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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday reviewed three business items and explored a new proposal aimed at strengthening the connection between the city’s popular natural springs and its downtown core.

During the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the CRA heard a presentation outlining a potential free shuttle service that would transport visitors between several nearby springs and downtown High Springs during peak tourism months. The concept was presented by John Millett, one of the owners of the recently opened Serendipity Sodas & Sweets.

Millett noted that 24 springs are located within 12 miles of High Springs, drawing thousands of visitors to the area each year. However, once visitors enter the springs on busy weekends, they often remain there for the day rather than venturing into town.

“Once someone gets to the springs, they are not able to leave and come back again during the weekend,” Millett said.

The proposed shuttle would operate on weekends from March through September, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Millett outlined two routes — a western loop serving Poe, Blue and Ginnie springs, and a northern loop serving Ichetucknee Springs and Rum Island. Shuttles would return to downtown approximately every 30 minutes, stopping in front of the High Springs Chamber of Commerce.

“Every half hour they would be returning to downtown High Springs in front of the Chamber building to drop off people,” Millett said. “People could come to town for shopping or lunch and then hop back on the shuttle and get back to their cars and the parks.”

CRA Manager Amy Bohannon expressed support for the idea, saying it could help draw visitors into the downtown area and support local businesses. She said there may be sufficient funding within the CRA budget to initiate the project.

“There might be enough money in the CRA to get this project started,” Bohannon said.

Millett said the estimated cost for the shuttle service ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, with additional plans to offset expenses by selling advertising space on the sides of the shuttle vans. He said several downtown business owners have expressed interest in contributing financially.

“I have talked with several business owners in town and they are into chipping in to help carry the financial burden,” Millett said.

Millett said the shuttle vehicles would be owned by the organizers, with insurance under their name, but he requested reimbursement for insurance costs. He estimated that $30,000 would cover fuel, driver salaries and insurance for one year. Both Millett and Bohannon noted that similar shuttle programs are already in place in other CRA districts throughout Florida.

City Manager Jeremy Marshall said he wanted direction from the CRA Board before staff devoted further time to developing the proposal. Board members responded favorably, signaling interest in exploring the concept further. The proposal is expected to return to the board once details and financing are refined.

In other business, the CRA unanimously approved a Commercial Façade Grant application from the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, located at 18645 High Springs Main Street. The institute plans to paint the front of the building, repair trim and install a Florida Springs Welcome Center sign previously discussed by the board.

The total project cost is estimated at $7,500, with a requested grant of $3,750, representing 50 percent of the total. Bohannon said approval is contingent upon the project also receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board.

The board also unanimously approved a second Commercial Façade Grant request from the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club. The project includes the design and installation of a two-sided sign and construction of a 7-foot-by-7-foot deck with stairs, handrails and a bench at the rear entrance of the building. The total project cost is $4,977, with a requested grant of $2,488.64.

Additionally, the board approved an updated interlocal agreement related to an innovative policing initiative first approved in September. The agreement allows for an increased cost of an electric bicycle dedicated to policing efforts within the CRA district and enhanced police services during peak hours. The cost of the electric bike increased from $5,500 to $5,800 and was approved unanimously.

At the close of the meeting, board members acknowledged the retirement of High Springs Police Department Sgt. Gary Moore, who was working his final shift. The board thanked him for his service to the community and wished him well.

Earlier in the meeting, the board also recognized the recent death of Sonny Tillman, offering a moment of silence and condolences to his family.

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HAWTHORNE – A 21-year-old Hawthorne man is facing multiple felony charges in two separate cases involving allegations of sexual battery against a juvenile victim, according to court records.

Austen William Cassels has been charged in one case stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred when both he and the victim were juveniles. Although the incidents were reported to have taken place several years ago, the abuse was not disclosed until last year. Cassels is now charged as an adult in that case.

According to investigators, the victim described two incidents of sexual battery during an interview with the Child Protection Team. The victim was in elementary school at the time of the alleged offenses. Cassels has been charged with sexual battery with the offender under 18 and the victim under 12. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Cassels reportedly said he did not remember one of the incidents and denied the other.

The second case involves allegations that occurred several years later, when Cassels was an adult and the victim was in middle school. In that case, investigators reported that the victim provided a text message exchange in which Cassels allegedly offered money and a favor in exchange for sexual activity. The messages were sent several months after an incident in which Cassels is accused of molesting the victim.

