The Alachua County Commission continues its community input sessions for the Forward Focus initiative, designed to enhance quality of life, boost economic opportunities, and address community needs in Eastern Alachua County. Following productive meetings in Hawthorne and Waldo, the project team will hold two additional sessions this month.

“The feedback we’ve received so far has been incredibly valuable,” said Missy Daniels, assistant county manager and Forward Focus team lead. “We’re learning so much about the priorities and concerns of residents in Eastern Alachua County, and we encourage everyone to participate in these important conversations.”

The upcoming community input sessions are:

• Micanopy: Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m. at Micanopy City Hall (706 NE Cholokka Blvd., Micanopy)
• Monteocha Area: March meeting place and time to be announced soon

At each meeting, attendees will:

• Learn more about the Forward Focus project goals and timeline.
• Provide feedback that will help shape a community-wide survey.
• Network with neighbors and local leaders.

Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County is a three-year project designed to improve the quality of life, boost economic opportunities, and address community needs in the eastern part of the county. These community input sessions are crucial for developing a comprehensive plan that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of this region.

Learn more about the project and provide comments directly to the county.

For more information about Forward Focus: Eastern Alachua County, please contact us at 352-374-5204 or ForwardFocus@alachuacounty.us.

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GAINESVILLE - City of Gainesville officials anticipate severe weather conditions, including temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, during the evening hours of Wednesday, Feb. 19-Saturday, Feb. 22. The anticipated temperatures will lead to the activation of the city's Cold Night Shelter (CNS) Program, and it is expected to remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 F. The CNS program normally runs from Nov. 1 through March 31. 

The anticipated temperatures will lead to the extended activation of the city's Cold Night Shelter (CNS) Program, and it is expected to remain in effect until overnight low temperatures rise above 45 F. The CNS program normally runs from Nov. 1 through March 31.

St. Francis House and GRACE Marketplace will provide Cold Night Shelter services to people in need of shelter as long as overnight temperatures remain below 45 F. The CNS program providers serve additional persons in need of shelter so that families and individuals desiring shelter will have a warm place to stay. St. Francis House provides temporary shelter that is appropriate for families, women and children. GRACE Marketplace primarily serves individual adults.

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NEWBERRY – During the Feb. 10 City Commission meeting, commissioners agreed that Mayor Jordan Marlowe will step into the city manager’s position.

This, despite the fact that at the last meeting, Marlowe was tasked with contacting the former Director of Parks & Recreation Travis Parker to see if he might be willing to come back to Newberry as the next city manager.  

Marlowe did so and reported that he “had three or four meetings with Parker and it turns out that this is not the right time for his family to embark on a new endeavor.”  

In light of Parker’s response, Commissioner Rick Coleman proposed that Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Clark negotiate and execute a contract with Mayor Jordan Marlowe to take over the City Manager position when current City Manager Mike New leaves his post effective Feb. 24.

As part two of Coleman’s motion, he said that he thought the Commission should empower Marlowe to negotiate and execute an employment agreement with Assistant City Manager/Finance Director Dallas Lee to serve as Interim City Manager.  Coleman’s two-part motion was seconded by Commissioner Tony Mazon.

In response, Marlowe commented that “Newberry is on a fantastic trajectory…I don’t want that to change.  I want to keep us moving in the direction that Mr. New created.  So I am willing to enter into those negotiations.”  

He mentioned two caveats:  First, he said he needed to be able to complete the school year.  “I have to get my kids ready for four or five different college-level exams.”  Due to concerns over budgetary challenges, he said he would be willing to do the job for a lot less than Coleman suggested in his motion.  

Questioned whether he would also run for mayor, he said, “The Charter doesn’t allow this any longer.  I would not run for mayor.”

During discussion, commissioners indicated that they would prefer not to take on an expensive search for a new city manager, which could cost upwards of $150,000 between advertising and interviewing candidates from out of town.  Newberry Commissioners said they would prefer someone local who understands the City’s ongoing projects and funding needs.  

