ALACHUA – The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc. – Alachua/Newnansville Sub-Committee has announced the launch of its 2025 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest, inviting middle and high school students to participate from May 1 to May 22, 2025. This year’s theme challenges students to explore the question: “What is Juneteenth and what does it mean to you?”

The essay contest is part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to youth education, encouraging students to improve their writing skills, enhance critical thinking, and discover local, state, and national historical facts. The contest also includes an art competition for elementary school students, expanding this year to welcome more participants and recognize additional winners.

Awards and Recognition Ceremony

Top essay winners from both middle and high school categories will receive monetary prizes and special recognition during an awards ceremony at the City of Alachua’s Juneteenth Celebration. The event is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, located at 14300 N.W. 146^th Terrace, Alachua. Art contest winners will also be honored during the ceremony.

Last year’s essay contest winners included Robert Hu (First Place), Kymani Davis (Second Place), and A’lani Harvey (Third Place), each recognized for their exceptional work.

Call for Community Support

The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project is seeking donations from local businesses and community members to support its recognition and remembrance initiatives. Contributions will fund the contest prizes and aid in expanding educational opportunities for local youth.

Donations can be made by check payable to Alachua County Community Remembrance Project, Inc., with “ACCRP 2025 Matthew Lewey Essay Contest” noted in the memo line. Contributions should be mailed to: ACCRP, P.O. Box 357685, Gainesville, FL 32635

For convenience, a member of the organization can also arrange to pick up donations at a preferred time and place. W-9 forms are available upon request. Call 816-863-8758 for additional information.

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ALACHUA ‒ At the May 5, 2025, Alachua City Commission meeting, the date was memorialized with a Proclamation recognizing May 5 as “Gib Coerper Day.”

Longtime former Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was honored with a plaque for his dedication to civil service in his roles as Commissioner and Mayor over the past two decades. Heartfelt messages of gratitude and well-wishes were offered by current Commissioners and city staff.

Commissioner Dayna Williams noted that although Coerper will no longer be serving from behind the dais, his name is synonymous with the City of Alachua and she will affectionately refer to him as “Ambassador” from here on.

It was all smiles for Coerper as he shared a few reflections in turn. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here,” said Coerper. “It was never, ever a job for me.”

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CHUA – Two long-standing community traditions were on full display this past week in Alachua, as the A.L. Mebane Alumni hosted their quarterly fish fry and Color Me Culture brought another vibrant event to life at the historic Swick House.

The A.L. Mebane Hornet Alumni gathered at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex Gymnasium for their quarterly celebration, a tradition that continues to unite generations. The event featured a spread of fresh fish, bingo games, and prize giveaways, alongside shared stories that highlight the deep-rooted connections within the community.

Held every quarter, the fish fry offers an opportunity for community members to reconnect, reflect, and continue building a living archive of Alachua’s legacy. Details about future gatherings will be posted on the City of Alachua Recreation & Culture website and social media platforms.

Meanwhile, on Sunday evening, Color Me Culture hosted its latest community event at the City of Alachua’s Swick House. The organization, known for its uplifting and artistic programming, offered an evening of creativity, connection, and culture.

Color Me Culture describes its mission as creating inclusive spaces where people can gather to laugh, create, and share meaningful moments. The group emphasizes the healing power of art and aims to make everyday experiences more colorful and intentional.

Proceeds from Color Me Culture events help fund local youth art programs, with the goal of restoring art as a vital and empowering force in the community.

The next Color Me Culture event is expected in late July. Additional details will be announced through the City of Alachua and the organization’s social media pages.

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HAWTHORNE ‒ Melody Watson thought she was simply staying behind while her classmates went on a field trip. Instead, the 15-year-old sophomore at Hawthorne Middle/High School was surprised with a $40,000 scholarship during a school-wide assembly.

According to Alachua County Public Schools, Watson is one of only two students in the country selected this month to receive the BigFuture scholarship from the College Board, a national organization known for its college readiness programs and standardized testing. The scholarship is awarded to high school students in grades 10 through 12 who demonstrate a commitment to preparing for college and career success.

Stephanie Tate of the College Board delivered the news in front of a cheering crowd in the school auditorium. Several members of Watson’s family were also present for the surprise, though they had not been told why they were invited to the event.

“I won’t have to stress about where the money’s coming from and how I’m going to pay back any loans,” Watson said. “I can just attend college and pursue my dream career without those worries.”

