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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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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners convened for a joint special meeting on Monday at the IFAS building located at 22712 West Newberry Road, to discuss four key items of mutual interest: updates on the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), the possible use of City buildings by the County, road improvements for Southwest 15th Avenue, and the presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence.

Newberry Senior Planner and CRA Coordinator Uma Sarmistha presented a progress report on the city’s CRA, which launched in 2021. She outlined ongoing and future projects from the Downtown 5-Year Plan, which include the Façade Grant Program, Barry Park beautification, Hitchcock’s Pond landscaping, Seaboard Drive land acquisition, implementation of a Downtown Strategy Plan, a mural/community art project, annual Christmas downtown decorations, the Northwest 260th Street construction project, Southwest 254th reconstruction, and community festivals.

Sarmistha reported that the total budget for the fiscal year 2024–25 is $1.7 million, with the base year taxable value in 2020 at $36.1 million, which has since grown to $86.2 million. “The current year tax increment value is $50.2 million,” she said.

Interim City Manager Dallas Lee informed commissioners that smaller City buildings would become available in September or October when the new City Hall is completed. City commissioners suggested that the spaces could be used for a tag renewal office or driver’s license renewal office to save residents a trip to Gainesville.

County Commissioner Anna Prizzia proposed that kiosks at locations like Publix could serve the community for these services just as effectively. City officials expressed openness to the idea.

Utility Director and Assistant City Manager Jamie Jones led a discussion on potential road improvements for Southwest 15th Avenue, which is jointly owned by the City and the County. He suggested a partnership agreement to bring the road up to standard and then transfer maintenance responsibilities to the City.

County Vice Chair Ken Cornell, who led the County’s portion of the meeting until Chair Charles Chestnut IV arrived, voiced concerns about the project. He emphasized that the trees lining the road contributed to its scenic character and expressed reservations about the cost of acquiring rights-of-way. Cornell also noted that the County already has a road improvement plan in place and was reluctant to divert funds from established projects.

Newberry Mayor Tim Marden requested clear direction on what types of projects the County would be willing to partner with the City on. Commissioner Jordan Marlowe proposed a cost-sharing approach, with the County covering one-third and the City handling the remaining two-thirds through developer fees and City funds. The proposal, however, did not gain traction with the County.

County commissioners ultimately voted to authorize staff to continue working with City officials to explore potential joint projects and provide more information to the commission.

The meeting also included the presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence, directed by Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman. The award was given to city and county personnel involved in the April 13, 2025, rescue of a Newberry man who suffered a heart attack. The award recognizes coordinated efforts across multiple agencies that resulted in a successful recovery.

In other business, one resident suggested using one of the City’s soon-to-be-available buildings for a health and wellness initiative. Commissioner Prizzia expressed interest in learning more about what such a program would entail.

Newberry City Commissioner Mark Clark announced that the Veterans’ Memorial ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Memorial Day at 9:30 a.m.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for May 27 at 7 p.m., followed by a Board of Adjustment Meeting and a CRA Meeting.

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NEWBERRY – The life of a Newberry man who suffered a heart attack was saved through the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency agencies, leading to the inaugural presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence during a joint Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and City of Newberry meeting on May 12, 2025.

Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman led the ceremony, highlighting the extraordinary teamwork that brought the man back from cardiac arrest.

“Although this exceptional outcome has occurred in Alachua County in the past, the City and County have chosen to recognize this achievement in a new way with the Phoenix Award,” Lyman said.

Lyman explained that the Phoenix Award honors those who “played a direct and critical role in saving a person who was in cardiac arrest — whose heart had stopped — and who, because of the incredible teamwork, determination and skill of those involved, not only survived, but walked out of the hospital just a few days later with a full, neurologically intact recovery.”

The life-saving event unfolded on Sunday, April 13, just after 10 a.m. when a 911 call was made reporting a man unresponsive outside his home. Telecommunicator Cherie Muse at the Alachua County Combined Communications Center took the call, collected vital information, and began delivering CPR instructions to the man’s wife.

