GAINESVILLE – An all-white jury handed down a more than $15 million verdict after a weeklong trial in which Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Seargent Kevin Davis claimed racial discrimination.  

The jury awarded Davis, the plaintiff, $115,724 for lost earnings David Macpherson, Ph.D., an economic expert witness, claimed Davis would have realized had he been promoted.  The jury also awarded an astounding $15 million for emotional pain and mental anguish, although there were not any medical or psychological expert witnesses listed in the plaintiff’s witness list to testify to the extent of such pain and anguish.  Oddly, the jury passed on awarding $54,545 in lost pension benefits that the economic expert estimated Davis lost due to the non-promotion.

Davis, a white man who has been employed with ACSO off and on since 1999, filed his lawsuit in February 2023 alleging discrimination by then Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr.’s administration.  The crux of Davis’ complaint is that less qualified black candidates at the sheriff’s office were promoted into lieutenant positions instead him.  Davis claimed that although he was ranked in the top five candidates for a slate of positions, he was intentionally passed over based on his race.  The defense, however, stated that at the time of Davis’ lawsuit, there had been some 150 promotions, 120 of which were filled with white candidates and approximately 30 were filled with black candidates.

Witnesses for the sheriff’s office, however, testified that Davis has specifically not been recommended for promotion.  Notably, Davis had been seen as problematic, filing multiple Equal Employment Opportunity and other complaints against multiple sheriffs, both black and white.  And despite Davis’ many years on the force, under several sheriffs he had not been highly promoted by any of them.

Davis also claimed that he was retaliated against when he was placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation into Davis’ potential violation of ACSO’s social media policy.  Davis said this paid administrative leave was retaliation for his filing of an Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint.

Former Sheriff Watson testified that he was greatly bothered by assertions that he or his administration acted in a racially biased manner against any of his officers.  Watson harkened back to his time as a former city manager in the City of Alachua where he oversaw the promotion of numerous white employees, including white men and women, who ultimately became city managers in Alachua and elsewhere around the state.

The trial began Monday, Jan. 3, 2025, with jury selection and opening statements.  The plaintiff was scheduled to conclude its case by Wednesday at noon, but by Thursday at noon, it appeared that plaintiff would not rest until Thursday at 3 p.m., leaving little time for the defense, who would need to rush its case or hold the jury late into the evening and possibly through the weekend.  Apparently, the court broke for lunch Friday and sent jurors out to begin deliberations.  By early afternoon, the jurors returned with their surprising verdict.  

The $15 million award seems unlikely to be paid out of public coffers anytime soon.  It’s possible that presiding Judge Gloria Walker could reduce the award, especially if the jury had no evidentiary basis for arriving at the number.  It also seems likely ACSO will appeal the decision based on numerous objections and motions raised before and during trial.

Representing ACSO, Attorney R. Wayne Evans of Allen, Norton, and Blue, P.A. in Tallahassee, Fla., was tight-lipped about the defense’s plans going forward, saying, “They put on their case-in-chief, and we put on our case-in-chief.  We are considering all of our options.”

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ The Santa Fe Raiders are hoping a familiar Florida football name can help turn their program around. Florida legend and former NFL running back Earnest Graham has been hired as the team’s head coach for the 2025 season, marking the Raiders' fourth coaching change since 2022.

Graham, who played nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is eager for the opportunity. As he shared with The Gainesville Sun, he believes Santa Fe provides the perfect environment to guide young athletes toward success. The school's football facilities and strong community support also factored into his decision.

Before joining Santa Fe, Graham was the offensive coordinator at Gainesville High School, where he worked alongside former Florida Gators teammate Ian Scott. Under their leadership, the team improved its win total over consecutive seasons, finishing with five victories last year.

The Raiders have struggled in recent years, managing just two wins since 2021. In the 2022-23 season, Santa Fe finished 1-9 under head coach Joe Szymanski, and two years later, Jason Wells led the team to the same record. Their last winning season came in 2015-16, when Bill Wiles coached them to an 8-4 finish. Historically, the Raiders have seen success, winning the Class 3A state championship in 1991 and the Class 4A title in 1994.

Graham’s deep ties to Florida football began at Mariner High School, where he was named the state’s Mr. Football in 1997. That season, he rushed for 5,710 yards and scored 86 touchdowns, earning Parade Magazine All-American honors. His high school career was so impactful that the Florida High School Athletic Association later included him on its “100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years” list in 2007.

At the collegiate level, Graham continued to make a name for himself with the Florida Gators. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 1999 and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2001. By the time he left Gainesville, he ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns.

Despite going undrafted in 2003, Graham carved out a successful NFL career with the Buccaneers, rushing for over 2,000 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns across nine seasons. Known for his relentless work ethic, he became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay.

Following his playing days, Graham transitioned into coaching, quickly making an impact at the high school level. He took over a struggling North Fort Myers program and transformed it into a competitive team, going from a winless season to a .500 record within three years. In 2017, he led the Red Knights to an undefeated season.