That dream career is nursing. Watson is currently dual-enrolled at Santa Fe College while taking advanced courses at Hawthorne Middle/High. She plans to earn her Associate of Arts degree by the time she graduates high school, and then continue her education at the University of Florida to pursue a nursing degree.

“I’ve always wanted to help people and be there for them, and I feel like nursing would be perfect,” she said. “I also want to be in an environment where I can work with a group or one-on-one.”

Watson is also a participant in the TRIO Educational Talent Search program, offered through Santa Fe College. The program is designed to support students who will be the first in their families to attend college, providing resources such as academic advising, college tours, and financial aid information.

“Melody is an excellent student,” said Lindsey Ragsdale, TRIO coordinator. “She literally personifies everything you want in a student. She is driven, she is positive, and she is always willing to go above and beyond to reach her goals.”

Her mother, Latoya Roberson, said she was both surprised and thrilled by the announcement. She believes Melody’s achievement will set a powerful example for her six siblings.

“It’s a stepping stone,” Roberson said. “She’s showing them that if you apply yourself, you never know who’s watching.”

Hawthorne Principal John Green echoed the sentiment, calling Watson a deserving recipient of the scholarship.

“She’s an outstanding student,” Green said. “She pours a lot into her academic pursuits and is very focused on what she needs to do. She knows education is the pathway to what she wants to accomplish. We’re really, really proud of her.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission met on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to review two proposals submitted in response to the city's third advertisement of a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Special Magistrate legal services.

Two firms responded to RFP 2025-04: The Gilchrist Law Firm, based in Coral Gables, and Gapske Law Firm, P.A., from Middleburg. Both firms met the city’s outlined qualifications and submitted similar hourly rates—$255 for Gilchrist and $250 for Gapske.

According to the RFP, the Special Magistrate must be an active member of the Florida Bar in good standing with at least five years of legal experience, including litigation and administrative hearings. The candidate must not hold any city, county, or state elected or appointed office and must comply with the Florida Code of Ethics.

While both firms were deemed qualified, city staff — who would be the primary users of Special Magistrate services — recommended the Gapske Law Firm, citing the benefit of working with a single, consistent attorney. The Gilchrist firm offered a team of three attorneys to serve the city.

After discussion, the commission unanimously voted to award the contract to The Gilchrist Law Firm. The motion included authorization for the city attorney to negotiate the terms of the agreement.

Commission Comments and Updates

During the meeting, Commissioner Katherine Weitz raised concerns about the Tomoka Hills golf course development in nearby Alachua, citing concerns raised at the county level. She expressed a desire for the City of High Springs to be formally recognized as an interested party in the project’s development process.

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard reported that the recent installation of school zone monitoring equipment has reduced speeding by 99 percent.

The city attorney also addressed a question regarding the potential sale of the Canoe Outpost property. She confirmed that while the City may sell the property, it cannot be subdivided. Any future owner would remain subject to the property’s existing conservation easement.

Upcoming Meetings

The City Commission will hold a budget workshop at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8, followed by a Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting at 6:15 p.m. The next regular City Commission meeting will take place the same evening at 6:30 p.m.

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GAINESVILLE – A Newberry woman was arrested Monday after authorities say she fraudulently opened a credit card in her elderly aunt’s name and used it to pay for a cosmetic surgery and other personal expenses, leaving more than $7,000 in unpaid debt.

Chartel T. Cara Parker, 35, is charged with exploitation of an elderly person, identity theft of a person over 60, and fraudulent use of a credit card, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in October 2024 when an Alachua County detective received a report from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. A relative with power of attorney for the 74-year-old victim had reported receiving calls from debt collectors about an outstanding balance on a credit card the family had not known existed.

According to the arrest report, the card was issued in the victim’s name in 2019, with Parker listed as a secondary cardholder. The relative, who had handled the victim’s financial affairs since 2018 due to the victim’s dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis, told investigators she first became aware of the card in 2022 after receiving a credit alert.

Detectives said six unauthorized transactions were made in 2020, including $5,500 to a doctor in Miami for a “tummy tuck,” $1,800 for post-surgical care, $160 to a plastic surgery practice in Atlanta, $550 for an eye exam and glasses in Gainesville, and $600 to a health and laser center also in Gainesville.

Only $432 in payments were made toward the card, according to the sheriff’s office. The remaining $7,200 debt was sold to a collection agency, which listed the debt solely under the victim’s name. The unpaid balance significantly damaged the victim’s credit score, authorities said.

