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GAINESVILLE — Michael P. Mauer, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Alachua County Post 2811 and employee of the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, has earned national recognition for his journalism.

Mauer received the Silver Award for Best Feature Article in the 2024 VFW National Publications Contest for his article titled “Alachua VFW Post 2811 Auxiliary President honors son with service.” The story was published in the May 30, 2024, edition of the Alachua County Today newspaper and placed second in the national competition after review by two professional journalists unaffiliated with the VFW.

This marks the second straight Silver Award for Alachua County Today and Mauer’s sixth national VFW writing award in the past decade. Over the years, his work has earned two Grand Awards, three Silver Awards, and one Bronze.

A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Mauer has written extensively about the VFW and military veterans for more than 30 years. His articles have appeared in local, regional, and statewide publications, reflecting his enduring commitment to telling veterans’ stories.

Mauer has been a life member of the VFW since 1995 and currently serves as Post 2811’s adjutant. His service to the organization has also been recognized with citations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives. In 2006, he was appointed a VFW National Aide-De-Camp.

A native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Mauer’s name is engraved on the community’s Veterans Memorial near the borough’s municipal building. He is a graduate of Bethel Park Senior High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Point Park University in 1984.

Mauer is also a graduate of the U.S. military’s Defense Information School and the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1991, he was awarded the U.S. Army’s top journalism honor, the Keith L. Ware Award, and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal from Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his work as a military reporter during Desert Storm.

In 2010, he was inducted into the Southwestern Pennsylvania Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mauer has worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2014 and lives in Gainesville with his wife of 39 years, Marsey. The couple has two daughters, Sarah and Rae.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-05 during its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, approving a series of regulatory changes aimed at managing the design and development of large-scale retail establishments, commonly referred to as “big box” stores.

The ordinance was approved on second reading and incorporates recommendations from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, which reviewed the proposed changes at its April 7 meeting. Community Development Director Stacey Hectus delivered a presentation to the commission outlining the purpose and scope of the ordinance.

Adoption of Ordinance 2025-05 amends the City’s Land Development Regulations and the Gateway Overlay Code. The revisions are designed to establish development standards that ensure large-scale retail projects align with Newberry’s rural character and community values.

“The amendments include input from the public, local planning agency and the Newberry City Commission,” said Hectus. “This ordinance will ensure large-scale retail establishments are compatible with Newberry's rural aesthetics and cultural value.”

Key components of the ordinance include detailed standards for building orientation, materials, parking design, landscaping and signage within the Gateway Overlay District. These standards are intended to provide clear guidance for developers and reinforce the city’s vision for its entry corridors.

Among the changes recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board and now adopted into the ordinance are new requirements for roadway buffer zones. The modified buffer depths are as follows:

• Zone 1: Increased from 15 feet to 25 feet
• Zone 2: Increased from 25 feet to 50 feet
• Zone 3: Increased from 50 feet to 100 feet
• Zone 4: Evaluated for the possible establishment of an additional zone

Further revisions to the Overlay District standards include:

• Installation of wider sidewalks along storefronts
• Application of Overlay standards to the entirety of the development site
• Maximum building height of 42 feet within the Overlay District
• Implementation of a cap to limit excessive parking
• Reduction of the size threshold defining a large-scale retail building from 80,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet

The changes reflect efforts by the City of Newberry to preserve its community identity while accommodating growth and commercial development. The ordinance was shaped by public input and represents a coordinated effort among city leaders, staff, and planning officials to ensure that new retail construction remains consistent with the city’s long-term vision.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission convened on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Chairperson Pro-Tempore Tony Mazon presiding in the absence of Mayor Tim Marden.

The Commission took a key step forward on a proposed residential development known as CountryWay II, unanimously approving an ordinance on first reading to amend the city’s Large-Scale Future Land Use Map.

The ordinance, presented by Community Development Director Stacey Hectus, seeks to change the land use designation for approximately 59.43 acres from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density, allowing up to four dwelling units per acre.

“This ordinance proposes a residential designation that will better align with the development plan for the property,” Hectus said during the presentation.

As part of the approval, commissioners also voted to authorize the transmittal of the ordinance to the Florida Department of Commerce for required state-level review.

The application was submitted by NV5 Global, Inc., acting as agent for property owners Charlie L. Futch and Juanita H. Futch. The request affects a portion of a larger, undivided 159.43-acre parcel located along Southwest 15^th Avenue, between State Road 45 and Southwest 234th Terrace.

The proposed development, CountryWay II, would be a residential-only project with no commercial components. If approved on second reading, it would allow the construction of up to 500 dwelling units over a projected 20-year build-out period.

“A companion rezoning application requesting a zoning district change from Agricultural (A) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) has been received by the City and will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission in the coming weeks,” Hectus added.

