GAINESVILLE — UF Health and Santa Fe College have formally renewed a critical partnership aimed at strengthening Florida’s nursing workforce. On Wednesday, leaders from both institutions gathered at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus to mark the third year of collaboration that has already yielded millions in combined funding for nursing education.

UF Health President and System CEO Dr. Stephen J. Motew and Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II signed the agreement during a late-morning ceremony attended by students, faculty, and staff from both organizations.

UF Health’s $350,000 grant to Santa Fe’s Nursing program for 2025 is being fully matched through the State of Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, resulting in a $700,000 investment in the college’s healthcare education infrastructure.

“LINE funding provided by the State of Florida is a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together under a shared vision,” said Dr. Shakira Henderson, Dean of the UF College of Nursing and Chief Administrative Officer at UF Health. “It is not a financial investment, it is a vote of confidence in programs like Santa Fe, which continue to set the bar when it comes to nursing excellence.”

This year’s grant brings the total support from UF Health and the LINE match to over $1.8 million since 2022. Previous awards totaled $345,200 in 2023–24 and $780,000 in 2022–23.

Dr. Broadie expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the tangible outcomes already seen on campus. With past funding, Santa Fe College has expanded faculty, introduced advanced simulation mannequins, and launched programs like ANEW, which supports working adults returning to nursing.

“UF Health stands right beside Santa Fe College in ensuring that we address the nursing shortage and produce the best qualified nursing graduates on the planet,” Broadie said.

Dr. Motew emphasized the increasing need for well-trained nurses, especially as Florida’s population ages.

“I am very proud of the long-standing relationship UF and UF Health have with Santa Fe,” Motew said. “We have to really put into perspective the opportunity to train together, highly skilled, compassionate nurses who deliver exceptional care to our community.”

Motew also praised the collaboration for allowing both institutions to “chase new paradigms” in integrating nursing education with real-world healthcare delivery.

This year’s funding will go directly toward student scholarships, reducing financial barriers for future nurses. Additionally, LINE funds will support development of a dedicated academic space designed for healthcare-focused study and support services.

Santa Fe College has maintained a strong track record in preparing nurses for the field. The school surpassed both state and national averages in 2024, posting a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX nursing certification exam.

One of those students, Seth Mantio, an Army veteran, attended the signing ceremony and reflected on how the program is shaping his future.

“This program ensures that my patients will feel comfortable with me and instills confidence that I can help them when they need it most,” Mantio said.

UF Health’s support for Santa Fe College extends beyond nursing. In 2021, the health system awarded a five-year, $1 million grant to bolster the college’s Surgical Technology program, focusing on recruitment, outreach, and training for underserved populations.

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GAINESVILLE — Animal lovers across North Central Florida are invited to meet their future furry family members during North Florida Pet Adoption Day, set for Saturday, June 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humane Society of North Central Florida, 4205 NW 6th Street in Gainesville.

Presented by VyStar Credit Union and supported by a grant from the ASPCA, the event aims to ease the burden on local animal shelters by finding homes for over 100 cats and dogs. Adoption fees for all adult pets—five months and older—will be waived for the day.

This is a great opportunity to not only save a life but also gain a loyal companion. Spring and summer months are the busiest seasons, and kennels are overflowing with animals ready for loving homes.

All adoptable pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and can go home the same day. While no pre-holds or early adoptions are permitted for puppies, adult pets will be available for immediate placement with an approved adoption application.

Visitors can meet animals in free-roaming cat rooms and dog kennels, though entry to dog areas requires a pre-approved application. Prospective adopters are encouraged to preview available animals and submit their applications in advance by visiting humanesocietyncfl.org/adopt.

From playful kittens and seasoned lap cats to energetic pups and mellow adult dogs, organizers say there’s a perfect pet for every household.

“Whether you’re looking for a hiking buddy or a couch companion, you’re likely to find your match at this event,” organizers added.

For more information, visit humanesocietyncfl.org.

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NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry Board of Adjustment unanimously denied an appeal from Trackline during a special meeting held May 13, 2025, upholding a Stop Work order issued by the City for unpermitted construction activity.

The decision followed extended discussion regarding Trackline’s failure to obtain proper permits before beginning work. City staff recommended the Board deny the appeal, lift the stay, and enforce the Stop Work order — a recommendation the Board adopted unanimously.

Trackline representatives argued they had requested guidance from the City on how to obtain the necessary permits. City officials countered that they had provided clear instructions but that the company had yet to submit the required documentation.

Public comment during the meeting showed strong community support for upholding the Stop Work order, with audience members expressing unanimous agreement with the City’s position.

Champions Park Water Main

Following a 10-minute recess, the Newberry City Commission convened a special meeting to consider a single agenda item: the installation of a new water main at Champions Park to bring the system into compliance with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) regulations.

Assistant Director of Utilities & Public Works Rance Green and project manager explained that the park’s current water system is operating outside its permit conditions, making the upgrade essential. The contractor selected for the job was already mobilized on-site for a nearby project, which allows the City to save significantly on startup costs—bringing the installation cost to roughly $90 per linear foot, compared to the standard $165.