A sworn complaint was filed against Parker in February 2025, and a warrant for her arrest was issued by Judge James Colaw the following month with bail set at $85,000. Parker was arrested Monday. She has no prior criminal history.

Bail was set at $45,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida’s Legislature has killed efforts that would have allowed political candidates in the state to pay for baby-sitters and other child care expenses using money from campaign donors. 

Lawmakers in committee hearings voted unanimously for the Senate bill even as they raised questions about whether it needed tighter guardrails on such spending. The bills didn’t include limits on such spending or restrict expenses to political candidates who weren’t millionaires.

The bills would have allowed candidates in Florida to use campaign donations for child care when candidates were canvassing, meeting with donors and constituents, or attending political debates. Currently in Florida, it is illegal to use campaign donations to defray normal living expenses for the candidate and the candidate’s family.

In 2018, the Federal Election Commission released an opinion that allowed federal campaign funds to be used for candidate childcare expenses incurred by a congressional candidate. 

Florida’s version would have required candidates to maintain receipts and invoices from eligible childcare providers and proof of payments for at least three years after the campaign has ended. Candidates would also have needed to disclose the use of campaign funds for childcare on their campaign finance reports.

Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, the new minority leader, was the sponsor of the Senate version of the bill. She confirmed Wednesday the proposals were dead in the Legislature this year. Rep. Kelly Skidmore, D-Boca Raton, sponsored the House bill, which never got a committee hearing or vote.

“This is just one way in which we can encourage families, young families, to participate in democracy by allowing them to use campaign funds that they raise specifically for child care related to the campaign,” Skidmore said. “It's not to give something to people who already have it. That is, that is a certainty on my part, but it does open the opportunity up to more people, and that's what I'm after.”

Berman said the proposals earned bipartisan support in interim votes.

Rodney Jacobs of Miramar was a 35-year-old progressive candidate who ran during the 2024 primaries for Senate in Florida’s District 35 with his two sons and wife while she was pregnant with their third child. Jacobs raised nearly $100,000 for his campaign. He reported on campaign paperwork having a net worth of minus $305,000, including a $440,000 mortgage and $478,000 in student loans.

Jacobs ran on a platform of lowering insurance premiums for homes, making food more affordable and improving education in Broward County.

“I think a lot of people became sick and tired of being sick and tired with the same old, same old,” Jacobs said. “I think it was really important to kind of lean into these moments … create policy that's about real issues and not fabricated ridiculousness.”

Jacobs said it could be helpful to let candidates use campaign funds for child care, but donors may want to see their contributions go towards tangible change in their district.

“I'd imagine people could say, well, your kids or your family life has a direct effect on how well you do with the campaign, but I understand why an individual corporation wants to see some level of utility directly tied to [campaign promotion].I definitely empathize with that perspective as well, very deeply.”

In central Florida, Jon Arguello of Kissimmee ran a conservative campaign for Florida’s Senate District 25 in the primaries with his wife and five children. He said the proposal was promising but said candidates are often groomed by lobbyists and corporations, not working class citizens who might need help paying for child care.

Arguello, a former member of the Osceola County School Board, listed his net worth on campaign paperwork as minus $169,606, including nearly $275,000 in unpaid student loans.

“The reality of politics is that they are picked, they are cultivated,  they are helped and that they're placed in these positions,” Arguello said.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Technology companies are identifying the first popular social media platforms covered under Florida's new law banning such services for young teens: Snapchat and YouTube. The acknowledgement came in the latest federal court filings as part of a renewed legal fight challenging whether the restrictions are constitutional. 

The court records said Facebook and Instagram might also be covered because they “appear to satisfy each of the criteria” under the new law. The companies cited references to Instagram and Facebook by Republican lawmakers who identified which social media companies they were targeting with the bill during its passage last year.

The new filings, submitted late Friday in U.S. District Court in Tallahassee, relaunched the landmark legal case seeking to overturn the state law, which bans some social media accounts for teens younger than 16, or for 14 and 15 year olds without a parent’s permission.

U.S. Judge Mark Walker weeks ago threw out an earlier version of a lawsuit by the technology industry because he said it failed to specify which social media companies might be affected under the law. He gave two trade groups leading the court fight until midnight Monday to refile a new lawsuit.

The law affects only social media companies with 10% or more of daily active users who are younger than 16 and who spend on average two hours or more on the app, and have what lawmakers describe as addictive features like push notifications or serving up new videos endlessly. If all conditions aren’t met, the platform wouldn’t be affected.