In the second case, Cassels has been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under the age of 16 and use of an electronic device to solicit a child. Following a post-Miranda interview, Cassels reportedly said he did not remember communicating with the victim about sexual activity but later stated he may have “said some things to her” while intoxicated. He denied sexually battering the victim.

Court records indicate Cassels has at least nine prior felony convictions and has served two state prison sentences. One sentence resulted from a 2022 conviction for burglary and seven counts of firearm theft.

Arrest warrants for the sexual battery cases were issued after investigations were completed, but Cassels had been incarcerated in state prison since April 2024 on an unrelated Baker County case. He was released from prison on Dec. 1, 2025, and immediately arrested and booked into the Alachua County Jail.

The Baker County arrest also constituted a violation of Cassels’ probation in the 2022 case, and he is being held on that violation in addition to the new charges.

Judge James Colaw ordered Cassels held without bail pending trial on the sexual battery cases.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Art Walk returns to historic downtown on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, offering residents and visitors a seasonal opportunity to experience local art, small businesses and the city’s walkable charm.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature between 15 and 20 local artists and makers displaying their work along downtown sidewalks. Artists will set up in front of storefronts, creating an open-air gallery that allows attendees to browse, meet creators and purchase original artwork throughout the afternoon.

Organizers say the Art Walk is designed to celebrate creativity while supporting both artists and downtown businesses. In addition to artist displays, participating merchants will offer special promotions and sales, encouraging visitors to explore the area’s shops and restaurants.

The event also provides an interactive component for attendees. Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host “Art Testing” stations from noon to 3 p.m., inviting guests to try new art products while enjoying light refreshments. The hands-on experience is intended to appeal to artists of all skill levels as well as those interested in learning more about creative tools and materials.

The Art Walk has become a popular feature of High Springs’ seasonal calendar, highlighting the city’s growing arts scene and its reputation as a welcoming destination for creatives. The combination of art, food and locally owned businesses reflects the community’s emphasis on supporting small enterprises and fostering a vibrant downtown environment.

Artists and creators interested in participating in future Art Walk events are encouraged to contact organizers by emailing downtownhighsprings@gmail.com and including photos of their work for consideration.

For customer or media inquiries related to the event, Unique Notions can be reached at 352-318-5719, and Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies can be reached at 352-474-1049. Additional updates and information are available through the official Downtown High Springs Facebook page.

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HIGH SPRINGS – A 39-year-old High Springs man was arrested Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, after he allegedly fled from a traffic stop, provided false identification and later refused fingerprinting during the booking process, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident began at approximately 12:36 p.m. when a deputy attempted to stop a car displaying an expired tag on U.S. Highway 441. A registration check showed the vehicle belonged to a woman, but records also linked the vehicle to a man identified as Maurice Marko Shuler. A driver’s license photo associated with Shuler reportedly matched the man behind the wheel. The deputy also learned that Shuler had an active warrant for failing to pay child support and that his driver’s license had been revoked for the same offense.

When the deputy activated emergency lights to initiate the stop, the driver reportedly looked at the deputy in the side mirror but continued driving, maintaining the speed limit and obeying traffic laws. The vehicle turned into the Oak Ridge subdivision and continued for more than a mile before pulling into a driveway.

The driver allegedly presented a driver’s license identifying him as “Marcus Leon Shuler,” listing the address of the home where he stopped. The photo on the card, however, matched Maurice Shuler, the man affiliated with the vehicle. When asked about the expired tag, the driver reportedly said the car was not his and he did not wish to pull over on the roadside.

The deputy asked whether “Marcus” Shuler knew anyone named Maurice. Shuler reportedly denied knowing anyone by that name. A database check revealed that the true Marcus Shuler was a different individual with a thinner face, full head of hair and an address in Leesburg, information the deputy noted did not match the man in front of him.

The deputy detained the driver and verified his identity as Maurice Shuler, locating two active child-support warrants from Alachua and Lake counties. Records showed that Maurice’s license had been revoked six times and suspended three times. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded with a Rapid ID kit but reported that Shuler refused fingerprinting by clenching his fists and stating he did not consent.

A vehicle inventory before towing reportedly produced a band card and employee identification card in Maurice Shuler’s name. At the jail, Shuler allegedly refused fingerprinting, refused to be photographed and refused to sign citations related to the traffic violations.

