Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott is sworn in by 8th Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard

GAINESVILLE – On Jan. 7, 2025, Alachua County welcomed its new sheriff, Chad Scott, during a swearing-in ceremony that underscored his extensive career and commitment to public safety. Scott secured his position after defeating incumbent Sheriff Emery Gainey in a close November 2024 election.

The ceremony, held at noon in the Alachua County Courthouse, was also an opportunity to recognize the swearing-in of other key constitutional officers. These included Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton, Clerk of the Court J.K. “Jess” Irby, Tax Collector John Power, and Property Appraiser Ayesha Solomon. Also being sworn in were State Attorney for the Eighth Judicial Circuit Brian Kramer and Public Defender Stacy Scott.

Eighth Judicial Circuit Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard administered the oath of office to Sheriff Scott in front of a crowd filled with local leaders, law enforcement officials, and community members.

Scott enters his role as sheriff with a lifetime of experience in law enforcement. In his remarks following the ceremony, he emphasized a commitment to community policing, crime prevention, and addressing mental health and domestic violence issues. His vision centers on fostering transparency, accountability, and collaboration between law enforcement and the residents of Alachua County.

“I am honored to lead the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office,” Scott said. “My mission has always been about keeping communities safe.”

Scott’s career in law enforcement is marked by significant achievements. He previously served as Chief of Police for the City of Alachua, where he implemented innovative crime prevention strategies and strengthened community relations. As Colonel at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, he gained a reputation for effectively managing complex law enforcement operations.

Born in Gainesville and raised in Newberry, Scott is deeply rooted in Alachua County. A graduate of Newberry Jr. Sr. High School, where he excelled as a football standout, Scott continued his athletic career at Bethel College in Kansas. Upon returning home, he pursued his passion for public service by enrolling in the Police Academy and embarking on a career dedicated to protecting and serving his community.

Scott began his law enforcement journey as a midnight patrol officer at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office before moving to the Juvenile Relations Bureau. As a school resource officer, he left a profound impact at Lake Forest Elementary, Newberry High School, and Oak View Middle School. His roles included coaching football, counseling students, teaching classes, and helping establish the Criminal Justice magnet program, a legacy program within Alachua County Public Schools.

In his new role, Sheriff Scott aims to strengthen ties between law enforcement and the community while enhancing transparency and accountability. His approach prioritizes collaborative efforts to ensure safety and unity across Alachua County.

With decades of experience and deep community roots, Scott’s tenure as sheriff begins with a focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and creating a safer environment. His dedication to public service positions him to make a lasting impact on Alachua County.

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Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Commander Avery L. Owen (center) presented trophies and cash awards Dec. 12 to Ilo Pillari (left) and Isa Pillari as winners of the annual Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen contests. / Photo by Michael P. Mauer special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE ‒ Two local siblings earned top honors from Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 as this year’s Voice of Democracy and Patriot’s Pen winners.

Earning first in this year’s VOD competition is 17-year-old Isa Pillari from Newberry, Fla. Her brother, 13-year-old Ilo Pillari, got the top slot for the post’s Patriot’s Pen scholarship. Both students are home schooled by their parents, Pramod and Catherine Pillari.

Each winner received a $100 award and a trophy from VFW Post 2811 at the organization’s Dec. 12 meeting.  Annabell Zachritz, a 17-year-old senior at The Rock School, received a trophy and $75 as the post’s second place VOD contestant.

At the same meeting, the siblings read their essays to VFW Post 2811’s membership and auxiliary.

“The post membership and I were truly impressed with the quality and content of both their essays,” said Avery L. Owen, VFW Post 2811 commander. “As an organization of combat veterans, many of us were sincerely touched at the sentiment. It is good to know that the basic principles of freedom and democracy that we fought for are being cherished by young people in our community.”

The topic for this year’s VOD essay competition was ‘Is America Today Our Forefathers’ Vision?’  Competitors for the Patriot’s Pen contest wrote to the theme of ‘My Voice in America’s Democracy’.

“I don’t think the students who participated this year could have written to these subjects any better than what they did,” said Owen, a retired master sergeant who served with the 3^rd Bn, 20^th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard. “I think they’ll do well at the next level.”

The combat veteran also added a personal reflection.

“They give me hope for the future,” said the VFW Post 2811 commander.

The winning VOD and Patriot’s Pen candidates will move to the next bracket at Florida VFW District 14. This is comprised of VFW posts from Lake City, Palatka, Lake Butler, Interlachen and Gainesville. If forwarded from there, entrants will earn a chance to compete at the VFW Department of Florida. Once advancing, winners will then vie at the VOD national level where the top laurels include a $30,000 scholarship.

Other VOD national scholarships range from $1,000 to $15,000, and the top winner from each state can earn a minimum scholarship of $1,000, plus an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

The top Patriot’s Pen competitors selected from each state can earn $50,000 in awards, as well as a top prize of $5,000 and an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Both the VOD and Patriot’s Pen scholarships are open to all students from middle school through high school.

