Local

GAINESVILLE ‒ Alachua County’s volunteer ham radio operators will join more than 30,000 amateur radio enthusiasts across North America in a 24-hour communications challenge during the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day on June 28–29, 2025. The annual event, which simulates emergency communication conditions, will be held locally at the Alachua County Emergency Operations Center at 1100 SE 27^th Street in Gainesville.

The North Florida Amateur Radio Club (NFARC), in partnership with Alachua County Emergency Management, will lead the local effort. Last year, the group ranked in the top seven percent of one of the event’s most competitive national categories. This year, they're raising the bar with live satellite communications, multiple stations, and participation from tech-savvy students at Loften Magnet High School.

“This isn’t just a hobby — it’s hands-on training for real-world disaster response,” said Gordon Gibby, NFARC’s Public Information Officer (call sign KX4Z). “Ham radio functions completely independently of the internet and phone systems, and a station can be set up almost anywhere in minutes.”

Field Day is designed to demonstrate amateur radio's ability to operate under emergency conditions without reliance on conventional infrastructure. During last year’s event, NFARC operators made over 1,600 contacts with stations across the U.S. and several foreign countries, using only radios powered by solar, battery, and generator backup systems.

This year, the group is introducing live satellite contacts, with a robotic antenna — constructed from PVC pipes and aluminum arrows — tracking orbiting satellites and even the International Space Station. Visitors will have the chance to see the system in action and take part in demonstrations.

Public visitation hours will be held on Saturday, June 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Emergency Operations Center. Visitors of all ages are welcome to tour the setup, speak with volunteer operators, and even get on the air with coaching to make their own radio contact.

“This is like a sci-fi movie come to life,” said Gibby. “No cell phones, no internet — just pure radio ingenuity.”

NFARC’s effort includes a high-speed data network linking field stations, a portable emergency tower, and coverage of voice, Morse code, and digital messaging technologies. One such method, known as “radio texting,” was developed by a Nobel Prize-winning physicist.

The group also trains year-round in radio, electronics, and robotics and logged 481 volunteer hours during hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton in 2024 — efforts that may help the county qualify for up to $60,000 in federal reimbursement funding.

In advance of Field Day, the group is offering free online training in June to help Loften High School students and community members earn their FCC amateur radio licenses. Details and registration are available at https://www.nf4rc.club/june-online-ham-radio-course/.

Two other Alachua County-based teams will also participate: the Gainesville Amateur Radio Society (GARS), which will operate from Waldo, and a private team led by Morse code specialist Bob Lightner (call sign W4GJ).

At the Alachua County Commission’s June 10 regular meeting, commissioners are expected to formally recognize the contributions of local radio volunteers by proclaiming the week of Field Day as Amateur Radio Week.

With a potentially active hurricane season ahead, Gibby emphasized the importance of these exercises: “Hams have a long history of serving our communities when storms or other disasters damage critical communication infrastructure. We’re proud to work closely with Alachua County Emergency Management and support local shelters when needed.”

Field Day offers a real-time demonstration of amateur radio’s resilience and value — connecting people across distances when modern systems fail.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua welcomed a packed weekend of youth sports competition as two major tournaments brought dozens of teams and hundreds of families to the area.

Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball, in partnership with the City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department, hosted the District 5 Babe Ruth All-Star Tournament at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex. More than 50 teams competed across five age groups, representing communities from Archer, Chiefland, Williston, Keystone, Melrose, Gainesville, Newberry, Palatka, Bradford and Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Babe Ruth Minors team clinched the district championship with an 11-6 victory over Bradford. With the win, the team advances to the Babe Ruth Florida State Minors (10U) Championship, which will be held June 18–22 in Live Oak. The state champion will move on to the Southeast Regional Tournament in Varina, Virginia, in mid-July.

Meanwhile, 399 Sports and Recreation hosted its end-of-season Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Basketball Tournament at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event drew 42 boys’ and girls’ teams from across Florida, as well as North and South Carolina, to close out their season with high-level play.

Organizers extended special thanks to the volunteers who supported both tournaments.

“From concessions and field prep to running the brackets, our volunteers are the backbone of Alachua’s recreation programs,” the city said in a statement. “Their tireless work and commitment are what make events like these possible.”

Local officials also expressed appreciation to the families and fans who came out to cheer on the athletes and support the city's youth programs.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met June 23, 2025, to consider a major land use change, updates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan, zoning code revisions, park improvements, and the employment agreement for the incoming city clerk.

Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez presented a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment to reclassify 50 acres at 21236 West Newberry Road from Agriculture to Commercial. The application, submitted by NV5 Global, Inc. on behalf of HCNB SAPP LLC, supports a proposed commercial development known as Crystal Lake.

“The Planning and Zoning Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the change,” said Perez. The Commission followed suit, approving the amendment unanimously on a motion by Commissioner Monty Farnsworth and a second by Commissioner Mark Clark.

A companion rezoning request to change the zoning district on the same parcel from Agricultural (A) to Commercial, Intensive (CI) also passed after a quasi-judicial hearing. Commissioner Farnsworth made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Rick Coleman.

Comprehensive Plan Amendments Approved

Under Florida law, municipalities must update their Comprehensive Plan every seven years. Newberry recently adopted seven of its required elements, with two remaining: the Wastewater, Solid Waste, Stormwater and Potable Water Element (WSSP) and the Capital Improvements Element (CI).

Ordinance 2025-04 addresses the WSSP element and sets a primary goal of providing public facilities in a timely, efficient, and environmentally sound manner. Six supporting objectives outline policies related to service levels and environmental protection. Obsolete statutory references were removed.

The Capital Improvements Element outlines the city’s commitment to implementing a capital improvements program aligned with priorities in the comprehensive plan. Rather than including the full Five-Year Capital Improvements Schedule, the ordinance now references it. Community Development Director Stacey Hectus noted that the state expedited its review and provided input, which was incorporated into the ordinance.

The Commission unanimously adopted the updates, following a motion by Commissioner Farnsworth and a second by Commissioner Donald Long.

Code Updates and New Zoning District

The Commission also approved a revision to Section 12.1 of the Land Development Code concerning appeals. Hectus introduced the item on second reading. With no additional discussion, the Commission passed the revision unanimously.

In a separate action, the Commission approved an ordinance establishing a new Agriculture Technology (AT) zoning district. The district implements the Corporate Park Future Land Use designation and provides specific development standards intended to mitigate impacts on adjacent residential and commercial properties.

“The intent, permitted uses, and development standards are defined in Section 4.24 of the Land Development Regulations,” said Hectus. The new zoning district is tied to the city's largest economic development initiative—the Agriculture Technology Park.

The Planning and Zoning Board recommended approval at its June 2 meeting, and the Commission approved the measure on second reading with a unanimous vote, following a motion by Commissioner Tony Mazon and a second by Commissioner Long.

Park Safety and Recreation Improvements

City Manager Jordan Marlowe turned the Commission’s attention to recreation improvements, outlining safety upgrades planned for Champions Park. “Work should begin at Champions Park on July 21,” he said.

Marlowe proposed reallocating $2,000 originally designated for Easton to address immediate concerns at Champions Park, including trip hazards, damaged nets, and restroom repairs. He also suggested seeking matching grants to expand the scope of work. Commissioner Clark asked whether the County could help secure grants, and Marlowe agreed to initiate discussions.

The Commission approved the motion unanimously, following a motion by Commissioner Mazon and a second by Commissioner Long.

City Clerk Employment Terms Finalized

The Commission also approved the employment agreement for Randa Paul as the new city clerk. The agreement includes an annual salary of $75,000, senior management participation in the Florida Retirement System, a deferred compensation package, and benefits outlined in the city's personnel policies.

As Paul completes city clerk certification training, she will receive a 2.5% raise in each of the first two years, followed by a 3% increase after completing all three years of training. A separate motion approved a 5% deferred compensation contribution. Marlowe clarified that cost-of-living adjustments would be handled separately. Both motions passed unanimously.

Closing Remarks

Commissioner Mazon reminded residents that food distributions continue at the MLK Center on Mondays and Thursdays, with sit-down meals available at Easton Monday through Friday.

Mayor Tim Marden announced he will lead efforts for a local celebration in 2026 to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The next regular Commission meeting is scheduled for July 14.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ The University of Florida has named Chuck Clemons as its next vice president for government and community relations, effective July 1.

The announcement came from UF Interim President Kent Fuchs, who praised Clemons’ extensive background in public service and his longstanding ties to the university and region.

“Chuck brings decades of experience in public service, leadership and advocacy to the role,” Fuchs said.

