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ALACHUA ‒ The tradition continues! Despite Valentine’s Day falling on the previous Friday, the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department and 399 Sports and Recreation kept the spirit alive with their Annual Valentine’s Youth Basketball Games this past Saturday at the Legacy Multipurpose Center.

The event brought together young basketball players, ages 4 through 8, for a day of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition. Each participant received a special Valentine’s treat, and one lucky player went home with a Valentine’s stuffed animal, adding an extra touch of excitement to the celebration.

Winter Basketball Tournament Nears Its Finale

The Winter Basketball Tournament is set to wrap up this Saturday, marking the end of another successful season. But sports enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for the next opportunity to hit the courts—registration for the 2025 Spring Volleyball Season is now open.

Parents can register their children online through the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department – Youth Activities page. Player evaluations are scheduled for Feb. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Legacy Multipurpose Center, with a registration deadline of Feb. 24.

In addition to volleyball, registration is also available for other spring sports, including:

• Santa Fe Babe Ruth Spring 2025 Baseball & Softball
• Santa Fe Soccer Alliance
• Alachua Raider Flag Football

Families looking to get involved in these programs are encouraged to sign up soon before spots fill up.

Valentine’s festivities weren’t limited to the basketball courts. The Thursday before Valentine’s Day, the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department partnered with Crafty Gemini for a special field trip experience. Local seniors took a trip to the Lake City Ole Country Buffet, where over 60 attendees enjoyed a day of good food and even better company, making lasting memories along the way.

For more information on upcoming sports programs and community events, contact the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department at 386-454-1450 or via email at recreation@cityofalachua.org.

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HIGH SPRINGS –At its Feb. 13, 2025, meeting, the High Springs City Commission voted on several key issues, including proclaiming February as Black History Month, renaming a local park, placing five charter amendments on the November 2025 ballot, and discussing proposed rental fee increases for city-owned spaces.

Commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month, honoring the contributions of Black Americans to the community and the nation.

The Commission also approved a mutual aid agreement between the High Springs Police Department and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. This agreement allows for operational assistance and voluntary cooperation between the two agencies.

Following a brief presentation, commissioners voted to rename “Pop-Up Shade Park” to “Ms. Tammy’s Shade Park” in honor of Tammy Webster Fleming. Fleming served as a teacher at the former High Springs Child Care Center for 42 years, teaching children manners, respect, and academics.

City Attorney Scott Walker introduced Ordinance 2025-02, which will place five proposed charter amendments on the Nov. 4, 2025, ballot. The amendments address the following issues:

1. Updating Commission Seat Information – Removes the names of former commissioners and designates the end dates of current terms.
2. Commission Salaries – Allows commissioner salaries to continue at the same rate if no formal action is taken.
3. Mayor’s Term Limits – Limits the mayor’s term to one year and prevents consecutive terms unless approved by a majority of the commission (changed from a supermajority).
4. Special Meeting Notice Requirements – Requires at least three days’ notice for special meetings and clarifies the definition of special and emergency meetings.
5. City Manager and City Clerk Roles – Prevents a single person from holding both positions simultaneously.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz made a motion to approve the ordinance with one modification: changing “supermajority” to “majority” in Question 3. Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth, Jr. seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Ashley Mauldin, of the High Springs Parks & Recreation Department, presented a proposal to increase rental fees for recreation and park facilities. Mauldin noted that rates have not been raised since 2018, and current rental revenue does not cover maintenance costs. Annual maintenance costs are $25,493 with current rental revenue at $14,616. Projected revenue with proposed increased rates will be $21,924

City Manager Jeremy Marshall said rental rates will not increase until after renovations are completed on two indoor spaces. He also noted that the city can only raise rates incrementally to balance affordability with cost recovery.

In addition to public rentals, Mauldin highlighted that seven city-owned spaces are leased to local organizations for $10 per year, including High Springs Museum, Robotics Team (Poe Springs Room), Douglas Historical School Society, Inc., St. Madeleine Community Outreach, Boy Scouts, Garden Club and Chamber of Commerce

Marshall emphasized that these low-cost leases are a financial burden, stating, “This is what’s draining us.”

