Local

DAYTONA BEACH – Local resident Archie Matthews has been recognized for his service to the Florida Records Management Association. Matthews was presented with the inaugural President’s Award from the Florida Records Management Association at their 2023 Annual Conference for his service as the Alachua County Records Specialist. The conference was held in Daytona Beach May 23 – 26 at the Hilton-Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

The award, which was presented to Matthews by Immediate Past President Les Vaughn, exemplifies the outstanding level of service provided to the organization and Vaughn during his term as president.

The award states that it was given “in recognition of Matthews’ exemplary leadership, service, and dedication to the Florida Records Management Association for over 20 years.”

Matthews is currently serving as the Director of Administration for the organization and has attained a high level of excellence as a Florida Certified Records Manager.

Alachua County residents and employees may recognize Matthews as the retired Records Bureau Chief for the Alachua County Clerk of the Court from 1993 – 2019.

Prior to serving in that capacity Matthews worked in the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office from 1983 – 1993 and pioneered their records management program.

Upon receiving the recognition, Matthews said, “I was honored and surprised to receive this award, especially since this is the first time the award has been given to anyone.”

Regarding his service to Alachua County Matthews said, “It was a privilege to serve the people of Alachua County and to participate with the Records Management Association.”

Never one to rest on his laurels, in addition to his continued service to the Florida Records Management Association, Matthews volunteers his time with a number of groups including the Future Farmers of America, his church, Pine Grove Baptist, the City of Alachua Historical Society, the Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District and the Association of Florida Conservation Districts.

Matthews lives with his wife, Emelie, on the outskirts of Alachua.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

JONESVILLE – Crews from the Newberry and Gainesville Fire Departments, as well as Alachua County Fire Rescue responded to the Jonesville area for a residential building fire in a two-story single family home. It was determined that lightning struck the roof causing fire to spread into the attic area. A passerby called the Combined Communications Center on Thursday, May 11, at 5:45 a.m. and stated that they just drove by the house and said, “The roof is on fire.”

The first fire engine arrived in about seven minutes and relayed that there was smoke and flames coming from the roof of the house and that they had a “working fire.”

All three departments worked to contain and extinguish the fire. There were no injuries reported. The power had to be disconnected, and Red Cross was contacted to assist the family.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry Planning and Zoning Board conducted a public hearing on June 5 to consider an ordinance amending the City’s Urban Services Area (USA) boundary to follow distinct parcel lines. Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas presented a map showing the proposed modifications to the USA boundary.

The USA boundary is the area in which the City proposes development will occur and is designed to prevent urban sprawl. “The Urban Services Area is the area in which the City encourages development,” said Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. Defining the USA helps to ensure responsible growth, explained Marlowe.

The current USA boundary edges cut through some properties so the owners are unsure whether they are in or out of the USA. The proposed changes will refine the edges of the boundary by including the entire property when the majority of a parcel is inside the boundary.

The proposed changes increase the USA area no more than five percent.

Board members voted unanimously to recommend approval of the proposed ordinance to the City Commission.

In other Planning and Zoning Board business Naim Erched, who has been serving as the Board Chair for the past three years, was presented with a plaque commemorating his service to the Board.

Board members voted unanimously to elect Donald Long as Chair Pro Tem and Kathy Thomas as Vice Chair Pro Tem.

Due to date conflicts with upcoming holidays, Board members agreed to meet July 17 at 6 p.m. and Sept. 5, also at 6 p.m.

In announcements, the Safe Haven Baby Box is proposed to be installed at the Newberry Fire Station in approximately three weeks and the City will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the installation. The Safe Haven Baby Box initiative offers a safe, anonymous option for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns in a secure, warm and medically-equipped environment. The Baby Box also immediately alerts a series of first responders that a baby has been left in the box.

Member Long announced the upcoming 2023 Aviation Academy, hosted by the 100 Black Men of Greater Florida GNV, Inc. This event is for children 12 – 18 years of age and will take place at the Gainesville Airport on June 23-24. Children will become airborne at this event as they learn about the world of aviation.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ARCHER ‒ Quindell Devon Thompson, 43, of Archer, was arrested late Monday night, May 15, and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment and resisting arrest after allegedly cornering a convenience store clerk while holding a knife.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the Circle K, 12711 S.W. State Road 45, Archer, at about 11:40 p.m. after a caller said Thompson had pulled a knife on him.