The new court filings included representatives of SnapChat and YouTube saying their platforms would or likely would be impacted by Florida’s law, which went into effect in January but hasn’t been enforced yet by the state’s attorney general. 

The senior director of Snapchat, David Boyle, said the app was covered under Florida’s new law but already has protections in place for young teens. Neither Snapchat or YouTube requires users who are 14 or 15 to obtain a parent’s permission before opening an account, the court records said.

“Minors can only view direct messages from users with whom they are already friends on the platform or already have in their phone’s contacts,” he said. “The teen will receive an in-app warning that this person is outside the teen’s network.” 

Boyle said Snapchat also offers resources from mental health experts for users. 

When the bill was introduced in last year’s legislative session, sponsors said that the mental health of minors who excessively use social media was a main concern. They said the platforms increased depression and loneliness among young teens.

Alexandra Veitch, director of public policy for the Americas at YouTube, said the company would be affected under Florida’s law because its use of algorithms curates content for users and allows users to enable push notifications. 

Veitch could not gather data on whether 10% or more of daily active users who are younger than 16 and who spend on average two hours or more on the app, because demographics are constantly changing – but she said that based on historical data YouTube could be affected.

Attorneys for the trade groups that are plaintiffs in the case said parents in Florida can already employ restrictions for their children's usage.

“In a nation that values the First Amendment, the preferred response is to let parents decide what speech and mediums their minor children may access – including by utilizing the many available tools to monitor their activities on the Internet,” the new lawsuit said..

The companies renewed their request for a preliminary injunction to temporarily block the law. It wasn’t clear when the judge would decide whether to grant that request. The judge said he would schedule the next steps in the case on Thursday morning.

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This story was produced by Fresh Take Florida, a news service of the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications. The reporter can be reached at landerson2l@freshtakeflorida.com. You can donate to support our students here.

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TALLAHASSEE – In support of President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14172, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson today directed the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to, as quickly as possible, rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America in all department administrative rules, forms, maps, and resources.

“The Gulf of America has helped shape our state and nation’s economy, history, and culture for generations. It is a vital resource that has fed our families, powered our economy, and provided unrivaled opportunities for recreation and tourism,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “President Trump’s action rightfully recognizes the Gulf of America’s significance to our nation, and I am proud to help support this effort and ensure that Florida honors this historic change.”

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has many divisions, offices, and programs that directly pertain to the Gulf of America, including:

• Division of Aquaculture: Responsible for developing and enforcing regulations governing commercial aquaculture harvesting and processing; leasing of coastal state submerged land for aquacultural purposes; developing and enforcing Aquaculture Best Management Practices; supporting financial, educational and technical assistance to Florida aquafarmers; certifying and inspecting shellfish processing plants; classifying and monitoring shellfish harvesting areas; and more.
• Division of Marketing: Promotes the state’s commercial fishing industry and retail seafood markets to increase sales of Florida seafood products.
• Division of Food Safety: Enforces the illegal mislabeling of foreign-caught seafood as wild-caught Florida seafood at Florida retail seafood markets and grocery stores.

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TALLLAHASSEE — Florida Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky today is requiring additional data from insurers to be submitted to the Office of Insurance Regulation and is directing insurers to make sure they are following the law. OIR is issuing an informational memorandum to remind insurers of the need to properly evaluate property damage claims caused by the peril of water and the peril of wind sustained during the 2024 Hurricane Season. The Office recently learned of potentially concerning behavior relating to anti-concurrent causation policy language and the explicit avoidance of applying coverage for policyholders. Commissioner Yaworsky expects insurers, before denying a total loss claim, to be mindful and make sure the company is following the law. OIR’s informational memorandum also requires residential property insurers to report certain flood-related information to the office.       

Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky said, “The Office of Insurance Regulation is examining data from companies to ensure that there is no abuse with the exemption process when determining total loss claims, especially for policyholders impacted by repeated hurricane damage during the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. If our office finds explicit abuse and failure to comply with Florida law, OIR will take additional regulatory action.” 

During the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, three hurricanes impacted Florida causing significant and, in certain areas, repeated damage by both wind and storm surge. The Florida Department of Financial Services’ Division of Consumer Services receives intake of consumer complaints regarding insurance matters. DFS has received a significant number of flood-related consumer complaints relating to timely payment of claims, inaccurate claims payments and post-claims underwriting.