Mayor Tristan Grunder supported raising rental rates for the Civic Center and Douglass Center, and commissioners agreed to move forward with a resolution to adjust the fees.

The next step in the budget process will be a formal resolution to finalize rental fee adjustments.

The High Springs City Commission will continue discussions on rental rates and budget adjustments at a future meeting.

Commissioners also approved an amended budget reflecting American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds usage, the sale of a heavy rescue fire truck and acquisition of additional trucks.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted 3-2 on Feb. 13, 2025, to deny a request to establish a Community Development District (CDD) for the proposed Bridlewood development, a 688-acre planned community.

Mayor Tristan Grunder introduced Ordinance 2024-01, which outlined the request for a CDD. The item had previously been tabled at the developer’s request during an earlier commission meeting.

Representing the project, EDA Engineering Vice President Chris Potts described Bridlewood as a mixed-use development featuring 60 acres of open space and up to 2,000 residential units, including both single-family and multi-family homes. Additionally, plans call for up to 200 senior living units and municipal utility services.

Despite the commission’s decision, Potts confirmed that Bridlewood will move forward regardless of whether a CDD is approved.

“A CDD can result in 10 to 15 percent savings on home construction costs because the developer can use tax-exempt bond financing,” Potts said. He added that these savings would be passed to builders, potentially lowering home prices for buyers.

Bridlewood attorney Alyssa Willson addressed concerns raised by commissioners, explaining that CDD fees would be disclosed prominently in closing documents and early in the sales process. The development is planned to include homes at various price points to accommodate a range of income levels.

A Community Development District is an independent special-purpose government entity that finances and maintains community infrastructure. Thousands of CDDs exist across Florida, and while they can levy assessments, they do not exercise general government powers.

In addition to CDD maintenance fees, Bridlewood homeowners would also be required to pay Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. CDD fees would be adjusted annually by the CDD’s governing board based on actual expenses.

Potts noted that local builders would be used for construction, though they would have the freedom to hire subcontractors.

During public comment, Rebecca Burns, a real estate broker, voiced opposition to CDDs, citing her experience with buyers in St. Augustine who actively avoid them.

Resident Brian Bewsher questioned whether any cost savings would actually benefit homebuyers.

Commissioner Chad Howell acknowledged concerns over CDD costs but noted that a CDD could provide financial protection for the City, comparing it to an insurance policy.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz made a motion to deny the Bridlewood CDD petition, with Commissioner Andrew Miller seconding. The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Weitz, Miller, and Wayne Bloodsworth, Jr. voting in favor of denial. Commissioner Howell and Mayor Grunder dissented.

With the request denied, Bridlewood’s developers will proceed without the financing structure a CDD would have provided.

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OCALA – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the groundbreaking of a major expansion of Interstate 75, marking the start of construction on over 31 miles of new auxiliary lanes between State Road 44 in Wildwood and State Road 326 in Ocala. The project, part of the Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, is fully funded and launching 10 to 15 years ahead of schedule in an effort to alleviate growing traffic congestion in the region.

“We launched Moving Florida Forward in 2023 to accelerate road projects with an emphasis on alleviating traffic,” DeSantis said. “We are accelerating this I-75 project near Ocala because residents and visitors alike need relief from the congestion. This project was not slated to begin for another 10-15 years, but thanks to our program, construction is now underway.”

With an estimated 114,000 vehicles traveling this corridor daily, the expansion aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance mobility for both local commuters and travelers. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., emphasized the project's economic benefits, estimating a $2.3 billion impact on the region.

“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, congestion relief along I-75 will be delivered 10-15 years ahead of schedule,” Perdue said.

The Moving Florida Forward Infrastructure Initiative, launched in 2023, is a $4 billion effort aimed at fast-tracking transportation projects statewide. FDOT identified high-priority road projects that were previously approved but lacked the necessary funding to begin construction. The initiative, funded through the state’s General Revenue Surplus, is designed to relieve traffic congestion, improve roadway safety, and enhance Florida’s supply chain infrastructure.

