ALACHUA ‒ With laughter echoing across the rolling pastures of Valley View, the Alachua Lions Club marked a major milestone on March 25, 2025, with its 85th annual Cattlemen’s Banquet — the longest-running Lions Club fundraising event in Florida.

The signature event, now held at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch, drew more than 400 attendees for an evening of celebration, charity, and camaraderie. From its humble beginnings in 1940, the banquet has grown into a cornerstone of community support, channeling all proceeds into local sight, hearing, youth, and service initiatives.

This year’s crowd enjoyed a festive cocktail hour on the veranda, where scenic views of oak-dotted fields set the tone for the night ahead. Inside the main hall, Alachua Lions Club President Jack Zuidema opened the formal program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lions District Governor Greg Seltzer. Longtime member Bill Johnson led a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America,” and Seltzer returned to deliver the invocation.

The evening’s host, real estate broker and former Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremonies. Boukari’s lighthearted jabs and well-timed jokes kept the audience in good spirits, earning chuckles throughout the room.

Headlining the night was award-winning Nashville comedian and musician Jonnie W., whose guitar-infused comedy had the crowd roaring with laughter. His blend of storytelling and stand-up added a fresh twist to the evening’s entertainment lineup.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Cattleman of the Year award to Bob Crane, a respected figure in Alachua County’s ranching community. Surrounded by family and members of First Baptist Church of Alachua, Crane accepted the honor for his longstanding contributions to Florida’s cattle industry.

The night also included a silent auction, once again sponsored by the Alachua Woman’s Club, a dedicated partner of the Lions Club. Guests feasted on a hearty spread featuring aged, flavor-packed steaks, loaded potato casserole, fresh salad, and decadent desserts — all with assistance from the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter, honoring the banquet’s agricultural roots.

The origins of the Cattlemen’s Banquet trace back to a small but impactful gesture in 1940, when Alachua Lions members rallied to support the Alachua High School FFA by bidding on a student-raised steer. That simple act of generosity sparked a tradition that now attracts dignitaries, ranchers, and residents alike. Past events have featured notable speakers such as President Jimmy Carter and Florida Governors Lawton Chiles, Bob Graham, and Buddy MacKay.

As the curtain closes on its 85th year, the Cattlemen’s Banquet remains a beloved celebration of community, heritage, and philanthropy — and plans are undoubtedly underway for its 86th return, promising more laughter, good food, and goodwill.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua welcomed dozens of local residents and business owners to Alachua’s Theatre Park on Main Street March 27, 2025, to celebrate the receipt of a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. Alachua was one of just 25 municipalities to receive the Mobile Hometown Grant this year. According to a T-Mobile representative who presented the ceremonial check, the City of Alachua is the only in the greater central Florida area to receive one of these grants from T-Mobile.

Alachua’s Community Redevelopment Agency Coordinator Susan King has been applying on behalf of the City for the grant for three years. The grant will add funds to help fulfill a growing list of plans for renovations in Theatre Park.

A plan to refresh and reimagine the City of Alachua’s iconic park has been underway for more than a year. On Alachua’s picturesque Main Street, the hidden gem known best as “Theatre Park” has seen better years. An overgrowth of vines, a dilapidated arbor, and structural uncertainty have left the park in a less attractive condition.

A variety of designs for the park’s renovations were presented in May 2024 by Monarch Design Group. Among the plans were two overall design themes for the entryway to the park. The City settled on a black powder coated façade for a wrought iron appearance in the gap above the front wall and the archways.

In addition to entryway designs, Monarch Design Group also presented a variety of accompanying interior elements for the park, such as brick pavers, new lighting, a stage, seating, and Florida friendly landscaping.

As a result of the deteriorating conditions within the park, the initial priority in the redesign are the structural elements. Without a roof over the park, rainfall can become trapped and potentially seep through into adjoining buildings. Use of landscaping requiring irrigation in the park exacerbates flooding concerns. Vines posed a risk of damage to the historic brick walls. The arbor, which once served as a tranquil and picturesque backdrop appears to be on the verge of collapse. Hosting live music in the park is untenable without sufficient shade and protection from the elements.

The multiphase renovations will include a small stage with handicap access and the flexibility to install a temporary overhead screen or shield to protect performers from the elements. To increase the viability as study, lunch, relaxation, and gathering space, additional but limited seating is also planned.

When initially assessed in 2024, Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares, who is a Professional Engineer, said the City was planning to develop solutions to divert or dispose of rainwater, possibly using a French drain system. Valladares commented that the projected cost of dealing with the structural concerns together with needed renovations to other elements of the park vastly exceed the CRA’s budgeted $150,000, noting that it would likely become a multiphase project, with solutions starting from “the ground up.”