OIR’s informational memorandum is requiring the reporting of information about National Flood Insurance Program’s Write Your Own policies and reminds insurers of the need to properly evaluate claim determinations when damage is caused by the peril of water and the peril of wind, commonly referred to as concurrent causation. While the office recognizes case law surrounding concurrent causation and anti-concurrent causation policy language, it is not a mechanism to handle claims poorly. Claims that trigger concurrent causation must be well documented and determined in accordance with Florida law. As in all cases, violations of the law, improperly handled claims involving concurrent causation will result in administrative action and restitution to the consumer.

OIR’s Market Regulation Bureau will review information from all three storms that made landfall during the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, as well as the accuracy of insurers’ claims determinations—including information stemmed from the concurrent causation doctrine and anti-concurrent causation policy language.

To view the informational memorandum, click here.

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• Otter training demonstrations
• Keeper talks 
• Crafts and activities 
• A special gift for zoo members

We want to thank the Alachua County Today community for strongly supporting the Alachua Main Street Harvest Festival this past Sunday.

There were over 200 vendors with all types of products and a record crowd that was amazing from start to finish.  The vendors do a fantastic job of coming early and setting up for a big day and they were rewarded. 

Our 37^th Alachua Main Street festival was a resounding success!

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

Small municipalities are currently undergoing numerous changes and financial problems. Elected officials often spearhead projects within their cities, but I do not see much of that taking place in my city of Archer. In most cases we have no oversight, follow up or plans. The lack of these brings about project delays affecting the utilization of grants and other resources in the city.

It is a sad thing to see the newly planned Community Center project for the Holly Hills neighborhood going down the drain and grant funding being returned.

Municipalities are grappling with an influx of grant funds aimed at addressing numerous community projects. As someone who has authored and received numerous grants, I can attest that effective leadership is crucial for fund management. The associated reports alone are intricate. This underscores the importance of well -trained municipal managers and staff, including contingency training.

The city manager should be a proficient communicator, hands-on, and proactive, engaging with the community to address the needs. The city manager assumes a leadership role, ensuring task are completed, while the commissioners act as overseers, bridging the gap between politics and administration and executing the laws.

Citizens and residents in many small towns like Archer often refrain from participating in the political process. Attending meetings become futile when the issue affecting you have already transpired, rendering your input belated.

We all contribute taxes to support our cities and understanding how the funds are spent is crucial.

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida

Our small town of High Springs is beloved because its elected leaders have done more things right than wrong over time. Just like with big families, there is rarely unanimous agreement on how issues should be addressed. Issues are not simple, and leaders that let you believe the choices are not hard are fooling you. What usually tells the truth is time.

In the past year, High Springs has received no new grant funding, returned over a million dollars in grants, lost leaders in every major department other than police, while retaining an under qualified finance director. Our mayor and other first-term commissioners have blamed former staff and former elected officials for a range of problems and suddenly the city is portrayed as poor.

For the first time in years, our city is being sued. Current leadership has accepted no responsibility and created a budget, that in the coming year, will repeat many of the mistakes previous commissions had been working for years to fix.

The stage is now set for our community to lose our exceptional Fire Department.  Current commissioners have lowered expectations for what a small-town department can offer.  They have hired leadership with little experience and the slow recovery from the recent storms are an example of what we have lost.

Do you see a pattern?

Luckily, we have two citizens who are willing to step up, accept responsibility, make decisions and guide our growing town to its future.

They have experience in public service; they have training in emergency management, large budgets, and leadership. Sue Weller has felt compelled to return to office because of the intentional mistruths spoken by our mayor.

Ross Ambrose

High Springs Resident

To fellow High Springs voters:

I have been a resident of High Springs since 1979 with a unique multi view experience of our City's political climate and government.

Back in the 1980s, I worked as a paralegal for the then High Springs City Attorney. Decades later, my husband served on the High Springs Commission and later became City Attorney for High Springs before the City's current legal counsel. I have spent the past 28 years working for a local developer and real estate investor managing both residential apartments and professional commercial properties in the City of High Springs.

Over the decades, I have witnessed Commissions that have operated as a cohesive body following the Charter, working with the City Manager, and conducting City business with thoughtful, well versed and trained leadership. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed Commissions that have been riddled with partisanship, discourse, and lack of training trying to manage staff at City Hall and make decisions outside of the Commission as a whole.

Unfortunately, we are again experiencing this type of local government climate. Our City is in crisis. The turnover rate from the number of employees leaving the City has resulted in great inefficiency in services to our citizens, not to mention the lack of transparency within our government causing many citizens to be uninformed at best or ill-informed at worst.

