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ALACHUA COUNTY – Floyd “Sonny” Tillman, the Gainesville restaurateur whose vision and hospitality grew Sonny’s BBQ into one of the nation’s most recognizable barbecue chains, died Dec. 7, 2025, at age 96, according to a public announcement shared on social media.

Tillman opened the first Sonny’s BBQ in 1968 with what the announcement described as “a singular and powerful vision: to create a place where folks could slow down, gather ’round the table, and enjoy good BBQ with the people who matter the most.” That guiding principle became the foundation of a brand that spread across the Southeast and earned a devoted following for its smoked meats and casual, family-friendly atmosphere.

The statement said Tillman “never lost sight of the principles that guided the restaurant’s founding,” crediting his approach to service and community for helping transform the local Gainesville restaurant into a beloved regional chain.

Married to his wife, Lucille, for more than 70 years, Tillman was remembered as “a devoted family man, a successful entrepreneur with a generous heart,” and someone with “the rare ability to create a true family atmosphere in his restaurants.” His leadership style and personal warmth, the announcement said, extended beyond his immediate family to “the thousands of employees who became part of the Sonny’s family over the decades.”

“We are forever grateful for his vision, his values, and the legacy of bringing people together that he leaves behind,” the statement read.

The announcement encouraged the community to pause in reflection and “spread a little kindness to those around you in his honor.”

Funeral arrangements were not included in the statement.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission wrapped up its final meeting of the year on Dec. 8, 2025, moving through a concise agenda that advanced a series of administrative updates and approved more than 200 acres of voluntary annexations. Commissioners Rick Coleman and Tony Mazon were absent.

Commissioners unanimously approved the Consent Agenda, including an amendment to City Manager Jordan Marlowe’s employment contract. The contract changes —initially approved Nov. 10— set a five-year term from Dec. 1, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2030, and establish an annual base salary of $123,600. Marlowe will be eligible for merit increases following annual evaluations and will receive cost-of-living adjustments in line with other city staff. The city will continue contributing 5% of his base salary to a 457 deferred compensation plan. All other contract provisions remain unchanged.

Community Weatherization Coalition presentation

Helen Ward of the Community Weatherization Coalition (CWC) briefed commissioners on the nonprofit’s ongoing work to assist Alachua County residents facing high utility costs. The grassroots coalition — made up of citizens, faith leaders and nonprofit partners — offers home energy tune-ups aimed at reducing water and energy usage. The group can be reached at 352-450-4965 or info@communityweatherization.org.

Annexation approvals

Commissioners unanimously approved Voluntary Annexation No. 40 on first reading, a package representing 11 requests from seven applicants and totaling roughly 227 acres.

“The total number of acres voluntarily annexed into the City in the past year (including these acres) is 430,” Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus said.

Commissioners advanced the following ordinances on first reading:

• Ordinance 2025-76: Saltzgiver, Philip G. and Helen L., Parcel 02696-010-005
• Ordinance 2025-77: Pitts, Ory and Shelley, Parcel 01925-003-000
• Ordinance 2025-78: Wilson, Phillip Charles and Jamie Lee, Parcel 04269-001-000
• Ordinance 2025-79: Keeney, Susan B., Life Estate, Parcel 04399-004-002
• Ordinance 2025-81: Barkley, Philip and Jennifer, Parcels 01833-004-000 and 01833-003-001
• Ordinance 2025-82: Loncala LLC, Wesley Carter / HLT Gilchrist LLC, Parcels 01765-001-000, 01770-000-000, 01772-000-000 and 01772-001-000
• Ordinance 2025-83: Wood, Charles “Eddie,” Parcel 00491-002-000

Announcements and Updates

City Manager Marlowe announced that trash and recycling collection will run one day later during Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

He also reported significant state funding wins, including a $2.9 million grant for septic-to-sewer projects, a $240,000 grant to relocate a lift station for the upcoming two-way-pair traffic configuration and a $5.6 million jobs growth grant.

