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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce has announced that applications are now open for the 2025 SportsFest Community Funds, an annual program that supports youth-focused organizations and initiatives within the City of Alachua.

Each year, proceeds from the Chamber’s SportsFest event are dedicated to programs that encourage youth development through education, leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. For 2025, the Chamber plans to distribute more than $20,000 to eligible organizations and projects that help local young people grow in body, mind, and spirit.

The SportsFest Community Funds have become a cornerstone of the Chamber’s commitment to investing in the next generation. Through past awards, local non-profits and youth-oriented programs have been able to expand services, improve facilities, and develop opportunities that promote positive growth for children and teens throughout the community.

The Chamber is now inviting non-profit organizations, community groups, and other qualified entities serving youth in Alachua to apply for this year’s funding. To be considered, projects must have a direct impact on local youth and align with the Chamber’s mission of fostering leadership, education, teamwork, and overall personal development.

Applications will be accepted from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14, 2025, with a firm submission deadline of 5 p.m. on Nov. 14. Applications can be submitted online at www.alachuachamber.com.

Chamber officials noted that multiple awards may be issued based on the number and quality of applications received. Projects that demonstrate community collaboration—particularly those able to secure matching funds—will receive extra consideration during the review process.

The Chamber emphasized that the SportsFest Community Funds reflect a longstanding local tradition of uniting businesses, residents, and organizations around the shared goal of building stronger futures for young people. By supporting educational and recreational programs, the initiative encourages youth to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and a lifelong commitment to community service.

Community leaders and past participants have praised the program for its lasting impact on area schools, clubs, and civic organizations. The funding not only helps fill resource gaps but also inspires ongoing partnerships between the Chamber and local stakeholders.

Interested applicants are encouraged to review eligibility guidelines and prepare proposals early to ensure consideration before the deadline.

For additional information about the SportsFest Community Funds or the application process, visit the Chamber’s website or contact the Alachua Chamber of Commerce directly.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A Newberry man was arrested Sunday afternoon after deputies said he pointed a handgun at two teenagers during a road rage incident on Interstate 75.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call at the 388 mile marker of southbound I-75, about two miles south of the Northwest 39^th Avenue exit, shortly after noon on Sept. 7, 2025. A 17-year-old and an 18-year-old from High Springs told investigators that the driver of another vehicle brandished a firearm while traveling alongside them.

The sheriff’s office identified the suspect as 34-year-old Robert Charles Reno III of Newberry. Investigators determined that the incident began when the victims’ car, traveling in the left lane, slowed suddenly, forcing Reno to brake to avoid a collision. Reno then changed into the center lane, pulled alongside the victims’ vehicle, and allegedly pointed a handgun at them. Fearing they would be shot, the teens sped away.

Deputies located Reno and began questioning him. Initially, he denied having a firearm in his vehicle. He later admitted there was a shotgun but insisted there was no handgun. Eventually, he acknowledged a handgun was inside the car but claimed it was buried and inaccessible while driving.

Reno gave deputies consent to search the vehicle. The search uncovered a handgun magnetically mounted under the steering wheel. When pressed on how the teenagers could have seen the weapon, Reno reportedly demonstrated lifting the firearm with his arm raised toward the left side of the car — a motion consistent with the victims’ statements.

Reno told investigators he was angry because the teens’ sudden braking forced him to reduce his speed from approximately 75–80 mph to about 55–60 mph. He also complained that one of the passengers was leaning out of the car window. Reno admitted the victims never threatened him.

He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Court records show Reno has no prior criminal history.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones has ordered Reno held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office, which is seeking to keep him in custody until trial. If the motion is denied, the court will set bail at that time.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Downtown High Springs will once again come alive with color, creativity, and community connection as the seasonal High Springs Art Walk returns to the city’s historic downtown district on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, from noon to 5 p.m. The fall event will feature between 15 and 20 local artists and makers, each showcasing their talents along the sidewalks of the walkable downtown area.

The Art Walk series has become one of High Springs’ signature events, celebrating the city’s small-town charm and thriving arts culture. Visitors strolling through downtown will encounter booths filled with original artwork, crafts, and handmade goods, while also enjoying the variety of restaurants, cafés, and locally owned shops that contribute to the town’s welcoming atmosphere.

Event organizers describe the Art Walk as an open-air showcase for artists and artisans to both display and sell their creations. Each participating merchant will also offer special promotions or sales during the afternoon, encouraging attendees to explore the area and support local businesses.

Adding to the weekend’s artistic offerings, Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host a special two-week exhibition featuring the work of artist Shawn Dell Joyce. The gallery will present a casual pop-up art reception during the Art Walk, inviting visitors to browse the featured pieces while enjoying light appetizers. The exhibition will remain on display for two weeks following the event, allowing art enthusiasts additional opportunities to view and purchase Joyce’s work.

Meanwhile, the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club will participate in the festivities with a fundraising booth set up in front of Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies. The club will be selling its new custom cookbook, original watercolor artwork, and a selection of decorative rubber ink stamps to help support its ongoing community projects and programming.

Organizers encourage both residents and visitors to take advantage of the relaxed setting to meet artists, discover unique creations, and enjoy a day celebrating the town’s artistic and entrepreneurial spirit.

Artists or makers interested in participating in future Art Walk events are invited to send a photo of their work to downtownhighsprings@gmail.com for consideration.

For more information, customers or media representatives may contact Unique Notions at 352-318-5719 or Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies at 352-474-1049.

