ALACHUA ‒ Alachua’s Main Street was brimming with Halloween excitement as over 3,000 gathered for the annual “Trick or Treat on Main” celebration this past Saturday, Oct 26, 2024. Downtown was transformed into a bustling hub of Halloween excitement as costumed children and families arrived for the much-anticipated event. Hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with local businesses, the City of Alachua, and community organizations, this cherished tradition provided families with a safe, spirited environment to enjoy Halloween.

From 5:30 to 8 p.m., families strolled through the pedestrian-only zone on Main Street, where local businesses and community groups offered candy and Halloween-themed surprises. The street was alive with color, from traditional pumpkins to more creative displays inspired by the classic movie Beetlejuice, the theme for this year’s “Scarecrow Row” — a highlight of the evening.

Scarecrow Row brought a whimsical display of creatively designed scarecrows contributed by businesses and organizations. Each display captured the quirky, eerie charm of Beetlejuice, adding a touch of Hollywood magic. From Beetlejuice himself to renditions of the film’s memorable characters and scenes, the displays brought smiles and shivers to visitors of all ages.

This year’s event saw significant backing from corporate sponsors, including the Alachua Business League, Alachua Today Newspaper/Boukari Law, Campus USA, Canvass Church, Cisco South RDC, Matchmaker Realty, Optimal Station, Polaris of Gainesville, Santa Fe Ford, The Seed, and Waste Pro.

These businesses not only sponsored scarecrow displays but also contributed to the community spirit by interacting with trick-or-treaters and offering treats along the route. “The scarecrows add such a unique, local flavor to our Halloween event,” shared a participating business owner. “It’s a way to give children and families a memorable experience.”

A Beetlejuice-themed photo booth, one of the event’s main attractions, provided families with a chance to capture fun memories. The booth included a backdrop inspired by the film, complete with a live costumed Beetlejuice, making it the perfect spot for snapping photos to remember the night. Kids and adults alike enjoyed the playful yet eerie vibes, taking home souvenirs of their Halloween adventure on Main Street.

Excited children dressed as everything from glittering princesses to vibrant superheroes darted along Main Street, gathering treats at every stop while their parents hurried to keep up with their boundless energy.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed his enthusiasm about the event’s growing popularity. “Every Halloween, Main Street lights up with excitement, and this year was truly special with our Beetlejuice theme,” said Boukari. “Seeing families, friends, and businesses come together to create a fun and safe event is what makes Alachua’s community unique. From the scarecrow displays to our businesses handing out candy to the kids, to the photo booth, it’s all about creating lasting memories and a magical experience for everyone.”

The “Trick or Treat on Main Street” event, free and open to the public, has become a treasured tradition in Alachua. Organizers ensured ample parking in nearby lots, although families were encouraged to arrive early due to the event's popularity. Safety remained a top priority, with the Alachua Police Department on site to maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

As the evening wound down, it was clear that “Trick or Treat on Main” had once again created a shared appreciation for Alachua’s unique Halloween magic.

For more information about “Trick or Treat on Main” and other community events, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Oct. 25, 2024) – The City of Gainesville Transportation Department today announced a number of changes to its Regional Transit System (RTS) bus services aimed at managing budget constraints linked to reductions in federal, state and local funding as well as abnormally high increases in operating costs over the past three years.

Although passenger counts are moving steadily back toward pre-pandemic levels, with Fiscal Year 2024 ridership increasing 7.3 percent compared to the previous year (5.5 million compared to 5.1 million), this is not enough to cover rising costs. As a result, RTS is among the public transit agencies nationwide seeking new revenue sources while streamlining to reduce costs.

• Holiday Service

RTS discontinued holiday service as of Oct. 1, 2024. The bus routes previously scheduled on Veterans Day, Black Friday and Christmas Eve will not run this year.

• Paratransit Service

For eligible riders who have a disability that prevents them from making some or all of their trips on the fixed-route buses, RTS offers a shared ride door-to-door service called Paratransit. Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, this service has been scaled back to locations within three-quarters of a mile from a fixed route.

• Fare Free

To ensure the program is working as intended, beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, riders who are 18 and younger and 65 and older will require a pass for Fare Free boarding. RTS will add an online application webpage to register for these passes before year’s end.

 RTS and UF Partnership

 The city and the University of Florida are continuing discussions to improve route efficiency for students while maintaining a public transit system that works for all riders.

 “We value our partners in the City of Gainesville and look forward to continuing to work with them on this vital issue,” said Brandi Renton, UF’s interim vice president for business affairs.

 As UF continues reassessing the most efficient use of student transportation fees, adjustments are planned for some routes that have been funded by the University.

 Route 25 to Gainesville Regional Airport

Route 25 will end with the start of spring service on Jan. 3, 2025. Given this route's low UF ridership, and to be good stewards of the student funds that finance this route, the University of Florida will reallocate those assets to other student transportation solutions.

 UF Route Changes

The following route changes are recommended by UF to improve efficiency and service to students and other campus riders. If agreed upon by both sides, the following route modifications would take effect with the start of RTS spring service on Jan. 3, 2025.

