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Brian Murphy, 3002 Surveying president, teaches Scouts how to replicate a boundary survey using the Total Station with a data collector./ Photo by SUZETTE COOK/SFFGS /Special to Alachua County Today

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GAINESVILLE - Navigating a new cancer diagnosis can mean walking through a scary new world, not only for patients but also for their families and caregivers. To help ease this complex and overwhelming transition, UF/IFAS Extension and UF Health Cancer Center experts have launched a new, free web-based curriculum, Taking Control of Your Cancer Diagnosis, designed to provide reliable, evidence-based information to those newly diagnosed with cancer about what to expect.

Developed by experts in social sciences and cancer treatment, the curriculum through UF Extension Online features 14 self-paced modules that address a wide range of concerns commonly faced during the early stages of a cancer journey. Topics include financial planning, managing stress and avoiding predatory practices, among others. Each module is presented by a subject matter expert and is meant to be used when you need it, not in any particular order.

“I think first and foremost, I want it to be a resource that someone can go to and know that this has been developed by experts,” said Melissa Vilaro, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of family, youth and community sciences and a member of the UF Health Cancer Center. “This is a place where people can come to find information that is evidence-based and accurate during one of the most stressful times of their lives.”

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a supportive, evolving resource that empowers individuals to take control of their diagnosis with confidence, she said.

The platform also recognizes the vital role of friends and family members, who often seek guidance on how to support their loved ones. Rather than turning to the internet at large, which can be full of misinformation, Vilaro said she hopes people can use this curriculum as a safe and trustworthy space to find clarity when they need it most.

Since the platform was just recently launched, Vilaro said she aims for it to grow as patients and their support systems go through the course since they can suggest topics that they’d like to see added and provide feedback on which topics were the most helpful.

“The hope is that, given that it’s a web-based platform, we’ll learn about things that aren’t there that people want added,” Vilaro said. “We’ll have the ability to adapt and refine this as we go.”

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Town Leaders and area dignitaries unveiled the Newberry Veterans Memorial honoring veterans who gave all / Photo special to Alachua County Today

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NEWBERRY – A long-held vision became reality on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, as between 700 and 750 attendees gathered to witness the dedication of the Newberry Veterans Memorial. The ceremony honored local service members and celebrated the community’s dedication to bringing the memorial to life.

Newberry City Commissioner Mark Clark, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq, was a driving force behind the project.

“The whole experience was an absolute pleasure,” Clark said. “I don’t know anywhere else where business owners and residents open their wallets wide and ask, ‘How much do you need?’”

The idea for the memorial took shape more than two years ago, when Clark and then-Mayor Jordan Marlowe began discussing the concept. Marlowe encouraged Clark to lead the charge. Having visited numerous veterans memorials around the country, Clark envisioned a design that would stand out. He sketched his concept, which artist Paula Willis transformed into a detailed rendering based on their conversations.

The core committee consisted of nine members who committed to the long-term effort. “We reached out to people we knew, and although many were interested, the two-plus year commitment was more than some could take on,” Clark said. Community volunteers formed an ad hoc committee to assist with fundraising.

The City of Newberry committed $350,000 in Wild Spaces & Public Places funds as seed money to launch the project. Additional contributions came from brick sales, T-shirt sales, and large private donations. Veteran names were engraved on bricks and benches placed throughout the site. Each level of contribution, whether monetary or in-kind, was acknowledged with permanent markers on benches.

Clark praised many contributors but gave special recognition to Debbie Boyd. “She kept the records and kept us straight. We met every two weeks and she was responsible for making sure everything went as planned,” he said.

Boyd confirmed the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction, set by Oelrich Construction, was $589,912. “In some cases, people provided in-kind services to help offset the specified cost,” said Boyd, “which was very helpful.”

A standout feature of the memorial is a life-sized bronze statue of a military working dog, a Belgian Malinois, sculpted by Master Sculptor Lena Toritch of Salt Lake City, Utah. Both Boyd and Clark noted the level of detail in the sculpture and said Toritch flew in to attend the dedication ceremony. Another guest, a man from California who had purchased memorial bricks for his two sons, also traveled to Newberry for the event.

“The ceremony took approximately 45 minutes,” Clark said. “Middle and high school bands performed the national anthem and the fight songs for each branch of service.”

Many audience members were unaware that among them sat decorated veterans, including recipients of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star with Valor.

Asked for final thoughts, Clark replied simply: “Semper Fi” — always faithful.

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Zach Nichols received a standing ovation at the May 22, 2025, High Springs City Commission meeting in recognition of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout /Photo special to Alachua County Today

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HIGH SPRINGS — The High Springs City Commission honored local resident Zach Nichols on May 22, 2025, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest distinction in the Boy Scouts of America.

