhavesh Jayantilal Amin, identified as the store owner, sold a vape product to an underage operative during the compliance check.

Amin was also charged with providing tobacco products to a person under 21. Court records show he has five prior misdemeanor convictions. Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered Amin released on his own recognizance.

The operation was conducted jointly by HSPD and ABT, with ABT serving as the lead agency for Perera’s arrest and HSPD serving as the lead agency for Amin’s arrest.

HSPD Chief Antoine Sheppard addressed the enforcement action in a statement, saying, “We have zero tolerance for anyone who sells alcohol or tobacco products to minors. We will continue working with our state partners to hold violators accountable and protect the youth of our community.”

The charges against both individuals remain pending.

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Officer Brody Wetzel and K-9 Ramsey pose with an Alachua Police Department K-9 unit vehicle after completing more than 500 hours of specialized patrol training./Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department’s newest K-9 team has officially completed state certification and is preparing to begin patrol duties following more than 500 hours of intensive training.

Officer Brody Wetzel and K-9 Ramsey graduated from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s 480-hour K-9 Patrol Certification Course, marking the culmination of months of specialized instruction in tracking, apprehension, obedience and area and building searches.

The training was conducted through the Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit under the leadership of Sgt. Jay Nix, who also selected K-9 Ramsey for service with the Alachua Police Department.

APD Chief Jesse Sandusky praised the team’s achievement and the partnership that made it possible.

“The amount of hard work, training, and dedication it takes to complete this program is tremendous,” Sandusky said. “Officer Wetzel and K-9 Ramsey have represented our department with professionalism and have truly made us proud. We are extremely grateful to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Sergeant Jay Nix for their outstanding training and support, and we sincerely appreciate K9s United and our community partners for their generosity.”

K-9 Ramsey was donated to the department through K9s United, a nonprofit organization that supports law enforcement K-9 programs by providing dogs, equipment and training assistance.

In a statement, K9s United congratulated the team on completing patrol school and certification.

“This achievement represents hundreds of hours of hard work, discipline, and the development of a true working partnership built on trust and commitment,” the organization said. “K9 Ramsey was proudly donated by K9s United to the Alachua Police Department, and seeing this team reach this milestone is exactly why our mission exists.”

K9s United also credited the Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit for preparing the team for real-world patrol operations.

“Their training was conducted through the Marion County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit, by our very own Org President Jay Nix, preparing them for real-world patrol operations and service to their community,” the organization stated.

The nonprofit thanked its supporters and donors for helping make the placement possible, noting that continued support allows the group to provide quality dogs to agencies and assist in building effective K-9 teams.

Before officially beginning patrol duties, Officer Wetzel will complete two additional days of shadowing with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit. During that time, he will ride along and respond to calls for service as part of the transition to active duty.

With certification complete, the team is now cleared for patrol operations in Alachua, where they will assist with tracking suspects, conducting searches and supporting officers during critical incidents.

K-9 teams serve as a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies, providing specialized capabilities in locating individuals, detecting evidence and enhancing officer safety. Department leaders said the addition of Officer Wetzel and K-9 Ramsey strengthens APD’s operational readiness and community protection efforts.

With training complete and final preparations underway, Alachua’s newest K-9 team is ready to take to the streets.

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ALACHUA – A 48-year-old Bell man was arrested late Saturday night after allegedly fleeing from a responding officer and resisting efforts to remove him from his truck, according to law enforcement reports.

The incident began at about 10:55 p.m. on Feb. 21, when the Alachua Police Department received a report of a vehicle stationary in the roadway in the 14400 block of Northwest 54th Terrace. All APD units were handling another call at the time, and a High Springs Police Department officer responded under a mutual aid agreement.

According to the arrest report, the HSPD officer arrived at approximately 11:22 p.m. and located a red pickup truck on the side of the roadway with the engine running and brake lights illuminated. The officer reported seeing a white male slumped over in the driver’s seat with his foot on the brake pedal.

When the officer’s body-worn camera activated with an audible beep, the driver awoke. The officer reported smelling a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage while speaking with the driver, identified as Micah Timothy-Wynter Ellsworth.

The officer instructed Ellsworth to exit the vehicle, but Ellsworth allegedly refused and placed the truck in drive. The officer told him to shift the vehicle into park, but Ellsworth reportedly did not comply. The officer reached into the truck and shifted it into park himself. He also attempted to remove the keys from the ignition but was unable to locate them, according to the report.

Ellsworth allegedly placed the truck in drive again and drove away, spinning the tires as he left. The HSPD officer initiated a pursuit with emergency lights and siren activated. The truck continued down the roadway before pulling into a fenced yard through an open driveway, according to the report.

The officer positioned his patrol vehicle at the driveway entrance to prevent the truck from exiting and waited for backup units to arrive.

An Alachua Police Department K-9 officer responded to assist. According to the report, the APD officer found Ellsworth seated inside the truck, facing the HSPD patrol vehicle. The officer ordered Ellsworth to exit the truck. Ellsworth allegedly responded with an expletive and displayed his middle finger.

The APD officer positioned his patrol vehicle behind the truck as officers attempted to contain the vehicle. According to the report, Ellsworth attempted to drive around the patrol vehicles as officers tried to box him in.

Law enforcement officers eventually removed Ellsworth from the truck. He was transported to a local emergency room for medical clearance before being booked into the Alachua County Jail.

Ellsworth has been charged with fleeing with lights and sirens active, resisting an officer without violence and driving without a valid license with a previous conviction.

Court records indicate Ellsworth has five misdemeanor convictions in Alachua County prior to 2002. In Gilchrist County, he has three felony convictions, including one classified as violent, and five misdemeanor convictions, including one violent offense.

Judge James Colaw set bail at $60,000.

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