Alachua police officers escort local students during the 2025 Shop with a Cop event, where 50 children received $100 each to shop for items and gifts at Walmart. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Community partnerships and volunteer support helped make the 2025 Shop with a Cop event a memorable experience for dozens of local children, according to the Alachua Police Department.

The annual holiday program brought officers together with local students for a day centered on connection, generosity and positive interaction. Police officials credited sponsors, volunteers and community partners for helping create an event that focused on strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people.

“This year’s Shop with a Cop event was a tremendous success,” the department stated, noting that the generosity, time and support of community partners played a key role in making the day special for participating families.

Fifty students from local schools were selected to take part in the program, which included a shopping trip to Walmart. Each child received $100 to spend on items of their choice. While many participants selected toys, clothing or school supplies, several children chose to use their funds to purchase gifts for family members, organizers said.

Adding to the excitement, officers provided a police escort to and from the store, turning the shopping trip into a festive experience that many children described as unforgettable. The escort, along with the opportunity to shop alongside officers, helped create an atmosphere of celebration and trust.

Before the shopping trip, children were treated to pizza generously donated by New York Pizza Plus. Police officials said the meal helped kick off the day on a joyful note and gave participants a chance to relax and interact with officers in an informal setting.

Programs such as Shop with a Cop are designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and youth while addressing practical needs during the holiday season. By pairing officers with children in a supportive environment, the initiative aims to promote understanding, mentorship and a sense of community.

Police officials expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the event, emphasizing that the impact extends beyond a single day.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and helped make a lasting impact on the children and families in our community,” the department said.

Organizers said the success of this year’s event underscores the importance of collaboration among law enforcement, businesses and volunteers, and they hope to continue the tradition in years to come.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to this event and helped make a lasting impact on the children and families in our community.

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Santa brings holiday greetings during the Alachua Christmas parade. Alachua County Today Staff Photographer.

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Crisp air, clear skies and a touch of timeless nostalgia set the scene Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as the communities of Alachua and High Springs ushered in the holiday season with their annual Christmas parades, filling Main Street in Alachua and later downtown High Springs with festive cheer. This year’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme added a warm, reflective tone to the celebrations, blending simple holiday charm with hometown spirit in both cities.

In Alachua, families bundled in sweaters and jackets lined the parade route early, children perched along the curb clutching bags in anticipation of candy and waving at familiar faces passing by. The smell of winter air and the hum of excited conversation filled downtown as the parade stepped off along North Main Street, crossing U.S. Highway 441 under cloudless skies.

A police escort with flashing lights led the procession, followed by Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky, High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, who greeted spectators and waved as they made their way along the route.

Leading the parade as grand marshal was longtime Alachua dentist Dr. Douglas Adel, who was followed by a procession of festively decorated floats, marching bands, community groups and holiday characters that filled Main Street with music and cheer.

The City of Alachua’s official float leaned into the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme, featuring familiar imagery inspired by the beloved holiday classic — simple decorations, whimsical characters and a nod to the understated spirit of the season — as city commissioners waved from aboard and city staff members passed out sweet treats to children.

The parade showcased a wide cross-section of the community, with floats and walking groups representing local businesses, civic organizations, churches and schools. Participants included 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, Capital City Bank, members of the Hare Krishna community, and parade newcomers Ben E. Keith and Chick-fil-A, among many others.

Musical performances added energy and rhythm to the procession. The Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band performed holiday favorites that echoed through downtown.

Youth sports teams, including Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball and the Santa Fe Soccer Academy, proudly represented their programs, walking the route and interacting with the crowd. Volunteers dressed as Peanuts-inspired characters, Santa’s elves and other holiday figures handed out treats and smiles.

Parade judging took place at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, where judges evaluated entries for creativity and presentation. Three cash prizes were awarded, with the Alachua Soccer Alliance taking first place and earning $500, Momentum Dance placing second for $300 and Matchmaker Realty finishing third with a $200 award. Parade emcees Damon Messina and Tabitha Jenkins kept the energy high near the judges’ stand, announcing each entry and engaging spectators with commentary as floats rolled past.

Following close behind the horse-drawn entries were the Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, representing Capital City Bank and the Alachua Lions Club, who once again performed their familiar and appreciated role of keeping the parade route clean.

The grand finale arrived as Santa Claus appeared atop a firetruck, waving to children who shouted his name and waved back enthusiastically. For many young spectators, the moment marked the official start of the Christmas season.