Clemons, a lifelong Alachua County resident and UF alumnus, served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2016 to 2024. He initially represented District 21, covering Dixie, Gilchrist, and part of Alachua County, and after redistricting, represented District 22, which includes Gilchrist, Levy and portions of Alachua County.

He served as Speaker Pro Tempore under Florida House Speaker Paul Renner from 2022 to 2024 and was a leading voice on education and appropriations policy. Clemons also chaired the Gator Caucus, where he advocated for major investments in the State University System and championed legislation protecting free speech on college campuses.

Before his time in state government, Clemons spent 17 years in higher education administration at Santa Fe College, retiring in December 2024. He also held federal roles, including a presidential appointment to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Clemons’ roots in the community and the university run deep. He attended public schools in High Springs and Alachua and graduated from Santa Fe High School. As a student at UF, he was active in campus leadership, joining Florida Blue Key and serving as president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. His wife and son are also graduates of the university.

“His experience across local and state government, higher education and community engagement will be instrumental in advancing UF’s priorities and partnerships,” Fuchs said.

In his new position, Clemons will lead UF’s government relations at the local, state and federal levels, and guide its community engagement strategy.

“Chuck Clemons has been a steadfast advocate for higher education and a tireless champion for the University of Florida throughout his career,” said Mori Hosseini, chair of the UF Board of Trustees. “His deep understanding of the legislative process and his commitment to public service make him exceptionally well-suited for this role. I am confident he will help elevate UF’s impact across the state and ensure our voice remains strong in Tallahassee and beyond.”

Clemons said he is eager to begin the new chapter.

“I look forward to helping build a strong coalition focused on advancing the legislative and community best interests of my alma mater without regard for political party,” Clemons said. “The University of Florida is a treasure for the state of Florida, and I’m eager to do my part to help it reach its fullest potential.”

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ALACHUA – Mike DaRoza, who has served the City of Alachua in multiple roles over the past eight years, will step down as City Manager effective June 8, 2025. His resignation submitted via formal letter to the City Commission on May 26, and confirmed in a city-issued press release on May 29, comes at a time of increasing political disarray inside City Hall.

DaRoza’s letter conveyed appreciation for his time with the City and a pledge to ensure a smooth transition as the community grapples with uncertainty and a fractured Commission.

Leadership Vacuum and Political Noise

The most recent municipal election brought two new commissioners to the dais: Mayor Walter Welch and Commissioner Jacob Fletcher. Since their installation, meetings have become more contentious, and the Commission appears reluctant to take clear positions on key issues.

Rather than assert a coherent vision or provide reassurance to City staff, the Commission has remained largely silent. The vacuum has been filled instead by speculation, posturing, and, increasingly, interference from the small but vocal group of activists whose influence now appears to outweigh institutional knowledge.

Interference is also coming by way of the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners who objected to multiple developments within the City of Alachua. In fact, during the City of Alachua election in April, there were reports of County commissioners working to unseat City of Alachua incumbents as a means to stifle Alachua’s growth. The chaos that has sinc e ensued appears to have done just that.

Fletcher Email Raises Legal and Ethical Concerns

Amid the uncertainty, Alachua County Today has obtained an email sent by Fletcher to his fellow commissioners, objecting to Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares potentially stepping into the interim city manager role. In the email, Fletcher criticized Valladares for informing commissioners about his willingness to serve in the interim role.  Fletcher said Valadares undermined the Commission.

But in sending that email directly to the full board – and making his position on a likely Commission vote explicit – Fletcher may have undermined the law himself. Legal observers say the email likely constitutes a violation of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, which prohibits elected officials from discussing pending public matters among themselves outside of properly noticed meetings.

Former Florida Attorney General Robert A. Butterworth stated in Attorney General Opinion # AGO 01-21 that a commissioner sending out a “position statement” is not necessarily a violation of the Sunshine Law, it is a slippery slope.

“Thus, this practice is problematical and discussions of commissioners' individual positions on matters coming before the board for consideration might better be presented during the course of an open meeting.”

The opinion continued, “In sum, while this office would strongly discourage such activity, it is my opinion that it is not a direct violation of the Government in the Sunshine Law for council members … to prepare and circulate their own written position statements to other council members so long as the council members avoid any discussion or debate among themselves on these statements. I would caution that the city council's discussions and deliberations on matters coming before the council must occur at a duly noticed city council meeting and the circulation of these position statements must not be used to circumvent the requirements of the statute.”

