ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s 36th annual Sportsfest Golf Tournament teed off June 14 at Turkey Creek Golf Course, bringing together local teams, sponsors, and volunteers for a day of charity and competition.

Despite hot temperatures and rain, the tournament saw strong participation and fundraising success, generating more than $30,000 to support local schools and youth programs.

Held each year on the Saturday before Father’s Day, Sportsfest is a collaboration between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, local businesses, and community partners. The event not only offers a day of friendly golf competition but also raises critical funding for educational and recreational initiatives across the community.

Earlier this year, the Chamber awarded $22,000 in grants to six local organizations using proceeds from the tournament. Grant recipients included Irby Elementary, Alachua Elementary, Santa Fe High School PTSA, the Santa Fe High School Hospitality Council, a joint Mebane Middle School/Kiwanis Club initiative, and the City of Alachua Recreation Department.

The tournament weekend began with the Corporate Sponsor Scramble on Friday, featuring more than 30 players. On Saturday, 96 players took to the course, joined by some 30 volunteers.

The competition concluded with the tournament’s signature Shootout, where qualifying teams vied for bragging rights and prize money. Tower Hill Insurance claimed victory in the Shootout and also took first place in Friday’s Corporate Scramble.

Tournament Results

Net Winners

1. Scherer Construction
2. Sysco
3. Edward Jones – Matt Surrency

Low Gross Score

1. Waste Pro
2. Sysco
3. New Generation Builders

Shootout Winner

Tower Hill Insurance

This year’s tournament was presented by Dollar General as the Tournament Sponsor and Capital City Bank as the Shootout Sponsor. More than 50 sponsors contributed through hole sponsorships, raffle donations, hospitality stations, and corporate team entries. Raffle prizes ranged from gift cards and hotel stays to TVs and new golf equipment, all donated by area businesses.

The Sportsfest Committee recognized all tournament sponsors with a special shoutout to hospitality sponsors Mi Apa Latin Café, Conestogas Restaurant, and Coca-Cola for keeping players and volunteers fueled throughout the day.

“This tournament is more than just a great time—it’s a tradition rooted in giving back,” said Sportsfest Committee Chair Michelle Vickers. “Thank you, Alachua, for always showing up and showing out!”

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ALACHUA ‒ Nine individuals who may have voted illegally in the April 8, 2025, municipal election in the City of Alachua have been referred for possible prosecution, according to a May 20 letter from Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim A. Barton.

Barton stated that her office has referred the individuals to State Attorney Brian Kramer after determining there is probable cause to believe they voted despite being ineligible due to felony convictions or unpaid court-ordered fines or fees.

“Upon researching the names and case information that were sent to us, we determined that there is evidence that nine of the eleven individuals have registered to vote and/or voted in an election when they were ineligible to do so,” Barton wrote in her letter to Kramer.

Two of the 11 voters reviewed were confirmed to be eligible and will not face further action.

Florida law outlines criminal penalties for voting violations:

• S. 104.42(1) authorizes supervisors of elections to investigate and report illegal registrations or voting.
• S. 104.15 classifies it as a third-degree felony to knowingly vote when not legally qualified.

In addition to the referral to the State Attorney’s Office, Alachua County Today has learned that the Florida Office of Election Crimes and Security (OECS) has also been notified of the matter. Furthermore, federal authorities, including the FBI, have been made aware due to some of the flagged individuals participating in federal elections such as the 2020 and 2024 general elections.

According to Barton, the nine individuals identified as potentially ineligible were mailed certified letters initiating the voter removal process. Barton’s office provided the following information about the individuals.

• John W. Richard Jr. (VID: 126586271) ‒ Owes fines from four felony cases spanning 2005 to 2015. Voted in four elections since 2020. Registered in 2019.
• Jimmy Smith (VID: 127843422) ‒ Owes fines from three felony cases between 2009 and 2020. Registered in 2020.
• Latasha A. Steward (VID: 127343924) ‒ Owes fines from felony cases in 2004 and 2007. Voted in the 2020 PPP, 2020 primary and general, and 2024 general elections. Registered in 2019.
• Bianca C. Webb (VID: 126641114) ‒ Owes fines from four felony cases between 2007 and 2016. Voted in the 2022 primary. Registered in 2019.
• Antonio J. Hall (VID: 126616387) ‒ Owes fines from a 2001 felony case. Voted in the 2020 primary and general elections and the 2024 general. Registered in 2019.
• Jamie R. McGhee Sr. (VID: 126660044) ‒ Owes fines from a 1990 felony conviction. Voted in the 2020 and 2024 general elections. Registered in 2019.
• Jeffery Robinson (VID: 126686510) ‒ Owes fines from felony cases in 1991, 1999, and 2002. Voted in the 2024 general election. Registered in 2019.
• B. Banks (VID: 127888289) ‒ Owes fines from a 1998 felony case. Voted in six elections between 2020 and 2024. Registered in 2020.
• Vince B. Dixon Jr. (VID: 132113016) ‒ Involved in a 2006 federal criminal case and reportedly still owes $100. No record of payment. A certified letter was sent May 7.