“She continued to coach, reassure and encourage the man’s wife until the first Sheriff’s Deputies, Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake, arrived at the scene and took over CPR,” Lyman recounted.

Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg simultaneously directed first responders to the scene, providing continuous updates to ensure they were prepared upon arrival.

When units arrived, the patient was found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Responders immediately began advanced life support procedures, including connecting a heart monitor, establishing an intravenous line, and securing his airway. Crews administered medications, delivered electric shocks to the heart, and performed manual breathing. These efforts restored the man’s pulse on-site.

The patient was then transported by Alachua County Fire Rescue's Rescue 28 to UF Health Shands Hospital with Rescue Lieutenant Michael Reddig, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, and Newberry Firefighter/Paramedic Kristi Langston onboard.

He underwent emergency surgery to repair a blockage, followed by a second procedure the next day. On April 17, just four days after the cardiac event, the man walked out of the hospital with a full recovery.

“The co-location of ACFR Rescue 28 in Newberry’s fire house played a central role in transporting this gentleman in a timely manner and in his outcome,” Lyman said. “This is what partnership looks like. This is what serving a community together truly means.”

During the ceremony, Newberry Mayor Tim Marden presented each award recipient with a metallic ribbon pin to wear on their uniform, symbolizing their role in the life-saving effort. Each honoree also received a plaque commemorating their achievement.

“Tonight, we recognize that it takes a team of this size—working as one—to create the best possible outcome. This is what our residents deserve and this is what they received that day,” Lyman added.

The Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence was presented to the dedicated individuals who played critical roles in the rescue effort. Among those honored were Telecommunicator Cherie Muse, who provided CPR instructions and reassurance during the emergency, and Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg, who coordinated the response with real-time updates.

Deputies Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake were recognized for their immediate on-scene efforts to perform CPR, while Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, Lieutenant Michael Reddig, and Firefighter/Paramedics Kristi Langston and Louis Derousie were acknowledged for their advanced life support measures. Additionally, Driver/Operator Amby Cason and Lieutenant Justin Asbell were commended for their critical roles in transporting the patient to the hospital.

The Alachua County Combined Communications Center, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were also recognized for their seamless coordination and life-saving teamwork during the incident.

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ALACHUA – A 29-year-old Alachua man was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly trespassing onto a neighbor's property, firing gunshots, and damaging items on their porch, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to reports of an armed disturbance at 9719 N.W. County Road 235, north of Northwest 94th Avenue, at approximately 4:43 a.m. on May 11. The victims, who were inside the home at the time, told deputies the suspect, identified as Max Jacob Barreto, lived at a neighboring property.

According to the victims, they were awakened by gunshots near their front porch, followed by loud banging on their front door. They said they immediately recognized the voice of Barreto, who was reportedly shouting at them to "come out and fight." All four occupants of the home said they feared for their lives during the incident.

One of the victims reported looking out the window and seeing Barreto standing at the front door, wearing a headlamp and yelling. The victim noted that he is familiar with Barreto because Barreto regularly cleans their pool. The victims also said they could hear Barreto smashing decorations and plants on their front porch. When they told him to leave, Barreto allegedly continued yelling. He reportedly fired another shot while walking away after the victims said they were calling the police.

Deputies who arrived on the scene reported finding several plants and pots smashed on the front porch, with damages estimated at $200. The front gate of the property, which was closed and marked with a "No Trespassing" sign, appeared to have been accessed by Barreto. Deputies also recovered a spent .380 shell casing on the victims' driveway.

When deputies surrounded Barreto's residence and ordered him to come out with empty hands, he allegedly refused for nearly three hours. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Barreto finally exited his property but continued to ignore commands, leading to his apprehension by a K-9 team.

Barreto has been charged with armed burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, resisting an officer without violence, and property damage. He has no prior criminal convictions but was previously arrested in 2022 for possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. That charge was later dropped.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered a mental health evaluation for Barreto and ruled that he be held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him in custody until trial.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 19-year-old Newberry man was arrested early Thursday morning after deputies discovered a Draco AK-47-style pistol with a loaded magazine in his backpack during a routine traffic stop.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped Romance Lamar Bryant, Jr. at approximately 2:34 a.m. on May 8 for riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic without lights on State Road 45 in Newberry.

