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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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ALACHUA ‒ A wrong-way driver was arrested late March 9, 2025, after colliding head-on with another vehicle on U.S. Highway 441, leading to multiple charges, including DUI and possession of a controlled substance.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., Alachua Police Department (APD) Officer Garrido observed a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near Northwest 135th Terrace. After turning around and activating emergency lights, the officer attempted to intercept the vehicle, but before a stop could be initiated, the driver crashed into a 2003 silver Dodge. The impact disabled both vehicles.

The driver of the Dodge was evaluated at the scene and was medically cleared. The wrong-way driver, identified as Ludwin E. Funes Salazar, showed clear signs of impairment, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and the smell of alcohol. Salazar refused to perform field sobriety exercises and was found to be unlicensed, presenting only a Guatemalan passport. Despite the crash, he declined medical attention from fire rescue personnel.

Salazar was taken into custody and, following Alachua County Jail policy, was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance. While at the hospital, he became combative, resisting officers and stepping on a Gainesville Police officer’s foot.

After being transported to the Alachua County Jail, Salazar consented to a breath test, which revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.245—more than three times the legal limit. A search at the jail uncovered two small baggies containing 0.3 grams of cocaine hidden in his jeans pocket.

A subsequent search of Salazar’s vehicle before it was towed revealed multiple alcoholic beverages and open containers.

Salazar faces several charges, including DUI, driving without a license, resisting an officer, and possession of a controlled substance.

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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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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua is approaching the final stages of its Water Quality and Resiliency Improvement Project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to strengthen the city’s water supply and enhance long-term reliability. The project includes the construction of a new wellfield, advanced treatment facility, and additional infrastructure aimed at ensuring residents have dependable access to clean water.

At the heart of the project is a new supply production well capable of producing one million gallons of water per day. The wellfield will also house Florida’s first-of-its-kind water treatment facility, an operating center, yard piping upgrades, electrical backup systems and other improvements designed to increase efficiency and resilience.

The initiative is a direct response to Alachua’s commitment to proactive infrastructure planning, supporting both current residents and future growth. Beyond expanding capacity, the project adds geographical redundancy, reducing the risk of service interruptions caused by natural disasters or unforeseen water quality issues.

“This project is a direct result of the forward-thinking mission and vision of the City Commission, and it will propel our community into a new season of redundancy and reliability for the City,” said City Manager Mike DaRoza. “Operating at this level of proactivity echoes our continued commitment to providing a top-quality level of service to our citizens.”

The need for such improvements became clear in 2017, when Hurricane Irma caused disruptions to the City’s potable water sources. The new wellfield will provide critical safeguards against similar challenges in the future, reinforcing the city's ability to withstand extreme weather events and other potential water supply threats.

The Water Quality and Resiliency Improvement Project is expected to be completed by mid- to late-2025, marking a significant milestone in Alachua’s long-term strategy for water security and sustainable growth.

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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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~ 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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