At least 20 major interstate and roadway projects have been expedited under Moving Florida Forward, including:

• I-4 Expansion in Polk and Osceola Counties – Addition of express lanes to reduce congestion and streamline travel into Orlando.
• I-275 Expansion in Pinellas County – New regular and express lanes projected to cut travel delays by 85%, improving a key hurricane evacuation route.
• Golden Glades Interchange Redesign in Miami-Dade County – Improved connectivity between I-95 and major road corridors in the region.
• Fruitville Interchange Reconstruction in Sarasota County – Conversion to a Diverging Diamond Interchange, increasing capacity by 40,000 vehicles and reducing conflict points.
• S. 98 Widening in Bay County – A project aimed at enhancing access to local businesses and increasing capacity in Panama City Beach.
• S. 301 Realignment in Sumter County – A redesign projected to reduce peak-hour delays by up to 94%, improving access to Florida’s Turnpike.

The I-75 expansion in Ocala is one of many efforts underway to modernize Florida’s transportation network and accommodate rapid population growth and increased tourism. By fast-tracking these projects, Florida aims to reduce traffic bottlenecks, support economic development, and ensure safer, more efficient roadways for years to come.

With construction now officially underway, Ocala-area residents and travelers can expect major improvements along I-75.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ A 22-year-old Alachua man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a 2022 fatal shooting at an Alachua apartment complex.

On Feb. 9, 2025, an Alachua County jury found Lacorrin Raheem Calhoun guilty of premeditated murder, attempted armed robbery causing death, and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon. The verdict followed a five-day trial prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ryan Nagel and Glenn Bryan. The jury deliberated for just over four hours before reaching its decision.

The case stemmed from a violent incident on Dec. 9, 2022, when Alachua Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots at One 51 Apartments, located at 15139 N.W. 150^th Road, Alachua.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found 22-year-old Jaquan Robinson suffering from a gunshot wound to his left side near building 15139. Robinson was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

While officers were assisting Robinson, a second 911 call was received from another gunshot victim—later identified as Calhoun—who said he had been shot in the back. Officers discovered him in a pasture near the apartment building, suffering from a gunshot wound to his armpit area. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition and released a few days later.

The APD Criminal Investigations Division launched an extensive investigation, conducting multiple interviews with on-scene witnesses and persons of interest. Detectives determined that the shooting resulted from Calhoun attempting to rob Robinson of marijuana, which escalated into gunfire.

Following the investigation, Calhoun was identified as the primary aggressor, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. On Dec. 22, 2022, he was interviewed at the Alachua Police Department and subsequently arrested.

During the trial, the jury acquitted Calhoun of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, but found him guilty on all other charges.

Calhoun’s sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2025.

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ALACHUA COUNTY - Spring is on the way, which means wildflowers are starting to bloom on the county’s road right of way thanks to the Wildflower Program maintained by the Alachua County Public Works Department. The county’s wildflower program is a collaborative effort with the Florida Wildflower Foundation, the Florida Department of Transportation District 2, the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences, and the Gainesville Garden Club.

 Almost 300 acres of the county’s right of ways are included in the Wildflower Program. On these roads, only the first ten feet from the edge of the pavement will be mowed between Valentine’s Day (February 14) and Memorial Day (May 26). The safety strip provides a safe place to pull off the road in an emergency.

Information about Florida wildflowers:

 Roadside wildflowers support Florida farms. 40% of Florida’s crop plants benefit from the same pollinators that are supported by roadside wildflowers.

• Coreopsis, a whole genus of wildflowers, was adopted as the Florida State Wildflower in 1991.
• Coreopsis, commonly called “Tick-Seed,” came from a Greek-derived botanical name that translates to “bug view.”
• There are 15 species of Coreopsis occurring in Florida, 12 of which are considered native.
• Of the five species of Coreopsis found here in Alachua County, four are considered native.
• January and February are peak seasons for native violets (Viola sp.) and Innocence (Houstonia procumbens).
• Whenever we have a rain event, it is common to see our native rain lilies (Zephyranthes sp.) emerge with blooms.

 The Alachua County Wildflower Program is under the supervision of Public Works Horticulturist Neil Greishaw.

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