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To Our Readers, Advertisers, and Community Members,

In July 2024, our offices were searched by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). This search was initiated based on misinformation and unfounded allegations.

Let me state unequivocally: these accusations are false, maliciously fabricated, defamatory, and provably untrue.

We initially refrained from public comment out of respect for the investigative process, trusting that the truth would eventually be revealed.

I have full confidence in the integrity of our office, the professionalism of our staff, and the character of our family. Alachua Today has always maintained the highest standards of honesty, dedication, and service to this community.

We will not be intimidated, we will not be silenced, and we refuse to allow falsehoods to define us. Truth will prevail, and those who have misused their positions for personal agendas will ultimately be held accountable.

Thank you for your continued trust and support.

Respectfully,

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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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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Eleven-year-old James Hutchison of Levy County didn’t waste any time putting his math skills to work during a recent surveying workshop for Scouts, hosted by the University of Florida’s School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences (SFFGS). And Scout Leader Hope Hutchison was not surprised that her son, Scout James Hutchison, got an early start working on his Surveying Merit Badge.

“He loves math and angles,” she said. And on April 12, along with 17 other Scouts from throughout Florida, James got to use math during hands-on lessons in surveying and mapping from top experts in the field.

Even before the event hosted by SFFGS new Geomatics Extension program got started, James volunteered to help Noble Haile, owner of Noble Precision Technologies, set up data collecting orbs for a lesson in 3-D scanning.

Haile along with Brian Murphy, president of 3002 Surveying, Eric Orndorff, market leader for Geospatial WGI, Nicholas DiGruttolo, survey manager for Pickett and Associates, and Marco Krieger, licensed surveyor for TRC Companies spent their Saturday in the woods at UF/IFAS Austin Cary Forest Campus off Waldo Road.

Each mentor brought the latest equipment they use in the field and Scouts rotated between five stations where they learned mapping and drafting, surveying history and careers, leveling, creating boundaries, and 3-D laser scanning.

At the end of the day, the paperwork for the Surveying Merit Badge for all 18 Scouts was signed by Orndorff, an Eagle Scout himself who later went on to become a Scout Master with Troop 432 in Gainesville and then became a merit badge counselor.

“I do credit Scouting,” Orndorff said about his career choice. “It sparked an interest.”

SFFGS Assistant Director for Geomatics Extension Katie Britt said that’s exactly why the event was held. Britt coordinates the only geomatics extension program in Florida and in the U.S., a position that SFFGS launched to not only spark interest in geomatics for youth but to help adults obtain the required certification to enter the high-demand career in Florida and beyond.

“We were excited to have 18 youth participate in the event and complete the surveying merit badge,” said Britt. “This badge provides a great overview of surveying. There are so many career opportunities in a wide variety of surveying applications in Florida, and it’s a career that many people aren’t even aware of until later in life.”

The goal of hosting this event was to introduce more youth to surveying as a career and find some future surveyors, she added. “We hope to be able to expand this event next year to include relevant badges for younger ages and include the whole of SFFGS. There are a ton of badges that our faculty and staff are experts in, and we’d love to introduce youth to what the whole school has to offer.”

SFFGS Associate Professor and Extension Coordinator Michael Andreu, Ph.D. said that is what Britt’s new role is aiming to accomplish.

“We are excited that this new extension program will engage youth in learning about job opportunities that they can pursue to support Florida’s economy,” he said.

Each of the topics relayed in the workshop resonated with the Scouts. Paisley Adkins,13, is a North Marion County seventh grader and a Scout with Troop 9563 from Anthony. She said most enjoyed the boundaries workshop with Murphy.

Carson Orndorff, 14, from Gainesville said, “Drafting was really cool and running out the scale map was pretty fun.”

Roy Sanbury, 16, from Troop 563 out of Ocala said that tracking was his favorite lesson. “Learning how to get the precise motions in and how expensive having these measurements done is fascinating,” he said. His goal is to be a firefighter, but he said that surveying knowledge would help in that career. “It could have to do with surveying,” he said. “You have to know the places you go to.”

Britt gives credit for the successful workshop to the experts who volunteered to help.

And it was Murphy’s initial suggestion to hold the workshop to increase recipients of the Surveying Merit Badge. He is a geomatics graduate of SFFGS as are DiGruttolo, Orndorff, and Krieger.

Terrell T. “Red” Baker, director of SFFGS looks forward to organizing similar opportunities in the months and years to come.

“We are grateful to our alumni and staff that came out on a weekend to support this important opportunity for local scouts,” he said. “Scouts not only earned merit badges to demonstrate their competency in surveying, but they got the chance to learn about the newest technologies and career opportunities in the surveying and mapping profession.

