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ALACHUA COUNTY – The Alachua County Arts Council is preparing for its fifth annual Artists Conference, scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026, and is now seeking presenters and sponsors to help shape the event.

The annual conference brings together artists, educators, nonprofit leaders and arts advocates from across the county to share ideas, build professional skills and strengthen connections within the local arts community. Organizers say the conference has grown steadily since its launch, becoming a key gathering for those involved in visual, performing and literary arts.

As planning for the 2026 event begins, the conference committee is accepting applications from individuals and organizations interested in presenting breakout sessions. Proposed sessions should appeal to members of the arts community and may cover a wide range of topics, including creative practice, arts education, marketing, funding, collaboration and professional development.

Presentations are expected to run between 30 and 60 minutes, including time for questions and discussion, allowing attendees to engage directly with presenters and explore ideas in greater depth. Organizers encourage submissions that are informative, interactive and relevant to artists working at all stages of their careers.

In addition to presenters, the Arts Council is also seeking sponsors to support the conference. Sponsorships help offset event costs while providing visibility for businesses and organizations that support the arts. Sponsors play a role in ensuring the conference remains accessible to the local arts community.

Application materials for both presenters and sponsors are available on the Alachua County Arts Council’s website under the “Artists Conference” section. Interested individuals and organizations must complete and submit the appropriate form by Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.

The Artists Conference aligns with the Arts Council’s broader mission to strengthen arts engagement throughout the county. According to the council, its mission is to “improve the quality of life of Alachua County residents by increasing exposure to the arts, expanding opportunities for creative expression by local artists, and increasing community resources for the arts.”

The conference provides a platform to advance that mission by fostering collaboration, encouraging innovation and offering practical tools for artists and arts organizations. Past conferences have featured workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to support both emerging and established artists.

Additional details about the conference agenda, schedule and location are expected to be announced closer to the event date.

For more information about presenting, sponsorship opportunities or the Artists Conference, contact Assistant County Manager and Chief of Staff Gina Peebles at 352-538-8265 or gpeebles@alachuacounty.us.

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HIGH SPRINGS – A Homestead woman with a string of arrests across multiple states was taken into custody Friday after police say she attempted to exchange stolen merchandise at the Tractor Supply Company in High Springs before shoving a manager and fleeing the store with the items.

According to the High Springs Police Department, officers responded to the store at 20460 North U.S. Highway 441 just before 11 a.m. on Nov. 14, 2025, after employees reported that a customer, later identified as 28-year-old Fredshawn Maquell Jeanbaptiste, had attempted to pass off stolen goods as previously purchased items.

A responding officer wrote that Jeanbaptiste entered the store carrying “a large, empty purse-looking bag” and spent about 10 minutes placing merchandise into both the bag and her shopping cart. Police say she then approached the service counter and asked to exchange the items — valued at $644— for three higher-priced products worth $636, claiming she had bought the items earlier.

When employees asked for a receipt, Jeanbaptiste reportedly said she didn’t have one. Staff then asked for a rewards number to verify a purchase, but she was unable to provide one. Store personnel informed her they had surveillance video showing she had not brought the items into the store.

After viewing the footage, Jeanbaptiste allegedly began “yelling and screaming all throughout the store and making a scene, as well as disrupting the business and visibly frightening staff and customers,” according to the report.

Police say she returned to the counter and demanded the items back while continuing to yell. When told again that she had not brought the items into the store, she allegedly grabbed merchandise and resisted employees’ attempts to retrieve it. Jeanbaptiste was reportedly able to place several items into her cart and tried to push it out the door.

A manager attempted to stop her, but Jeanbaptiste allegedly shoved the employee and forced her way out of the store with the stolen goods.

Jeanbaptiste fled before officers arrived but was pulled over near the business. Police say the stolen merchandise was found in her vehicle.

She is charged with robbery by sudden snatching, simple battery, petit theft and resisting detention by a merchant. Her address is listed in Homestead.

While her full criminal history was not available, authorities noted that she has been arrested several times in 2025, including: April 16 in South Carolina for shoplifting, July 2 in Sarasota County for driving without a valid license and Aug. 7 in Pennsylvania for terroristic threats.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set her bail at $90,000.

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GAINESVILLE – A Newberry man was arrested after Gainesville Police say he drove his car into a real estate office near one of the city’s busiest corridors and showed signs of impairment during a post-crash investigation.

The crash happened shortly after midnight on Nov. 25, 2025, when officers were dispatched at about 12:17 a.m. to a report of a vehicle into a building at 5310 NW 8^th Avenue, just west of the intersection of West Newberry Road and NW 8^th Avenue. According to a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) report, arriving officers found that 28-year-old Shu Zhi Zhu had been behind the wheel of the vehicle that struck the office of The Mills Group of Keller Williams.