Nichols received a formal proclamation during the commission's regularly scheduled meeting, followed by a standing ovation and photo opportunity. Commissioners praised his dedication, leadership, and community service.

Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. noted the significance of the achievement, while also announcing that the local Boy Scout troop would be disbanded. According to Bloodsworth, the current members had either already earned or were in the process of completing their Eagle Scout requirements, and no new boys had joined the troop.

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NEWBERRY – A 19-year-old Newberry man was arrested Sunday after a shooting that killed 44-year-old Harley Van Leer, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded around 11:45 a.m. to the 25700 block of Northwest 7th Place after reports of a shooting, the sheriff’s office said. They found Van Leer with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said.

Deputies at the scene detained David Dwayne Martin Jr., 19, after he identified himself as the shooter, officials said. Martin was taken to the sheriff’s office for questioning.

According to an arrest report, Martin told investigators the firearm used was a 9mm Glock 19 Gen5 pistol with a laser-and-strobe-light attachment and an extended 17-round magazine. He said he had initially kept the gun hidden in a backpack while in a vehicle and then moved it to his pocket shortly before the shooting, the report said.

Martin also recounted that after the shooting, he fled to an area known as Triangle Park on Northwest 260th Street and gave the gun to someone there before returning to the scene, according to the report. A witness told deputies that a man matching Martin’s description ran to a grill near the witness’s home and placed something inside it, the sheriff’s office said. Investigators searched the grill and found a handgun matching the description Martin provided, authorities said.

At one point Martin claimed he had handed the gun to a friend — described as a tall white male with long hair — after the shooting, the sheriff’s office said. When deputies pressed him about the conflicting accounts of what happened to the weapon, Martin requested an attorney, according to authorities.

Martin has been charged with carrying a concealed firearm and tampering with evidence, officials said. The shooting death remains under investigation. Authorities noted that Martin has no prior local criminal record. Judge Luis Bustamante set Martin’s bail at $500,000.

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HIGH SPRINGS — The High Springs Playhouse is bringing a whirlwind of wit and laughter to the stage this June with its latest production, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised] [Again] — a high-energy, comedic romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays in just under two hours.

Performances of the show begin Friday, June 6, and run through Sunday, June 29, at the High Springs Playhouse, 23416 W. U.S. Highway 27. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays.

Originally devised by Adam Long, Daniel Singer and Jess Winfield, The Complete Works was born in 1987 at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where three charismatic comics transformed their Renaissance fair act into what would become a global sensation.

The play went on to earn the title of London’s longest-running comedy during its decade-long run and has since been translated into several dozen languages and performed around the world.

Described as fast-paced, witty and physical, the show is filled with broad comedy, quick costume changes and sharp improvisation. It’s designed to entertain both die-hard Shakespeare fans and those who might never have read a single line of his work.

Cast members include Chelsea Chapman, Bryan Corley III, Mary J. McKire and Timothy O'Quinn.

Tickets are available online at https://www.highspringsplayhouse.com/

Advance purchase is recommended, as seating is limited and demand is expected to be high. For questions, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 386 454-3525.

Performance Schedule

  • Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8
  • Friday, June 13 – Sunday, June 15
  • Friday, June 20 – Sunday, June 22
  • Friday, June 27 – Sunday, June 29

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

For more information about this and other productions, visit https://www.highspringsplayhouse.com.

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NEWBERRY – A 46-year-old teacher at Newberry’s Oak View Middle School has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide in connection with a February crash that killed a 29-year-old pregnant woman from Newberry, according to law enforcement officials.

Carrie Janeene Russell was placed on administrative leave by Alachua County Public Schools on Monday, May 19, following her arrest, according to district spokeswoman Jackie Johnson. The fatal crash occurred on the evening of Feb. 16, 2024, around 7:38 p.m., when a northbound pickup truck driven by the pregnant woman was struck head-on by an SUV on U.S. Highway 27/41, near Newberry. Witnesses told investigators the SUV, later identified as being driven by Russell, crossed the center line and veered approximately three feet into the northbound lane before the collision.

The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her unborn child did not survive.

A toxicology report later indicated that Russell’s blood alcohol content was 0.11, exceeding Florida’s legal limit of 0.08. The report also detected the presence of amphetamine at a concentration of 57 ng/mL. An autopsy report showed the victim tested negative for alcohol and drugs.

According to findings by the Florida Highway Patrol, Russell was solely responsible for the crash, which also caused significant damage to both vehicles.