Scout James Hutchison agrees that he has discovered his calling. At the end of the day, he summed up his experience, “My dream job would probably be a surveyor,” he said.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua will join thousands of communities nationwide on Saturday, May 3, 2025, for the 2025 Great American Cleanup, the country’s largest annual community improvement program.

The event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with volunteers gathering to participate in a variety of cleanup and beautification projects across the city. Breakfast will be served beginning at 8 a.m., and lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the event.

This annual event stands as Alachua County's most extensive community volunteer improvement project of its kind, drawing residents from all walks of life to contribute to the betterment of their surroundings. The City is encouraging volunteers of all ages to take part, with projects designed to accommodate a range of ability and skill levels.

“We are proud to participate each year in the Great American Cleanup, the nation’s largest community improvement program,” said Rodolfo Valladares, assistant city manager and former public services director. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the Good Life Community to showcase one of our core values: neighbors helping neighbors.”

Participants will be provided with trash bags, safety vests, gloves, maps, instructions, and any necessary tools to complete their assigned projects.

The City of Alachua’s Great American Cleanup is part of the national effort by the same name that is the nation’s largest volunteer community improvement program that motivates individuals to take greater responsibility for the beautification of their community and the collection of litter. More than 20,000 communities across the United States participate in the Great American Cleanup each spring, working to improve neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces.

Volunteers should gather at 8 a.m. at Alachua City Hall, located at 15100 N.W. 142nd Terrace, Alachua.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission convened Thursday, April 10, 2025, to recognize two standout student groups: the Santa Fe High School Winter Guard and members of the City of High Springs/City of Alachua High School Honor Band. Both teams were applauded for their achievements and dedication throughout the season.

In addition, alternate dates were set for the September, November and December City Commission meetings and budget workshops.  Temporary suspension of the alcohol consumption ordinance for the Hot Rodding for Heroes one-day event and a change was approved of City Attorney services from one attorney to another within the same firm.

Commissioners voted unanimously to temporarily suspend the alcohol consumption ordinance for the Hot Rodding for Heroes one-day event.  The event will donate all proceeds to the Veteran’s Foundation and Marine Corps League.  The event will feature live music, food trucks and awards for the best in show as well as the top 10 vehicles.  This event has been successfully managed in the past and staff has no issues with designated drinking areas as long as clearly defined boundaries are in place.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to change City Attorney services from Scott Walker to Danielle C. Adams, an Associate with the same firm, Folds Walker.  Adams attended American University Washington College of Law in Washington, D.C. on an academic scholarship.  During her academic career at the Washington College of Law, Adams was the Managing Editor for the Journal of Gender, Social Policy, and the Law, the top cited legal periodical in the United States in the topic area of gender, social policy and the law.  She was also the Diversity and Inclusion Subcommittee Chair for all the Journals at American University.

Other topics covered by City Manager Jeremy Marshall and the Commission included an update on the Priest Theater.  Marshall said the State needs to give final approval of a request to extend the grant for the project until the end of the calendar year.  Wall pressure tests have been performed and results were sent to the State for their review.  The City is waiting on the State approval prior to completing construction.

In other business, the City has received two magistrate bids and will place both items on the next meeting’s agenda.

Marshall will be meeting with the Suwannee River Water Management District (SRWMD regarding the city-owned and operated Canoe Outpost.

The City is working with bond attorneys and Alachua County regarding a Wild Spaces Public Places matter.   As reported by Alachua County Today in its April 4, 2025, edition, Marshall said at the March 27, 2025 City Commission meeting that there is a possible repayment of $260,000 in Wild Spaces & Public Places funds used toward the purchase of Canoe Outpost. Marshall said Alachua County had notified the city earlier in the day about the issue.

Marshall noted the matter was still in early negotiations and expressed hope that, if repayment is necessary, the city would not have to return the full amount immediately. He added that he and the city’s finance director were reviewing options with the county and would provide updates as discussions continue.

The next Florida League of Cities will provide free tutoring on April 21 at the Douglass Center.  

Commissioner Katherine Weitz requested and received permission to send a letter asking that the City of High Springs be listed as an affected party regarding Tomoka Hills in Alachua.

Marshall reported that the Garden Club, whose building was damaged during the last hurricane, is still looking for a location for their meetings.  Marshall said he is looking at rooms at Canoe Outpost for Club members to meet. 

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for April 24 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

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NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry held a swearing-in ceremony Monday evening to officially install its newly elected mayor and commissioners following the 2025 municipal election.

City Clerk Judy Rice administered the oath of office to Mayor Tim Marden, Commissioner Group IV Donald Long, and Commissioner Group V Tony Mazon during a ceremony held at 6 p.m. on April 28, 2025, at City Hall.