The crash caused visible damage to the building, though authorities did not report any injuries to occupants or bystanders. Officers said Zhu displayed several indicators of impairment while speaking with them at the scene. According to the arrest report, Zhu had difficulty maintaining his balance and was slurring his words as he interacted with officers.

Zhu reportedly told police he had not consumed any alcohol before driving. However, the responding officer wrote that Zhu performed poorly on standard field sobriety exercises conducted on scene. Based on those observations, police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence.

After his arrest, Zhu was read his Miranda rights. According to the police report, he stated that he did not understand his rights and then refused to listen when officers attempted to re-explain them.

Zhu was taken to GPD Headquarters for further processing, where officers requested that he provide a lawful breath sample. The report states that he did not respond to repeated requests, and he was subsequently charged with refusal to submit to a breath test. Police also cited him for careless driving in connection with the crash.

Court records show that Zhu has no prior criminal history. Following his first appearance, Judge Meshon Rawls ordered that he be released on his own recognizance. As a condition of release, Zhu is required to wear a transdermal alcohol monitor, a device designed to detect alcohol consumption through the skin.

No injuries were reported, and the extent of structural damage to the real estate office has not yet been released by the business or city officials.

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Santa brings holiday greetings during the Alachua Christmas parade. Alachua County Today Staff Photographer.

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Crisp air, clear skies and a touch of timeless nostalgia set the scene Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as the communities of Alachua and High Springs ushered in the holiday season with their annual Christmas parades, filling Main Street in Alachua and later downtown High Springs with festive cheer. This year’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme added a warm, reflective tone to the celebrations, blending simple holiday charm with hometown spirit in both cities.

In Alachua, families bundled in sweaters and jackets lined the parade route early, children perched along the curb clutching bags in anticipation of candy and waving at familiar faces passing by. The smell of winter air and the hum of excited conversation filled downtown as the parade stepped off along North Main Street, crossing U.S. Highway 441 under cloudless skies.

A police escort with flashing lights led the procession, followed by Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky, High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, who greeted spectators and waved as they made their way along the route.

Leading the parade as grand marshal was longtime Alachua dentist Dr. Douglas Adel, who was followed by a procession of festively decorated floats, marching bands, community groups and holiday characters that filled Main Street with music and cheer.

The City of Alachua’s official float leaned into the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme, featuring familiar imagery inspired by the beloved holiday classic — simple decorations, whimsical characters and a nod to the understated spirit of the season — as city commissioners waved from aboard and city staff members passed out sweet treats to children.

The parade showcased a wide cross-section of the community, with floats and walking groups representing local businesses, civic organizations, churches and schools. Participants included Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Capital City Bank, members of the Hare Krishna community, and parade newcomers Ben E. Keith and Chick-fil-A, among many others.

Musical performances added energy and rhythm to the procession. The Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band performed holiday favorites that echoed through downtown.

Youth sports teams, including Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball and the Santa Fe Soccer Academy, proudly represented their programs, walking the route and interacting with the crowd. Volunteers dressed as Peanuts-inspired characters, Santa’s elves and other holiday figures handed out treats and smiles.

Parade judging took place at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, where judges evaluated entries for creativity and presentation. Three cash prizes were awarded, with the Alachua Soccer Alliance taking first place and earning $500, Momentum Dance placing second for $300 and Matchmaker Realty finishing third with a $200 award. Parade emcees Damon Messina and Tabitha Jenkins kept the energy high near the judges’ stand, announcing each entry and engaging spectators with commentary as floats rolled past.

Following close behind the horse-drawn entries were the Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, representing Capital City Bank and the Alachua Lions Club, who once again performed their familiar and appreciated role of keeping the parade route clean.

The grand finale arrived as Santa Claus appeared atop a firetruck, waving to children who shouted his name and waved back enthusiastically. For many young spectators, the moment marked the official start of the Christmas season.

As night fell, the celebration continued just down the road in High Springs, where the Twilight Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a glowing holiday scene. Floats outlined in twinkling lights rolled beneath the dark sky, while illuminated costumes, flashing decorations and softly lit storefronts created a festive backdrop. Families lined the streets bundled against the evening chill, waving as the parade passed by and enjoying the quieter, storybook feel of the after-dark procession that brought the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme to life under the stars.

“It really captures the holiday spirit,” said a local resident. “The best part is watching how excited the kids are.”

As crowds dispersed, the feeling lingered — a simple, joyful celebration marked by togetherness, tradition and a reminder that, much like Charlie Brown’s Christmas, the season’s meaning is often found in community.