Russell has no prior criminal history. She has been charged with two counts of vehicular homicide. During a court appearance, Judge James Colaw set bail at $500,000. The judge also ordered Russell to be fitted with a transdermal alcohol monitor and to surrender her passport to her attorney.

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LOXAHATCHEE, Fla. — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed two new laws Wednesday aimed at cracking down on animal cruelty and ensuring greater protection for pets during emergencies and in daily care.

Known as Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law, the legislation imposes tougher penalties for abandonment, neglect, and abuse of animals, with specific provisions to address conduct during natural disasters and instances of aggravated cruelty.

“Across Florida, we have seen horrifying instances of animal cruelty that demand a stronger response,” DeSantis said during the bill signing. “I was proud to sign Trooper’s Law and Dexter’s Law today. Florida stands by man’s best friend.”

Trooper’s Law (Senate Bill 150) makes it a third-degree felony to restrain and abandon a dog outdoors during a declared natural disaster or under mandatory or voluntary evacuation orders. The law allows for penalties of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Inspired by a dog named Trooper—rescued by the Florida Highway Patrol after being left chained in the path of Hurricane Milton—the bill also codifies misdemeanor charges for failure to provide adequate food, water, and exercise to confined animals or for abandoning them.

Dexter’s Law (House Bill 255), named after a shelter dog killed just days after adoption in Pinellas County, enhances penalties for aggravated animal cruelty. The law includes a 1.25 sentencing multiplier for offenders and establishes Florida’s first animal abuser database, a tool intended to help prevent repeat abuse and improve community safety.

Both bills were supported by bipartisan efforts and animal welfare advocates across the state. The laws go into effect later this year.

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TALLAHASSEE — On May27,2025, Governor Ron DeSantis signed the following bills:
 
CS/CS/SB 112 - Children with Developmental Disabilities
CS/CS/SB 768 - Foreign Countries of Concern
CS/CS/SB 1546 - Background Screening of Athletic Coaches
CS/HB 999 - Legal Tender
CS/HB 547 - Medical Debt
CS/CS/HB 757 - Sexual Images

To view the Senate transmittal letter, click here
To view the House transmittal letter, click here.

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TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s pristine coastline has once again received national recognition, with two Florida State Parks named among the top 10 beaches in the United States by coastal expert Dr. Stephen Leatherman, known as Dr. Beach.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples secured the No. 4 spot on the 2025 list, while St. Andrews State Park in Panama City came in at No. 7. The annual rankings, released each Memorial Day weekend, highlight beaches that excel in natural beauty, cleanliness, safety and visitor amenities.

“Florida State Parks continue to set the standard for natural beauty, visitor experience and resource protection,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. “Our parks offer some of the best beach experiences anywhere in the country, and we are proud to share them with the world.”

Delnor-Wiggins Pass, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is known for its sugar-white sand and thriving ecosystem. Popular activities include snorkeling along the reef, kayaking through mangrove-lined Wiggins Pass, birdwatching, fishing and hiking.

On Florida’s Panhandle, St. Andrews State Park features a mile-and-a-half of shoreline ideal for swimming, surfing and shelling. The park also offers nature trails through pine forests and coastal habitats and a ferry to nearby Shell Island, a secluded barrier island with emerald waters and untouched beaches.

“Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are incredible natural treasures,” said Chuck Hatcher, director of Florida State Parks. “We're proud of the work our team has done to protect these beaches while ensuring they remain accessible for everyone to enjoy.”

The Top 10 Beach List, curated by Dr. Leatherman, a professor at Florida International University, evaluates more than 50 criteria including sand softness, water clarity, environmental quality and public access.

“Florida State Parks’ beaches are among the most outstanding in the nation, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass and St. Andrews are two of the best examples,” Leatherman said. “Several other Florida beach parks also ranked in the top 20 this year, which speaks to the exceptional quality and stewardship across the entire park system.”

Florida’s state parks have a strong history of high rankings on Dr. Beach’s annual list. Six have previously been named No. 1 in the nation, including St. George Island (2023), Grayton Beach (2020), Caladesi Island (2008), St. Joseph Peninsula (2002), St. Andrews (1995) and Bahia Honda (1992).

The Florida State Parks system, recognized four times with the National Recreation and Park Association's Gold Medal, is a current finalist for an unprecedented fifth award.

For more information or to plan a visit, go to FloridaStateParks.org.

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TALLAHASSEE - Save the dates for two upcoming license-free fishing weekends hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), a perfect opportunity to try fishing with your friends and family!

This summer's license-free fishing weekends are on June 7-8 for saltwater and June 14-15 for freshwater. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the many recreational fishing opportunities Florida has to offer, whether you like to fish from the shore or your boat, there are so many options across the state.

