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Cutline: Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Trustee Gary McCrea, left, and Senior Vice Commander Jim Johnson help with the organization’s Buddy Poppy program. The two Vietnam War veterans were among several in the post who helped raise more than $5,000 last year to benefit VFW programs. Photo special to Alachua County Today by Michael P. Mauer

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 GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA (March 31, 2025) – Santa Fe College will host the 2025 Spring Career Fair on Wednesday, April 9, at the Northwest Campus, located at 3000 Northwest 83 Street in Gainesville. The event will take place in Room R-001 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to students and employers.
 
The career fair brings together job seekers and employers from business, healthcare, IT and more. Attendees can explore job opportunities, network with professionals and learn about career pathways, while employers connect with potential candidates and showcase their organizations to the local workforce.
 
Employers should register early to secure their spot and connect with career-ready candidates eager to launch or advance their careers. Santa Fe College students are encouraged to register by April 8 to take full advantage of the networking and job placement opportunities available. Registration is available through Blackthorne Events.
 
Santa Fe College is committed to fostering strong partnerships between students, employers and the broader community. By offering career fairs and other workforce development initiatives, the college helps students bridge the gap between education and employment while supporting businesses in their search for skilled workers. Whether employers are looking to fill full-time, part-time or temporary positions, the Spring Career Fair serves as a vital connection point for talent and opportunity.
 
 
About Santa Fe College
Opening in 1966, Santa Fe College (SF) is part of the Florida College System and a charter member of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College. SF has established programs and services that enable the college to carry out its mission of adding value to the lives of our students and enriching our community. The philosophy of the college has been and continues to be student-centered. SF is home to a planetarium, a nationally recognized teaching zoo and a state-of-the-art Fine Arts Hall. Visit sfcollege.edu for more information.

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UPDATED 04.02.2025 5:42 p.m. - GAINESVILLE ‒ A lawsuit alleging incidents of a “sexual” nature at Santa Fe High School, brought by Anneke Acree on behalf of her child, has been dismissed.

The amended complaint, dated Jan. 8, 2025, stemmed from an initial filing on Oct. 30, 2024, against both the Alachua County School Board and the City of Alachua.

On Monday, March 31, 2025, Circuit Judge Donna Keim dismissed Count III (negligence per se) against the City of Alachua with prejudice—barring the plaintiff from refiling the same claim.

On Tuesday, April 1, Judge Keim also dismissed both remaining claims against the Alachua County School Board: Count I (negligent supervision) and Count II (negligence per se). Count II was dismissed with prejudice, while Count I was dismissed without prejudice—though the judge's order casts doubt on whether any amendment could keep the case alive.

As to the count lodged against the City of Alachua, the judge stated the negligence theory advanced by Acree’s attorney, based on an alleged violation of statute, is premised on an unknown City employee's failure to comply with the child abuse reporting guidelines of Chapter 39, Florida Statutes. “Notably, Plaintiff does not identify the City employee or employees purported to have been negligent, nor does she articulate what knowledge is imputed to the City regarding the alleged abuse,” the judge wrote.

Additionally, Judge Keim clarified that courts in Florida have repeatedly ruled that Chapter 39 does not give individuals the right to sue over a failure to report abuse. Unless a law clearly states that people can file lawsuits, or lawmakers intended for it to be an option, no such right exists. This has been confirmed in several court cases, the judge said.

The Count II negligence per se claim against the Alachua County School Board was dismissed with prejudice for the same reasons as the count against the City of Alachua. In other words, the allegations by Acree are vague, and the legal theory advanced by Acree’s attorney is statutorily unsound.

Finally, the court left little room for hope on Count I against the Alachua County School Board, which is titled as “Negligent Supervision.” In ruling on that issue, the court found that under Florida's Impact Rule, a plaintiff can only recover damages for emotional distress in this type of case if the person suffered a physical injury, a direct impact, or if their emotional distress has caused physical symptoms. The judge held in this case that the alleged physical manifestations of emotional distress clearly fell outside of the exceptions to the “impact rule,” contrary to those arguments put forth by Acree’s attorney. In fact, court cases cited by the court specifically found that the types of “trauma” allegedly suffered by the student are precisely the types that elude any exception to the impact rule.

Although the judge left the door open for Acree to file an amended complaint, the outlook for the plaintiff is bleak. “The Court believes additional amendment to the Complaint is likely futile as the detailed facts previously alleged clearly fail to state a cause of action against this Defendant due to the impact rule.” However, Judge Keim is allowing Acree 10 days to attempt to file a second amended complaint. A failure to file an amended complaint will close the case without further order.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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GAINESVILLE – Farm Share, Florida’s leading food nonprofit and the state’s largest food bank, is distributing food to food-insecure Floridians in the Gainesville area. Recipients will receive fresh produce and non-perishable canned goods. Distributions are drive-thru only to minimize contact and to help ensure the safety of all parties. Attendees must arrive in a vehicle with a trunk or cargo bed.