Before the ceremony, the official results of the 2025 Newberry Municipal Election were announced. According to the City of Newberry, 1,676 voters participated out of 6,590 eligible voters, marking a turnout rate of 25.4 percent.

In the race for mayor, Tim Marden received 886 votes, defeating challenger Joy Glanzer, who garnered 788 votes. For the Group IV City Commission seat, Donald Lewis Long won with 1,019 votes over Steve Panaghi, who received 610 votes. In the Group V City Commission race, Tony Mazon secured a decisive victory with 1,145 votes, while Rosa Marie Campbell received 510 votes. Election results reflect votes cast on Election Day, by vote-by-mail ballot, and via hand count.

Following the swearing-in, the commission read Resolution 2025-15 into the record and conducted internal elections for leadership roles. Tony Mazon was elected Chairperson Pro-Tempore, and Rick Coleman was elected Alternate Chairperson Pro-Tempore.

The ceremony concluded ahead of the regularly scheduled City Commission meeting, which began at 7 p.m.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Tensions flared at a High Springs fast-food drive-thru Saturday when an argument escalated into a reported gun threat. A Jacksonville man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly pulling a gun and threatening two people during an argument at a fast-food drive-thru in High Springs, according to police.

Christian Glenn Rogers, 26, was taken into custody at approximately 5:50 p.m. on April 26, 2025, after an incident at the Hardee’s restaurant located at 19143 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, the High Springs Police Department reported.

According to an arrest report, Rogers was in a vehicle at the drive-thru window when another individual approached to cancel an order. Witnesses said Rogers and his passenger exited their vehicle and began yelling at the individual.

Two other uninvolved customers reportedly got out of their vehicle and confronted Rogers about the altercation. At that point, Rogers allegedly spit in the face of one of the individuals, told them to “try me,” and threatened to kill them if they did, authorities said.

Rogers then allegedly reached into his vehicle, retrieved a firearm from under a seat, racked the slide, and pointed the gun at the two victims, according to police. Rogers and his passenger then fled the scene, traveling northbound on County Road 236.

High Springs officers initiated a traffic stop near the southbound Interstate 75 exit at mile marker 399. A search of the vehicle uncovered a 9mm handgun under the passenger seat, loaded with one round in the chamber and eight rounds in the magazine, according to the arrest report.

Police said the accounts provided by the two victims and an uninvolved witness were consistent.

After being read his Miranda rights, Rogers reportedly denied that a gun was involved and said the victims initiated the argument.

Rogers was charged with battery and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Court records show he has no local criminal history but has previous convictions in Duval County for driving under the influence and driving without a valid license.

Judge Gloria Walker set bail at $10,000.

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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You can donate to support our students here.

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OCALA - Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that Florida has awarded more than 7,800 recruitment bonuses to new law enforcement officers through the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment Program. The latest round of bonuses went to officers serving in Marion County, while an additional 660 bonuses have recently been distributed to recruits across the state.

Launched in 2022, this first-of-its-kind initiative underscores Florida’s nation-leading commitment to supporting law enforcement. The program provides a one-time $5,000 bonus—after taxes—to newly employed officers as a show of appreciation and incentive for choosing to serve in Florida.

“When other states were defunding their police, demonizing law enforcement, and kneecapping their criminal justice system, we rewarded our law enforcement for their service,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “I was proud to be in Marion County to award recruitment bonus checks to Florida’s newest law enforcement officers and thank them for their commitment to protecting our communities.”

To date, more than 1,700 law enforcement officers from 49 other states and two territories have relocated to Florida, with more than 500 coming from anti-police states like California, Illinois, and New York. Each of the 7,800 newly recruited officers has received a $5,000 bonus after taxes, with the program distributing more than $53 million to date.

“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has led the nation in recruiting law enforcement officials and implementing strong immigration policies,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “We remain committed to strengthening the resources available to law enforcement and helping in their mission to set the standard for combating illegal immigration.”

In addition to a $5,000 recruitment bonus, benefits of becoming a Florida law enforcement officer include financial stability, upward mobility, excellent health and retirement benefits, student loan forgiveness programs, home loan programs, and more.

For more information about the Florida Law Enforcement Recruitment Bonus Payment, visit FloridaJobs.org/Recognition-and-Recruitment.

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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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 GAINESVILLE – The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is preparing to bid a bittersweet farewell to its beloved Asian small-clawed otter family as they move to their new home at the Memphis Zoo on March 5, 2025. Duncan and Chitra arrived at the SF Teaching Zoo in 2019, where they delighted everyone with the arrival of pups in 2020 and again in 2023. All 7 members of the otter family will make the move.
 
The move is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP), a nationwide effort to protect and sustain the Asian small-clawed otter population in accredited zoos. Recommendations are made based on breeding compatibility and needs of the otter population in zoos.
 
