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ALACHUA COUNTY — College and university students in Alachua County pursuing degrees related to public service, government and communications may apply for a scholarship program administered through the Florida Supervisors of Elections.

Kim A. Barton, Alachua County’s supervisor of elections, announced that local students are eligible to apply for one of three $1,200 scholarships offered statewide through the association. The scholarships are part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to education and civic engagement in Florida.

To qualify, applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors enrolled at a college or university and studying political science, public administration, business administration, or journalism or mass communications. Students must also be registered to vote in Florida.

Applications are due March 6, 2026, and must be submitted to the supervisor of elections office in the county where the student is registered to vote. In Alachua County, applications will be reviewed locally before advancing in the selection process.

Each county participating in the program will review its applications and conduct interviews as part of the screening process. One student from each county will then be selected to move forward for consideration by the Florida Supervisors of Elections scholarship committee, which makes the final award decisions.

The Florida Supervisors of Elections serves as a statewide forum for elections officials, providing opportunities to share information, coordinate best practices and address election-related matters affecting voters across Florida.

Students interested in applying can find the application, eligibility requirements and additional guidelines through the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by phone at 352-374-5252 for questions about the application process.

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Editors Note: Alachua County Today published an article headlined “High Springs finances under fire after $1M sewer bill overlooked” in the Jan. 15, 2026, edition. Following publication, the newspaper learned that the matter was also discussed during the High Springs City Commission meeting on Nov. 13, 2025. Additional information providing further context was not included in the original report and is published here.

The $1 million sewer project invoice was discussed at the Nov. 13, 2025, City Commission meeting, when city officials and members of the public reviewed a bill totaling $1,055,131 from Evoqua Water Technologies for wastewater treatment plant equipment. City Manager Jeremy Marshall told commissioners and residents the City was unaware of the full extent of the expense until the invoice surfaced in September 2025 and said staff were reviewing procedures to prevent similar situations.

At that time, Finance Director Diane Wilson said the original purchase order dated back to February 2023 and likely passed through her office during a busy period, adding that once the purchase order was entered into the system, it would have been approved at that time.

Former City Commissioner Sue Weller presented records indicating the City issued a purchase order in February 2023 and later approved a change order in September 2023. According to those records, the City opted to purchase certain equipment directly from multiple vendors, including Evoqua, to reduce tax costs. Evoqua issued an invoice for the full amount in December 2023, and the City made a 10 percent down payment of $105,513.10 in January 2024.

Additional records show that in May 2024, project consultants scheduled a meeting with City management to review the project’s funding and history. In September 2025, Evoqua invoiced the City for the remaining balance of $896,861.35.

During the November 2025 meeting, questions were raised about whether funds had been allocated in the City’s fiscal year 2024 or 2025 budgets to cover the purchase order and change order amounts. City officials acknowledged the oversight, and the Commission later approved payment of the remaining balance from emergency funds.

The November discussion preceded subsequent commission meetings in December 2025 and January 2026, during which City officials continued reviewing internal procedures, software issues, and financial controls related to the invoice.

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HAWTHORNE – Emergency crews responded Saturday evening to a serious two-vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 219A and County Road 1474, north of Hawthorne, where one occupant was trapped inside a vehicle and required extrication.

According to authorities, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, the Windsor Fire Department and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10.

Upon arrival, first responders found two vehicles involved in the collision, with significant damage reported at the scene. Fire-rescue crews determined that one occupant was trapped inside a vehicle and initiated an extrication using hydraulic rescue tools, commonly referred to as the “Jaws of Life.”

Crews were able to remove the trapped occupant quickly and safely. Injured parties were then transported to a local hospital for further treatment. The extent of injuries was not immediately released.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.

In the wake of the incident, Alachua County Fire Rescue reminded motorists to slow down and move over when approaching emergency vehicles, emphasizing the importance of roadway safety for both responders and the public.

The intersection remained partially affected during the emergency response as crews worked to assist victims and secure the scene.

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DAYTONA BEACH ‒ A fifth-generation agriculturalist from Gilchrist County has earned one of Florida Farm Bureau’s top honors for young professionals making a difference in the state’s farming community.

Katie Quincey was awarded first place in the Florida Farm Bureau’s 2025 Excellence in Agriculture competition, announced during the organization’s 84^th Annual Meeting in Daytona Beach on Oct. 27.

The prestigious award recognizes agricultural leaders who are actively involved in the farming industry and their communities, highlighting innovation, leadership, and advocacy for Florida agriculture.

Quincey, a former middle and high school agriculture teacher, currently serves as a field technician for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). She played a key role helping develop Florida’s Small Farms Best Management Practices (BMPs) manual, an important tool for guiding environmentally responsible and economically sustainable farming practices across the state.