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GAINESVILLE – A Waldo man was arrested Wednesday after Gainesville Police said he fled from officers during a predawn encounter earlier in the week, crashed a vehicle into a fence and later attempted to claim he had been home all night. Investigators identified him using surveillance video from a nearby convenience store.

According to the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), the incident began around 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 23, 2025, when officers responded to repeated noise complaints at the Chevron gas station at 1024 W. University Ave. Police reported seeing a large baggie of marijuana on the center console of a gold Chevrolet Malibu parked at the pumps. Officers said the driver initially opened the door as if to get out of the vehicle but then quickly shut it and sped away.

Officers activated their lights and sirens in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop. Police said the driver switched off the vehicle’s headlights, ran multiple stop signs and drove at a high rate of speed “disregarding the safety of other vehicles” as he fled the area.

At about 4:20 a.m., officers found the Malibu abandoned in the 700 block of NW 15^th Avenue after it had crashed into a fence. Police also located fresh damage on a nearby fence where they believe someone tried to force their way through and attempted to jump over it.

Inside the car, officers found approximately 80.5 grams of marijuana along with the ID card and mail of 23-year-old Mitchell Craig Griffin Jr. Investigators noted there were no signs of forced entry into the Malibu and no evidence of ignition tampering.

Although officers could not immediately confirm that Griffin was the driver, the investigation continued. The next morning, Griffin’s girlfriend — the registered owner of the Malibu — reported the vehicle stolen. She told officers the car had been parked at her residence when she went to bed around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 22 and that Griffin was home at the time, went to bed with her and “never left her residence” until after she woke to find the car missing.

Investigators returned to the Chevron and reviewed surveillance video from the early-morning hours. Footage showed the Malibu driver standing near the gas pumps around 1:45 a.m. and inside the store at about 2 a.m. Officers captured clear images of the suspect’s face.

When an officer later contacted Griffin by phone, he reportedly claimed he had been home the entire night.

On Nov. 26, Griffin agreed to meet officers at GPD Headquarters. During the interview, he again reportedly insisted he had remained at his girlfriend’s house the whole night and had not loaned his girlfriend’s car to anyone.

When shown the surveillance image from the Chevron, Griffin reportedly acknowledged he was the man in the picture, at which point officers detained him. Post Miranda, Griffin again confirmed the man in the surveillance footage was him. When told that the same individual was recorded getting into the Malibu and fleeing officers, Griffin reportedly declined to discuss that portion of the incident. He also stated he did not have any marijuana in the vehicle.

According to police, Griffin made additional comments while being transported to the jail, allegedly stating that he had “just gotten out of prison for the same thing.”

Court records show Griffin has five felony convictions and was released from state prison in June 2025 after serving a one-year sentence for fleeing from law enforcement.

Griffin now faces multiple charges: possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, fleeing from law enforcement with lights and sirens activated, reckless driving with property damage, resisting an officer without violence and driving without a valid license. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set his bail at $40,000.

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The GFWC District 5 Director installed the new GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club’s Board of Directors for 2026 – 2028. Pictured L-R: Photo - L - R: District 5 Director - Sallie Milner, President - Bonnie Josey, 1st. Vice President - Shirley Macrides, 2nd. Vice President - Vickie Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Marlene Hackland, Treasurer - Mary Sears, Historian - Linda Alexander. Not pictured: Recording Secretary - Pat Carr. \ Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club marked a milestone recently as its new Board of Directors was formally installed for the 2026–2028 term, signaling continued leadership and service within the community.

The installation ceremony was led by GFWC District 5 Director Sallie Milner, who oversaw the transition and recognized the incoming board members. Each officer received a gift tailored to her role, adding a lighthearted and celebratory touch to the occasion.

Elected to lead the organization as president is Bonnie Josey, who will guide the club’s activities and initiatives over the next two years. She is joined by Shirley Macrides as first vice president and Vickie Cox as second vice president.

Marlene Hackland will serve as corresponding secretary, while Mary Sears takes on the role of treasurer. Linda Alexander was installed as historian, responsible for preserving the club’s records and legacy. Recording Secretary Pat Carr was unable to attend the ceremony and is not pictured.

The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Locally, the club has long been active in civic engagement, charitable projects and educational initiatives that benefit High Springs and surrounding areas.

Club leaders said the installation of the new board reflects both continuity and renewal, as experienced members step into leadership roles while maintaining the club’s long-standing mission of service and advocacy.

The newly installed board will serve through 2028, guiding programming, fundraising and community outreach efforts during the upcoming term.

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