Shuler was charged with fleeing from law enforcement while lights and sirens were active, possession of a forged identification card, resisting an officer without violence, driving with a revoked license and refusal to sign a citation. He has a documented criminal history that includes one violent felony conviction and three misdemeanor convictions, one of them violent. He previously served one state prison sentence and was released in 2009.

Shuler also has an active warrant out of Gadsden County for driving with a revoked license. He was booked into the Alachua County Jail following his arrest on the Lake County warrants. Judge Jonathan Ramsey set his bail at $40,000. Records indicate he owes $3,070 in child support.

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ALACHUA – A 43-year-old homeless woman was arrested Monday evening after police say she vandalized a pickup truck following an argument with its owner in the parking lot of an Alachua restaurant.

According to an arrest report from the Alachua Police Department, officers were called at about 7:05 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025, to Sonny’s BBQ, located at 15935 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, in response to a report of an armed disturbance. The caller reported that a woman armed with a knife was threatening to slash the tires of his vehicle.

An officer arrived at the scene and made contact with the victim, who pointed out the suspect, later identified as Janelle-Joy Alexandra Summers, as she was driving out of the parking lot. The officer conducted a traffic stop and detained Summers, removing her from the vehicle and placing her in handcuffs.

Police reported recovering a knife clipped to the right side of Summers’ pants.

The victim told officers he had dated Summers intermittently for several years and had agreed to meet her at the restaurant. He said that when she arrived, she appeared to be in a manic state and became angry, yelling inside the restaurant. Employees asked her to leave the dining area, according to the report.

After leaving the restaurant, Summers allegedly sent the victim a series of text messages, including one threatening to slash the tires on his pickup truck.

The officer reported observing deep scratches along one side of the victim’s gray Chevrolet Silverado, as well as multiple messages written on the vehicle in nail polish. One of the messages reportedly included the word “die.”

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Summers reportedly admitted she was upset with the victim and acknowledged that she used a pocket knife to scratch the vehicle and wrote messages on it using nail polish.

Summers is described in the arrest report as homeless. She was charged with property damage of $1,000 or more, a felony offense. While she has an unspecified criminal history in other counties between 2021 and 2025, court records indicate she has no prior criminal convictions.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones set Summers’ bail at $15,000 but ordered that she be released if accepted into Mental Health Court. The judge also ordered an evaluation to determine whether Summers requires emergency mental health treatment.

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NEWBERRY – A 26-year-old Archer man was arrested late Friday night after deputies say he punched a bartender during an altercation at a Town of Tioga bar, then resisted deputies when they attempted to take him into custody.

The incident occurred around 11:35 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025. According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the bar after receiving a report of a physical disturbance involving an intoxicated patron.

When deputies arrived, the bartender told them the suspect, identified as Brent Thomas Rodgers, had been arguing with him before allegedly punching him in the face without warning. The bartender said the blow knocked him to the ground.

Surveillance video provided by the business reportedly corroborated the incident, and a witness told deputies the bartender had just turned his face away when Rodgers “sucker-punched” him.

Deputies located Rodgers inside a neighboring business. According to the arrest report, when a deputy instructed Rodgers to stand so he could be handcuffed, he allegedly pulled away and said he would not comply. Rodgers was then taken to the ground and placed in custody.

A search following the arrest reportedly revealed a hollow-point .22 LR bullet in Rodgers’ pocket. Deputies noted that, as a convicted felon, Rodgers is prohibited from possessing ammunition.

Authorities said Rodgers declined to answer questions after being read his Miranda rights.

Rodgers has been charged with felony battery with a prior conviction, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and resisting an officer without violence. Records show he has one prior felony conviction and two misdemeanor convictions, including one for a violent offense.

He was arrested in 2024 for fleeing law enforcement and entered a pre-trial diversion program. The arrangement was later revoked following his arrest in March 2025 for domestic battery. He entered pleas in both cases and, in June, was sentenced to 23 days in jail with credit for time served and 13 months of probation. He later received an additional year of probation in July following the domestic battery case.

Rodgers was booked into the Alachua County Jail and is being held on $175,000 bail, set by Judge Meshon Rawls.

The bartender was not reported to be seriously injured, and deputies did not report additional disturbances inside the business or the surrounding plaza.

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