Local

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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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Rain clouds rolled in, but spirits stayed high as the 48th Annual Pioneer Days Festival returned to downtown High Springs on May 10 and 11, 2025. Hosted by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, the two-day celebration took place at and around the Farmers Market Pavilion. In spite of the rain, some people did venture out to enjoy the event.

Attendees enjoyed live music, an array of food and craft vendors, and reenactments that brought frontier history to life – including the ever-popular old west style shootout, staged with all the theatrical flair fans have come to expect. Kids had their own slice of the past to explore in the “Kid Corral,” while history buffs wandered the Heritage Village display showcasing pioneer tools, dress, and traditions.

Turnout was noticeably lighter than in years past, but thanks in part to the covered pavilion festivalgoers could dodge the on again, off again drizzle.

Pioneer Days has long been a fixture of spring in High Springs, offering a mix of education, entertainment, and old-fashioned fun. This year’s event marked nearly five decades of celebrating the area’s rich heritage.

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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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ALACHUA – The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc. – Alachua/Newnansville Sub-Committee has announced the launch of its 2025 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest, inviting middle and high school students to participate from May 1 to May 22, 2025. This year’s theme challenges students to explore the question: “What is Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?”

The essay contest is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to youth education, encouraging students to improve their writing skills, enhance critical thinking, and discover local, state, and national historical facts. The contest also includes an art competition for elementary school students, expanding this year to welcome more participants and recognize additional winners.

Awards and Recognition Ceremony

Top essay winners from both middle and high school categories will receive monetary prizes and special recognition during an awards ceremony at the City of Alachua’s Juneteenth Celebration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, located at 14300 N.W. 146^th Terrace, Alachua. Art contest winners will also be honored during the ceremony.

Last year’s essay contest winners included Robert Hu (First Place), Kymani Davis (Second Place), and A’lani Harvey (Third Place), each recognized for their exceptional work.

Call for Community Support

The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project is seeking donations from local businesses and community members to support its recognition and remembrance initiatives. Contributions will fund the contest prizes and aid in expanding educational opportunities for local youth.

Donations can be made by check payable to Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc., with “ACCRP 2025 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest” noted in the memo line. Contributions should be mailed to: ACCRP, P.O. Box 357685, Gainesville, FL 32635

For convenience, a member of the organization can also arrange to pick up donations at a preferred time and place. W-9 forms are available upon request. Call 816-863-8758 for additional information.

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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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ALACHUA ‒ At the May 5, 2025, Alachua City Commission meeting, the date was memorialized with a Proclamation recognizing May 5 as “Gib Coerper Day.”

Longtime former Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was honored with a plaque for his dedication to civil service in his roles as Commissioner and Mayor over the past two decades. Heartfelt messages of gratitude and well-wishes were offered by current Commissioners and city staff.

Commissioner Dayna Williams noted that although Coerper will no longer be serving from behind the dais, his name is synonymous with the City of Alachua and she will affectionately refer to him as “Ambassador” from here on.

It was all smiles for Coerper as he shared a few reflections in turn. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here,” said Coerper. “It was never, ever a job for me.”

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