Local

GAINESVILLE – A 63-year-old Archer man was arrested early Saturday, March 15, 2025, and charged with stealing a Freightliner truck from his former employer, LDH Trucking Company.

Lucious James Hines, Sr. was taken into custody at approximately 12:48 a.m. after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Northeast Waldo Road. The deputy identified the vehicle as one that had been reported stolen by a trucking company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to law enforcement, Hines stated post-Miranda that he had been hauling truckloads for approximately two weeks and had returned home for a day off on March 13. He claimed to have informed his employer of his intention to resign in order to work for his cousin’s trucking company and denied stealing the truck.

The owner of LDH Trucking Company told deputies that he had terminated Hines on March 13. He stated that Hines had returned the truck to the company’s dirt lot in Charlotte and had also turned in the keys. However, when a cleaning crew arrived the following day, the truck was no longer there. The owner reported the vehicle stolen to the Charlotte Police Department but initially provided incorrect vehicle information. Later, he provided GPS tracking data from a device installed on the truck, which led authorities to Hines.

Charlotte police confirmed that the victim was the registered owner of the Freightliner and identified Hines as the suspect in their report.

Hines has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle. Court records indicate that he has 21 prior felony convictions, including four classified as violent, along with seven misdemeanor convictions, four of which were violent. He has previously served five state prison sentences, with the most recent ending in 2013.

Judge Luis Bustamante ordered Hines to be held on $10,000 bail.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry will hold its annual municipal election on April 8, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to select their mayor and two city commissioners. The election will take place at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Newberry’s municipal elections are held each year, with all seats elected at-large and on a nonpartisan basis. Officials serve two-year terms, with Groups I, II, and III elected in even-numbered years and Groups IV, V, and the mayor elected in odd-numbered years.

This year’s election will determine the representatives for the following seats, currently held by:

• Mayor: Jordan Marlowe
• Commissioner Group IV: Tim Marden
• Commissioner Group V: Tony Mazon

Qualified Candidates for the 2025 Election

The following candidates have completed the qualifying requirements and will appear on the ballot:

• Mayor: Joy Glanzer, Tim Marden
• Commissioner Group IV: Donald Long, Steve Panaghi
• Commissioner Group V: Rosa Marie Campbell, Tonio (Tony) Mazon

To participate in the election, residents must be registered to vote with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections. The voter registration deadline was March 10, 2025. Those who are already registered are encouraged to verify or update their registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or by contacting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections at VoteAlachua.com.

Residents unsure whether they live within Newberry’s city limits can check their address using Alachua County’s Map Genius tool at mapgenius.alachuacounty.us. A Newberry mailing address does not necessarily mean residency within the incorporated city limits.

On April 8, all City of Newberry residents may vote in person at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, located at 25420 W Newberry Road. Voters must bring a photo ID with a signature to cast their ballot.

Newberry does not offer early voting for municipal elections. However, residents may request a vote-by-mail ballot through the city’s website at newberryfl.gov.

For questions regarding the election, residents can contact City Clerk Judy Rice at 352-472-2446.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

Alachua Spring Concert, March 30, 2025 at 3 p.m., Legacy Park, Alachua

Admission at the door the afternoon of the show, Adults: $8 / Youth: No charge

ALACHUA — The City of Alachua is joining forces with Dance Alive National Ballet (DANB) to present a special collaborative program featuring young dancers from DANB’s Next Generation and danceAbout outreach initiatives. The event will showcase students who have been training under DANB outreach instructors Alison Tucker and Marilyn Deiorio since February, thanks to support from the City of Alachua and danceAbout sponsors.

Next Generation, DANB’s youth performance group, will take the stage alongside danceAbout participants to present a dynamic lineup of performances, including Le Corsaire Suite, Night Sky, Appalachian Spring, Boogie Shoes, Playground and Boogie Wonderland.

The program aims to introduce young dancers to a range of classical and contemporary styles. Le Corsaire Suite was chosen to expose students to classical ballet and character dance, while Night Sky, choreographed by DANB Resident Choreographer Tales Ribeiro, is designed for older dancers. Younger members of Next Generation will perform Appalachian Spring, a piece choreographed by DANB Principal Rachel Ridley.

Other featured works include Boogie Shoes, created by DANB’s Judy Skinner, and Playground, choreographed by guest artist Michelle Zada. The performance will conclude with Boogie Wonderland, which will feature danceAbout students before transitioning through ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, with guest artist Victor Mancuso leading the tap segment. The finale will bring together both danceAbout and Next Generation dancers in a celebratory performance.

The event not only highlights young talent but also supports DANB’s outreach programs. Proceeds will benefit these initiatives, which aim to enrich the lives of youth by providing them with choreography, instruction, and performance opportunities.

