WALDO ‒ Fire crews and state forestry officials worked together Saturday evening to contain a fast-moving brush fire near the Louise Hunt Club north of Waldo, while also rescuing a pair of teenagers whose vehicle became disabled in the area of the blaze.

According to Alachua County Fire Rescue, units were dispatched around 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 6 to County Road 1475 after reports of smoke. Responders arrived to find a light haze, and further investigation revealed a brush fire estimated at 1 to 2 acres that was spreading rapidly.

The Florida Forest Service responded to the scene with two bulldozers to help access the fire. As crews attempted to reach the flames, the Combined Communications Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting that teenagers were stranded in a vehicle inside the fire zone.

The teens’ parents soon arrived at the command post and provided GPS coordinates. A search and rescue operation was launched using a brush truck equipped with a search and rescue technician. Crews successfully located the teenagers and escorted them away from danger.

Meanwhile, forestry bulldozers and fire units continued working to suppress the blaze. The fire was eventually brought under control and measured about 5.5 acres, authorities said.

The Louise Hunting Club, founded in 1972, is a dog running hunting club located in the area where the fire broke out.

The incident underscores the risks faced during wildfire season in North Central Florida, where dry brush and windy conditions can quickly escalate small fires into larger hazards. Officials said the coordinated response between county fire rescue and state forestry crews was instrumental in both extinguishing the blaze and ensuring the safety of those trapped nearby.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – A man and woman with prior felony records were arrested in Alachua County on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, after deputies located a stolen vehicle out of Lake County east of Newnan’s Lake.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ASO), the Lake County Sheriff’s Office alerted local deputies about a stolen red Ford Bronco that was pinging in the area. An ASO deputy responded and located the vehicle outside a residence. The homeowner told deputies that a friend, identified as 25-year-old Dominic J. DeGrego, had arrived earlier in the day with 24-year-old Hannah Elizabeth Hofmann.

Deputies detained both individuals, and after being read their rights, the two gave conflicting accounts. DeGrego reportedly denied knowing why the vehicle was there, claiming a friend had dropped it off. Hofmann, however, admitted that she and DeGrego had stolen the Bronco while under the influence of methamphetamine. She told deputies she had driven him to the vehicle, followed in another car until it overheated, then switched into the Bronco and traveled with him to the home where deputies later recovered it.

Both were arrested and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle on behalf of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. On the way to jail, DeGrego allegedly acknowledged to deputies that he had made a mistake and regretted lying about the Bronco.

Court records show DeGrego has an extensive criminal history, including three state prison terms out of Lake, Volusia and Orange counties, with his most recent release in May 2025. Hofmann also has a history of car theft, having served one state prison sentence out of Marion County for six charges across three cases, including three counts of grand theft of a vehicle. She was released in February 2025.

Following Saturday’s arrests, Judge Sheree Lancaster set bail at $75,000 for DeGrego and $50,000 for Hofmann. Both remain in custody pending further proceedings.

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

GAINESVILLE, FL (Oct. 10, 2025) -- The Department of Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology at Santa Fe College (SF) will present a concert called “Reflections” by the vocal ensemble “Voices of Santa Fe” Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyceum (E auditorium) located on the Northwest campus.

"Reflections” is a positive look at events that happen in our everyday lives — themes of joy, hope and happiness run through the songs — and how we can look at even ‘not-so-happy events with different eyes.

This free concert will feature an instrumental pop ensemble directed by Assistant Professor of Music Ed White. “Voices of Santa Fe” is a brand-new ensemble made up of students from SF musical theater, classical music and theater department classes who are available to perform for events at the College, the Gainesville community, or for anyone needing solos or ensembles.  Find more information about the concert, go to this link.

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

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman recently received the Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA, the International City/County Management Association. Ms. Lieberman is one of over 1,300 local government management professionals currently credentialed through the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program.

 ICMA’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics, and by enhancing the proficiency of appointed chief administrative officers, assistant administrators, and other employees who serve local governments and regional entities worldwide. The organization’s 13,000 members, spread across 27 countries, also include educators, students, and other local government employees.

 To receive the prestigious ICMA credential, a member must have significant experience as a senior management executive in local government; have earned a degree, preferably in public administration or a related field; and demonstrate a commitment to high standards of integrity and to lifelong learning and professional development.

 "On behalf of the Alachua County Commission, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Michele Lieberman for earning the prestigious Credentialed Manager designation from ICMA,” said Alachua County Commission Chair Charles Chestnut. “This achievement reflects her dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in public service. We are fortunate to have such a capable and respected manager leading our community forward."

 Ms. Lieberman is qualified by over 24 years of professional experience in local government. Prior to her appointment in 2017 as County Manager of Alachua County, she served as Alachua County's attorney.

 Highlights of Lieberman’s ICMA membership include serving as the Co-Vice Chair of the “She Leads Government Committee” and as a member of the “Global Engagement Committee.”

 She has also made significant contributions to several other organizations, including serving on the “Ethics Committee” and the “Fiscal & Administrative Policy Committee” of the Florida City and County Managers Association (FCCMA). Her involvement with the National Association of Counties (NACo) has included serving as the Vice Chair of the “Agriculture and Food Safety Subcommittee of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Steering Committee ”, and as a member of the “International Economic Development Innovation Council” and the “Rural Action Caucus”. She is also the immediate past president of the “Women of NACo” and a board member and past president of the Florida Association of County Managers.