During the stop, the deputy asked Bryant if he was carrying any weapons, a question the deputy noted is standard procedure during stops. Bryant reportedly responded that he had an "assault rifle" in his backpack. Deputies detained him after learning that Bryant, at 19 years old, was not legally allowed to carry a concealed firearm.

A search of Bryant’s backpack reportedly revealed a Draco AK-47-style pistol, equipped with a loaded magazine of 7.62 × 39 bullets. The Draco, a compact semi-automatic pistol modeled after the AK-47 rifle, is legally classified as a handgun but cannot be lawfully concealed by individuals under 21.

The deputy also noted the odor of marijuana coming from Bryant and the backpack. Post Miranda, Bryant allegedly told deputies that a friend had handed him the backpack at a nearby gas station just before the stop. He admitted that he knew a gun was inside and was aware that he could not legally carry it concealed due to his age. Bryant reportedly expressed regret for his decision to carry the weapon and denied possessing drugs, though he mentioned he might have a small amount of marijuana in his jacket.

During a search incident to arrest, deputies reportedly found one broken oxycodone pill in his possession, which Bryant spontaneously identified as “probably a perc.”

Bryant has been charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed firearm and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. According to court records, he has no prior criminal history.

Judge Adam Lee set bail at $30,000.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission held a special meeting on Monday, May 5, 2025, to begin outlining the process and qualifications for hiring a new city clerk, as longtime clerk Judy Rice prepares to retire in early September.

Rice, who has served in the role for approximately 13 years, provided backup materials and initial recommendations to guide the discussion. Commissioners reviewed the qualifications for the position and considered adjustments to the job description based on current operational needs.

Following discussion, the commission voted unanimously to expand the position to include responsibilities as clerk for the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), given that CRA meetings typically coincide with City Commission meetings.

Commissioners also approved a minimum qualification requirement of a high school diploma and five years of experience in either government or administrative work.

The commission agreed to post the position internally for one week — from Monday to the following Monday — before opening it to outside applicants. Commissioner Rick Coleman emphasized the importance of giving current city employees the first opportunity to apply. He added that if no internal candidates express interest, he would support opening the search to the public.

Salary ranges will be determined based on applicant experience, with consideration given to both entry-level candidates and those exceeding the minimum qualifications.

Rice will now draft a formal job description reflecting the commission’s approved qualifications and responsibilities.

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ALACHUA – A 38-year-old Alachua man faces charges of lewd and lascivious behavior stemming from allegations he inappropriately touched a 13-year-old girl he knew during an incident last fall, according to the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.

Dustin Adam Zamzow was arrested April 10, 2025, after prosecutors formally charged him on April 4. An arrest warrant was issued shortly after charges were filed.

The sheriff’s report states the alleged incident occurred in the fall of 2024. Authorities said Zamzow encountered the victim walking along a road, and because they had known each other for several years, the victim agreed to accompany him to pick up pizza.

During the drive, investigators say Zamzow allegedly encouraged the victim to sit on his lap to steer the vehicle and reportedly touched the victim’s genitals over their clothing. On the return trip, Zamzow again allegedly had the victim sit in his lap and reportedly touched her under her bra.

According to the arrest report, Zamzow allegedly instructed the victim not to tell anyone about the incident, stating he could be jailed if others found out.

Formal charges were filed on April 4, and a warrant was issued for Zamzow’s arrest a few days later. He has been charged with lewd/lascivious behavior with a victim under the age of 16.

Prosecutors initially argued that Zamzow should be held without bail, citing concerns about potential harm to the community and referencing Zamzow’s prior criminal history, which includes two misdemeanor convictions for stalking. They also cited a previous allegation from New York with an 8-year-old victim when Zamzow was 15 years old.

However, Judge William Davis ordered him released on his own recognizance with requirements for a GPS monitor and no unsupervised contact with minors, including his own children.

Further court proceedings in this case are pending.

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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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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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