FDLE Investigators, Attorney Separated from Employment | State Condemns FDLE For Sworn Complaints Despite No Crimes

ALACHUA – Criminal allegations against three Santa Fe High School administrators have been formally dismissed, abruptly ending a high-profile case that unraveled after more than two years of disruption to school life at Santa Fe High.

On Jan. 9, 2026, the State Attorney for Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit filed a No Information in each case — for retired Principal Timothy Wright, former Assistant Principal David “Mac” Rendek, and Athletic Director and Title IX officer Michele Faulk — dismissing all charges before formal prosecution ever began.

The dismissals mark the collapse of a controversial case initiated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which had accused the trio of violating:

  • Fla. Stat. § 39.205(1) – Failure to Report Suspected Child Abuse (Third-Degree Felony)
  • Fla. Stat. § 827.03(2)(d) – Child Neglect Without Great Bodily Harm (Third-Degree Felony)

Despite the severity of the accusations, no charges were ever brought against baseball coach Travis Yeckring, the figure at the center of the original FDLE complaints. The State Attorney’s decision not to proceed underscores what is now plainly stated in writing: no criminal conduct occurred.

“FDLE’s investigation of this matter has failed to establish sufficient evidence to believe that the defendant violated Florida Statutes 39.205.”

“FDLE has not charged Mr. Yeckring with child abuse and has confirmed that there is no ongoing investigation of Mr. Yeckring that could lead to such charges.”

The State Attorney’s memorandum raised concerns about how FDLE came to investigate the matter stating, “This type of matter would normally fall within the purview of either the City of Alachua Police Department or the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. While FDLE has jurisdiction, when FDLE investigates conduct of this nature, it is normally because the local agency has requested FDLE’s intervention. Here, there was no such request.”

As first reported by Alachua County Today in July 2025, FDLE’s sworn complaints leaned heavily on secondhand accounts, inconsistent witness interviews, and allegations that evolved over time. Among the most serious accusations was that Yeckring had shown a student a “semi-nude” or “nude” photo of himself. FDLE seized Yeckring’s phone but never produced any image or direct evidence.

The State Attorney’s memo revealed that even FDLE itself conceded there was no crime to investigate:

“As the investigation neared completion, FDLE asked for an informal opinion as to the legal sufficiency of the charges that were ultimately submitted for prosecution. During that conversation, the agents explicitly stated that Mr. Yeckring had not committed any provable criminal act. There was no probable cause to believe that Mr. Yeckring committed an act of child abuse upon any person. The agents made it clear that no criminal case is forthcoming to this office against Mr. Yeckring for any charge.”

Despite that admission, FDLE still pursued felony charges against the school administrators. The State’s memo dismantled that approach:

“FDLE’s theory is that known conduct which is not illegal constitutes reasonable cause to suspect child abuse. The common definition of 'suspect' is rooted in the absence of evidence or proof, not in the combination of known, non-criminal facts.”

“Here, neither statutory law nor case law supports FDLE’s theory, and, therefore, the State of Florida cannot ethically advance it in court.”

The memo further noted that FDLE failed to do the very thing it accused the administrators of failing to do:

“As of the date of this writing, this office’s investigation has confirmed that FDLE has never reported the ‘cumulative suspected child abuse’ to DCF, nor has any parent of any child at issue here, nor has the Office of the State Attorney made any such report.”

“Given FDLE's explicit acknowledgment that no probable cause exists to charge Mr. Yeckring with an underlying act of child abuse, the State Attorney's office concludes that the essential element of ‘known or suspected child abuse’ necessary for the prosecution of the defendant(s)... is legally insufficient.”

The decision not to proceed came after more than six months of internal review, concluding with this sharp observation:

“Even when facts underpin the theory, there must be law or case law that supports the State of Florida charging a crime under that theory of guilt.”

Personnel Fallout Inside FDLE

The fizzling out of the case has not gone without consequence inside the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Alachua County Today has confirmed from sources speaking on condition of anonymity that all three FDLE personnel involved in the Santa Fe High School investigation are no longer employed by the agency.

FDLE investigators Barry Kays and Yolonda Carbia, who authored the sworn complaints and conducted the investigation and interviews, exited the agency following an internal review. That review looked into their conduct, leaking of information, and pressuring witnesses to alter their testimony.