In the case of Fletcher’s email, it appears that the commissioner was attempting to state his position with the intent of influencing the votes of his fellow commissioners.

“It’s ironic,” said one government ethics attorney. “Accusing staff of overstepping while possibly violating open meeting law is exactly the kind of contradiction that sows distrust.” 

Alachua County Today  is not aware of any formal complaint being filed, but the incident underscores the broader dysfunction now taking root at City Hall.

The Commission’s Indecision on What Comes Next

With DaRoza stepping aside, the question of who will lead the city remains unsettled. Valladares, the current Assistant City Manager and a professional engineer with more than 20 years’ experience, appears the most logical interim choice. He previously served as Public Services Director for over eight years and currently oversees most day-to-day operations.

But Fletcher’s opposition and the Commission’s failure to signal a clear direction leaves significant uncertainty. A vote on the interim appointment may come at the next scheduled meeting on June 9, but with commissioners divided and legal questions already swirling, confidence in the process appears to be eroding.

Community Watches as Stability Slips

DaRoza’s departure doesn’t signal renewal or transformation—it marks a period of uncertainty. As the Commission delays key decisions and risks further internal conflict, the City faces leadership questions at a time when staff retention, infrastructure planning, and public trust all require clear, steady hands.

Alachua, long regarded as a forward-thinking city and model of economic prosperity, is facing turmoil that may very well undermine investment in the community and lead to stagnation. Alachua faced similar circumstances in the early 2000s but was bolstered by a large contingent of community leaders and small business owners who championed a vision of prosperity and sustainability for the community. It is yet to be seen if similar voices will lead Alachua through the challenges of today.

For now, residents are left with more questions than answers: Will experience and institutional knowledge continue to be cast aside? Will a small number of activists run City Hall? Will community leaders step in to steady the ship? The answers may soon be known.

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Undisclosed: Civil suit, criminal probe collide in Davis’s $15M verdict

A SERIES

Part 2: The immunity nobody mentioned

Editor’s Note: This is Part 2 in a multi-part series examining the legal battle between the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and ACSO Sgt. Kevin Davis.

 Sidebar

TIMELINE: Behind the Verdict

• Kutner secretly monitors Frank during a conversation with another client, ACSO employee David Hardy.

Feb. 15, 2023

• Kevin Davis files a civil lawsuit alleging reverse discrimination and retaliation.
• The same day, Davis’s attorney Bobi J. Frank contacts FDLE requesting a criminal investigation into ACSO leadership.

March–May 2023

• FDLE begins interviewing witnesses—at Frank’s own law office.
• Frank appears on behalf of at least eight FDLE witnesses, including retired Capt. Brandon Kutner.

May 2023

• Kutner admits to the illegal monitoring.
• FDLE interview notes confirm Kutner received immunity from prosecution before testifying.
• None of this is disclosed to the defense prior to or during Davis’s civil trial.

Feb. 7, 2025

• Jury awards Davis $15 million.
• Jury is not informed of Kutner’s immunity nor the collapse of the FDLE criminal case.

Feb. 19, 2025

• State Attorney John Durrett issues letter confirming no charges filed in the FDLE probe.

April 2025

• ACSO obtains Durrett’s letter and FDLE case materials.
• Files motion to amend post-trial filings to include newly discovered evidence.

June 2025

• Court denies ACSO’s request to amend.
• Post-trial hearing limited to arguments in ACSO’s original motion to set aside and overturn jury verdict.

July 2025

• Post-trial motions to be heard for ACSO request to overturn verdict, reduce $15M award amount.

Staff Report

Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE – In this installment, newly uncovered records reveal how a $15 million civil verdict may have been influenced by undisclosed witness immunity, a secret monitoring, and overlapping legal strategies between civil and criminal proceedings.

A Key Witness with a Hidden Past

Central to the controversy is retired ACSO Capt. Brandon Kutner, whose testimony supported Davis’s retaliation claims but whose behind-the-scenes legal maneuvers – including an immunity deal and a covert monitoring of his own attorney – were never shared with the jury. As the sheriff’s office seeks a new trial, the case raises serious questions about due process, legal ethics, and the integrity of the verdict.

