Local

NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry Board of Adjustment unanimously denied an appeal from Trackline during a special meeting held May 13, 2025, upholding a Stop Work order issued by the City for unpermitted construction activity.

The decision followed extended discussion regarding Trackline’s failure to obtain proper permits before beginning work. City staff recommended the Board deny the appeal, lift the stay, and enforce the Stop Work order — a recommendation the Board adopted unanimously.

Trackline representatives argued they had requested guidance from the City on how to obtain the necessary permits. City officials countered that they had provided clear instructions but that the company had yet to submit the required documentation.

Public comment during the meeting showed strong community support for upholding the Stop Work order, with audience members expressing unanimous agreement with the City’s position.

Champions Park Water Main

Following a 10-minute recess, the Newberry City Commission convened a special meeting to consider a single agenda item: the installation of a new water main at Champions Park to bring the system into compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations.

Assistant Director of Utilities & Public Works Rance Green and project manager explained that the park’s current water system is operating outside its permit conditions, making the upgrade essential. The contractor selected for the job was already mobilized on-site for a nearby project, which allows the City to save significantly on startup costs—bringing the installation cost to roughly $90 per linear foot, compared to the standard $165.

Commissioners approved a motion authorizing City Manager Jordan Marlowe to execute a contract valued at $221,574 for the installation of approximately 2,325 linear feet of 12-inch water main. The project includes owner-directed purchasing.

Mayor Tim Marden noted the total project cost is expected to be about $230,000, with the city manager authorized to approve up to 15 percent in change orders. He also said that when Sandy Park is developed, they will reimburse the City. There was no discussion from the audience or Commissioners and the contract was unanimously approved.

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alachuatoday.com

Alachua ‒ Siemens, a global leader in technology and innovation, has opened a new office and warehouse facility in San Felasco Tech City, bolstering its presence in Alachua County and adding to the growing technology hub.

The new integrated facility represents a significant investment by Siemens and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and community partnerships. Siemens joins more than 65 other companies at the rapidly expanding San Felasco Tech City. The facility will benefit from San Felasco Tech City's advanced infrastructure and collaborative business environment, supporting Siemens in delivering forward-thinking solutions for a more connected future.

Mitch Glaeser, co-developer and CEO of the Emory Group Company, expressed enthusiasm about Siemens joining the tech hub. “We are thrilled to have Siemens join other exceptional companies at San Felasco Tech City,” Glaeser said. “This facility strengthens Siemens' operational capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and building strong community partnerships.”

San Felasco Tech City is recognized for its sustainability and emphasis on digital innovation, making it a natural fit for Siemens’ expansion, company officials said. The facility is expected to leverage the site's advanced infrastructure to promote collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

Siemens' decision to expand operations in Alachua County highlights its dedication to advancing regional technology development and economic growth.

San Felasco Tech City, located in Alachua, is noted as one of Florida’s fastest-growing technology communities, known internationally for sustainable development and innovative practices

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ALACHUA – Two individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Alachua Police Department into alleged criminal conduct involving juvenile victims.

Chiarel Davis, 38, of Chiefland, faces multiple charges, including sexual assault by a person 24 or older on a victim aged 16 or 17, traveling to meet a minor, interference with the custody of a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to police, Davis is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a juvenile, providing marijuana to the minor, and sending sexually explicit messages and images. Investigators say she also arranged unsupervised meetings with the victim without parental consent.

Nicholas Scott, 35, of Gainesville, is charged with using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and distributing obscene material to a minor. Authorities allege that Scott sent explicit images to one of the victims and communicated with the minor in violation of Florida law.

The investigation began after a report was made by a concerned parent. Police said both suspects were known to the victims and had previously interacted with the families under the pretense of friendship.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the crimes and to protect the identities of the victims, no further information will be released,” said Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky.

The Alachua Police Department expressed gratitude to the assisting agencies that contributed to the investigation. Anyone with additional information or who may be a victim is encouraged to contact Detective Jacob Eady at 386-588-3328 or jeady@alachuapd.org.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Residents of Plantation Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care recently enjoyed a special community gardening event aimed at creating a butterfly garden at their facility.