Located at 14900 Main Street in the heart of downtown, what is now an openair park was once a drycleaner and then a movie house, according to a walking tour developed in 1986 by Alachua County Historical Commission and the Alachua County Tour Service.

In March 2011, the Alachua City Commission authorized structural modifications to Theatre Park in order to make the structure safer. For several months, the park remained closed as a scaffolding system was installed over the brick archways on the streetside opening where there were structural concerns over the ability of the entry to withstand high wind loads.

The 2011 project included removing the top portion of the walls to reduce the wind load on the structure as a whole. The removal included the top 12 feet from the front wall and up to six feet from the side walls.

A report from Driscoll Engineering at the time stated that the outer walls of the theatre park constituted an “immediate safety hazard” because of the lack of support and risk of falling debris. The scaffolding system was a temporary measure to protect pedestrian traffic until more lasting repairs could be completed.

Costing in excess of $40,000, the renovations, which included repairs to the east wall of the park, construction of two new columns and reinforced fiberglass rods, were paid for by the Downtown Redevelopment Trust board (DRTB), which was the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at the time.

The park, which is frequently used for special occasions and is one of the most photographed spots in Alachua was reopened in June 2011.

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ALACHUA ‒ Courage and service to others were at the heart of the Santa Fe Babe Ruth Softball and Baseball 2025 Spring Opening Ceremonies, held Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex Pavilion Field.

The event drew hundreds of attendees, including city officials, Santa Fe High School baseball and softball coaches, and players.

This year’s ceremonies were dedicated to Nathan “Nate” Blair and his family in recognition of their courage and commitment to cancer awareness in the High Springs and Alachua communities. Blair, a former Santa Fe Babe Ruth and Santa Fe High School baseball player, died of cancer in August 2024 at the age of 23 after a four-year battle.

Blair was remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field, including playing a pivotal role in the 2014 National Babe Ruth World Series where the team finished third overall, but also for his bravery, kindness and compassion. His fight inspired a community-wide movement, “Fight With Nate,” bringing together volunteers, coaches, friends and families in support.

During the ceremony, a speaker described cancer in the Blair family’s life as an “unexpected intruder” that caused chaos but never diminished their authenticity or strength. The community continues to honor Blair’s memory as a source of inspiration and resilience.

Blair was posthumously awarded the Nathan “Nate” Blair 2025 Jamboree Memorial Recognition Award, which read, in part: “In grateful recognition of Nathan Blair for his significant impact he has made to rally support for cancer awareness in the High Springs and Alachua community. He demonstrated grit, and his scars represented survival. The community continues to Fight With Nate.”

Also recognized during the ceremonies was the late Willis “Ray” Gallop, who was honored with the Golden Eagle Lifetime Award for decades of service to the Alachua and High Springs communities. Gallop, who died in February 2022, and his wife, Cindy, dedicated more than 30 years to volunteering in baseball and basketball during their 46 years of marriage. His legacy continues through his children and their spouses, who remain active in local youth sports.

John DePaola received the Hal Brady Award, presented annually to a Santa Fe Babe Ruth participant who best embodies Brady’s longstanding commitment to community recreation. DePaola has coached for more than 15 years and umpired for over 30 years, becoming a staple of the Santa Fe Babe Ruth community.

While baseball and softball kicked off their seasons, the Santa Fe Soccer Alliance also launched its 2025 Spring Season on Saturday at Legacy’s Multipurpose Fields. More than 300 youth players participated in games throughout the day.

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ALACHUA ‒ Former Alachua County Sheriff Clovis Watson Jr. will not face criminal prosecution following a decision by State Attorney John F. Durrett of the 3rd Judicial Circuit.

In a letter dated Feb. 19, 2025, to Inspector David Snowden of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Orlando Regional Operations Center, Durrett stated there was insufficient evidence to support two criminal charges brought against Watson.

The case was reassigned to Durrett’s office after 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney Brian Kramer cited a conflict of interest. The FDLE submitted its investigative report to Durrett following the reassignment by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The investigation focused on two potential offenses: interception of privileged communications and official misconduct.

On the first charge, Durrett said the only supporting evidence was the testimony of an immunized witness, Capt. Kutner, who alleged he was directed by Undersheriff Joel Decoursey to monitor and intercept privileged communications. Kutner claimed he relayed the content of the intercepted communications to both Decoursey and Watson. A lieutenant reportedly stated in a sworn affidavit that “they” had personally witnessed Kutner conducting the monitoring.

However, the FDLE report noted that Kutner “was the only Chief Inspector of the five that were interviewed to report being instructed to do so,” according to Durrett’s letter.