Marlowe noted that the city launched its new TextMyGov communication platform earlier that day. “It is a tool that allows us to talk to all of our residents at one time or narrow down to one household to let them know they have a boil water notice,” Marlowe said. “We can send out surveys, narrow down to those folks we have to talk to and gather all kinds of information.”

Phase I enables the city to send messages to residents, while Phase II will allow residents to text the city with questions.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The Chain Hawks Disc Golf Club capped off a banner weekend on Sunday as the 14th Annual Chain Hawk Open wrapped up what organizers described as an “absolute success” — a three-day showcase of athletic skill, community spirit and the growing worldwide enthusiasm for disc golf.

Presented by Dynamic Discs, the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) A-Tier event transformed Alachua Legacy Park fields into a high-energy arena from Friday, Dec. 5, through Sunday, Dec. 7. More than 350 registered competitors made the trip, representing 26 states and five countries, illustrating just how far the tournament’s reputation has spread since its inception. Players ranging from rising amateurs to internationally ranked professionals navigated challenging layouts, shifting weather conditions and the pressure of top-tier play as spectators filled fairway edges to watch the action unfold.

Tournament organizers said they were immensely pleased with the turnout, noting that the growing participation reflects the sport’s accelerating expansion. The event has long been recognized for its welcoming atmosphere, and this year’s championship continued that tradition, elevating the competition while still embracing an inclusive, community-driven environment.

Beyond the scorecards, the tournament strengthened bonds across the disc golf community. Player parties offered competitors and supporters the opportunity to unwind, share stories and build connections that stretch far beyond the final leaderboard. Virtual raffles throughout the weekend helped support the Paul McBeth Foundation, an initiative dedicated to growing disc golf in underserved regions. The fundraising element added purpose to the festivities, reminding attendees that the weekend served not only competitive ambitions but also the broader mission of expanding access to the sport across the globe.

For many participants, the Chain Hawk Open has become a can’t-miss date on the PDGA schedule — known for high-quality course setups, smooth operations and a local club that takes pride in delivering a memorable weekend. This year’s tournament continued that legacy, earning praise from competitors who described the event as one of the best organized and most enjoyable stops on the disc golf calendar.

Organizers said the success of the 2025 event establishes a strong foundation for the future with the Chain Hawks Disc Golf Club already setting its sights on next year’s championship and exploring ways to elevate the experience even further.

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TAMPA – A key environmental improvement project in Newberry is moving forward after Governor Ron DeSantis announced more than $112 million in statewide water quality and water supply grants on Dec. 3, including $2.9 million for the city’s septic-to-sewer conversion effort.

The funding is part of the state’s Springs Restoration Grant Program, which supports projects designed to improve water quality and restore spring flow. Newberry’s project will replace aging residential septic systems with centralized wastewater service. State officials said the conversion will benefit the Santa Fe River and surrounding springs by reducing nutrient pollution from older septic tanks.

Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert said the state’s decisions “are driven by science and long-term stewardship,” noting the funding will “help communities secure reliable water supplies, improve water quality and better respond to environmental challenges.”

The Newberry allocation is among 23 statewide springs restoration projects receiving support this year. Since 2019, Florida has invested $430 million in 147 springs projects, which have collectively reduced nitrogen loads by more than 907,000 pounds annually.

The governor’s announcement also included two additional major funding categories. The state awarded $50 million for 14 alternative water supply projects that will eventually create more than 94 million gallons of new water supply per day. Water management district leaders praised the investments, calling them a long-term strategy for meeting the needs of Florida’s growing population.

Another $12 million will support 16 technology projects aimed at detecting, preventing and mitigating harmful algal blooms. According to the state, the program has expanded the number of vendors and tools available to assist communities during bloom events.

“By investing in emerging technologies, we are expanding our scientific capacity to better understand and manage harmful algal blooms,” said Florida Chief Science Officer Dr. Mark Rains.

For Newberry, the $2.9 million springs restoration grant marks a major step toward reducing environmental impacts from aging septic systems. The city has identified septic-to-sewer conversion as a priority for protecting local waterways, and the new funding positions the project to move forward in the coming year.