The ordinance must return for a second reading and final approval before the land use change becomes official.

Fireworks Update

In other business, the City Commission unanimously approved an update to the city’s fireworks ordinance during its regular meeting, tightening regulations on the sale and use of fireworks while allowing limited exceptions in accordance with Florida law.

Community Development Director Stacey Hectus presented the ordinance changes to the commission, outlining the types of pyrotechnic devices covered under Section 38-7 of the city’s Code of Ordinances. These include firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles, detonating canes, blank cartridges and other devices intended for pyrotechnic display.

As adopted, the revised ordinance generally prohibits the manufacture, sale, use, possession, display or discharge of fireworks within the city limits. However, exceptions are allowed for private use and the sale of consumer fireworks during designated state-authorized holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).

Retail sales of fireworks are restricted to a four-week period prior to each holiday and must cease within one week afterward. Vendors must obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the city before sales may begin. Applications for the permit must include an affidavit from the property owner authorizing the sale of fireworks on the parcel in question. Inspections from both the City’s Building and Fire Departments are also required.

The new rules limit permitted sales locations to non-residential parcels that are adjacent to either State Road 26 or U.S. Highway 27/41. All manufacturing and sales of fireworks are banned in residential zones.

Public fireworks displays are not permitted unless conducted or authorized by the City of Newberry. The number of allowable sales locations is capped at two per holiday citywide. Homeowners association (HOA) rules remain enforceable, and the city ordinance does not override any such restrictions. Fireworks used for agricultural pest control purposes are excluded from the ordinance.

The commission also amended Section 38-97 to adopt a rate and fee schedule for fire department services related to fireworks inspections and permitting.

The approved updates to Chapter 38 of the City Code are intended to clarify local enforcement, increase safety, and ensure alignment with Florida Statutes regarding consumer fireworks.

City Clerk Position

The Commission unanimously appointed Randa Paul as the city’s next clerk following the planned retirement of longtime City Clerk Judy Rice, who will step down this fall.

The decision follows direction from commissioners during a May 5 special meeting, where they instructed staff to update the position’s responsibilities. As part of the changes, the incoming City Clerk will also be responsible for maintaining the minutes of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a task not previously included in the role.

Minimum qualifications were established, and the Commission set a starting salary of $60,000 per year. The position was posted for internal applicants only on Monday, May 12, with a deadline of Monday, May 19.

Only one internal application was received, and Paul’s appointment was approved without opposition.

While Rice served in the role without a formal employment contract, commissioners requested that a written contract be drafted for Paul’s appointment. Mayor Tim Marden and City Manager Jordan Marlowe are scheduled to meet with Paul to negotiate the final terms of the agreement, including salary.

Once completed, the proposed contract will be brought back before the Commission for final approval. Officials anticipate it will appear on the agenda for the June 23 regular City Commission meeting.

Comments and Community Updates

At the June 9 meeting, former Mayor Jordan Marlowe officially began his new role as Newberry City Manager. In his comments to the Commission, Marlowe emphasized the urgent need to address critical safety issues at Champions Park. While he did not provide an extensive breakdown, he noted that immediate repairs—such as replacing safety nets and eliminating trip hazards—are necessary and estimated the cost to be “a couple of hundred dollars.” Marlowe added that a broader discussion on Champions Park would take place at the next City Commission meeting, where he plans to present related budget amendments.

Commissioner Donald Long made a motion to approve the immediate expenditure, which was seconded by Commissioner Mark Clark and passed unanimously.

Also, during the meeting, Commissioner Monty Mazon announced that a Summer Meals Program is now underway at Easton, where residents can sit down to enjoy a free meal. Additionally, the MLK Center has resumed its weekly food distribution service, offering meal kits for children that cover the entire week, including weekends. Distributions take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Mazon encouraged anyone seeking more information to contact Tasha at the Center at 352-722-3944.

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ALACHUA — The Alachua Newnansville Subcommittee, along with several community organizations, hosted a Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the City of Alachua’s Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.

The event featured performances, speakers, and local vendors, all focused on commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and honoring African American history and culture.

Local dignitaries and students from Santa Fe High School spoke about the significance of Juneteenth and its relevance to the community today. Musical performances were provided by the Shanks Kids and the St. Paul Singers, who delivered a series of uplifting songs to an appreciative audience.

Community organizations, including Elder Options, Faith in Florida, and Palms Medical Group, participated as vendors and shared information and resources aimed at supporting local residents.

To close the celebration, the Mebane Alumni prepared a buffet of Southern-style cuisine for all attendees.

Organizers say their goal each year is to grow the event and deepen public understanding of Juneteenth throughout the community and surrounding areas.

“Thank you to all who attended, and we look forward to seeing you next year,” organizers said.