“The entire charge rests upon the immunized testimony of a singular witness,” Durrett wrote. “The Sheriff and Undersheriff can simply deny or not speak at all,” he added, concluding the allegation “cannot be proven beyond and to the exclusion of a reasonable doubt.”

On the second charge of official misconduct, Durrett found a lack of evidence to implicate Watson. The FDLE investigation revealed a sergeant in the sheriff’s office had unlawfully recorded a phone conversation with an attorney. The recording was later given to the attorney, who alerted the agency to the violation, pointing out that the law enforcement exception did not apply.

“Here, the Sergeant simply made an error in believing that the same exceptions applicable to criminal investigations applied in internal investigations,” Durrett wrote. “The Sergeant was disciplined for the error. This action stands in contrast to Captain Kutner who indicated he was directed to unlawfully intercept communications involving the same attorney.”

Durrett also declined to pursue charges related to the destruction of the recording or orders to destroy it, citing a lack of evidence tying Watson to the act.

“All sides agree the conversation should not have been recorded,” Durrett wrote. “A copy was provided to the attorney who was recorded. The officer was disciplined…without evidence to implicate Mr. Watson in the destruction a criminal charge cannot ethically be filed.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission met Thursday, March 27, 2025, to address several new business items, including awarding a contract for a fire station HVAC replacement, approving two commercial site plans, and discussing a potential $260,000 repayment related to the purchase of Canoe Outpost.

Vice Mayor Andrew Miller presided over the meeting in the absence of Mayor Tristan Grunder.

Commissioners unanimously awarded a contract for the replacement of the fire station’s HVAC system to Crystal Air and Water, Inc., the lowest of two bidders at $109,823. Shine and Company, Inc. also submitted a proposal in response to the city’s request.

The commission also unanimously approved a site plan for Whitfield Window & Door, which will construct a 9,500-square-foot office and warehouse facility in the High Springs Industrial Park. The proposal was presented by city planning technician Kristyn Adkins.

Adkins also presented a site plan for a new McDonald’s restaurant to be located at 20410 N. U.S. Highway 441, adjacent to Tractor Supply. Craig McDonald appeared before the commission to summarize the project and answer questions. The proposed 3,859-square-foot fast food restaurant will include a drive-thru and is expected to employ approximately 60 people.

McDonald outlined planned road modifications to accommodate increased traffic, including the addition of a turn lane, median upgrades, and road widening along U.S. 441.

Residents voiced concerns over potential noise—particularly from truck traffic—and lighting. McDonald responded that a substantial tree and plant buffer will be installed and that lighting will be focused inward, away from neighboring properties.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz left the meeting before the McDonald’s presentation; the site plan was approved by a 4–0 vote.

In other business, City Manager Jeremy Marshall informed the commission of a possible repayment of $260,000 in Wild Spaces & Public Places funds used toward the purchase of Canoe Outpost. Marshall said Alachua County had notified the city earlier in the day about the issue.

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

When asked if selling the Canoe Outpost property could resolve the situation, Marshall said he did not believe that was an option. However, the city attorney stated they would review the purchase agreement and closing documents to determine what legal options may exist.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua will hold its 2025 municipal election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to fill Seat 1 for Mayor and Seat 2 for City Commissioner. Incumbent Mayor Gib Coerper is seeking re-election and is being challenged by Walter Welch. Incumbent Edward Potts is being challenged by Jacob Fletcher as they vie for a three-year term ending in April 2028.

Coerper, retired, previously served as a commissioner from 1999-2002. He has been in his current seat since 2005 although Seat 1 was not designated as the mayoral seat until 2010. No one challenged Coerper for the mayoral seat in 2022. As of March 27, Coerper had raised $2,200 in monetary campaign contributions.

Walter Welch, who is challenging Coerper, is a newcomer to elected office, but he has previously served on an advisory taskforce board. Welch’s campaign finance reports show little activity, with only $425 in contributions as of February 20, but nothing since that time.

Ed Potts has been in Seat 2 on the commission since winning in the 2022 cycle. Prior to winning the election in 2022, Potts was a member of the City of Alachua Planning & Zoning Board. He is retired from the insurance and financial advisor industry. As of March 27, Potts raised $9,660 in monetary campaign contributions. Potts is being challenged by newcomer Jacob Fletcher, employed by the University of Florida. As of March 26, Fletcher raised $3,803 in monetary campaign contributions.

Polls will be open on Tuesday, April 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center , Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center and the Clubhouse at Turkey Creek.

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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 landerson2l@freshtakeflorida.com. You can donate to support our students here.

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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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• Otter training demonstrations
• Keeper talks 
• Crafts and activities 
• A special gift for zoo members

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 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