With more than 3.9 million families suffering from food insecurity throughout Florida, Farm Share meets the everyday hunger needs of Floridians by working hand-in-hand with local farmers to recover and redistribute produce that would otherwise be thrown away due to aesthetic imperfections. 

Farm Share also distributes food to the community through its network of soup kitchens, food pantries, homeless shelters, churches, and senior centers across Florida free of charge. To find a food pantry near you, please visit www.farmshare.org/food-pantries.

More information about this week’s events:

Event: Gainesville COGBF Free Food Distribution

Location: 735 SE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 32641

Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025

Time: 9:00 a.m. while supplies last 

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ALACHUA ‒ Just over a year after breaking ground, construction is steadily advancing on Alachua County Fire Station 21, a long-planned project aimed at enhancing emergency response and modernizing fire rescue infrastructure in the growing northwest portion of the county.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new station, located at 16121 N.W. 173rd Street (County Road 235-A) in the city of Alachua, was held on March 19, 2024. It was attended by members of the Alachua County Commission and staff, Alachua County Fire Rescue, the Alachua City Commission, Chamber of Commerce representatives, and members of the public.

Now well into its construction phase, the $7 million project will replace the current Station 21 at 15040 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, across from Alachua Elementary School. Once complete, the new station will enhance emergency coverage in western Alachua while complementing Fire Station 25, which recently opened in the Tech City area to serve the eastern side of the city and surrounding county.

Station 21 is the second Alachua County Fire Rescue facility to follow the county’s new prototype fire station design, with Station 80 in Gainesville being the first. The 11,500-square-foot, single-story structure is designed to meet modern safety and efficiency standards and is expected to serve the community for 50 years or more.

Features include three drive-through bays, 10 bunkrooms, backup generator power, and energy-efficient equipment and systems. The building also incorporates sustainable design elements to meet environmental goals.

At opening, the station will be staffed 24/7 by six fire rescue personnel and will house an Advanced Life Support (ALS) Fire Engine, an ALS Ambulance, a brush truck, a water tanker, and a District Chief. The design allows for future expansion as the community continues to grow.

“The station is designed to house 10 people, and as this area continues to grow, strong consideration is needed in adding an aerial apparatus to serve this area,” Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “We have recognized the need for a new Station 21 for decades and with the addition of Fire Station 25 in the Tech City area, it makes sense to move to a different location within the city.”

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

As construction progresses toward completion, county officials say the new facility marks a significant investment in public safety and reflects a commitment to long-term planning for emergency services in Alachua County.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua Commission recognized Cayden Parker, a Santa Fe High School senior, during its regular meeting on Feb. 24, 2025, celebrating his academic achievements and contributions to the community. Parker was awarded the prestigious Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Award and became the first recipient of the Alumni Scholarship, securing more than $15,000 to further his education.

The Edna M. Hart Keeper of the Dream Award honors students who exemplify leadership, resilience and a commitment to making a positive impact. Parker’s recognition highlights his dedication to academic success and his role in inspiring others in the community.

Surrounded by family, friends and local residents, Parker took the podium to reflect on his journey and express gratitude. “I realize that my success is a product of my community,” Parker said. “I also want to thank my mother and my grandfather.” His remarks underscored the importance of community support in shaping his achievements, as he acknowledged the encouragement of his family, particularly his mother and grandfather.

Parker’s recognition comes just days before the City of Alachua’s Education Task Force (ETF) is set to convene for a community workshop, where members will update the group’s strategic plan for strengthening local education. The ETF, established to support schools through grassroots initiatives, plays a key role in enhancing student success and fostering partnerships between the city and its educational institutions.

City officials say that education remains a top priority for the City of Alachua, as outlined in its annual strategic plan and that the City reaffirms its commitment to providing resources and opportunities for students, ensuring initiatives like the ETF continue to serve future generations.

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ALACHUA – Alachua City Commissioners on March 24, 2025, failed to adopt a staff recommendation that would have resulted in the City contracting with an independent engineering firm to fill in the gap in the City of Alachua’s planning department. In a narrow vote of 2-3, commissioners did not approve of securing professional services from Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. to support the Planning & Community Development Department.

With recent retirements and resignations in the City of Alachua’s Planning & Community Development Department, the City finds itself short staffed with only one city planner. According to city staffers, the City currently has 31 development review applications under the purview of the Planning & Community Development Department. Of those 31, 11 applications are in the project assistance team review stage and being circulated to other departments for input, four are on hold, three are incomplete and awaiting resubmittal, nine are scheduled for upcoming public hearings, two are currently in review for completeness, and two have only been received but not undergone any review.