While their departure will be emotional for students, staff, and visitors, the transition comes at an ideal time, coinciding with planned renovations to the otters’ habitat at SF Teaching Zoo as part of the Zoo’s newly created Master Plan.
 
“We know the otter family is a favorite for many of our guests” said Zoo Director, Jonathan Miot. “They will be missed by students and staff, but we are comforted to know they will be living in a beautiful new home while we renovate the habitat.” 
 
In preparation for their move, the otter family has been participating in a groundbreaking interspecies communication program using FluentPet technology, a system of buttons that allows animals to associate words with actions and objects.
 
“This is a unique opportunity for both the otters and our students,” said Julie Smith, professor in the Zoo Animal Technology Program. “Our team has been working on innovative training techniques to help ease the otters’ transition to a new facility and new caregivers.”
 
SF Teaching Zoo is among the first institutions to expand FluentPet research beyond companion animals, training otters, tortoises, and capuchin monkeys to use communication buttons. The otters are currently learning words such as “new,” “move,” “otter,” and “human” to help them adapt to their upcoming transition. 
 
“This is the first time any animal in the FluentPet program will be transferred from one zoological facility to another,” Smith said. “The Memphis Zoo team is excited to continue this innovative research.”
 
Otter Farewell Weekend – March 1 & 2
The zoo invites members and visitors to say their goodbyes at a special farewell event on March 1 and 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will include:
 
  • Otter training demonstrations
  • Keeper talks 
  • Crafts and activities 
  • A special gift for zoo members
 
Support the Otter Habitat Renovation
To ensure that otters can return to the SF Teaching Zoo in the future, donations are being accepted to support the renovation of their habitat. Contributions can be made online at tinyurl.com/47zda5d2 (type “otters” in the comments). For larger contributions, please contact Jonathan Miot at 352-395-5602 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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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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~17,145 fatal doses of Fentanyl recovered~

ORLANDO, Fla.- Last week, Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers from the Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), in collaboration with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI), arrested four individuals in Orange County, FL, following an investigation that resulted in the seizure of Heroin (10.28 grams), Cocaine (6.4 grams) and 34.29 grams of Fentanyl-equivalent to 17,145 fatal doses.

On September 14, 2023, while on patrol in the early hours, FHP CIU observed a grey Kia driving in a residential area without headlights, failing to yield to a stop sign at an intersection. After conducting a traffic stop, troopers discovered the driver, Michael Ramos, 27, of Orlando, had a suspended license, and the passenger, Reina Mary Mora, 28, of Orlando, inadvertently exposed contraband within her purse when providing her ID to troopers.

Following a K-9 deployment, troopers were alerted to the further presence of narcotics within the vehicle, which, upon recovery, was discovered to be a white powdery substance that tested positive for Fentanyl.

Before transporting Ramos and Mora to the Orange County Detention Center, troopers received information leading them to a known Fentanyl dealer in Orlando. After arranging to meet the individual to order additional narcotics to sell, Ramos and FHP CIU members drove north of the original traffic stop to meet with the dealer.

Upon arrival, FHP identified Jose Luis Colon Melendez, 37, of Orlando, and Josue Joel Gomez, 40, of Longwood, wearing orange and yellow construction vests, driving without headlights. FHP conducted a traffic stop, and a K-9 alerted to narcotics in the vehicle. Before being transported to the Orange County Detention Center, Melendez agreed to speak with law enforcement and provided consent to enter his apartment and turn over all his narcotics to troopers.

The individuals arrested in connection to this investigation and the charges are as follows:

Reina Mary Mora

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription
  • Felony Drug Paraphernalia

Michael Ramos

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription
  • Felony Drug Paraphernalia

Jose Luis Colon Melendez

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
  • Possession of Heroin with intent to sell
  • Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell
  • Possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell
  • Felony drug Paraphernalia

Josue Joel Gomez

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
  • Possession of Heroin with intent to sell
  • Possession of Cocaine with intent to sell
  • Possession of Fentanyl with intent to sell
  • Felony drug Paraphernalia

After transport to Orange County Detention Center, upon fingerprinting Melendez, it was discovered that he had an active warrant out of Pennsylvania for a parole violation related to the sale of Heroin; he had absconded from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections since 2015. This investigation remains active, and additional charges are pending.

Total Recovered:

  • Fentanyl 34.29 grams
  • Heroin 10.28 grams
  • Cocaine 6.4 grams

Individuals actively viewing a crime or criminal activity should dial *FHP (*347) or 911. If you have information or would like to provide an anonymous tip about a crime or about criminal activity from anywhere in the state dial **TIPS (8477). Dialing **TIPS from any cellphone will automatically route the caller to the Crime Stoppers office in the region where the call is generated.

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