Meanwhile, two individuals were cleared by the Supervisor’s Office and remain eligible voters.

Barton concluded her letter by stating that her office’s findings establish probable cause that violations of the Florida Election Code have occurred. As of press time, the State Attorney’s Office has not announced whether charges will be filed.

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Faith, Service and Fellowship in High Springs

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ St. Madeline Catholic Church commemorated its centennial on May 25 with a celebratory Mass and luncheon that honored a century of spiritual service, growth, and resilience in the heart of the High Springs community.

More than 175 parishioners and guests gathered for the occasion, which featured the return of former pastors and a special appearance by Bishop Erik Pohlmeier of the Diocese of St. Augustine, who joined in leading the anniversary Mass. A reception in the parish hall followed, with over 225 attendees enjoying a catered meal and reflecting on the church’s rich history.

“St. Madeline’s has been a beacon of hope, compassion and charity,” said High Springs City Commissioner Katherine Weitz during the celebration, as she read a proclamation officially designating May 25, 2025, as a day of recognition in honor of the church’s legacy. “The parish has committed to the mission of spreading the Good News for generations to come.”

Attendees received a commemorative pamphlet detailing the church’s historical journey, which began in 1925 when local resident John Paul Banks donated land at 140 2^nd Avenue for the original church site. The church’s early congregation hand-built much of the interior, including pews and kneelers, while stained-glass windows—funded through community donations—still grace the sanctuary today.

The first Mass was held on May 25, 1925, with music provided by a choir from St. Patrick Catholic Church in Gainesville. At the time, only 35 parishioners were in attendance. For decades, the church functioned as a mission, supported by visiting priests from Gainesville, until 1968 when Father Richard Allenbaugh became the first resident pastor. Initially living in rented rooms, Allenbaugh later oversaw the purchase of a rectory and managed additional mission churches in Marion, Dixie, and Levy counties.

By 1973, the congregation had grown to 140, prompting discussions about the church’s future. In 1975, a new location was selected at 117155 NW U.S. Highway 441—then home to the Dragon Drive-In, an adult movie theater. The unusual transition attracted widespread media attention. When the church building was relocated to the new site in 1979, national and local outlets covered the story.

Despite the controversy, parishioners embraced the move. The theater was soon closed to make way for a parking lot and a multipurpose building that temporarily served as the church. Over the years, the parish grew rapidly, eventually tripling in size.

Father Sebastian K. George, appointed pastor in 2008, oversaw the construction of a new parish hall, a memorial garden and cemetery, and a Knights of Columbus pavilion. In 2011, the multipurpose building was officially consecrated as the parish’s main worship space.

On Dec. 5, 2015, St. Madeline Chapel was designated a shrine to Our Lady of La Leche, honoring the Virgin Mary. Thousands of pilgrims have since visited the site annually. After a brief reassignment, Father Sebastian returned in 2023 and was warmly welcomed back by the parish.

The May 25 centennial celebration concluded with remarks by Deacon Henry Zmuda and a blessing by Bishop Pohlmeier. Guests then enjoyed a Southern-style luncheon featuring roasted pork, Chicken Florentine, seasonal vegetables, and classic banana pudding.

The event marked not only the church’s historical milestones but also its enduring role as a center of faith, service, and fellowship in High Springs.

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ALACHUA — Alachua County officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, May 30, 2025, to celebrate the opening of Fire Rescue Station 21, a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the county for the next half-century.

Located at 16121 N.W. 173^rd Street in the City of Alachua, the new station spans 11,500 square feet and represents a $7 million investment in public safety infrastructure.

County leaders and first responders were joined by City of Alachua leaders and staff to mark the occasion with a public event that included remarks, a tour of the facility, and a traditional fire service hose uncoupling to commemorate the opening.

“This station is more than just a building — it’s a promise to our residents that help is never far away,” said Alachua County Fire Chief Harold Theus. “Fire Station 21 is built to meet the demands of today and the challenges of the next 50 years.”

Fire Chief Theus previously estimated a 12-month construction timeline, placing completion sometime in early to mid-2025. The new location was strategically selected to better align with the city's development patterns and to reduce response times in key areas.

The new station replaces an older facility and is strategically located to improve emergency response times in the northwestern part of the county, including key transportation corridors such as U.S. Highway 441 and nearby sections of Interstate 75.

Designed with growth in mind, the station includes expanded bays for emergency vehicles, modern living quarters for personnel, and advanced safety and communications technology. Officials said the facility also meets the latest standards in fire service design and sustainability. The single-story, concrete masonry structure includes energy-efficient systems, sustainable design features, and 100 percent backup power generation, ensuring operational readiness in all conditions.

Planning and funding for the new station began several years ago as part of the county’s long-term capital improvement strategy. The facility was funded through a combination of local revenues and public safety impact fees.

Residents who attended the ribbon-cutting were invited to tour the facility, speak with firefighters, and learn more about the station’s role in the county’s emergency response system.

Fire Rescue Station 21 is now fully operational and staffed to provide fire protection and emergency medical services to the City of Alachua and surrounding areas.

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