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ALACHUA – Local property owners who may be affected by a proposed rail-trail conversion near High Springs will have an opportunity next week to learn whether they qualify for federal compensation. Two public informational meetings organized by the Lewis Rice Law Firm are scheduled in Alachua on Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 to explain how landowners can pursue claims related to the project.

The proposed rail-trail would convert approximately 1.4 miles of a former CSX railroad corridor into a public hiking and biking trail. While the corridor itself has long been part of the rail network, adjoining landowners may have underlying property interests that qualify them for compensation if the corridor is repurposed for recreational use.

According to an announcement, dozens of landowners along the route may have takings claims under the National Trails System Act. When a rail line is formally abandoned and converted into a trail, federal law can trigger what is known as a “rails-to-trails” taking. In many cases around the country, landowners have been able to recover compensation from the federal government for property interests impacted by the conversion.

The upcoming meetings are designed to help residents understand that process. Organizers say the sessions will outline why and how a claim can be filed, how the federal review works, what type of representation is available, and how compensation amounts are determined. The meetings will also include time for attendees to ask questions specific to their property.

The Lewis Rice Law Firm notes that it has hosted sessions previously and recovered compensation for landowners in multiple Florida counties, including Sarasota, Pinellas, Lee, Lake and Miami-Dade.

While the proposed High Springs-area project remains in the planning stage, organizers emphasized the importance of educating landowners early. The conversion process can involve a combination of federal action, local planning and private property rights. Understanding whether a parcel qualifies for compensation — and how to preserve that right — can be time-sensitive.

The meetings are free and open to the public, and property owners do not need to register in advance. Anyone with land adjoining or near the former CSX corridor is encouraged to attend, especially those who are uncertain about whether the conversion would impact their title or access.

Meetings will be held Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. - Hampton Inn & Suites Alachua I-75, 15930 N.W. 163^rd Ln, Alachua and Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.- Legacy Park Recreation Complex, 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua.

For residents seeking clarity on potential compensation, the sessions aim to provide a straightforward explanation of the rails-to-trails process and what landowners may expect if the proposed trail moves forward.

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HAWTHORNE – A 36-year-old Hawthorne man was arrested Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, after deputies say he exposed himself to a utility worker outside a local motel and later resisted attempts by law enforcement to take him into custody.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9:30 a.m. when a utility worker arrived at the Ranch Motel on U.S. Highway 301 in a marked commercial vehicle. The worker reported seeing a man waving him down from one of the rooms and he drove closer to speak to the man,

When the worker stepped out of his vehicle, the man—identified by deputies as Andrew William Martone—reportedly walked out of his room onto the sidewalk without any clothes on and began screaming. The worker told deputies the man then grabbed his genitals and moved in a manner suggestive of sexual intercourse. He kept watch on the room until a deputy arrived, stating Martone had gone back inside.

Deputies attempted to make contact with Martone, who allegedly refused to answer the door. The property manager later provided surveillance video that deputies say showed Martone coming out of the room completely naked and making “vulgar” gestures before returning inside.

Multiple deputies responded, and a family member offered to help encourage Martone to exit the room. Deputies said the family member spoke to Martone through the door for some time and ultimately persuaded him to come outside. When instructed to place his hands behind his back, Martone allegedly attempted to go back into the room.

Deputies reported that two officers moved to restrain him, but Martone tensed his body and resisted being handcuffed. After he was detained, Martone was advised of his rights. Deputies said he initially claimed he had been outside “playing his guitar,” but when informed the incident had been recorded on video, he reportedly admitted to exposing himself and described himself as “in a silly mood.”

Martone allegedly resisted again when deputies attempted to place him in a patrol vehicle, prompting additional officers to assist by pulling him into the vehicle from the opposite side.

He was charged with indecent exposure and three counts of resisting an officer without violence. According to court records, Martone has four prior non-violent misdemeanor convictions.

Judge David Kreider set bail at $9,500.

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