People of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to take advantage of these special weekends, which allow them to reel in their favorite fish species without the need for a fishing license.

All other rules, such as seasons, bag and size limits apply. To renew or purchase a fishing license, visit GoOutdoorsFlorida.com.

Visit the FWC’s fishing basics web page for tips and information on how to start fishing or refresh your knowledge.

Visit MyFWC.com and learn where to go freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, or how to find a boat ramp or pier near you.

Check out FWC’s angler recognition programs TrophyCatch and Catch a Florida Memory to win prizes and recognition.

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Low interest disaster loans now available

ATLANTA - The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Florida who sustained economic losses caused by drought occurring Mar. 11.

The disaster declaration covers the counties of Alachua, Bradford, Brevard, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Flagler, Glades, Hendry, Hernando, Lake, Lee, Levy, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, St. Johns, Sumter and Volusia in Florida.

Under this declaration, the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.62% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 5, 2026.

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TALLAHASSEE.— On May 23, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis received the following bills:

CS/CS/HB 969 - Reporting of Student Mental Health Outcomes
CS/SB 150 - Abandoning Restrained Dogs During Natural Disasters
CS/HB 255 - Aggravated Animal Cruelty
CS/HB 999 - Legal Tender
CS/SB 1102 - School Readiness Program
CS/CS/HB 1255 - Education
HB 6017 - Recovery of Damages for Medical Negligence Resulting in Death
CS/CS/SB 112 - Children with Developmental Disabilities
CS/CS/HB 443 - Education
CS/CS/HB 875 - Educator Preparation
CS/CS/CS/HB 1105 - Education
CS/HB 547 - Medical Debt
CS/HB 1567 - Insulin Administration by Direct-support Professionals and Relatives
CS/CS/SB 768 - Foreign Countries of Concern
CS/CS/SB 1546 - Background Screening of Athletic Coaches
SB 994 - Driver License Education Requirements
CS/CS/HB 757 - Sexual Images

The Governor has until May 30, 2025 to act on these bills.

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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 37th Alachua Main Street festival was a resounding success!

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

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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

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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

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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

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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 1st 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

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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

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ALACHUA COUNTY - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the appointment of five members to the Children's Trust of Alachua County (CTAC): Dr. Patricia Snyder, Nancy Hardt, Dr. Margarita Labarta, Dr. Karen Cole-Smith, and Charles "Lee" Pinkoson. These members were appointed by the Governor from a list of 15 candidates submitted by Alachua County's Board of County Commissioners.
In speaking of the appointments, Alachua County Commission Ken Cornell, Chair of the Children's Trust, said, "The Governor has appointed five excellent CTAC members. I am very glad to now have a full slate of highly qualified and devoted individuals who are ready to roll up their sleeves and make a difference in the lives of our children." He continued saying, "I want to thank all of those who were willing to serve and I encourage everyone to attend our meetings and stay engaged."
Governor DeSantis' CTAC appointments:
Dr. Patricia Snyder
Dr. Snyder, of Gainesville, is the director of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Florida. She earned her bachelor's degree in speech pathology and audiology from the State University of New York, her master's degree in special education from Millersville University and her doctorate degree in early childhood special education from the University of New Orleans. Dr. Snyder is appointed to a four-year term.
Nancy Hardt
Hardt, of Micanopy, served as a professor at the University of Florida's College of Medicine with specialties in obstetrics, gynecology and pathology from 1981 until her retirement in 2014. She earned her bachelor's degree from Sweet Briar College in Sweet Briar, Virginia and her master's degree in gynecology and pathology from Loyola University Chicago. Hardt is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Margarita Labarta
Dr. Labarta, of Gainesville, recently retired as the president and chief executive officer of Meridian Behavioral Healthcare. Currently, she serves as chair for the Florida Council for Community Mental Health and as a member of Mental Health Corporations of America and the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and mathematics from Barry University and her master's degree and doctorate degree in clinical and community psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Labarta is appointed to a four-year term.
Dr. Karen Cole-Smith
Dr. Cole-Smith, of Gainesville, is the executive director of community outreach at Santa Fe College. She earned her bachelor's degree in criminology and sociology from Bethune-Cookman University, her master's degree in sociology and criminology from Ohio State University and her doctorate degree in sociology and criminology from the University of Florida. Dr. Cole-Smith is appointed to a two-year term.
Charles "Lee" Pinkoson
Pinkoson, of Gainesville, served as an Alachua County Commissioner from 2002 until 2018. He served on the Florida Association of Counties' Board of Directors from 2002 until 2019. He earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Florida. Pinkoson is appointed to a three-year term.
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