FDLE attorney Taylor McQuaide, who reportedly signed off on search warrants and acted as regional counsel during the investigation, was also either terminated or asked to resign. No public record has been provided to clarify the circumstances of her departure.

FDLE has not issued any public statement acknowledging the separations or linking them to misconduct.

Meanwhile, Alachua County Today has confirmed that FDLE has not released its final findings, nor has it clarified the investigation’s scope. Despite public records requests pending for over a year, the agency’s Office of Open Government has yet to respond or produce any documents.

No apology has been issued to Faulk, Rendek, or Wright — each of whom was publicly named in sworn felony complaints, placed under intense scrutiny, and never afforded the opportunity to respond in court.

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FDLE Investigators, Attorney Separated from Employment

Updates appear chronologically below:

 

 Staff Report 1:54PM (Eastern)

ALACHUA – Criminal charges against three Santa Fe High School administrators have been formally dismissed, abruptly ending a high-profile case that unraveled after more than two years of disruption to school life at Santa Fe High.

On Jan. 9, 2026, the State Attorney for Florida’s Eighth Judicial Circuit filed a “No Information” in each case — for retired Principal Timothy Wright, former Assistant Principal David “Mac” Rendek, and Athletic Director and Title IX officer Michele Faulk — dismissing all charges before formal prosecution ever began.

The dismissals mark the collapse of a controversial prosecution initiated by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), which had accused the trio of violating:

  • Stat. § 39.205(1)
    Failure to Report Suspected Child Abuse – Third-Degree Felony
  • Stat. § 827.03(2)(d)
    Child Neglect Without Great Bodily Harm – Third-Degree Felony

Despite the severity of the accusations, no charges were ever brought against baseball coach Travis Yeckring, the figure at the center of the investigation. The State Attorney's decision not to proceed underscores deep flaws in the case — and raises broader questions about investigative integrity and institutional accountability.

As first reported by Alachua County Today in July 2025, FDLE’s sworn complaints leaned heavily on secondhand accounts, inconsistent witness interviews, and allegations that evolved over time.

Among the most serious accusations was that Yeckring had shown a student a “semi-nude” or “nude” photo of himself. FDLE confiscated Yeckring’s phone but never produced an image or any evidence of wrongdoing.

Alachua County Today has confirmed with sources speaking on condition of anonymity that at least three FDLE employees involved with the investigation are no longer employed by the agency.

This is a developing story, and Alachua County Today will continue to seek additional information.

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UPDATE 3:29 PM (EASTERN TIME)

BELOW IS A STATEMENT FROM THE STATE ATTORNEY

 

BRIAN S. KRAMER STATE ATTORNEY

EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA SERVING

ALACHUA, BAKER, BRADFORD, GILCHRIST, LEVY AND UNION COUNTIES

 

120 WEST UNIVERSITY AVENUE GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA 32601

clip_image004.png

TELEPHONE

(352) 374 – 3670

PLEASE REPLY TO:

 

MEMORANDUM TO FILE

Date:            January 7, 2026

Subject:       01-2025-CF-001853-A Defendant: Faulk, Michele Roberts

Re:              Case Closing Memorandum

Introduction

On June 19, 2025, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) submitted a sworn complaint alleging that the above-named defendant(s) violated Florida Statutes § 39.205 (Penalties relating to reporting of abuse, abandonment, or neglect) and § 827.03(2)(d) (Neglecting a child without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement).

  • Florida Statute 39.205: This statute makes it a felony of the third degree for a person who "knowingly and willfully fails to report to the central abuse hotline known or suspected child abuse, abandonment, or neglect, or who knowingly and willfully prevents another person from doing so."
  • Florida Statute 827.03(2)(d): This statute makes it a felony of the third degree for "[a] person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects a child without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the child."

In summary, these allegations stem from the conduct of Travis Yeckring, who was at the relevant time both a baseball coach and a teacher at Santa Fe High School. It is clear from the evidence that Mr. Yeckring’s conduct was inappropriate, reprehensible, and a likely violation of school policies. FDLE alleges probable cause exists to show that Mr. Yeckring engaged in conduct with students that raised a suspicion of child abuse, and that the defendant(s) violated the above-referenced statutes by failing to report these acts. The purpose of this memorandum is to evaluate the novel legal theory of guilt proposed by FDLE to support these allegations and to determine the proper disposition of this matter.