His coaching career later took him to Oasis High School, Evangelical Christian, and Woodward Academy. At Woodward, he had the opportunity to coach his son, Myles Graham, who is now following in his father’s footsteps as a linebacker for the Florida Gators.

Now, Graham steps into a challenging role at Santa Fe High School, aiming to bring stability and success to a program that has been searching for a turnaround. With his experience, leadership, and deep Florida football roots, many Raiders are surely hopeful that Graham’s hire will mark the beginning of a new era.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is slated for construction in the City of Alachua.  The news was first shared in a neighborhood meeting notice shared in the Oct. 31, 2024 edition of Alachua County Today.  The new fast-food restaurant is to be located in the new Santa Fe Crossings Plaza, a few parcels west of the recently-opened Wawa convenience store.  Between the Chick-fil-A and Wawa is expected to be a Firestone Tires shop and a car wash.

Chick-fil-A has more than 3,000 locations across 48 states.  Six other Chick-fil-A restaurants already exist in Alachua County, but all are within Gainesville.  Chick-fil-A would be yet another chicken-based fast-food restaurant on Alachua’s 441 corridor, which is already home to Popeye’s, KFC, and Zaxby’s.

The intersection of County Road 235A and U.S. Highway 441 is fast becoming a hotbed of development.  The Alachua County Fire Station 21 in Alachua will soon be relocated from its current facility across from Alachua Elementary School to a newly constructed station on County Road 235A, a short distance south of Ellianos Coffee.

Also, under construction on the southside of U.S. 441 is the headquarters of Tower Hill Insurance, which first broke ground Nov. 28, 2023.  The state-of-the art 65,000 sq-ft two-story building will feature more than 25,000 sq-ft of energy efficient glass and was designed by local architectural firm Paul Stresing Associates. When completed, the facility will house 300 of the company’s 500-plus employees. Tower Hill currently has offices in Gainesville, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Lexington, Ky, and operates in 17 states in the U.S. Anticipated construction completion is planned for spring 2025.  

The soon-to-be Tower Hill Insurance headquarters for the 50-year-old firm will be accessed from U.S. Highway 441 at Northwest 167th Boulevard traffic signal, the same signal used from primary access to Alachua’s Publix.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS – A devoted guardian dog from High Springs has been named the 2025 Farm Bureau Farm Dog of the Year, bringing national recognition to Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses and their unique mission of healing.

Sirius, a 6-year-old Maremma sheepdog, won the prestigious title in a competition hosted by the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) with support from Nestlé Purina PetCare. He was honored at the AFBF Convention on Jan. 26, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

Sirius serves as the protector of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, a multiple award winning 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity celebrating 28 years of service based in High Springs that provides comfort and emotional support to people in hospitals, hospice programs, assisted living centers, and to those who have experienced traumatic events. Their therapy horses have visited children’s hospitals, veterans, first responders, and survivors of tragedies across the country.

While the miniature therapy horses are bringing hope and joy to people in need, Sirius ensures their safety back home. The Maremma sheepdog is a guardian breed, known for its natural instinct to protect livestock from predators. His role on the farm is vital, keeping the horses secure from potential threats such as wild animals or intruders.

Jorge and Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, co-founders of Gentle Carousel, describe Sirius as the “hero behind the heroes.”

“Guardian dogs are like having a 24/7 security system on the farm,” Jorge said. “I feel great about the farm being safe and very proud of what Sirius is doing to protect the horses.”

Sirius performs many tasks essential to farm life, including patrolling the property, watching for predators, and ensuring that the therapy horses can rest peacefully without fear of danger. His presence allows the organization to continue its life-changing work without worrying about the safety of their animals.

The Farm Dog of the Year contest, now in its seventh year, highlights the essential role that farm dogs play on farms and ranches across the country. AFBF President Zippy Duvall emphasized the impact of these hardworking canines.

“Farm dogs often play a dual role as both working dogs and companions to farm and ranch families,” Duvall said. “Farming is very rewarding but stressful at times. Farm dogs can help ease the burden. It has been a pleasure partnering with Purina for the seventh annual Farm Dog of the Year contest, providing the public a glimpse of daily life on the farm.”

Sirius was chosen as the winner by a panel of judges specializing in veterinary medicine, pet care, and communications. As part of his award, Sirius received $5,000 in prize money, a trophy plate, a year’s supply of Pro-Plan dog food, and other Purina products.

This recognition not only celebrates Sirius but also brings national attention to Gentle Carousel’s mission. Their therapy horses have brought comfort to thousands of people, including survivors of natural disasters, mass shootings, and other traumatic events. The organization’s work has been featured in news outlets worldwide, and now, with Sirius in the spotlight, their farm's dedication to both therapy and animal welfare is receiving well-deserved recognition.

As Sirius continues his duties protecting the beloved miniature horses, Gentle Carousel will continue its mission of spreading hope, one visit at a time.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com