 For more information regarding the ICMA Voluntary Credentialing Program, contact Jenese Jackson at ICMA, 777 North Capitol Street, N.E., #500, Washington, D.C. 20002-4201; jjackson@icma.org; 202-962-3556.

 About ICMA

 ICMA, the International City/County Management Association, advances professional local government worldwide. The organization’s mission is to advance professional local government through leadership, management, innovation, and ethics.

 ICMA identifies leading practices to address the needs of local governments and professionals serving communities globally. We provide services, research, publications, data and information, peer and results-oriented assistance, and training and professional development to thousands of city, town, and county leaders and other individuals and organizations throughout the world. The management decisions made by ICMA's members affect millions of people living in thousands of communities, ranging in size from small towns to large metropolitan areas.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A lighthearted approach is helping spread a serious message about pedestrian safety as High Springs prepares to take part in International Walk to School Day. Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Hope and High Springs Community School Principal Jenni Roberson teamed up to create a pun-filled video promoting the annual event and reminding students of safe walking habits.

The event will officially kick off at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at High Springs Community School, with additional celebrations scheduled at other local schools throughout the week. Organized by Safe Kids North Central Florida, in partnership with the High Springs Fire Department and other community partners, the campaign is designed to encourage students to walk safely while building healthy habits.

The video blends humor with safety lessons, offering students and families memorable tips:

  • Always use crosswalks and look left, right and left again before crossing.
  • Walk on sidewalks whenever possible, and if none are available, walk facing traffic.
  • “Walk like you own the sidewalk” and “follow the rules like your mom is watching.”

Delivered with a series of puns and jokes, the presentation highlights how safety doesn’t have to be boring. For example, students are asked why a child might bring a flashlight to school — the answer: “because he wanted to be bright in class.” Another playful reminder tells kids to be “toe-tally prepared” and warns of a “roam-a-saurus” when a dinosaur walks to school.

While High Springs will launch the week, other Alachua County schools are also joining the effort:

  • Oct. 7 (afternoon): Littlewood Elementary
  • Oct. 8 (morning): Stephen Foster Elementary
  • Oct. 8 (afternoon): Rawlings Elementary
  • Oct. 10 (morning): Norton Elementary

Each celebration reinforces the importance of pedestrian safety, encouraging children and families to practice safe walking habits near schools and in their neighborhoods.

International Walk to School Day is observed worldwide each October, promoting health, safety and community. The initiative encourages students to walk or bike to school, reducing traffic congestion while teaching practical pedestrian skills.

High Springs Fire Department’s involvement reflects its ongoing commitment to community education and child safety as a proud coalition member of Safe Kids North Central Florida.

The full video featuring Hope and Roberson can be viewed at: youtube/Hr6loDf0fZw.

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

Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) is combining Halloween fun with pet adoptions at its upcoming “ACAR After Dark” event. The after-hours, Halloween-themed celebration will take place Saturday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the county shelter (3400 NE 53rd Ave., Gainesville).

 All adoption fees will be waived during the event, giving potential adopters the perfect opportunity to find their new companion.

 Even if you’re not looking to adopt, the shelter invites the community to join in the fun with trunk-or-treating, face painting, local vendors offering gifts for pets and humans, and an evening full of Halloween festivities.

 “This event is a great way for families to enjoy a fun night out while supporting local animals in need,” said ACAR Outreach Programs Supervisor Sarah Gilley. “We hope everyone will come out to celebrate with us.”

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The spirit of the 1950s came alive in downtown Newberry as the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) hosted its Third Annual Fabulous 50’s Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY ‒ The spirit of the 1950s came alive in downtown Newberry as the Newberry Main Street Organization (NMSO) hosted its Third Annual Fabulous 50’s Festival on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025. The event drew thousands to the city’s historic center at 25320 W. Newberry Road, celebrating an era known for its music, cars and community spirit.

NMSO President Chris Mack described the event as “a tribute to the 50s and a time when things just seemed easier.” That nostalgic theme carried throughout the free, family-friendly festival, where attendees were encouraged to don vintage attire and join in a lively costume contest.

This year’s festival was a collaborative effort between NMSO and Gainesville Street Rods, which helped raise money for charity. Nearly $2,000 was collected to support Homes 4 Heroes, while a clothing drive gathered donations for St. Francis House. Organizers said both causes benefitted significantly from the enthusiastic response of festivalgoers.

Entertainment was central to the event, with music from the 1950s and 1960s filling the streets courtesy of Newberry’s Twisted H Productions. A live DJ kept energy high throughout the day, while food trucks and local vendors offered refreshments and merchandise. The highlight for many was the classic car show, billed as “awesome” by organizers, which drew car enthusiasts eager to showcase vintage rides.

While the Fabulous 50’s Festival is one of NMSO’s smaller events, organizers said they were encouraged by the turnout. An estimated 3,000 visitors attended, enjoying not only the festival itself but also the restaurants and shops in historic downtown Newberry.

Mack said the strong community response reaffirmed the festival’s growing role in highlighting downtown as a hub for both residents and visitors. The event not only showcased local businesses but also fostered a sense of pride in Newberry’s historic core.

With live music, classic cars, nostalgic costumes and charitable giving, the Fabulous 50’s Festival once again blended entertainment with community spirit—leaving organizers optimistic about the festival’s future as a fixture on Newberry’s event calendar.

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