The clerk told the deputy that Thompson came into the store looking for a 4-pack of Natural Ice. When Thompson learned the store was out of that product, he began yelling at the clerk. The clerk said Thompson got upset when he said he was not allowed to go into the cooler to look for the product he wanted. Thompson then tried to walk into the cooler while the clerk yelled at him.

The clerk said that Thompson came behind the front counter, continuing to argue with him, and then took out a pocket knife from his pants pocket and pointed it at him. The victim said he was trapped behind the counter and that Thompson was yelling at him, but he couldn’t understand what Thompson was saying because he was intoxicated. The clerk said Thompson grabbed four individual Natural Ice cans, paid for them and left the store. The clerk said he thought Thompson was going to stab him and was in fear for his life.

When deputies arrived, they reportedly saw Thompson riding a bicycle south on SR 45. Deputies attempted a traffic stop, but Thompson allegedly refused to stop until his bicycle was blocked in by another patrol vehicle.

Thompson has served two state prison sentences for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, both from Alachua County. His last release was in 2011.

As a condition of his release on bail, Thompson is not allowed to go to the convenience store or have contact with the store clerk. Bail was set at $105,000 by Judge D. Tatum Davis.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ After expanding to a second Gainesville location in September 2022, Okito America is at it again, this time opening a location in San Felasco Tech City in Alachua. Their third location, opening to meet the demands of Okito America's award-winning programming, will offer an after-school program that provides free transportation from schools and includes a range of activities, including homework assistance, art, science, sports, basic Spanish skills, and martial arts instruction, all supervised by CPR-certified staff.

In addition to the martial arts and dance classes they already offer, Okito America has invested in a state-of-the-art kitchen at the Tech City location, giving them the opportunity to offer cooking classes to children and adults, one of the first of its kind in the area. “We are very excited to have the support of the community,” says Orlando Millan, founder of Okito America, “Our expansion to the city of Alachua gives us the opportunity to impact the lives of families from the whole county, which is not a task we take lightly. We are putting in the effort and care that our students have come to expect from us and know that the future of Okito America is only just beginning.”

The 6,000 square feet of space at San Felasco Tech City leased by Okito, will become the latest addition to the community that is rapidly emerging as one of the top spots for companies to grow. Millan opened Okito America in 2007 with a mission of improving the lives of families in the Gainesville area by introducing them to martial arts and providing top-tier childcare, continued education, and a safe environment for the children of Alachua County to grow and have fun. Over 9,000 students have graduated from Okito’s classes over the last 15 years.

“San Felasco Tech City is designed with entrepreneurs in mind, and we are thrilled to have Okito America as part of our community," said Mitch Glaeser, co-developer of the 82-acre mixed-use development. “Their commitment to helping children build confidence and achieve their goals through martial arts and other activities is a perfect fit for Tech City's live-work-play concept.

By opening a third location with Tech City, they move into the center of a fast-developing community, with easy service to Alachua, as well as smaller communities like High Springs, LaCrosse, Lake Butler, and North Gainesville.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ In May 2023, two local residents, Nancy Baumann and Sherrilene Classen, travelled to the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania, an experience that would test not only their physical limits, but their emotional resilience as well.

Located just over 200 miles south of the Equator, these intrepid explorers experienced sub-zero temperatures, powerful winds, and braved the toughest conditions nature can muster in their quest to reach the summit. “This is not your beach vacation,” said Classen. “There are risks involved.”

Over eight days, trekking through five climate zones to the artic zone at the top, climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging adventure that requires physical fitness and mental strength.

Sitting down with Ben Boukari, Jr., of “I Know a Guy” podcasts, the two recount their epic journey to conquer the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Africa, spiraling 19,341 ft. above sea level.

Amidst the physical challenges, Classen and Baumann also share a deeply moving spiritual moment that forever transformed their lives. In the midst of the mountain’s majestic solitude, they found themselves immersed in a transcendental moment of self-reflection and profound connection to the world around them.

Listen to their captivating journey in entirety by visiting https://youtu.be/gP7cDXMEdr8 in an internet browser, going to YouTube.com and searching for “I Know a Guy Podcast 0005” or scanning the following with a smartphone:

#    #    #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com