We need proven, experienced non-partisan leadership, and that is why I am endorsing Sue Weller for Seat #5 for the High Springs City Commission. As many voters know, Sue served on the Commission from 2010 through 2016.

What voters may not know is that Sue has stayed continually engaged in the governance of High Springs. She has served on multiple boards as well as faithfully followed the City Commission meetings live or online. Her depth of knowledge around our Charter and our history regarding planned responsible growth are pluses in a time when there are many gaps in our City's continuity in leadership.

Sue's professionalism and ability to stay neutral while listening to our citizens is refreshing and supportive of the direction we want to take our City.

A vote for Sue Weller provides an opportunity to begin to restore and rebuild the City's reputation and service to our residents; supports a healthy cohesive working environment for City staff; and strongly sends the message that we believe our commissioners should be willing to attend Florida League of Cities training programs for new commissioners as well as continuing education classes for current commissioners.

I personally am grateful that Sue Weller is willing to serve our community again; especially at a time when we so need proven leadership. I love High Springs and I know that we, as voting citizens, can help our City course correct and return to service and civility. Please join me in making sure this opportunity to have Sue Weller back on the Commission is not missed.

Alvalyn Lancaster

High Springs, Florida 32643

Tim Marden, Alachua County Republican Chairman, seeks to divide us and spew hatred whenever and wherever he can. He recently sent out a letter concerning the upcoming City Commission election in High Springs. Such elections are non-partisan, i.e., the candidates do not list their political affiliations and a candidate’s party affiliation is not listed on the ballot.

Marden tries to create an issue about Precinct 60 voting place being moved from the 1^st Methodist Church to the newly named and remodeled Douglas Community Center. He incorrectly states that Ross Ambrose “quietly initiated” such polling change “earlier this year.”

Mr. Ambrose originally brought this proposed change about four years ago. Polling places are supposed to be in the precinct that they represent. The church is not in Precinct 60. The Douglas Community Center is. Ms. Barton [Alachua County Supervisor of Elections], after the recent renovation of the Center, determined that it is now “a suitable location” in Precinct 60, and moved the polling place to the Center.

Marden questions the “last minute” change, but the renovation was finished only about a month ago and the request to move the polling place from the church originated about four years ago. But don’t let facts get in the way if Marden wants to spew hatred.

He writes that Barton has made two changes that directly affect the votes of Republicans. What about those voters (Republican and Democratic, alike) who live in Precinct 60 and have to drive to the church? No, Marden doesn’t’ care about that. In Marden’s mind Barton’s decision is solely to hinder Republican voters.

Lastly, Marden states that voters in Precinct 60 have to be told of the polling change. I don’t know the date that his letter went out, but voters in Precinct 60 have already received such a notice in the mail.

Marden follows up his imagined tirade with directions to vote for Katherine “against” Sue Weller and Judith Jensen against Kim Barton. Such wording only shows that Marden spews hatred, has no knowledge of the facts (or totally avoids them) and wants to spread his hatred to others. As for Sue Weller’s stand on the issues …. Her campaign sign says it all, “No politics, Just issues.”

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, FL 32643

We wish to express our gratitude to:

Jeremy Marshall, City Manager of High Springs, and his staff for their continued support of the citizens of High Springs during Hurricane Helene.  Public Works, in particular, was out in full force clearing roads and grinder pumps in addition to many other issues.  

Commissioners were out in force to provide assistance to High Springs residents.

Police Chief Shepherd and his officers and staff for their assistance.  We know that they were out in this storm protecting our community.  

Fire Chief Peters and his firefighters and staff for their efforts in keeping our community safe.

Friends and neighbors were out in force with their tractors and other equipment to clear roads for incoming power trucks.  Also checking on each other to see if assistance was needed.  

Everyone was too busy working to post their efforts on social media.  They did what they did because it was the right thing to do.  

We have had a rough time during the past few years and have come a long way in the past year to bring our City into a better place in leadership and financially.  I have personally talked to city staff about morale and it is at its highest.

There is a small group of people who are intent on bringing the City back into their control.  If you do not follow their lead, they will do whatever is necessary to remove you from office or position in city hall.

It is imperative that you vote!  Vote early or request a mail-in ballot! Vote to re-elect Katherine Weitz, our current mayor.  Vote to elect Julie Rawls Tapia-ruano.  Citizens of High Springs are at the forefront of their mission, which includes supporting the City of High Springs.  We need diversity on the five-member board.  Having two police officers on the board would compromise diversity.

Bob & Linda Jones

High Springs, Florida