As the state winner, Quincey received several prizes, including a utility vehicle courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Company, $500 in cash, and an expense-paid trip to the 2026 American Farm Bureau Annual Convention in Anaheim, California, where she will represent Florida and compete for the national Excellence in Agriculture title.

“Winning the Excellence in Agriculture award is a major honor,” said Quincey. “It’s not just about the work I’ve done; it’s about how others have poured into me and how I can make a positive impact on agriculture in return. I can’t wait to represent Florida with American Farm Bureau Federation in January. We’re bringing some sunshine to the Golden State.”

Quincey’s roots in farming run deep in North Central Florida. As a fifth-generation agriculturalist, she has dedicated her career to advancing farm education, improving soil and water conservation, and mentoring the next generation of producers.

She is also an active member of the Gilchrist County Farm Bureau, serving as the women’s chair, on the county board, and as part of the Florida Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Leadership Team, a statewide network supporting leadership development and agricultural advocacy among young professionals.

The Excellence in Agriculture competition recognizes individuals who do not derive the majority of their income from farming but still make substantial contributions to Florida’s agricultural industry through their work, service, and leadership.

Contestants are judged on their professional growth, community involvement, and leadership achievements in Farm Bureau programs and other civic organizations.

Quincey and other finalists presented their accomplishments to a panel of judges during the annual meeting. Runners-up for the award were Kalan Royal of Hardee County and Erin Jones Dasher of Suwannee County.

The Florida Farm Bureau’s annual awards recognize outstanding farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals who demonstrate leadership in improving their industries and communities.

For Quincey, the recognition represents not only personal achievement but a chance to further advocate for Florida’s farmers and promote the importance of agricultural education and stewardship.

The Florida Farm Bureau Federation, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 133,000 member-families. Its mission focuses on enhancing farm enterprise and improving rural life through advocacy, leadership, and grassroots engagement.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – The Alachua County Victim Services & Rape Crisis Center will offer a new 10-week, in-person writing-based support group for survivors of sexual violence beginning in late February.

The group, titled “Writing to Heal,” is open to women and nonbinary survivors and will meet on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The program is free, open to all writing skill levels and includes all necessary supplies.

Organizers say the group is designed to provide survivors with a supportive environment where writing can be used as a tool for reflection, expression and healing. Participants will be invited to explore a variety of writing forms, including journaling, poetry and songwriting.

“Writing is a healing process, and we encourage participants to write in whatever form they find most healing, whether that be journaling, song writing, poetry or anything beyond,” said Kylee Field, a victim advocate counselor with the center. “Prompts will be provided each week to allow survivors the opportunity to explore their journey of healing in a way that feels safe and authentic to them.”

To protect participant privacy and safety, the meeting location will be disclosed only to those who register for the group. Individuals interested in participating are asked to call or text Field at 352-681-2428 to complete an intake process.

The Writing to Heal group is part of the center’s broader efforts to provide accessible, trauma-informed support services for survivors across Alachua County. Additional support groups are available for men and LGBTQ+ survivors.

For more information about those programs or other sexual violence support services, residents may contact the center’s helpline at 352-264-6760.

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HAWTHORNE – Two men were arrested early Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, after a violent home invasion south of Hawthorne led to the theft of cash and a pickup truck, followed by a multi-agency traffic stop that uncovered cocaine and additional charges.

According to law enforcement reports, the incident began around 2:15 a.m. when an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a residence where the victim said Irving Enrique Vinales-Soto, 59, forced his way inside. The victim reported that Vinales-Soto banged on the door with a pistol and demanded to know the whereabouts of a woman he had previously been involved with. The woman reportedly works at the home and stays there several nights a week.

The victim told deputies that Vinales-Soto pointed a pistol at him, demanded money and took approximately $500 from his wallet before grabbing the keys to his pickup truck and fleeing the residence.

At approximately 3:55 a.m., a Florida Highway Patrol trooper, assisted by Alachua County deputies, located the stolen blue GMC pickup truck and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, identified as Aamir Jalil Sims, 30, of Gainesville, was detained. Sims’ driver’s license had been suspended since September, authorities said. A search of the truck reportedly revealed a baggie containing about 4.9 grams of crack cocaine near Sims’ feet.

Vinales-Soto was reportedly in the passenger seat during the stop and fled on foot before being apprehended a short time later. Deputies said a search incident to arrest produced approximately 2.8 grams of cocaine.

After being advised of his rights, Vinales-Soto reportedly admitted to forcing his way into the home, taking the victim’s vehicle keys, driving away in the vehicle and possessing “crack.”

Sims faces charges of cocaine possession and driving with a suspended license following a previous conviction for driving without a valid license. Records show he is on probation for dealing in stolen property and has two prior non-violent felony convictions. Judge Denise Ferrero set his bail at $7,500.

Vinales-Soto faces multiple felony charges, including armed home invasion, robbery, aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony, grand theft of a motor vehicle and possession of cocaine. He has no known local criminal history and is currently being held without bond.

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