The High Springs Art Walk is a collaboration between local artists, businesses, and community organizations—an event that continues to highlight the city’s enduring reputation as a destination for creativity, craftsmanship, and friendly small-town hospitality.

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HAWTHORNE ‒ A 44-year-old Hawthorne man is facing felony charges after deputies say he stabbed a family member during a domestic altercation late Friday night.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were called to a home on the 22500 block of Southeast 75^th Avenue at approximately 9:34 p.m. on Sept. 12, 2025. When law enforcement arrived, they encountered Glenn Anton Gillins holding a kitchen knife in his left hand. Deputies also observed blood on the right side of his face, according to the incident report.

Investigators said the confrontation began as a verbal dispute before escalating into violence. The victim told deputies that Gillins armed himself with both a metallic broomstick and a kitchen knife during the argument. Gillins allegedly swung the broomstick at the victim but missed.

The victim said he attempted to disarm Gillins by grabbing the broomstick, at which point Gillins allegedly stabbed him in the right side of his torso near his ribs. A witness reportedly confirmed the victim’s account, reinforcing the details provided to deputies.

Emergency responders treated the victim at the scene for a stab wound. Officials did not immediately release additional information on the victim’s condition, but the injury was not described as life-threatening.

After being read his Miranda rights, Gillins reportedly declined to provide a statement to deputies. He was taken into custody without further incident and charged with domestic aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, a serious felony offense under Florida law.

Court records show that Gillins was previously convicted of a traffic-related misdemeanor. Two domestic battery charges filed against him in 2010 and 2013 were later dropped, as was a 2022 charge of cocaine possession.

Gillins made his first appearance before Judge Phillip Pena, who ordered him held without bail while the State Attorney’s Office files a motion to detain him until trial. If the motion is denied, the court will set bail at a subsequent hearing.

Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon is a second-degree felony in Florida, carrying penalties of up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation and a $10,000 fine.

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ALACHUA – A 61-year-old man was arrested Wednesday morning, Oct. 1, 2025, after allegedly fleeing from a traffic stop and attacking a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Trooper who attempted to take him into custody near the intersection of U.S. Highway 441 and Northwest 173^rd Street in Alachua.

According to FHP, the incident began just after 10 a.m. when the Trooper conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Elesvan Roblero Macario. When the Trooper approached, Macario reportedly exited his vehicle and fled on foot despite repeated verbal commands to stop. The Trooper pursued him on foot and was able to catch up a short distance away.

Authorities say that when the Trooper attempted to place Macario in handcuffs, the man began physically resisting by swinging his arms and cell phone toward the officer in an aggressive manner. The Trooper brought Macario to the ground, where the struggle continued as Macario allegedly kicked and struck the officer before being subdued. Once secured in handcuffs, Macario was placed under arrest and transported for booking.

Court records show that Macario told officials he works in construction and has been living in the Alachua area for about two years. He is originally from Mexico and listed his residence as a mailbox service address in Alachua.

Following the incident, Macario was charged with resisting an officer with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer — both felony offenses under Florida law. These charges carry potential prison sentences and fines if convicted.

Judge Jonathan Ramsey of the Eighth Judicial Circuit set Macario’s bail at $10,000, and court records indicate he has no prior criminal history in the state of Florida.

The FHP frequently conducts highway patrols through the Alachua area, particularly along U.S. Highway 441, a major north-south corridor where traffic stops are often performed for speeding, vehicle violations, or suspicious activity.

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MICANOPY ‒ Two Gainesville men were arrested late Saturday night, Oct. 4, 2025, after a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officer observed a pickup truck allegedly shining a bright light into wooded areas along County Road 325 in what authorities described as a potential act of night hunting.

The officer, who was patrolling in the Micanopy and Cross Creek area, reported spotting the truck around 10:47 p.m. using a high-powered white light “in a manner that would be capable of disclosing the presence of deer.” The vehicle, which was towing a trailer without functioning rear running lights, was subsequently stopped for a traffic violation.

During the stop, the driver was identified as David Brotherton Cunningham, 39, and the passenger as Nicholas Dean Kirkland, 44, both of Gainesville. When questioned, the men reportedly told the officer there were firearms inside the vehicle. Both were detained after being patted down for safety.

Following the arrival of an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy for backup, the officer conducted a search of the truck. Authorities said the search uncovered an AR-15 pistol, two AR-15-style rifles, and three 9mm handguns, along with loaded magazines, additional ammunition, and a spotlight believed to have been used in the night-hunting activity. Officers also reported finding a bag containing a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

According to the incident report, Kirkland admitted to operating the spotlight and allegedly “bragged” about how bright it was. After being advised of his Miranda rights, he reportedly confirmed he had used the light and knew firearms were in the vehicle. A search of Kirkland’s person allegedly turned up a small baggie of cocaine.

While Cunningham was being booked into the Alachua County Jail, detention staff reportedly found cocaine concealed in his wallet, resulting in an additional charge for introducing contraband into a detention facility.

Cunningham faces multiple charges, including night hunting, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and introducing contraband into a detention facility. Court records show that he has five prior misdemeanor convictions, one of which was classified as violent. Judge Craig DeThomasis set his bail at $4,000.

Kirkland was charged with night hunting and possession of a controlled substance. He has six prior misdemeanor convictions, including two violent offenses. Judge DeThomasis released him on his own recognizance pending further court proceedings.

FWC officials routinely conduct nighttime patrols during hunting season to deter illegal activities such as spotlighting wildlife, a practice commonly referred to as “shining.” The use of artificial lights to locate or take game animals at night is prohibited under Florida law and is considered a serious wildlife violation.

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