Commissioners approved a motion authorizing City Manager Jordan Marlowe to execute a contract valued at $221,574 for the installation of approximately 2,325 linear feet of 12-inch water main. The project includes owner-directed purchasing.

Mayor Tim Marden noted the total project cost is expected to be about $230,000, with the city manager authorized to approve up to 15 percent in change orders. He also said that when Sandy Park is developed, they will reimburse the City. There was no discussion from the audience or Commissioners and the contract was unanimously approved.

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ALACHUA – Two individuals have been arrested following an investigation by the Alachua Police Department into alleged criminal conduct involving juvenile victims.

Chiarel Davis, 38, of Chiefland, faces multiple charges, including sexual assault by a person 24 or older on a victim aged 16 or 17, traveling to meet a minor, interference with the custody of a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

According to police, Davis is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a juvenile, providing marijuana to the minor, and sending sexually explicit messages and images. Investigators say she also arranged unsupervised meetings with the victim without parental consent.

Nicholas Scott, 35, of Gainesville, is charged with using a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony and distributing obscene material to a minor. Authorities allege that Scott sent explicit images to one of the victims and communicated with the minor in violation of Florida law.

The investigation began after a report was made by a concerned parent. Police said both suspects were known to the victims and had previously interacted with the families under the pretense of friendship.

“Due to the sensitive nature of the crimes and to protect the identities of the victims, no further information will be released,” said Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky.

The Alachua Police Department expressed gratitude to the assisting agencies that contributed to the investigation. Anyone with additional information or who may be a victim is encouraged to contact Detective Jacob Eady at 386-588-3328 or jeady@alachuapd.org.

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ALACHUA – A period of major growth and expansion is giving way to a new chapter for 399 Sports & Recreation, the Alachua-based nonprofit dedicated to youth athletics and community programming.

The organization announced that founding president Brandon Wilson will step down effective June 1, 2025, after completing a two-year term marked by significant accomplishments.

During Wilson’s leadership, 399 Sports & Recreation increased participation by 233 percent, launched scholarship initiatives, supported local travel ball teams, and formed partnerships with both local and regional groups. The group also generated new revenue through a steady concession stand operation and hosted ceremonial events for its youth basketball and volleyball leagues.

Looking ahead, Wilson plans to remain involved in a consulting role, while he and his family will continue their commitment to youth development through their Crafty Gemini Youth Development initiative. The program offers hands-on learning in the arts, agriculture, and athletics, aiming to help young people discover their passions and create paths to long-term success.

Wilson’s contributions to youth recreation and community programming have earned praise throughout Alachua County, and the organization he founded shows no signs of slowing down.

As the summer season kicks off, 399 is accepting participants for its Summer Basketball League. Registration also remains open for the City of Alachua’s Legacy Summer Camp. In addition, the Alachua Raiders Football & Cheer program has begun sign-ups for its fall tackle football and cheerleading teams.

A Music & Arts Program Film Festival will be held Aug. 30 at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. The event, hosted by the City of Alachua, begins at 3 p.m. and is open to the public.

For more information on any of these programs, visit the City of Alachua’s official website or follow 399 Sports & Recreation on social media.

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Alachua ‒ Siemens, a global leader in technology and innovation, has opened a new office and warehouse facility in San Felasco Tech City, bolstering its presence in Alachua County and adding to the growing technology hub.

The new integrated facility represents a significant investment by Siemens and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and community partnerships. Siemens joins more than 65 other companies at the rapidly expanding San Felasco Tech City. The facility will benefit from San Felasco Tech City's advanced infrastructure and collaborative business environment, supporting Siemens in delivering forward-thinking solutions for a more connected future.

Mitch Glaeser, co-developer and CEO of the Emory Group Company, expressed enthusiasm about Siemens joining the tech hub. “We are thrilled to have Siemens join other exceptional companies at San Felasco Tech City,” Glaeser said. “This facility strengthens Siemens' operational capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and building strong community partnerships.”

San Felasco Tech City is recognized for its sustainability and emphasis on digital innovation, making it a natural fit for Siemens’ expansion, company officials said. The facility is expected to leverage the site's advanced infrastructure to promote collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

Siemens' decision to expand operations in Alachua County highlights its dedication to advancing regional technology development and economic growth.

San Felasco Tech City, located in Alachua, is noted as one of Florida’s fastest-growing technology communities, known internationally for sustainable development and innovative practices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Low interest disaster loans now available

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

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

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

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

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

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

To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marilyn Vanover

Alachua Business League

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roberta C. Lopez

Archer, Florida

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

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

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

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

Do you see a pattern?

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

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

Ross Ambrose

High Springs Resident

To fellow High Springs voters:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alvalyn Lancaster

High Springs, Florida 32643

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas R. Weller

High Springs, FL 32643

We wish to express our gratitude to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob & Linda Jones

High Springs, Florida