Role of the State Attorney's Office

 

During any law enforcement investigation, the State Attorney's office serves in an advisory role to the law enforcement agency. The State Attorney has no authority over the investigation until the law enforcement agency files a sworn criminal complaint or makes an arrest. In its advisory capacity, the State Attorney may perform certain legal functions on behalf of the agency, such as issuing a subpoena for documents or approving a search warrant for submission to the Court. At times, the agency may informally request opinions on the legal sufficiency of a particular charge or the probability of success at trial. While practices may differ, this office generally provides such informal opinions when asked.

Investigation Background and FDLE's Position

 

During this investigation, the investigating officers met and communicated with this office on several occasions. As the investigation neared completion, FDLE asked for an informal opinion as to the legal sufficiency of the charges that were ultimately submitted for prosecution. During that conversation, the agents explicitly stated that Mr. Yeckring had not committed any provable criminal act.

There was no probable cause to believe that Mr. Yeckring committed an act of child abuse upon any person. The agents made it clear that no criminal case is forthcoming to this office against Mr. Yeckring for any charge.

An Assistant State Attorney, after conducting extensive legal research and internal discussions, opined that it would be both legally and practically impossible to charge any of the named defendants with a criminal act unless there was sufficient evidence to show that the defendants knew Mr. Yeckring had committed an act of child abuse against a victim, and the defendant failed to report it. The agents requested that the States Attorney’s Office conduct further research, describing Mr. Yeckring's conduct as "unlawful," though they maintained there would be no charges against him. Essentially, the agents asked that the State Attorney’s Office conduct further research because Yeckring's conduct was reprehensible and they felt that there should be a way to charge the individuals (presumably school staff/administration) for failing to report that behavior to the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

Allegations of Misconduct

Understanding the opinion expressed by the Assistant State Attorney, FDLE submitted a sworn complaint against the defendant(s). The complaint alleges that Mr. Yeckring was the baseball coach at Santa Fe High School and the investigation, in its broadest terms, concerned allegations of inappropriate, and perhaps sexual, activity between Mr. Yeckring and several female students.

This type of matter would normally fall within the purview of either the City of Alachua Police Department or the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. While FDLE has jurisdiction, when FDLE investigates conduct of this nature, it is normally because the local agency has requested FDLE’s intervention. Here, there was no such request. Nonetheless, FDLE's investigation concluded that Mr. Yeckring committed the following acts (the State Attorney’s office accepts these allegations as true for the purpose of this memorandum):

The FDLE complaint alleges the following acts by Mr. Yeckring:

  • Communication: Communicated with female students on social media.
  • Awkwardness: Engaged in conversations with female students that resulted in the student feeling “awkward.”
  • Staring: Inappropriately stared at female students.
  • Relationships: Engaged female students in conversations regarding the status of their romantic relationships.
  • Inappropriate Photos: Showed female students pictures of:
    • His dog(s).
    • His dog(s) with him in the picture.
    • Himself without a shirt.
    • Himself shirtless with a towel covering his lower body.
  • Proximity: Stood too close to female students.
  • "Flirty" Messages: Sent a direct message to a female student over social media that was “flirty,” understood as demonstrating a romantic interest.
  • Flirty Message (Graduate): Sent a "flirty" direct message to a recent 18-year-old graduate of SFHS.
  • Compliments: Told a female student that she was beautiful, unique, and unlike other students.
  • Gifts: Purchased food for female students.

·       Interaction with One Student:

  • Consoled her over a fight with her boyfriend.
  • Told her that there were “real men” waiting in the world for her.
  • Stated to the student that he was available to
  • Grabbed her hands without permission to hold hands with her.
  • Attempted to hug the student but did not when the student indicated an unwillingness.
  • Inappropriate Comments: Commented on a female student’s underclothing.