As night fell, the celebration continued just down the road in High Springs, where the Twilight Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a glowing holiday scene. Floats outlined in twinkling lights rolled beneath the dark sky, while illuminated costumes, flashing decorations and softly lit storefronts created a festive backdrop. Families lined the streets bundled against the evening chill, waving as the parade passed by and enjoying the quieter, storybook feel of the after-dark procession that brought the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme to life under the stars.

“It really captures the holiday spirit,” said a local resident. “The best part is watching how excited the kids are.”

As crowds dispersed, the feeling lingered — a simple, joyful celebration marked by togetherness, tradition and a reminder that, much like Charlie Brown’s Christmas, the season’s meaning is often found in community.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The City of Alachua played host to a high-energy celebration of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving last weekend as the FIRST LEGO League North Florida Regional Championship brought more than 700 participants to the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and Legacy Multipurpose Center.

The multi-day competition transformed the recreation facilities into a hub of activity, with teams of children and young teens collaborating on robotics challenges and project presentations while families, coaches and volunteers filled the venue with encouragement and excitement. Organizers described the atmosphere as vibrant and upbeat, with participants fully engaged throughout the event.

City of Alachua Recreation & Culture staff members, along with volunteers from the SwampBots robotics community, played a central role in the championship’s success. Their coordinated efforts ensured smooth transitions between events, maintained competition schedules and provided support to teams navigating the demanding regional contest.

The championship weekend began Friday evening with a welcome social event in downtown Alachua, giving teams a chance to unwind before the competition began in earnest. Participants gathered along Main Street at The Vault Ice Cream Shop, where each competitor received a complimentary treat. The informal gathering allowed students, mentors and families from different communities to connect and share in the excitement of the weekend ahead.

Adding to the festive tone, participants took part in snow play activities during the social hours at Skinner Field – Allen Hitchcock Baseball Field. The unexpected winter-themed fun created a memorable experience for visiting teams and offered a lighthearted kickoff to the regional championship.

Teams traveled from across Central and North Central Florida to compete, reflecting the growing popularity of youth robotics programs throughout the region. The FIRST LEGO League challenges students to design, build and program robots using LEGO technology while also completing research projects that emphasize innovation, teamwork and real-world problem solving.

Throughout the weekend, competition spaces buzzed with activity as teams tested robots, adjusted strategies and cheered for one another’s successes. Parents and spectators observed from the sidelines as students demonstrated not only technical skills but also collaboration and sportsmanship — hallmarks of the program’s educational mission.

City officials and organizers noted that hosting a regional championship of this scale underscores Alachua’s capacity to accommodate large youth-focused events and reinforces the city’s commitment to recreation, education and community engagement.

By the end of the weekend, participants left with more than trophies and scores. Many departed with new friendships, renewed enthusiasm for science and technology, and memories of a community that welcomed them with creativity and hospitality.

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The GFWC District 5 Director installed the new GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club’s Board of Directors for 2026 – 2028. Pictured L-R: Photo - L - R: District 5 Director - Sallie Milner, President - Bonnie Josey, 1st. Vice President - Shirley Macrides, 2nd. Vice President - Vickie Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Marlene Hackland, Treasurer - Mary Sears, Historian - Linda Alexander. Not pictured: Recording Secretary - Pat Carr. \ Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club marked a milestone recently as its new Board of Directors was formally installed for the 2026–2028 term, signaling continued leadership and service within the community.

The installation ceremony was led by GFWC District 5 Director Sallie Milner, who oversaw the transition and recognized the incoming board members. Each officer received a gift tailored to her role, adding a lighthearted and celebratory touch to the occasion.

Elected to lead the organization as president is Bonnie Josey, who will guide the club’s activities and initiatives over the next two years. She is joined by Shirley Macrides as first vice president and Vickie Cox as second vice president.

Marlene Hackland will serve as corresponding secretary, while Mary Sears takes on the role of treasurer. Linda Alexander was installed as historian, responsible for preserving the club’s records and legacy. Recording Secretary Pat Carr was unable to attend the ceremony and is not pictured.

The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Locally, the club has long been active in civic engagement, charitable projects and educational initiatives that benefit High Springs and surrounding areas.

Club leaders said the installation of the new board reflects both continuity and renewal, as experienced members step into leadership roles while maintaining the club’s long-standing mission of service and advocacy.

The newly installed board will serve through 2028, guiding programming, fundraising and community outreach efforts during the upcoming term.

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