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NEWBERRY – A 40-year-old Newberry woman was arrested early Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, after deputies said she crashed her vehicle into a gas pump and was later found in possession of drug-related items, leading to multiple charges including DUI and contraband smuggling.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at about 2:48 a.m. to Circle K, located at 45 S.W. 250th Street, after receiving a report of a vehicle that had struck a gas pump. Deputies found the vehicle still running and the driver, later identified as Amanda Kay Edmonds, slumped over in the driver’s seat. Authorities estimated the crash caused approximately $1,000 in damage.

A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted after deputies reported seeing a syringe in the passenger’s hand. The search reportedly produced drug paraphernalia, including two cut straws and several Narcan injectors. A deputy noted Edmonds displayed signs of impairment and performed extremely poorly on field sobriety exercises. She was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. Edmonds reportedly agreed to provide a breath sample but refused to submit to a urine test, deputies said. The deputy also noted there were no alcoholic beverages in the vehicle and Edmonds did not smell of alcohol.

Authorities reported that the items found were associated with illegal narcotics. Deputies also referenced an earlier incident in which Edmonds was found slumped over inside a gold Dodge Ram truck and reportedly in possession of fentanyl. Officers stated that a clear plastic baggie containing a brown powdery substance was visible on the center console and later determined to be 1.8 grams of fentanyl.

Before being booked into jail, Edmonds was warned of additional charges if she brought undisclosed drugs into the detention facility. She denied having anything further, but surveillance video reportedly showed her discarding a clear baggie containing a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine. After being advised of her Miranda rights, Edmonds declined to speak with deputies.

Edmonds has been charged with smuggling contraband into a detention facility, maintaining a vehicle for the purpose of using drugs, driving under the influence with property damage, refusal to submit to a urine test and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show she has one felony conviction and seven misdemeanor convictions. She also has a Notice to Appear from Dixie County related to introducing contraband into a detention facility. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $72,000. The judge also ordered Edmonds to be fitted with a transdermal alcohol monitor prior to release and required a substance abuse treatment screening.

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The BBQ Contest Grand Champion award went to Ferley's BBQ & More (above) / Photoby JODI REBECCA SPURLIN special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – Pleasant winter weather and the smoky aroma of barbecue helped draw an estimated 13,000 visitors to downtown Newberry on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, as the city hosted its third annual Newberry Blues & BBQ Festival.

Organizers said attendance surpassed last year’s estimated crowd of 11,000, with festivalgoers filling North and South Seaboard Drive from midmorning through the afternoon for a day of live music, food, shopping and friendly competition.

The event, hosted by the Newberry Main Street organization, turned the heart of the historic district into a hub of activity from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors strolled through downtown as blues music played steadily in the background and barbecue teams tended smokers throughout the day.

At the center of the festival was a barbecue cookoff featuring both amateur backyard cooks and experienced professionals. Teams competed in two divisions, Backyard and Commercial, and prepared entries across four traditional categories: chicken, pork ribs, pork and beef brisket.

Judging began late in the morning, with chicken entries submitted at 11 a.m., followed by ribs at noon, pork at 1 p.m. and brisket at 2 p.m. By late afternoon, competitors and spectators gathered near the Main Stage for an awards ceremony recognizing top teams in each category, along with overall grand prizes. The BBQ Contest Grand Champion award went to Ferley's BBQ & More.

Competition rules required teams to cook using traditional methods over wood, charcoal or wood pellets. Organizers also enforced food safety standards, including USDA inspection requirements for meats and sanitation rules at each cook site. Downtown streets were lined with 20-by-20-foot team spaces, creating a patchwork of canopies, grills and smokers.

Beyond the barbecue competition, the festival offered attractions for a wide range of visitors. A car show once again lined downtown streets, drawing classic car enthusiasts and collectors. Organizers said about 100 vehicles participated the previous year, and trophies and prizes were awarded again in 2026.

Arts, craft and merchandise vendors also set up throughout the festival area, giving attendees opportunities to shop while enjoying the music and food.

By the end of the day, the combination of blues performances, competitive barbecue, polished chrome and strong community turnout reinforced this festival as a must-go-to event in Newberry.

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Youth basketball players gather with coaches and volunteers during a Valentine-themed game day Saturday at Legacy Park in Alachua. Children received stuffed animals and holiday treats as part of the celebration. Photo by RILEY APPLEBEE/Special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Youth basketball players at Alachua’s Legacy Park received an extra dose of Valentine’s Day cheer this past weekend, thanks to volunteers and coaches with 399 Sports & Recreation.
During Saturday’s games, children were surprised with stuffed animals and Valentine-themed treats, creating what city recreation department staff described as a memorable experience for families and players alike. With candy and plush gifts available for all participants, the gesture added a festive touch to the day’s youth basketball matchups and helped make the weekend games a special occasion for young athletes.
“A massive thank you to the incredible volunteers and coaches from our very own 399 Sports & Recreation program who brought smiles to our kids’ faces with stuffed animals and Valentines treats this past Saturday.