Founded in 1966 in Gainesville, Florida, Dance Alive National Ballet is a premier touring company in the southern United States, known for its diverse repertoire ranging from classical ballets like The Nutcracker to innovative contemporary works. Under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Kim Tuttle and Company Choreographer Judy Skinner, the company has toured extensively in the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Russia.

Dance Alive National Ballet receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture, the City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department, and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with additional financial details available upon request by calling (800) 435-7352.

With a mission to foster artistic expression and provide young dancers with performance experience, DANB’s Next Generation continues to serve as a vital part of the region’s arts community. The upcoming showcase in Alachua promises to be an inspiring evening of dance, creativity, and collaboration.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission formally recognized two police officers and two school crossing guards during its meeting on Feb. 27, 2025, highlighting their ongoing dedication to protecting the community.

Officers Drew Wilson and Nicholas Whiteman were officially sworn in during the meeting, despite having already served the city for more than a year. High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard commended both officers for their commitment to public safety and the positive impact they continue to make within the city.

Wilson and Whiteman have worked in various capacities to support law enforcement operations in High Springs. Their official swearing-in ceremony marked a public acknowledgment of their service.

In addition to honoring the officers, Sheppard also recognized two school crossing guards for their service at High Springs Community School.

“We also want to shine a light on two of our hidden heroes — crossing guards Miss Margaret May and Mr. David Gardner,” Sheppard said. “Every day, they ensure the safety of our most precious treasures — our children. Their dedication does not go unnoticed, and we deeply appreciate their service to our community.”

Crossing guards play a critical role in student safety, helping children navigate busy roads before and after school. City officials and residents expressed appreciation for May and Gardner’s ongoing commitment to protecting local students.

The city commission closed the recognition by thanking all public safety personnel who serve the High Springs community.

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~ Bringing Jobs and Fresh Choices ~

NEWBERRY ‒ A trip to the local Publix supermarket just became more convenient for some residents living in and around Newberry. The new Publix supermarket has officially opened its doors, bringing expanded grocery options, fresh products, and convenient shopping to the growing community.

The 54,000-square-foot store located at 24100 West Newberry Road at the corner of State Road 26 and County Road 235, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The store is situated in the plaza at Market at Newberry Farms and features a full-service bakery, deli, seafood department, pharmacy, and a wide selection of fresh produce. The addition of Publix provides Newberry residents with a major grocery retailer in town, reducing the need for travel to neighboring cities for everyday shopping. The adjoining liquor store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

Beyond offering high-quality food and household essentials, the new Publix is expected to provide an economic boost to Newberry. The store has created numerous jobs in various departments, offering employment opportunities for locals. Additionally, Publix’s reputation for community involvement means the store will likely support local schools, charities, and events through its well-known donation programs.

Newberry has experienced steady population growth, with more families and businesses moving into the area. The arrival of Publix signals a response to the city’s expanding needs, ensuring residents have greater access to fresh, high-quality groceries and pharmacy services.

The grand opening celebration welcomed shoppers with special promotions, giveaways, and fresh product samples. Store employees and managers greeted customers as they explored the aisles of the highly anticipated new supermarket.

The store offers Publix’s signature services, including online ordering for in-store pickup, delivery through Instacart, and a pharmacy with prescription refills. These features are expected to add convenience for busy shoppers looking for quick and easy ways to complete their grocery trips.

As Newberry continues to develop, the opening of Publix marks a milestone in the city’s growth, providing both a valuable resource for residents and a positive economic impact for the community.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua recently played host to the 2025 Special Olympics Regional Basketball Games, bringing together athletes, coaches and supporters from across central and north Florida. The event, held at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex Gym and Legacy’s Multipurpose Center, provided a platform for athletes of all abilities to showcase their skills in an environment centered on sportsmanship, perseverance and inclusion.

Throughout the competition, athletes displayed remarkable determination, teamwork and camaraderie, embodying the core values of the Special Olympics. While the tournament featured competitive play, the event emphasized personal growth, self-confidence and mutual respect over winning. The experience left a lasting impact not only on the participants but also on volunteers, coaches and spectators who witnessed firsthand the power of inclusive sports.

The City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department called the tournament one of the most rewarding events ever hosted at its local facilities. Organizers noted the overwhelming support from volunteers, who dedicated their time and effort to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the athletes. Coaches played a vital role, demonstrating patience and encouragement, while families and fans filled the venues with an atmosphere of unwavering support and celebration.

As the city reflects on the success of the basketball games, preparations are already underway for the next major Special Olympics event in Alachua. On Oct. 3-5, 2025, the city will welcome athletes once again for the North Florida Regional 2025 Outdoor Events. The competition will feature softball, flag football, soccer and pickleball, continuing the tradition of providing inclusive and empowering opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

With its ongoing commitment to accessibility and community engagement, Alachua remains a proud partner of the Special Olympics, ensuring that every athlete has a chance to shine—both on and off the field.

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