Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – The future of a landmark building on North East Waldo Road is in jeopardy as the City of Gainesville eyes the property for a recreational complex around Citizens Field Stadium.

Ninety-two-year-old Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 was recently contacted by the economic development office of the city, and advised that some or all of the veteran organization’s home may have to make way for a planned development.  Under a more detailed proposal sent this week, the post’s building may need to be demolished to build a revitalized municipal sports and multiuse park.

Surrounded in the post’s main meeting hall by military memorabilia stretching from World War II to the present day, regular VFW members and the auxiliary discussed the new challenges now facing the local veterans’ organization.  It was the main topic at the post’s general membership meeting March 13. 

“In general, we’re all for the idea of progress, but my first responsibility is to the post and its membership,” said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Bn, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard.  “Most of us are local veterans, and live close to the post.  This part of the city has needed something like this for quite some time.”

According to one proposal submitted by the city, a new and larger competition-style swimming pool will replace the Dwight H. Hunter Pool.  Next to that, a bigger Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Purpose Center is planned, as well as walking and jogging trails, and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts.

Also under consideration is a playground and multi-purpose fields.  In all, the Citizens Field Revitalization Project will cover approximately 36 acres.

“This is the type of thing we like to see here,” said VFW Post 2811 Commander Jim Johnson, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam.  “I’m glad that the city is making us part of the planning stage, and reached out to us.”

Alachua County VFW Post 2811 was contacted by the City of Gainesville under a schedule of public and stakeholder engagement meetings.  City officials intend to make a more detailed presentation - as well as a question-and-answer session - to post and auxiliary members within the next two months.

Until that time, the post is considering its options.  These would include seeing if some of the property could be set aside to build a new post home, relocating the post to a new venue, merging with another post, or turning in the post’s charter.

“The last thing on our minds is folding the post,” said Owen.  “Our mission here and our history in the community is too important.”

Founded 125 years ago, the VFW is essentially a grassroots organization, with posts like the Alachua County one at the local level, districts at the regional level, and departments at the state level, as well as national leadership.  Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 has been active since May 21, 1933.  It has approximately 200 members.

The quartermaster gave an example of the post’s outreach to fellow veterans.

“A couple Wednesdays ago, a homeless veteran arrived here with his family,” Owen said.  “Their car had broken down, and they literally walked in here because they had nowhere else to turn to before they could secure an apartment within a few days.  The post paid for them to stay in a hotel until they were able to get a more permanent place to live.”

“This is what we’re here for,” Johnson said.  “We honor the sacrifices made by our fellow veterans by helping those in need.  If we were just another social club, we wouldn’t be so driven to continue in this community.  We’re hoping everything works out for the best.”

Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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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 past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

Alachua Spring Concert, March 30, 2025 at 3 p.m., Legacy Park, Alachua

Admission at the door the afternoon of the show, Adults: $8 / Youth: No charge

ALACHUA — The City of Alachua is joining forces with Dance Alive National Ballet (DANB) to present a special collaborative program featuring young dancers from DANB’s Next Generation and danceAbout outreach initiatives. The event will showcase students who have been training under DANB outreach instructors Alison Tucker and Marilyn Deiorio since February, thanks to support from the City of Alachua and danceAbout sponsors.

Next Generation, DANB’s youth performance group, will take the stage alongside danceAbout participants to present a dynamic lineup of performances, including Le Corsaire Suite, Night Sky, Appalachian Spring, Boogie Shoes, Playground and Boogie Wonderland.

The program aims to introduce young dancers to a range of classical and contemporary styles. Le Corsaire Suite was chosen to expose students to classical ballet and character dance, while Night Sky, choreographed by DANB Resident Choreographer Tales Ribeiro, is designed for older dancers. Younger members of Next Generation will perform Appalachian Spring, a piece choreographed by DANB Principal Rachel Ridley.

Other featured works include Boogie Shoes, created by DANB’s Judy Skinner, and Playground, choreographed by guest artist Michelle Zada. The performance will conclude with Boogie Wonderland, which will feature danceAbout students before transitioning through ballet, jazz, contemporary, and tap, with guest artist Victor Mancuso leading the tap segment. The finale will bring together both danceAbout and Next Generation dancers in a celebratory performance.

The event not only highlights young talent but also supports DANB’s outreach programs. Proceeds will benefit these initiatives, which aim to enrich the lives of youth by providing them with choreography, instruction, and performance opportunities.