The VFW is observing its 125^th anniversary this year. Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Editor’s Note: Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest. Email mikemauer@hotmail.com

ALACHUA ‒ The holiday spirit was in full swing on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, as sirens and flashing lights from the Alachua Police Department (APD) accompanied a busload of excited children to the entrance of the Gainesville Walmart on U.S. Highway 441. But the kids weren’t in any trouble—far from it. They were participants in the annual “Shop with a Cop” event, a heartwarming holiday tradition designed to ensure a brighter Christmas for families in need.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. The festive outing began as children loaded on a school bus to be escorted by squad cars and police SUVs—lights flashing—to the Walmart parking lot. APD reported that children from local schools were treated with the shopping spree armed with a gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Inside the store, each child was teamed up with a uniformed officer. Armed with gift lists, shopping carts, and big smiles, they strolled aisle after aisle, picking out toys, clothing, and other holiday essentials. Laughter, high-fives, and excited chatter filled the air. And as children, fortified with their newfound purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today, they went beyond simply peeking at displays; they could finally explore the aisles and bring home that perfect gift.

For many of the participating students, the gifts they purchased weren’t just for themselves. Some were eager to buy items for siblings, parents, or grandparents.

The event was made possible through donations from local businesses and private sponsors. In a season often filled with both warmth and financial stress, “Shop with a Cop” aims to lighten the load for families who could use extra help.

“Shop with a Cop” will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the lives of the children who had the opportunity to not only make their Christmas a happy one, but also a joyous occasion for their families as well. And for the officers, it’s a poignant reminder of the impact they can make, one holiday wish at a time.

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Nutcracker Classic Christmas Fantasy Brought to Life

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Main Street in Alachua was a vibrant scene of holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, as the annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, took center stage with its Nutcracker theme. Families, friends, and community members turned out in large numbers to celebrate the magic of the season, marveling at elaborately decorated floats, festive performances, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Later that evening, the holiday spirit continued just down the road with the City of High Springs Twilight Christmas Parade, which also embraced the Nutcracker theme. The evening parade enchanted spectators with glowing lights, whimsical floats, and twinkling displays, bringing the Nutcracker wonderland to life under the stars and completing a day of magical holiday celebrations in both communities.

In Alachua, the air buzzed with anticipation as children eagerly lined the streets, their faces filled with excitement for the parade and the chance to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. The crowd cheered as parade participants walked the parade route tossing sweet treats to spectators. Some children scrambled for candy while others gazed in awe at the dazzling holiday-themed creations.

The parade began along North Main Street and made its way across U.S. Highway 441, led by a police escort complete with sirens wailing and red and blue lights flashing. Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky and High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard joined in the festivities greeting onlookers and waving.

Adding to the hometown charm was the parade’s grand marshal, longtime Alachua resident and City of Alachua employee Cap Wilson, who waved to the crowd from a vintage blue convertible Mustang, accompanied by his wife, Holly. Behind them, the City of Alachua’s official float showcased scenes from the Nutcracker ballet that included larger than life nutcrackers, the mouse king and ballerinas in sparkling tutus, earning smiles and cheers as Alachua city commissioners joined the fun.

The event showcased local businesses, civic organizations, religious groups and schools, all stepping up to deliver festive cheer. Among the participants were Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Horizon Realty, Capital City Bank and members of the Hare Krishna community, along with scores more.

The parade also featured spirited performances by the High Springs Community School band, Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band, a crowd favorite, whose holiday-themed melodies captivated spectators. Dressed in seasonal costumes, dancers from the high school joined the performance, adding flair and movement to the procession.

Twirling batons, members of the All Stars Twirling Academy dazzled onlookers, while young athletes from the Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball team, the Santa Fe Soccer Academy and the Raider cheerleaders proudly showcased their community spirit. Volunteers, dressed as Santa’s elves and Nutcracker-themed characters, walked alongside the floats, handing out treats and spreading smiles.

Serving as parade judges were Horace Jenkins, Carol Richardson, and Wendy Hewett. At stake for parade entries were three prizes valued at $500, $300 and $200. Momentum Dance took 1^st place, Alachua Business League came in 2^nd place and Canvas Church wrapped up 3^rd place.

As the floats approached the judge’s stage at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, parade MCs Ben Boukari, Jr. and Damon Messina kept the excitement alive, introducing each float and engaging the crowd with lively commentary.

The parade also included the well-known Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, Don James and Jovante Hayes of the Alachua Lions Club, who cheerfully followed the festively decorated horse entries, keeping the streets clean for the participants who followed.

The highlight of the parade came at the grand finale, as Santa Claus made his highly anticipated appearance atop a firetruck, waving joyfully to the children who called his name and waved back with excitement. For the young spectators, this magical moment sparked dreams of Christmas morning and the treasures waiting under their trees.

“This event truly captures the spirit of the season,” said a local resident. “It’s a reminder of the close-knit community we’re lucky to have here in Alachua.”

As the parade wrapped up and families began to disperse, the holiday spirit lingered. From the decorated floats to the costumed characters, the 2024 Christmas Parade was another resounding success, a true celebration of community and tradition.

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