 Route 125 – UF Campus Connectors will operate this route.

• Route 122 – Returns to the original north/south orientation.
• Route 150 – UF assumes operation of this route.
• Route 1 – Route moved to enter/exit campus on Museum Road to stop at the Reitz Union before resuming the regular route.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On a beautiful, sunny Saturday, the High Springs community gathered for the much-anticipated Fall Festival, a vibrant celebration of autumn and Halloween spirit. Held behind City Hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event was organized by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce, transforming the area into a bustling hub of crafts, food, music, and family-friendly activities.

The mild weather set the stage for a day filled with fun, where local organizations and vendors came together to offer something for everyone. Attendees were greeted by rows of tents displaying a rich array of crafts and handmade creations, from pottery and wood carvings to freeze-dried candies and jams. Each vendor brought a unique touch, creating a lively atmosphere that drew in locals and visitors alike.

Positioned near the town’s iconic rust-colored train caboose, a string quintet played soothing tunes that floated through the air, adding a harmonious charm to the festival ambiance. Families strolled through the area, enjoying the variety of sights and sounds.

For the young and young-at-heart, the kids’ corral featured two exciting bounce houses. A tiger-themed bounce house with bold black and orange stripes attracted the little ones, while older kids thrilled at the bounce house with a towering slide. Laughter and cheers filled the air as kids bounded around in these inflatable playgrounds.

Amid the festive activities, the approaching election made its presence known. Candidates for various positions and causes set up booths, sharing their platforms and engaging with the community, eager to connect with potential voters.

Just steps away, the High Springs Museum opened its doors to offer tours, delighting children and adults with intricate model train displays. Inside, train collectors showcased their elaborate setups, with tiny engines chugging along tracks to the fascination of both kids and adults.

The festival also provided opportunities for community support. The High Springs New Century Women’s Club hosted their fall bake sale featuring homemade desserts, including bread, pies, cookies and cakes fund local charities. Meanwhile, a table sponsored by the Methodist Church and located in front of the Women’s Club invited kids to decorate fall-themed stickers—adorning owls, squirrels, and butterflies—with colorful creativity.

Complementing the festival’s charm, the downtown area hosted a thriving Art Walk, showcasing local artistry.

With an enjoyable mix of activities, community spirit, and perfect weather, the Fall Festival was sure to please residents and visitors alike.

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ALACHUA – The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is intensifying its efforts to locate and address the hundreds of vessels displaced across the state after the devastating impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FWC, in a statement released Oct. 24, 2024, said that Florida, celebrated as "The Boating Capital of the World," faced severe challenges as high winds and storm surges from these hurricanes pushed boats ashore, damaged those docked in marinas, and even left some partially or completely submerged in state waters.

To manage the aftermath, FWC has deployed 17 additional officers alongside three derelict vessel (DV) specialists to the heavily affected southwest region of the state. Their mission is to identify and assess boats that have become derelict due to the hurricanes, ensuring safety on the waterways and protecting the environment from potential hazards.

"We understand the difficulties caused by the recent hurricanes," said Maj. Bill Holcomb, FWC's Boating and Waterways Section Leader. "Our officers and DV specialists are working diligently to identify displaced and damaged vessels statewide. We are dedicated to helping boat owners locate their vessels and ensuring the removal of any boats from state waters that threaten the environment, obstruct waterways, or were rendered derelict."

Removing displaced vessels can hasten the recovery and overall resilience of native marine plants and animals. To report a lost or sunken vessel, vessel owners can call the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850‐488‐5600. Operators will be available to help Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.   

Options for Vessel Owners

Vessel owners are being encouraged to hire professional salvage companies to recover their boats. This approach aims to minimize further environmental impact, accelerating the recovery of local marine life and ecosystems. However, the FWC recognizes that not all boat owners may have the resources to manage such operations.

In cases where vessels are beyond repair or owners cannot afford to facilitate the salvage, they can initiate a waiver process to relinquish ownership. This can be arranged by contacting the FWC Boating and Waterways Section at 850-488-5600, where representatives can assist with the process. Maj. Holcomb emphasizes the urgency of these actions, noting, "Owners of vessels that have become derelict have 45 days to either remove their vessel or bring it into a non-derelict condition."

Environmental Concerns and Public Safety

Displaced vessels pose multiple risks, including potential oil spills, obstruction of waterways, and damage to marine habitats. FWC’s priority is to manage these risks swiftly, removing boats that could contribute to environmental harm or hinder navigation. Anyone witnessing oil spills or hazardous material releases should contact the State Watch Office at 800-342-3557.

The recovery efforts underscore the importance of community involvement. Those with information about non-vessel debris in state waters are advised to reach out to the Florida Debris Hotline at 850-366-6007. Vessel owners whose boats have washed ashore should coordinate with local sheriff's offices for assistance.

For additional questions or resource materials regarding waterway debris or derelict vessels, call 850-366-6007 or visit FloridaDebrisCleanup.com.

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