Local

NEWBERRY ‒ In recognition of National Community Planning Month, Newberry Community Development Director Stacey Hectus highlighted the city’s progress in planning, zoning, and development during the Oct. 13, 2025, City Commission meeting. As part of her presentation, Hectus introduced a new Planning Projects Dashboard, a public tool designed to make information about local development more accessible and transparent to residents.

The online dashboard allows citizens to look up zoning and land use, determine whether a property is within the Historic District, review approved and proposed projects, monitor upcoming city initiatives, read relevant ordinances, and even watch meetings. The tool is part of an ongoing effort by the Community Development Department to enhance civic engagement and streamline access to planning data.

The Dashboard can be accessed through the City’s website, clicking on the Departments heading and Community Development and follow the links to Current Projects Map. For those used to using a QR Code, scanning that will also take citizens to the same location.

The presentation followed a City Commission proclamation designating October as National Community Planning Month, recognizing the importance of coordinated planning and growth management in shaping Newberry’s future.

Hectus also presented the department’s Fiscal Year 2024–25 Annual Report, which encompasses the divisions of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. She focused her remarks on planning and zoning activities completed during the year, emphasizing the teamwork of staff, including Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez and GIS Analyst Nicki Bailey, who was hired in-house this year to support multiple departments.

Bailey’s work has improved the accuracy of zoning and land use maps and refined the city’s utility mapping for water, sewer, and electric infrastructure.

Among the department’s major accomplishments for FY 2024–25 were:

• Finalization of the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Creation of a new zoning category for Agricultural Technology to support development of the AgFoodTech Park.
• Economic development approvals for several local and regional projects, including Zeezeenia Sofra Small Scale Rural Event Center, Progressive Orthodontics, Hedges Eye Care, O2B Kids Child Care Center, Whittles Storage Expansion, Norfleet Industrial, Gatorback Motocross Park (special exception extension), Advance Auto Parts, and Wawa.

The department also reported the following activity:

• Fourteen parcels annexed into the City totaling approximately 185 acres.
• Eighteen future land use changes affecting roughly 473 acres.
• Twenty-one rezonings covering about 857 acres.
• Seven site and development plan approvals and three variances.
• Review of 10 subdivision projects, including Avalon Woods Phases 5A and 5B, Walker’s Ridge, and Morlynn near the Historic District.
• Four construction plan reviews, including Tanglewood, CountryWay South Phase 2, Highland Park Residential, and Avalon Woods Phase 5A.

Looking ahead to 2026, Hectus said the department anticipates another active year, including a comprehensive rewrite and reorganization of the Land Development Code permitted under Florida legislative SB180 (2025).

Hectus also discussed the impact of recent Florida legislative changes on local development.

• Under SB784 (2025) regarding plats, staff has created a process that maintains the intent of the law by having preliminary plats reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission, while final plats receive administrative approval from the City Manager.
• SB180 (2025), which restricts more stringent development requirements following the 2024 hurricanes, has delayed completion of the Comprehensive Plan’s Capital Improvements and Infrastructure elements. The department is working with the state to resolve the issue and plans public engagement sessions in early 2026 to prepare for future adjustments once restrictions are lifted.

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~ The following is a press release provided by the Hippodrome Theatre. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

From Sundance Grand Jury winners to Venice Film Festival's Golden Lion, the Hippodrome presents a curated selection of must-see films throughout November

 GAINESVILLE, FL - The Hippodrome Theatre announces its November film series, showcasing an exceptional lineup of award-winning films from major international festivals alongside beloved classics. The carefully curated program features eight distinctive films, including multiple festival winners and highly anticipated releases starring some of cinema's most celebrated actors.

 "This November, we're thrilled to bring audiences a remarkable collection of films that have captivated critics and festival goers around the world," said Naheed Mojadidi, Cinema Director at the Hippodrome Theatre. "From the sweeping romance of The History of Sound with Paul Mescal to Benny Safdie's powerful The Smashing Machine starring Dwayne Johnson, these films represent the very best of contemporary cinema. We're especially proud to present Jafar Panahi's Palme d'Or winner It Was Just an Accident and the Sundance double-award winner Twinless."

 The series opens November 1-2 with Victor Kossakovsky's contemplative documentary Architecton, which explores humanity's relationship with concrete and stone. The weekend also features the heartwarming The Paper Bag Plan, about a father helping his son achieve independence, and multiple screenings of The History of Sound, the decades-spanning romance starring Paul Mescal and Josh O'Connor, directed by Oliver Hermanus (Living).

 November's second weekend highlights include Twinless, which won both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at Sundance, and The Smashing Machine, Benny Safdie's biographical drama that earned the Golden Lion at Venice. Also screening is It Was Just an Accident, Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi's Palme d'Or-winning thriller that has been selected as France's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.