Volunteers from the High Springs Garden Club and the GFWC Woman’s Club gathered at the assisted living center at 23301 NW 186th Ave. on May 14 to plant flowers and create an inviting space designed specifically to attract butterflies.

The initiative was made possible by a donation from the Thrivent Financial Organization of Gainesville, a Lutheran-based group dedicated to supporting community service projects. The grant provided funds to purchase a large raised garden bed, plants, soil, and fertilizer.

Fifteen members from both local clubs collaborated with residents in planting various flowers. Club members also brought additional plants from their own gardens to enhance the project's beauty and appeal.

"It was a delightful afternoon made possible by Thrivent’s generous support," said Ginger O’Loughlin, who serves as secretary for both participating clubs. “This project provided an enjoyable experience for residents and volunteers alike.”

Participants concluded the afternoon with refreshments, also funded by Thrivent. Residents received gift bags and decorative diamond-art butterfly sticks to add colorful finishing touches to the garden beds.

One resident, known for his dedication to caring for the facility’s plants, expressed particular enthusiasm about the new garden. He regularly waters and maintains the plants throughout the growing season.

O’Loughlin said the gardening event allowed both the High Springs Garden Club and the Woman’s Club to fulfill their ongoing commitments to community service projects.

The project was coordinated by Plantation Oaks Activities Director Lori Higgins, Thrivent Financial member Linda Lawson, club volunteers, and O’Loughlin, who also coordinates the weekly bingo activities at the facility.

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ALACHUA – A period of major growth and expansion is giving way to a new chapter for 399 Sports & Recreation, the Alachua-based nonprofit dedicated to youth athletics and community programming.

The organization announced that founding president Brandon Wilson will step down effective June 1, 2025, after completing a two-year term marked by significant accomplishments.

During Wilson’s leadership, 399 Sports & Recreation increased participation by 233 percent, launched scholarship initiatives, supported local travel ball teams, and formed partnerships with both local and regional groups. The group also generated new revenue through a steady concession stand operation and hosted ceremonial events for its youth basketball and volleyball leagues.

Looking ahead, Wilson plans to remain involved in a consulting role, while he and his family will continue their commitment to youth development through their Crafty Gemini Youth Development initiative. The program offers hands-on learning in the arts, agriculture, and athletics, aiming to help young people discover their passions and create paths to long-term success.

Wilson’s contributions to youth recreation and community programming have earned praise throughout Alachua County, and the organization he founded shows no signs of slowing down.

As the summer season kicks off, 399 is accepting participants for its Summer Basketball League. Registration also remains open for the City of Alachua’s Legacy Summer Camp. In addition, the Alachua Raiders Football & Cheer program has begun sign-ups for its fall tackle football and cheerleading teams.

A Music & Arts Program Film Festival will be held Aug. 30 at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. The event, hosted by the City of Alachua, begins at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

For more information on any of these programs, visit the City of Alachua’s official website or follow 399 Sports & Recreation on social media.

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GAINESVILLE — The Alachua County Library District is inviting families to jump-start their summer at Reader Palooza, a free community celebration on Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tower Road Branch Library, 3020 SW 75th St.

The event marks the official kickoff of the district’s annual Summer at the Library program, encouraging readers of all ages to explore books, participate in activities, and take on the Summer Reading Challenge. More than 30 local organizations will be on-site offering games, crafts, educational resources and interactive exhibits for children and families.

Highlights of the event include a scavenger hunt, roaming performers, games and hands-on activities designed to promote literacy and learning. Attendees can also register for the Summer Reading Challenge and receive a free tote bag while supplies last.

“Reader Palooza is a wonderful way to connect families with their local library and with dozens of community partners who support learning and creativity,” said library officials. “It’s a fun, festive way to get excited about reading all summer long.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information about Reader Palooza and the Summer at the Library program, visit www.aclib.us or contact the Tower Road Branch at (352) 333-2840.

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