HIGH SPRINGS ‒ This past weekend was a good time to be an art lover in High Springs as artists set up shop for the 2^nd Annual Art Fair on the Green. Set against the iconic backdrop of the historic High Springs downtown area, sparkling white canopied vendor tents sprung up along the green space where railroad tracks once guided trains carrying goods to points east and west.

But on Saturday and Sunday, the area along Northwest 185^th Road was transformed into an open-air gallery, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the diverse range of artwork on display at the 2^nd Annual Art Fair on the Green. The art fair showcased the talents of both local and nonlocal artists, each contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the exhibit.

The free, family-friendly event featured artists in various mediums, from jewelry and paintings to ceramics and glass. Colorful pottery was displayed in booths next to displays of dazzling handmade jewelry and still others displaying acrylic and watercolor paintings. The outdoor gallery offered a visual feast that reflected the diversity and creativity of the artistic community that calls High Springs and North Central Florida home.

Scattered rain showers passed here and there through the area but did little to dampen the art enthusiasts who came out to see what this year’s two-day event had to offer until an approaching storm with gusty winds passed through. Reports of toppled tents, but no injuries were reported.

Gainesville artist Alfred Phillips took center stage at the exhibit with his creativity and vision, incorporating bold colors into this year’s Art Fair on the Green poster. Phillips specializes in acrylic painting, and according to his website, he has a four-year studio arts degree and enjoyed a successful career in commercial art. Phillips has received a number of awards and relocated to Gainesville in 2013. If you missed his exhibit at the Art Fair on the Green, you have another chance to see his works at the 52^nd Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival in Gainesville on April 13 and 14, 2024.

Additional art events are planned in High Springs with ArtWalks scheduled the third Saturday of March, April, May, October, November and December. The next ArtWalk is on tap March 16, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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ALACHUA ‒ Renovations to Alachua Boy Scout Troop 88’s scout hut are almost complete. Chartered in 1912, Troop 88 is one of the oldest Boy Scout troops in the United States and has a long history in Alachua and with the Alachua Lions Club. After the Alachua Lions Club was chartered in 1931, the organization began sponsoring Troop 88.

Located on Northwest 142^nd Terrace across from the Alachua Post Office, the Alachua Lions Club broke ground for the expansion at the site of the existing scout hut on Nov. 10, 2023. Plans called for extensive renovations on the building, plus a major expansion increasing the scout hut by two-thirds. The existing restroom will be renovated, and an additional wheelchair accessible restroom will be constructed. The expansion also includes an entirely new HVAC system and a covered front porch.

According to Alachua Lions Club records, the first scout hut in Alachua was built in the 1930s with the assistance of the Alachua Lions Club. When that building burned down in 1983, the Alachua Lions Club stepped up once again, and headed by club member Gilbert Whitman, spearheaded the construction of a new scout hut. Funds were raised by the Lions and many “man-hours” were donated to construct the new building, Lions Club records state.

The concrete slab for the current scout hut was poured and the building began to take shape in February 1984. The building was enlarged from the original size, giving the troop a chance to grow and include more scouts into the scouting program. Upon the completion of the building, Boy Scout Troop 88 dedicated the new scout hut in memory of Whitman who was killed in a car accident on Feb. 14, 1984 after spending the day pouring the concrete for the hut.

In 2017, Alachua Lions Club member Gib Coerper began heading up an effort to raise money for a major expansion and renovation of the building. The expansion comes with a price tag of about $185,000, with all construction and design costs and efforts donated either in cash or in-kind.

Completion was originally anticipated for mid-December 2023. But construction lagged due to delays in obtaining materials unique to the building. Speaking about the renovations, Coerper said they now expect completion in the March timeframe. In the meantime, scouts have been utilizing the Alachua Lions Club building next door.

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ALACHUA ‒ With beau tiful weather that seemed more springlike than winter, the Okito Tech City Fun Fest kicked off Saturday morning to crowds of festival goers. The event was billed as a way to “bring the community together for a day of pure fun, with over 125 vendors and food trucks, music, interactive games, and raffles, including a $1,000 scholarship for school supplies for one lucky Alachua County teacher.” Okito America partnered with San Felasco Tech City, Fun 4 Gator Kids, and Coca-Cola for a day of fun for all ages.

If attendance was any indication, the festival lived up to its claims as crowds started arriving mid-morning. Using geofencing, organizers estimate that some 4,000 people were on site at the event. To make accommodations for parking the many vehicles bringing in festival goers, a shuttle bus carried people from a designated parking area on U.S. Highway 441 to the San Felasco Tech City where the event was staged.

Kicking off the festival was the official ribbon cutting of Okito America’s newest location in San Felasco Tech City. Surrounded by a group of people including San Felasco Tech City founder and developer Mitch Glaeser and Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari, Okito America’s owner, Orlando Milan, wielded the oversized ceremonial scissor, cutting the ribbon and officially opening the martial arts studio.

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• The subject of the grand jury inquiry is dead.
• The investigation was about sexual activity with a minor.
• The testimony was previously disclosed by a court order.
• The state attorney is notified.