 The series continues with Rose Byrne's Berlin International Film Festival Silver Bear-winning performance in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and Cocktails and Classics presentation of Richard Linklater's romantic masterpiece Before Sunrise on November 15 in which a specialty cocktail is included with every ticket purchase. The month concludes with Blue Moon, reuniting Linklater with Ethan Hawke for a biographical drama about lyricist Lorenz Hart and composer Richard Rodgers.

 NOVEMBER FILM SCHEDULE:

 Architecton: November 1 - 2

 The Paper Bag Plan: November 1 - 6:30 PM

 The History of Sound: November 1 - 2

 Twinless: November 7 - 16

 The Smashing Machine: November 7 - 16

 It Was Just An Accident: November 8 - 29

 If I Had Legs I'd Kick You: November 14 - 29

 Cocktails and Classics

Before Sunrise : November 15 - 6:30 PM

 Blue Moon: November 21 - 30

 Complete screening times and ticket information are available at the Hippodrome Theatre box office (352) 375-4477 or www.thehipp.org/cinema

 The Hippodrome Theatre is located at 22 SE 2nd Place in downtown Gainesville.

 About the Hippodrome Theatre: The Hippodrome State Theatre is a historic landmark and cultural hub in downtown Gainesville, Florida, dedicated to enriching the community through exceptional live theatre productions and curated cinema programming. As a professional, not-for-profit organization, the Hippodrome presents year-round performances and film series that celebrate artistic excellence and diverse storytelling.

HAWTHORNE ‒ A Hawthorne couple face multiple felony drug charges following a series of arrests and recorded jail phone calls that allegedly linked them to a cocaine trafficking operation.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Shawanna Latisha Williams, 47, was first arrested on July 26, 2025, after deputies conducted a traffic stop for an expired tag. Although she denied consent to search her vehicle, a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, leading deputies to search the car. The search reportedly uncovered 3.25 grams of crack cocaine, a loaded revolver, and a marijuana pipe.

Williams was charged with possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, maintaining a drug vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released on $67,500 bail pending trial.

However, investigators later obtained recordings of Williams’ jail phone calls to Patrick Lendell Green, 49, in which the pair allegedly discussed the seized drugs. In one call, Green reportedly asked whether deputies had found “all of it,” to which Williams replied “No.” Green allegedly went on to comment that others were now “calling to buy some” and warned that they were likely being watched.

The following month, on Aug. 20, deputies conducted another traffic stop—this time involving Green, who was driving with a suspended license. When an officer activated lights and sirens, Green allegedly fled for nearly three-quarters of a mile before being boxed in by another patrol unit. Deputies reported finding 3.22 grams of marijuana in the vehicle.

Green was charged with fleeing and eluding, possession of marijuana under 20 grams, and driving with a suspended license. His bail was set at $5,000 by Judge Susan Miller-Jones.

The investigation escalated the next day when deputies obtained a search warrant for the couple’s home—a property owned by the Alachua County Housing Authority marked with a “Zero Drug Tolerance” sign. Inside, deputies reportedly discovered 48.2 grams of cocaine, 12.8 grams of marijuana, a pressed fentanyl pill, and a razor blade with cocaine residue. The evidence was allegedly found mixed among personal items belonging to both suspects.

While in custody, Green reportedly made another phone call, asking an unknown person, “What did they find… everything?”

Following the search, Green’s charges were upgraded to include trafficking in cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug dwelling, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Court records show Green has six prior felony convictions, six misdemeanors, and previously served a state prison sentence, from which he was released in 2016. Judge Jonathan Ramsey added $132,000 to Green’s previous bail amount.

A warrant for Williams’ arrest was issued on Aug. 28, and she was taken into custody on Oct. 6. She now faces additional counts of trafficking in cocaine, possession of a controlled substance, maintaining a drug dwelling, and possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. At the time of her arrest, she was on pre-trial release from the July incident.

Judge Ramsey set Williams’ bail at $210,000. Both defendants remain in custody pending further court proceedings.

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Flames light up the night sky north of Alachua on Friday as firefighters and forestry crews work to contain a five-acre brush fire near County Roads 241 and 236. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA — Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR), LaCrosse Fire Rescue, and the Florida Forest Service responded Friday night to a large brush fire in a rural area north of Alachua.

The fire was reported around 7:30 p.m. in the vicinity of County Road 241 and County Road 236. When crews arrived, they found approximately five acres of vegetation burning in a location that was difficult to reach.

Three bulldozers from the Florida Forest Service were deployed to assist firefighters in containing the blaze. With their help, the fire was brought under control in just under three hours.

Authorities said no injuries were reported and no structures were threatened during the incident.

ACFR officials are reminding residents to exercise caution when burning outdoors. Before conducting any outdoor burns, citizens are encouraged to visit the Florida Forest Service website to review the state’s regulations and safety guidelines.