Organizers emphasized the role of community involvement in making the event possible, expressing appreciation for the volunteers, families and supporters who helped create a positive atmosphere throughout the day.

“With a variety of stuffed animals and candy for all, our youth basketball games were a huge success,” program leaders said. “We are so grateful for the volunteers, families, and everyone who came together to make this such a wonderful experience.”

Legacy Park serves as a central gathering place for recreation and youth sports in Alachua, and events like this continue to highlight the importance of volunteer-driven programs that bring families together while supporting local children on and off the court.

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L-R: Newberry Mayor Tim Marden, left, presents a plaque recognizing the City of Newberry’s seventh consecutive Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association to Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee, Assistant Director of Finance and Administration Amanda Hagan, and Human Resource Generalist Tracy Fair during the Feb. 9 City Commission meeting. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – Newberry’s next municipal election is scheduled for April 14, 2026, with three City Commission seats set to appear on the ballot, city officials announced during the Newberry City Commission meeting held Feb. 9, 2026.

The seats currently held by Commissioners Rick Coleman, Mark Clark and Monty Farnsworth will be up for election. The qualifying period for candidates begins Monday, Feb. 23 at noon and runs through Thursday, Feb. 26 at noon.

Those interested in running for office are asked to contact City Clerk Randa Paul at 352-472-2446 or by email at CityClerk@NewberryFL.gov to schedule an appointment and receive additional information.

Election preparations come as commissioners continue work on several major initiatives, including the long-planned Wastewater Treatment Plant project, which remains one of the city’s largest capital investments.

During the Feb. 9 meeting, commissioners unanimously voted to authorize the city manager to negotiate and execute a construction contract and other required documents, including change orders, for the wastewater treatment plant at a maximum cost of $75 million.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones told commissioners the expected duration for construction is about 30 months to reach substantial completion, with an additional six months anticipated for final completion.

Jones also outlined the city’s funding strategy, noting Newberry has secured nearly $40 million in grants or other funding and has continued to pursue additional opportunities. He said the city’s ability to pay for the plant depends on maintaining average growth of 3.75 percent, adding that Newberry has recently grown at a rate of 5 to 7 percent.

The city received two construction bids on Jan. 8 that came in higher than anticipated. Dugan & Meyers Industrial LLC submitted a bid of $79.4 million, while Webber LLC’s bid totaled $90.9 million.

“Staff and the engineer of record have worked with the apparent low bidder to reduce the project cost to approximately $70,800,000,” Jones said.

In other business Monday, commissioners held a legislative public hearing on a future land use amendment tied to a proposed townhome development, a decision that drew divided votes.

Commissioners approved Ordinance 2025-84, a small-scale amendment changing the future land use designation from Residential Low Density to Residential High Density on a 0.72-acre parcel at the intersection of Northwest Third Avenue and Northwest 251st Street. The project is referred to as Newberry Townhomes.

The ordinance passed on a 3-2 roll call vote following discussion. Commissioners Farnsworth and Coleman cast the dissenting votes.

After approving the land use change, commissioners held a quasi-judicial hearing on a related rezoning request. Ordinance 2025-85, changing the zoning district from single-family to multiple-family residential, was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Farnsworth voting against the measure.

Commissioners also revisited the city’s accessory dwelling unit regulations after staff was asked to compare Newberry’s standards with those of Alachua County. City staff reported that some residents had expressed concerns that Newberry’s stricter ADU rules could discourage annexation.

Proposed updates include increasing the maximum allowable ADU size from 1,000 square feet to 1,700 square feet, making technical revisions such as updates to state agency names, and allowing detached accessory dwelling units on properties of 10 acres or more to connect to the primary residence’s septic system.

The Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously Dec. 1, 2025, to recommend approval of the ordinance. The City Commission approved the changes unanimously at its Jan. 12 meeting, and the amendments received final approval on second reading at the Feb. 9 meeting.

Newberry is also continuing efforts to improve Southwest 30^th Avenue, a roadway project the commission first advanced in 2023. Jones said staff has been authorized to move forward with acquisition of rights-of-way needed for future improvements along the 2.6-mile segment between U.S. Highway 27/41 and Southwest 202^nd Street as funding becomes available.

Commissioners approved Resolution 2026-07, authorizing the city manager or his designee to execute documents necessary to facilitate right-of-way acquisition moving forward.

The meeting also included recognition of the city’s financial reporting. Newberry received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the seventh consecutive year for its audit ending Sept. 30, 2024. The award, presented by the Government Finance Officers Association, was given to Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee at the beginning of the Feb. 9 meeting by Mayor Tim Marden.