Founded in 1966 in Gainesville, Florida, Dance Alive National Ballet is a premier touring company in the southern United States, known for its diverse repertoire ranging from classical ballets like The Nutcracker to innovative contemporary works. Under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Kim Tuttle and Company Choreographer Judy Skinner, the company has toured extensively in the United States, Brazil, Cuba, Costa Rica, and Russia.

Dance Alive National Ballet receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Florida Department of State’s Division of Arts and Culture, the City of Gainesville’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs department, and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, with additional financial details available upon request by calling (800) 435-7352.

With a mission to foster artistic expression and provide young dancers with performance experience, DANB’s Next Generation continues to serve as a vital part of the region’s arts community. The upcoming showcase in Alachua promises to be an inspiring evening of dance, creativity, and collaboration.

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~ Bringing Jobs and Fresh Choices ~

NEWBERRY ‒ A trip to the local Publix supermarket just became more convenient for some residents living in and around Newberry. The new Publix supermarket has officially opened its doors, bringing expanded grocery options, fresh products, and convenient shopping to the growing community.

The 54,000-square-foot store located at 24100 West Newberry Road at the corner of State Road 26 and County Road 235, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The store is situated in the plaza at Market at Newberry Farms and features a full-service bakery, deli, seafood department, pharmacy, and a wide selection of fresh produce. The addition of Publix provides Newberry residents with a major grocery retailer in town, reducing the need for travel to neighboring cities for everyday shopping. The adjoining liquor store is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 8 p.m.

Beyond offering high-quality food and household essentials, the new Publix is expected to provide an economic boost to Newberry. The store has created numerous jobs in various departments, offering employment opportunities for locals. Additionally, Publix’s reputation for community involvement means the store will likely support local schools, charities, and events through its well-known donation programs.

Newberry has experienced steady population growth, with more families and businesses moving into the area. The arrival of Publix signals a response to the city’s expanding needs, ensuring residents have greater access to fresh, high-quality groceries and pharmacy services.

The grand opening celebration welcomed shoppers with special promotions, giveaways, and fresh product samples. Store employees and managers greeted customers as they explored the aisles of the highly anticipated new supermarket.

The store offers Publix’s signature services, including online ordering for in-store pickup, delivery through Instacart, and a pharmacy with prescription refills. These features are expected to add convenience for busy shoppers looking for quick and easy ways to complete their grocery trips.

As Newberry continues to develop, the opening of Publix marks a milestone in the city’s growth, providing both a valuable resource for residents and a positive economic impact for the community.

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~ Families Invited To A Fun-Filled Day Of Nature, History, And Art ~

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Gather the family and head outdoors for a day of fresh air, local history, and hands-on activities at O’Leno State Park’s Spring Frolic on Saturday, March 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 410 S.E. O’Leno Park Road. For just $5 per vehicle (up to eight people) or $4 for a single occupant, families can spend the day exploring one of Florida’s oldest and most beloved state parks while enjoying a lineup of activities designed to entertain visitors of all ages.

This year’s celebration invites guests to experience all that makes O’Leno special. Guided hikes will take participants deep into the park’s natural landscapes, from towering hardwood forests to the winding paths that reveal hidden sinkholes and diverse wildlife. Along the way, historical re-enactors and nature exhibitors will share stories of the area’s past, offering families a chance to learn about the people and ecosystems that shaped the region.

For those looking to take home something unique, local arts and crafts vendors will be on-site with handmade goods and artwork available for purchase. When it’s time for lunch, Charlie’s Chuckwagon food truck will serve up fresh, hot meals to fuel the afternoon adventures.

While the park's iconic suspension bridge remains closed for safety renovations, its rich history still towers over the event. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the wooden suspension bridge has long been a symbol of O’Leno’s past, stretching across the Santa Fe River and once connecting visitors to trails and scenic overlooks. Although visitors can no longer walk across it, the bridge remains a popular photo backdrop and a lasting reminder of the park’s historic roots.

The Friends of O’Leno and River Rise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the park, will also be available to answer questions about volunteer opportunities, fundraising efforts, and future projects, including the upcoming renovation of the park's Dining Hall, which will temporarily close beginning April 1, 2025, and is expected to reopen in late summer.

Beyond the day’s festivities, families are encouraged to explore O’Leno’s everyday amenities, including shaded picnic areas, open playgrounds, and miles of tranquil hiking trails. Whether visiting for the first time or returning to a favorite spot, this event offers the perfect opportunity to unplug and reconnect with nature while celebrating a park that has been a part of Florida’s story for nearly a century.

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