·       Invitations:

  • Invited a female student to his residence to see his dog.
  • Invited and then cajoled a female student to accompany him off campus to a coffee shop across from SFHS, encouraging a student to violate a school rule.
  • Loitering: Would loiter in the dean’s office for no school-related reason to speak with female students assigned as office aides.
  • General Compliments: Complimented female students on their appearance and dress.
  • Tennis Offer: Offered to coach a female student in tennis (Mr. Yeckring does not play tennis) and asked to engage her in a private game; she declined.
  • Skirting Comment: Commented on the inappropriate length of a female student’s tennis skirt.
  • Unnecessary Escort: Unnecessarily and repeatedly accompanied a female student office aide while she delivered leave slips around the school.
  • Nickname: Was widely referred to by students as “Pedo Yeck,” presumably a shortened form of “Pedophile Yeckring.”

 

Legal Analysis

 Analysis of the "Suspected Child Abuse" Standard

This office agrees with FDLE that no act of child abuse, as defined by Florida law, was committed by Mr. Yeckring. This office contacted FDLE to clarify the basis for their finding of probable cause for the Florida Statutes 39.205 charge. The FDLE agents indicated that their concern was not tied to any single allegation but rather to the cumulative nature of all the incidents reported to the school administration. The agents know the exact dates, acts, and individuals involved in each alleged act of misconduct. In their view, the accumulation of these incidents should have led the administration to suspect potential child abuse and, therefore, mandated a report to DCF. FDLE acknowledged that none of the individual allegations, standing alone, would support a child abuse charge or trigger the reporting requirement.

"Child abuse" means any willful act or threatened act that results in any physical, mental, or sexual abuse, injury, or harm that causes or is likely to cause the child’s physical, mental, or emotional health to be significantly impaired.  Abuse of a child includes acts or omissions. FDLE has not charged Mr. Yeckring with child abuse and has confirmed that there is no ongoing investigation of Mr. Yeckring that could lead to such charges. Mr. Yeckring’s alleged conduct is clear and well known. His conduct with the students at issue in this matter was in all cases inappropriate, but, according to FDLE’s investigation, did not violate any Florida Statute. Under Florida Statutes 39.205, there must be either "known" or "suspected" child abuse or neglect to trigger the reporting requirement.

FDLE’s novel legal theory is that Mr. Yeckring’s pattern of conduct, or the totality of the circumstances, should have caused the defendant(s) to suspect child abuse and therefore required that the defendant(s) report this suspicion to the DCF, even when the underlying conduct was known not to constitute statutory child abuse. In evaluating this theory, the word "suspected" must be defined within this context. The dictionary defines "suspected" as "to imagine someone is guilty on slight evidence or without proof," or "to doubt the truth or likelihood of something." It implies an opinion or belief formed with little or no evidence, often based on guesswork.

In this context, it is useful to illustrate how the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) proposed use of “suspected” differs from typical scenarios. Consider a child arriving at school with an injury strongly indicative of inflicted trauma, such as a patterned bruise resulting from repeated strikes by a commonly used object for corporal punishment, like a belt or cord. When questioned about the injury, the child claims it was an accident that would not realistically cause such a pattern. In this case, school officials would be justified in suspecting child abuse due to the discrepancy between the nature of the injury and the explanation provided. The inconsistency raises serious concerns about the true cause and the individual responsible for inflicting the injury, and given that the injury was inflicted, the cause of the injury and person who caused the injury would also be suspicious. In this matter, there is no suspicion because the nature of the conduct, and the identity of the person perpetrating the conduct are both well established.

For the State of Florida to assert a new theory of guilt, that theory must be supported by the law and legal precedent. Legal research conducted by this office shows no criminal case law interpreting Florida Statutes 39.205 that addresses this specific theory. A review of the Florida Standard Jury Instruction does not shed light on this theory; the relevant element of that instruction is simply that "the defendant knew or suspected child abuse occurred." This instruction does not define "suspected" in this instance, nor does it address the theory that a pattern of non-criminal conduct could be the basis of suspected child abuse.