City Manager Mike DaRoza emphasized to commissioners that the assistance of an outside firm would be temporary, until adequate and qualified planning staff could be onboarded.

The City is under statutorily mandated guidelines for at least some of the projects currently under review, which is why DaRoza requested the commission provide relief to the department.

Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares presented the commission with the plan that would have engaged Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., a global professional services firm, to review building permits and planning applications for compliance with city regulations and alignment with the Alachua Comprehensive Plan.

Both Valladares and DaRoza said the hiring of the outside firm would help bolster the City’s commitment to maintain a level of services expected of the City. The terms of the contract called for Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to commit at least two American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), including one onsite and one of whom also hold a law degree.

As part of their role, Jacobs would have evaluated a variety of planning applications, including Comprehensive Plan Amendments, Infrastructure Plans, Lot Splits, Minor Site Plans, Minor Subdivisions, Rezoning Requests, Site Plans, Special Exception Permits, and Variance Permits. Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. would not have been permitted to conduct reviews of plans they have prepared themselves.

Although not passed by the Commission, the contract would have cost approximately $160,000 over six months, similar to the salaries, retirement, benefits, and taxes that would have been paid over that same period of time to the staffers who retired and resigned.

As a result of the Commission’s failure to approve the staff’s recommendation, the city manager will likely have to go back to the drawing board for a new plan to fill in the staffing gap.

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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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GAINESVILLE – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping new law Thursday at the Capitol that puts him in charge of a new state board of immigration enforcement, toughens punishments for crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally and requires state and local governments to cooperate with federal deportation efforts.

The new law, passed during a four-day special session of the Legislature, also cancels in-state tuition for immigrants at Florida’s public colleges and universities who are here illegally and prohibits the state from issuing driver’s licenses to those immigrants. It also permits Florida’s disaster management agency to deport immigrants aboard state planes and seek reimbursement from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The new law also makes it illegal for others to aid or solicit a non-citizen immigrant to vote in elections. It already was illegal in Florida for those immigrants to vote, and there is no evidence such voting has taken place on any significant scale.

In Tallahassee, the governor and legislative leaders billed the new immigration package as a compromise, after DeSantis had criticized an earlier proposal approved Jan. 28 by the Legislature as “weak, weak, weak.” The new bill effectively put DeSantis in charge of immigration policy in Florida, while the previous measure – which DeSantis had threatened to veto – gave that authority to the elected commissioner of agriculture.

“I absolutely anticipate other states will follow what Florida has done as we move forward in the weeks and months ahead.” DeSantis said. “We are ahead of the curve on ending the illegal immigration crisis. We didn't just set our hands. We got to work.”

Under the new law, a new immigration enforcement council will advise the state immigration enforcement board. The council will include police chiefs appointed by the governor, attorney general, chief financial officer and agriculture commissioner, plus sheriffs selected by the Senate president and House speaker. The council’s first meeting must take place by April 1.

Thursday’s action ended a surprisingly bitter and rare disagreement between the Republican governor and GOP-led House and Senate. 

DeSantis said he did not take the disagreement personally and harbored no hard feelings toward Florida legislators, after they snubbed him by immediately adjourning his special session, beginning their own and overriding a previous budget veto for legislative funding in January.

Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Bartow, said the disputes were part of a healthy legislative exercise.

“It's very complex. It's very complicated,” Albritton said. “I'll just tell you that our Republican family, we're together, and we are moving forward together.”

House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, agreed.

“This is just a disagreement. It's normal. It's healthy,” Perez said. “People wanted to make this seem like a feud, but it wasn't. It was just a disagreement on how to get to the finish line.”

The bill passed in the Senate 27-10 and in the House 85-30 largely along party-line voting.

“The recent dynamics between the House, the Senate and the governor's office may have made some of us a little bit uncomfortable over the last couple weeks, but the reality is that experience is healthy,” said Rep. Adam Anderson, R-Tarpon Springs. “It proved that when we all work together, we produce the best possible product for Floridians, and that product is before us today.”

Rep. Wallace Aristide, D-North Miami Beach, acknowledged concerns about crimes committed by immigrants but defended other immigrants working for better opportunities, citing his family’s experiences.

“There's two sides to a story,” Aristide said. “I'm against those that are here, illegally committing crime, doing something wrong. We can't support it, but I got to support those that are trying to make their lives better for themselves and their family.”

Most provisions of the new law took effect immediately after DeSantis signed it. In-state tuition for students who were immigrants in the U.S. illegally will end July 1.

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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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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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