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alachuatoday.com

Athletes and volunteers celebrate at Legacy Park in Alachua during the Northeast Regional Special Olympics, where teams from across the region competed in softball, flag football, deadlifting, and pickleball. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The spirit of inclusion and community came alive at Legacy Park this past weekend, as the City of Alachua hosted the Northeast Regional Special Olympics, drawing athletes, families, and supporters from across the region.

The event was a powerful display of teamwork, made possible through a partnership between the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department, the Alachua Police Department, High Springs Police Department, and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Department. Together, they delivered one of the most uplifting and well-attended Special Olympics gatherings in the area’s history.

Throughout the day, athletes competed in softball, flag football, deadlifting, and pickleball, each contest filled with determination, encouragement, and joy. Viewing areas were packed with cheering families and volunteers, creating an electric atmosphere that celebrated every participant’s courage and hard work. The event was not defined by medals or scores but by moments of perseverance and shared pride.

Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers and city staff worked tirelessly to coordinate logistics, manage events, and ensure that athletes and families felt welcomed and supported. Their dedication underscored the city’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and community-building through recreation.

Legacy Park, a centerpiece of Alachua’s recreational life, provided an ideal backdrop for the games, with its accessible facilities and open layout giving participants the space and visibility they deserved. For many families, the day represented more than competition—it was a celebration of human spirit and connection.

Organizers noted that the success of this year’s Northeast Regional Special Olympics has set a new benchmark for future events in Alachua. Dates for the 2026 and 2027 competitions will be announced in the coming months, with the community already expressing enthusiasm for continuing the tradition.

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alachuatoday.com

~ The following is a press release provided by the City of Gainesville. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) – While tens of thousands of Gator fans arrive in Gainesville to attend the slate of weekend events marking this year’s University of Florida Homecoming, dozens of city employees are working behind the scenes to keep the celebration safe, clean and moving.

“Homecoming unites our city and university in a celebration of pride and tradition,” said Gainesville Mayor Harvey L. Ward. “Every City of Gainesville employee who works this event—whether managing traffic, directing buses, patrolling streets or responding to emergencies—helps show what community partnership looks like in action.”

In this case, the action begins late Thursday and early Friday, as City of Gainesville Public Works crews start installing barricades, signage and message boards along 27 streets in advance of Gator Gallop and the UF Homecoming Parade. The parade route covers two of Gainesville’s busiest thoroughfares—University Avenue and 13th Street—making the closures at cross streets a substantial operation. To ensure safety as crowds begin to gather Friday morning, officers from the Gainesville Police Department (GPD) remain on location to direct traffic and provide security.

Also in the picture is Gainesville Fire Rescue (GFR), which works alongside UF Emergency Management and other partner agencies to monitor events and coordinate any necessary emergency response. For injuries or medical incidents, GFR keeps two of the city’s Mobile Response Units (MRUs) on standby. Each is staffed with an EMT and a paramedic and will be stationed near high-traffic areas during the parade, Gator Growl and Saturday’s matchup against Mississippi State.

“Homecoming is one of Gainesville’s great traditions, and it takes teamwork at every level,” said Gainesville Fire Chief Shawn Hillhouse. “Our first responders consider it a privilege to help create an environment where students, alumni and all Gator fans can celebrate safely, and we appreciate our partners across the community who make that possible.”

Along with supporting parade safety, Gainesville’s first responders are proud to appear in the lineup, as well. The GPD Honor Guard and Motorcycle Unit will roll at the front of the parade, joined by representatives from fellow Alachua County law enforcement agencies to demonstrate their collaborative commitment to community safety. GFR will appear with two of the department’s heavy vehicles—a tower truck and a hazmat truck—carrying the UF Dazzlers and Cheerleaders.

After the festivities are over, Gainesville’s Public Works Department reappears to immediately deploy the city’s sweepers, dump trucks and loaders to clear debris and reopen streets. Two teams of 20 staff members walk each side of the route, removing litter, trash and recycling containers, and the portable signs, barricades and other temporary traffic control devices. This is a large-scale effort and the cost is one indicator of the labor involved. In 2024, Public Works devoted more than $44,000 in staff hours, equipment and materials to supporting the parade, a cost repaid to the city by the parade organizer, Florida Blue Key.

As the calendar flips to Saturday, the entire process begins again as GPD, GFR and Public Works close the roads and provide security for Game Day. To assist with traffic and parking, the city’s Regional Transit System (RTS) supplies roundtrip GatorAider shuttle service for fans to travel to and from campus. Park-and-ride stops include the UF Health Professional Park at 3300 SW Williston Road; 3450 Hull Road; and Celebration Pointe. Tickets are required to ride. For more information, visit RTS GatorAider.

It’s no surprise the city organization is filled with Gator fans who celebrate alongside our university community. Memories will be made, friends will reunite, and the City of Gainesville is here for it. From the first barricade going up to the last fan stepping off an RTS shuttle after the big game, city departments will pull out all the stops to make sure every Gator fan has a safe, happy and (hopefully) triumphant Homecoming in the City of Gainesville.