Parallel Investigations Begin

Plaintiff Davis filed the civil lawsuit in February 2023 against the Sheriff’s office, alleging reverse discrimination and retaliation after being passed over for promotion by then-Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr. But that same day, Davis’s attorney, Bobi J. Frank, contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) advocating for a criminal investigation against the same officials named in the civil case.

The result was a parallel criminal probe by FDLE that unfolded largely out of public view –and without full disclosure to the jury.

The Immunity Deal and Secret Monitoring

With a post-trial hearing scheduled for July 15, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to overturn the jury’s decision, citing the excessive jury award and the jury’s exposure to allegedly improper testimony among other factors.

Troubling new information has surfaced regarding one of the plaintiff’s key witnesses – now retired ACSO Captain Brandon Kutner. According to FDLE records, Kutner admitted to secretly monitoring a conversation involving his attorney, Bobi J. Frank, and ACSO Deputy James Hardy. Records also show that when Frank and Hardy met in an ACSO office equipped with audiovisual and monitoring technology, Frank openly inquired if that room was a safe place to talk with Hardy. Meanwhile, Kutner was in another room monitoring the conversation. It is not clear if Frank was genuinely concerned with the confidentiality of her conversation with Hardy or if she was merely feigning it for the purpose of building out a claim.

A Pattern of Overlap and Omission

Notably, FDLE was investigating two instances of alleged illegal recording or monitoring by ACSO. In both instances Frank was the subject of the alleged illegal conduct. These circumstances raise the question: Was it possible that Frank was orchestrating and manufacturing evidence as a foundation for an FDLE investigation and subsequent civil suit?

Frank’s representation of potentially adverse parties raises concerns of possible conflicts of interest. The State Attorney’s Office later confirmed that Kutner received immunity before admitting to the conduct. FDLE records make clear that Kutner did not testify to FDLE investigators until after he received a formal grant of immunity. His admission about the secret monitoring came during that interview – which took place at Frank’s own law office, a location that appears multiple times in FDLE’s investigative files as the setting for early witness interviews.

Records reflect that Frank sat in on and represented at least eight witnesses during the early stages of the FDLE probe – a probe she requested that FDLE conduct. Nearly all of Frank’s eight clients received immunity for their testimony with FDLE. People will often obtain immunity when they have knowledge of an alleged crime and also may be implicated in that or another crime as a result of their own conduct. Frank also sued ACSO on behalf of several of her other clients.

What the Jury Never Knew

This development was never disclosed to the jury during Davis’s civil trial. The immunity Kutner was granted was also never raised during his civil trial testimony, nor was the jury informed that he had admitted to the conduct. There is no indication the defense was informed of the immunity agreement prior to the close of evidence.

These circumstances are now central to ACSO’s argument that the civil proceedings were tainted by withheld information and undue influence. In post-trial filings, ACSO argued that had the jury known about Kutner’s immunity and his illegal monitoring, it would have fundamentally changed how his credibility was assessed.

The same filings may suggest that Frank’s representation of multiple witnesses in the same investigation – while being secretly recorded by one – raises serious ethical concerns, especially when the resulting information was used to help shape the FDLE’s investigatory narrative. One implication that could be surmised is that the criminal probe was never independent at all, but was instead shaped behind the scenes by Davis’s civil trial legal team to bolster their case.

Kutner’s testimony featured prominently in the trial, providing details that supported plaintiff Davis’s retaliation narrative. Yet the context behind Kutner’s participation – the immunity deal, the secret monitoring, and the location of his interviews – was all withheld from the jury’s view.

The jury did not hear how the FDLE criminal probe interviews unfolded in a setting controlled by Davis’s own counsel. And notably, the jury never heard that the criminal investigation had been closed with no charges filed.

A Verdict on Incomplete Information

This means that the jury’s verdict rested on an incomplete picture of what happened in the FDLE investigation because they never heard about the immunity of Kutner and others, the secret monitoring, or his participation in what may have been a coordinated legal strategy. ACSO’s attorneys argue that this resulted in a lack of fundamental fairness.

The central question remains: Did Davis’s legal team possess knowledge and control over both sides of the FDLE criminal investigation and civil proceedings, shaping them in tandem to achieve a result that the facts alone could not support?

The jury never had a chance to ask that question. And unless the court reopens the door, neither will anyone else.

Next, in Part 3: Manufactured Crisis?

Over the course of two years, Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., became the subject of one lawsuit, then another–and another. But were the media being used to reinforce a carefully constructed narrative of scandal?

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