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Leaders from Siemens, San Felasco Tech City, the City of Alachua and Chamber of Commerce gathered June 18, 2025, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Siemens' new 30,000-square-foot facility in Alachua / Photo special to Alachua County Today

Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Facility at San Felasco Tech City

ALACHUA ‒ Siemens officially opened the doors to its new 30,000-square-foot office and warehouse on June 18, 2025, marking a major step forward in its regional growth and adding to the expanding roster of companies at San Felasco Tech City.

The new facility enhances the company’s ability to serve clients and operate efficiently within North Central Florida while aligning with Siemens’ broader goals in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. The project was completed in just seven months, with construction starting in October 2024 and occupancy beginning in May.

Located within one of Florida’s fastest-growing tech corridors, Siemens joins a growing group of over 65 businesses at the San Felasco campus, which is recognized for its environmentally conscious design and emphasis on digital innovation. Tech city, situated in the city of Alachua in western Alachua County, offers a campus-style environment that supports collaboration among companies in technology, biotech, manufacturing, and green development.

“This launch represents more than a new building—it’s a signal of Siemens’ commitment to innovation, efficiency, and investing in the future of the Alachua community,” said Mitch Glaeser, co-developer of San Felasco Tech City and CEO of the Emory Group Companies.

The building features a combination of warehouse and administrative space, tailored to meet Siemens’ operational needs and foster connectivity with nearby partners and clients. The company is expected to utilize the site’s advanced infrastructure, including renewable energy systems and high-speed digital connectivity, to drive innovation in smart systems and sustainable solutions.

Developers and local officials have described Siemens’ expansion as a meaningful addition to the regional economy, bringing high-skilled jobs and reinforcing Alachua’s reputation as a destination for forward-thinking enterprise.

San Felasco Tech City has gained recognition beyond the state for its unique blend of eco-conscious planning and entrepreneurial support, making it an attractive location for global firms like Siemens. The campus continues to evolve as a mixed-use center that blends business development with walkable, green-friendly amenities.

The June 18 ribbon-cutting brought together city leaders, company representatives, and business partners to celebrate the milestone, highlighting Siemens’ role in helping shape the future of the region’s technology landscape.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ Alachua County’s volunteer ham radio operators will join more than 30,000 amateur radio enthusiasts across North America in a 24-hour communications challenge during the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day on June 28–29, 2025. The annual event, which simulates emergency communication conditions, will be held locally at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center at 1100 SE 27^th Street in Gainesville.

The North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC), in partnership with Alachua County Emergency Management, will lead the local effort. Last year, the group ranked in the top seven percent of one of the event’s most competitive national categories. This year, they're raising the bar with live satellite communications, multiple stations, and participation from tech-savvy students at Loften Magnet High School.

“This isn’t just a hobby — it’s hands-on training for real-world disaster response,” said Gordon Gibby, NFARC’s Public Information Officer (call sign KX4Z). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.”

Field Day is designed to demonstrate amateur radio's ability to operate under emergency conditions without reliance on conventional infrastructure. During last year’s event, NFARC operators made over 1,600 contacts with stations across the U.S. and several foreign countries, using only radios powered by solar, battery, and generator backup systems.

This year, the group is introducing live satellite contacts, with a robotic antenna — constructed from PVC pipes and aluminum arrows — tracking orbiting satellites and even the International Space Station. Visitors will have the chance to see the system in action and take part in demonstrations.

Public visitation hours will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the setup, speak with volunteer operators, and even get on the air with coaching to make their own radio contact.

“This is like a sci-fi movie come to life,” said Gibby. “No cell phones, no internet — just pure radio ingenuity.”

NFARC’s effort includes a high-speed data network linking field stations, a portable emergency tower, and coverage of voice, Morse code, and digital messaging technologies. One such method, known as “radio texting,” was developed by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

The group also trains year-round in radio, electronics, and robotics and logged 481 volunteer hours during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024 — efforts that may help the county qualify for up to $60,000 in federal reimbursement funding.

In advance of Field Day, the group is offering free online training in June to help Loften High School students and community members earn their FCC amateur radio licenses. Details and registration are available at https://www.nf4rc.club/june-online-ham-radio-course/.

Two other Alachua County-based teams will also participate: the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS), which will operate from Waldo, and a private team led by Morse code specialist Bob Lightner (call sign W4GJ).

At the Alachua County Commission’s June 10 regular meeting, commissioners are expected to formally recognize the contributions of local radio volunteers by proclaiming the week of Field Day as Amateur Radio Week.

With a potentially active hurricane season ahead, Gibby emphasized the importance of these exercises: “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure. We’re proud to work closely with Alachua County Emergency Management and support local shelters when needed.”

Field Day offers a real-time demonstration of amateur radio’s resilience and value — connecting people across distances when modern systems fail.

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