Civil case law does provide some limited enlightenment. In an assertion of immunity from civil liability, a physician need only have a "reasonable cause to suspect" child abuse to be immune from civil liability for mistakenly reporting child abuse and causing damages. It is therefore reasonable to assume that a court’s interpretation of "suspected" in the criminal statute would be akin to "reasonable cause to suspect" child abuse. Here, the conduct of Mr. Yeckring is well known and known not to be criminal. FDLE’s theory is that known conduct which is not illegal constitutes reasonable cause to suspect child abuse. The common definition of "suspect" is rooted in the absence of evidence or proof, not in the combination of known, non-criminal facts. Based on this office’s research, there is no legal support for this new and novel legal theory. A new theory of a defendant’s guilt must be arguable under current statutes and case law. Even when facts underpin the theory, there must be law or case law that supports the State of Florida charging a crime under that theory of guilt. Here, neither statutory law nor case law supports FDLE’s theory, and, therefore, the State of Florida cannot ethically advance it in court.

Mr. Yeckring’s behavior appears to be consistent with what law enforcement would describe as “grooming” behavior. “Grooming” is defined as a deliberate pattern of behavior used by an offender to establish an emotional connection, trust, and a position of power over a victim—typically a minor or vulnerable adult—with the goal of sexual abuse or exploitation. Here, FDLE appears to be attempting to punish the defendant(s) for failing to report this behavior to DCF. Unfortunately, the Florida Legislature has been asked to address and criminalize grooming behavior and had thus far declined to do so.  Knowing that the Florida Legislature has rejected efforts to establish this behavior as criminal further inures against FDLE’s new and novel theory of the defendant’s guilt. Further, a Court is not likely to adopt this theory as valid. The rule of lenity is a legal principle used in criminal law to interpret ambiguous criminal statutes in favor of the defendant. It holds that when a law is unclear or has multiple reasonable interpretations, the courts should choose the interpretation that is most favorable to the defendant, thereby ensuring fairness in the application of the law. The most favorable interpretation here is that known conduct by a known perpetrator cannot constitute “suspected” child abuse.

Practical and Evidentiary Problems

In addition to the legal insufficiency, several practical problems exist with these charges:

  1. Date of Offense: The affidavit of probable cause lists the date of the offense as November 1, 2022. There is nothing contained in that report, or any other report, that supports a factual allegation that on or about that specific date the accumulated "suspicion" relied upon by FDLE fomented to the point of constituting the moment the defendant was legally obligated to make this report. FDLE cannot point to any specific moment in time when this cumulative effect would have been sufficient to mandate such a report.
  2. Universal Duty to Report: The duty to report extends to all mandatory reporters, including law enforcement officers who are aware that no report has been As of the date of this writing, this office’s investigation has confirmed that FDLE has never reported the "cumulative suspected child abuse" to DCF, nor has any parent of any child at issue here, nor has the Office of the State Attorney made any such report. This confirms the consensus that Mr. Yeckring’s conduct, while inappropriate, reprehensible, and a violation of school policy, was not criminal.

Conclusion of Analysis

 Therefore, this Office has determined that FDLE’s investigation of this matter has failed to establish sufficient evidence to believe that the defendant violated Florida Statutes 39.205. This Office is legally prohibited from filing any criminal charge for which sufficient evidence does not exist.

The additional charge of Child Neglect is defined as: “A caregiver’s willful failure or omission to provide a child with the care, supervision, and services necessary to maintain the child’s physical and mental health, including, but not limited to, food, nutrition, clothing, shelter, supervision, medicine, and medical services that a prudent person would consider essential for the well-being of the child.” The statute continues: “Neglect of a child may be based on repeated conduct or on a single incident or omission that results in, or could reasonably be expected to result in, serious physical or mental injury, or a substantial risk of death, to a child.” The basis of the alleged allegation of Child Neglect here is that knowing that Mr. Yeckring had committed these acts (which were determined not to be child abuse), the defendant failed to protect the children from Mr. Yeckring’s future acts (which were also determined not to be child abuse). The legal analysis for the child neglect charge is inextricably intertwined with the failure to report analysis; therefore, it will not be restated in this memorandum. Accordingly, these allegations fail to meet the statutory requirement for Child Neglect.