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       ARCHER – Roberta “Betty” Campbell Lopez, a trailblazing civic leader whose decades of service helped shape Archer’s community development, preservation efforts and local government, is being remembered for a lifetime devoted to her hometown.
     Lopez was 87 and died Feb. 11. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Queen of Peace Catholic Community, 10900 S.W. 24th Ave., Gainesville. Viewing will be held one hour prior to the service.
     A native of Archer, Lopez dedicated much of her life to strengthening the city through public service and grassroots community work. Known for her strength, compassion and tireless work ethic, she made history as the first African American woman elected to the Archer City Commission. She later served as vice mayor and, in 2010, became Archer’s first African American female mayor.
     Her leadership marked a significant milestone in the city’s civic history, reflecting a lifelong commitment to community engagement and representation.  Lopez believed deeply in service and civic responsibility. Alongside her husband, Francisco “Frank” Lopez, she helped register residents to vote, organized neighbors and co-founded the Northwest Archer Community Association. Through the association, she led beautification efforts, supported senior residents, created youth programs and worked to strengthen neighborhoods.
     One of Lopez’s most enduring legacies is the Archer Community Center, now a central gathering space for meetings, youth programs and cultural events. In 2003, she helped lead the effort to transform an abandoned 1936 high school gymnasium into a multipurpose community facility.
     Through years of advocacy and persistent fundraising, more than $900,000 was secured through grants, government partnerships and community support. The center officially opened in 2011 and remains a cornerstone of community life in Archer.
     Beyond elected office, Lopez remained deeply involved in volunteer leadership. She served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including the Alachua County Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization Citizen Advisory Committee, Keep Alachua County Beautiful, the Alachua County Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee, the Alachua County Indigent Healthcare Committee, Habitat for Humanity and the Archer Historical Society.
     She also served as president of the Bethlehem Methodist Episcopal Cemetery Organization through 2025, working to preserve and protect sacred ground that holds the history of generations of Archer families, including veterans and ancestors.
     Lopez’s dedication was shaped by defining experiences early in her life. As a young woman living in Washington, D.C., she attended the historic March on Washington in 1963 and witnessed the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech firsthand, a moment her family said helped guide her lifelong commitment to civic engagement.
     Professionally, Lopez held positions with Potomac Electric and Power Company, Eastern Airlines, United Way and Hillsborough County government, where she retired as a community affairs director.
     After returning to Archer in 2000 to care for her elderly mother, Lopez began volunteering extensively, ultimately stepping into leadership roles that left a lasting mark on the city.
Her service was recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Santa Fe College Woman of Distinction, receiving the Eleanor Roosevelt Award from the Alachua County Democratic Party and the City of Archer Recognition Award. She is also receiving an award from the Women’s League of Voters.
     Family members described Lopez as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend who showed love through action, welcoming people into her home with a meal and constantly asking how she could help.
     She is survived by her husband of more than six decades, Francisco “Frank” Lopez; her children, LTC Wendell F. Lopez (U.S. Army, Ret.) and Felicia Lopez-Walker; her son-in-law, Blair S. Walker; her grandchildren, Blair R. Walker and Bria Walker; and extended family members and community residents whose lives she touched.
     Lopez is remembered as a leader who believed in bringing people together to create lasting change, and her contributions to Archer’s civic life and community development will continue to shape the city she loved.   

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Cooper Campen, left, the 2026 Alachua County Spelling Bee champion, stands with second-place finisher Isabella Mendoza of the Frazer School after Campen secured a record-setting third consecutive county title. Campen will advance to the First Coast Regional Spelling Bee in Jacksonville on Feb. 27. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – Cooper Campen, a homeschooled student from Alachua County, has won the 2026 Alachua County Spelling Bee, becoming the first student in county history to claim the championship three consecutive years.

Campen earned the title after outlasting a field of top student spellers from across the county in an intense 38-round competition. He secured the historic “three-peat” by correctly spelling the final word, “calabash,” officials said.

Second-place honors went to Isabella Mendoza of the Frazer School after a lengthy final stretch that featured multiple high-pressure rounds between the two competitors.

The Alachua County Spelling Bee brings together leading student spellers from public, private and home-school programs throughout the county. Campen previously won the county championship in 2024 and 2025, making this year’s victory a record-setting achievement.

As the county champion, Campen will advance to the 82^nd Annual First Coast Regional Spelling Bee in Jacksonville on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Additional details are expected to be provided by WJXT Channel 4 Jacksonville.

The winner of the regional spelling bee will move on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, regarded as the nation’s premier spelling competition.

Campen has also recently gained national recognition in other academic arenas. In January 2026, he competed in the America 250 – The Great Debate National Civics & Debate Championship, placing fourth overall in the Middle School Division and earning first place in Middle School Impromptu Speaking. The event drew more than 600 students from Florida and 14 other states.

With his third straight county spelling title, Campen now adds another milestone to a growing list of academic accomplishments as he prepares to represent Alachua County at the regional level later this month.

The annual Alachua County Spelling Bee has long served as a showcase for student achievement across the county’s diverse school communities, highlighting academic excellence and dedication among young competitors.

Championship (January 2026), placing Fourth Overall in the Middle School Division and winning First Place in Middle School Impromptu Speaking against more than 600 students from Florida and 14 other states.

The Alachua County Spelling Bee brings together top student spellers from public, private and home-school programs throughout the county. Cooper previously won the county title in 2024 and 2025, making this year’s victory a record-setting achievement.

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