Conclusion

The core legal issue in this case is whether the cumulative effect of Mr. Yeckring's inappropriate conduct, while not rising to the level of a single, provable criminal act of child abuse, was sufficient to trigger the mandatory reporting requirements under Florida law for the defendant(s). The relevant statutes criminalize the failure to report known or suspected child abuse, not merely general workplace misconduct or violations of school policy, however unprofessional or reprehensible. Here there is no known or suspected child abuse. Given FDLE's explicit acknowledgment that no probable cause exists to charge Mr. Yeckring with an underlying act of child abuse, the State Attorney's office concludes that the essential element of "known or suspected child abuse" necessary for the prosecution of the defendant(s) under FS 39.205 and FS 827.03(2)(d) is legally insufficient. Therefore, this office will not be moving forward with the prosecution of the named defendant(s) based on the current evidence and legal theory provided by FDLE, and the case will be closed.

 

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NEWBERRY – A 22-year-old Newberry man was arrested early Saturday and charged with attempted homicide after a woman was allegedly beaten inside a Newberry apartment, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded at 2:16 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, to the Vanguard Apartments, where a deputy reported hearing a faint cry for help while checking the area. Moments later, the victim ran from an apartment yelling for assistance before collapsing on the ground, the arrest report states.

The deputy reported that the woman was actively bleeding from her head, covered in blood and limping. She had extensive bruising and scratches and said she had been in and out of consciousness.

Inside the apartment, deputies reported finding Jayce Benjamin Timmons standing in the hallway with blood on his pants and shoes but no obvious injuries.

According to the report, the victim said Timmons punched her earlier in the night at a restaurant. She returned home without him, but he later followed her and entered the apartment using a key he had taken without her consent. The victim said Timmons took her car key and snapped it, preventing her from leaving.

The victim told deputies that after an argument, Timmons began striking her with his closed fist and kicking her. She reported that he said he did not care if she died and later told her he was going to kill her.

She said the assault stopped when a deputy rang the doorbell, at which point Timmons allegedly said, “Oh, look, they came to save you; now I’m going to go to prison.” The victim told deputies she believed Timmons intended to kill her and would have succeeded had law enforcement not arrived. She said she scratched him so he could be identified if he killed her.

After being advised of his Miranda rights, Timmons reportedly told deputies the victim was “acting crazy” when he arrived at the apartment. He said he did not know where the blood on his pants and shoes came from or how the victim and apartment became covered in blood. Deputies observed blood on Timmons’ hands and knuckles and scratches on his face and throat.

Timmons was charged with attempted homicide, committing a felony that could lead to death, hindering a victim’s communication with law enforcement, false imprisonment and misdemeanor property damage for breaking the car key.

His full criminal history was not immediately available, but records indicate he is on pretrial release for a hit-and-run crash in Hillsborough County and faces an Alachua County charge of driving without a valid license. A sworn complaint for domestic battery was filed against him in September 2025 but was later dropped.

Judge Julie Johnson ordered Timmons held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office seeking to keep him jailed without bail until trial. If the motion is denied, bail will be set at that hearing.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Members of the Alachua Lions Club joined forces with the Alachua Police Department to spread holiday cheer in the days leading up to Christmas, packing and delivering five large boxes of food to five local families in need. The effort, organized and shared by Lions Club member Gib Coerper on Dec. 21, 2025, included not only pantry staples but also a fresh holiday ham for each family.

Photos show Lions Club members working together inside the Lions Club building to prepare the donations, followed by deliveries made with the help of Alachua police officers, who assisted with transportation and outreach. The collaborative effort reflects a long-standing tradition of community service by the Lions Club and highlights the positive role of local law enforcement in supporting charitable initiatives.

“This was truly a team effort,” Coerper noted, thanking both the Lions Club volunteers and the Alachua Police Department for helping ensure the donations reached families in time for the holidays. The event underscored the spirit of giving and cooperation that defines the Alachua community during the Christmas season.

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CROSS CREEK – A late-night vehicle fire destroyed a large barn in rural Alachua County on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, but quick action by firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby structures or brush, according to Alachua County Fire Rescue.

Crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue, along with Cross Creek and Windsor fire departments, were dispatched at approximately 9:37 p.m. after reports that a vehicle parked inside a barn had caught fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found the vehicle fully involved, with flames already spreading to the wooden structure.

Firefighters established a water supply using a tanker and deployed two hose lines to attack the fire. Despite the intensity of the blaze, crews were able to bring the fire under control and prevent it from spreading beyond the barn to nearby vegetation or adjacent buildings.

According to fire officials, the property owner was able to safely remove all animals from the barn before emergency crews arrived. No injuries were reported.

Photos from the scene show heavy fire involvement inside the barn, with flames consuming vehicles and equipment stored within. Firefighters worked amid thick smoke and intense heat, both from outside the structure and from inside the barn, where the roof and support trusses were heavily damaged.

The Alachua County Fire Marshal was consulted regarding the cause of the fire. Officials indicated that no further investigation will be conducted.

Alachua County Fire Rescue Fire Chief Harold Theus credited the coordinated response and rapid establishment of a water supply for preventing a larger incident.

The incident remains under review for documentation purposes, but fire officials emphasized that the outcome could have been far worse had the fire spread beyond the barn or if animals had still been inside.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – Beginning Jan. 3, 2026, Alachua County residents will have a new option for reducing household waste as the county launches a year-long food waste collection pilot at its Rural Collection Centers.

The program, which will run through Dec. 31, 2026, allows residents to drop off food scraps for composting rather than sending them to the landfill. The initiative is a partnership between Alachua County and O-Town Compost and is funded through a Circular Economy Grant.

County officials say the pilot is designed to reduce landfill waste while creating a useful end product. Food waste collected through the program will be processed into compost that can be used by farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and other agricultural or land-use operations.

“Food waste makes up a significant portion of what ends up in landfills,” county officials noted in announcing the program. “By diverting that material into composting, the county can reduce environmental impacts while supporting local food and agricultural systems.”

The food waste drop-off will be available at all five of the county’s Rural Collection Centers:

  • Alachua/High Springs — 16929 NW U.S. Highway 441
  • Archer — 19401 SW Archer Road
  • Fairbanks — 9920 NE Waldo Road
  • North Central — 10714 N State Road 121
  • Phifer — 11700 SE Hawthorne Road

All Rural Collection Centers are open Monday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Alachua/High Springs location also offers additional hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The pilot program is limited to residential food waste and is intended as a test to evaluate participation levels, operational needs, and overall impact before any potential expansion. County officials will use data gathered during the year-long trial to determine whether the program should become permanent or be expanded to additional locations.

Residents seeking more information about the program can contact Patrick Irby with the Alachua County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery Department at 352-338-3233 or by email at pirby@alachuacounty.us.

Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations to participate in a county program, service, or public meeting may contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 at least two business days in advance. TTY users may call 711 through the Florida Relay Service.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Santa Claus arrived early for dozens of children across North Central Florida this holiday season, thanks to a regional gift drive organized by Palms Medical Group in partnership with child advocacy organizations serving foster families.

Palms Medical Group supplied Christmas gifts for 120 children within its service area, working alongside Guardian ad Litem in Levy and Gilchrist counties and Partnership for Strong Families. The effort focused on ensuring children involved in the foster care system experienced the joy of the holiday season.

In November, wish lists from the 120 children were distributed among Palms Medical Group employees. Team members across the organization selected and purchased gifts tailored to each child’s requests, transforming individual wish lists into personalized holiday surprises.

Once all items were collected and counted, Palms’ marketing department coordinated the delivery of the gifts to Guardian ad Litem and Partnership for Strong Families during the week of Dec. 1, ensuring the presents reached children in time for the holidays.

“Seeing the impact Palms gets to make for these children is truly an event I hold close to my heart,” said Ashley Chesney, a participating Palms team member from the High Springs office. “A personal impact for myself has been reflecting on my adopted brother, especially knowing his sibling is still in foster care and might not have the same experience during this season. Knowing our staff provides such joy for all these children really brings the Christmas magic to life.”

The holiday gift initiative is one of several community-focused efforts Palms Medical Group undertakes each year as part of its mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Beyond the Christmas season, the organization regularly supports holiday food giveaways, back-to-school book bag distributions and a wide range of local sponsorships aimed at addressing community needs.

“The organization possesses a posture of giving with an open hand,” said Kyler Burk, director of marketing for Palms Medical Group. “What never ceases to amaze me, though, is that our team members mimic that same posture to give in the same way. Our company values not only hang on the walls, they walk the halls, the city streets and the town squares.”

Palms officials said initiatives like the holiday gift drive underscore the organization’s belief that strong communities are built through consistent engagement, compassion and partnerships that extend well beyond clinical care.

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