Opening the motion up for public comment, some speakers indicated they thought Marlowe would be an excellent choice for city manager, but most thought the process should be transparent.  

Travis Adair called the action of the commission “another scheme the commissioners decided behind closed doors.”  He thought the process should be transparent and called the commission action “anti democratic and disgusting.”

Former City Commissioner Joy Glanzer spoke on behalf of the action and indicated her support for Marlowe as the next city manager.  Another former commissioner Jason McGehee agreed with Adair that the process should be open and transparent.  He also indicated he thought Marlowe would be a good choice.

Naim Erched also suggested that although Marlowe is “extremely knowledgeable” and said that Marlowe’s “experience and qualifications are evident,” he too thought the process should be transparent.  Rob Baker pointed to the “mess” created at the school board in not selecting a leader in a public forum.

Marlowe pointed out that if the city didn’t follow the same process as they did when they decided Travis Parker was the man they wanted, it would make this a political process.

As the mayor and city manager positions cannot be combined according to the Charter, Marlowe would have to step down from the mayoral seat to permit him serving as the city manager.  

Following discussion and citizen comments, the commission voted unanimously to approve Coleman’s motion.

The City’s election is coming up on April 8, 2025, and the mayor’s seat is one of the positions that will need to be filled.  

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HIGH SPRINGS – A couple from Miami led police on a high-speed chase that stretched along Interstate 75 from Lake City to High Springs.  

At approximately 5:17 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper observed a small Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that slowed down as it approached him.  As the vehicle passed, the Trooper saw the SUV had a temporary tag.  The Trooper began following the vehicle, which slowed down to 55 mph in a 70 mph zone.  The Trooper caught up to the SUV and noticed that there was a second paper temporary tag under the top one.  He checked the number on the top tag and was advised that it was not a valid tag.

The trooper reported that the SUV drifted into the middle lane and then back into the right lane.  Based on the traffic violations, unable to maintain a single lane, and improper tag display, the trooper activated his lights and siren and conducted a traffic stop.  The SUV pulled over at about the 424 mile marker, and as he walked by the tag, the trooper noted that it had expired on January 30.

The trooper reported that he spoke with 51-year-old Dimy Paraison, the driver, and 43-year-old Keeshanda Teresa Johnson, the passenger.  He asked Paraison for his driver’s license and asked where they were coming from.  He said neither answered him.  Johnson opened a bottle of water and started drinking.  Paraison held out his license, and the trooper reported that as he reached across Johnson to get the license, he smelled raw marijuana inside the SUV.

Paraison allegedly pulled his hand back without giving the Trooper his license.  He then put the car in Drive and fled northbound on I-75 at a high speed and exited at U.S. Highway 90, where he ran a red light and made a left turn.  As the SUV turned toward the southbound ramp onto I-75, the trooper attempted a PIT maneuver, which caused the SUV to rotate into the median before backing across U.S. Hwy 90.  The SUV reportedly came to a stop, and the trooper got out of his patrol car with his firearm drawn and ordered the occupants out of the SUV.

The occupants allegedly drove away, made a U-turn, and entered I-75 on the southbound ramp.  The trooper attempted a second PIT maneuver but did not complete it because of the presence of other vehicles on the ramp.

The trooper conducted another PIT maneuver while the vehicles were traveling southbound on I-75, causing the SUV to rotate into the center median and hit the patrol car.  However, Paraison allegedly drove away and continued southbound at speeds of over 100 mph, weaving across the lanes.

As they approached the 406 mile marker, the trooper reportedly maneuvered his patrol vehicle in front of the SUV to slow it down, allowing another trooper to conduct a PIT maneuver.  At this time, the SUV went into the ditch on the west shoulder.  Paraison allegedly tried to get back onto the interstate and drive northbound in the southbound lanes, but the trooper conducted another PIT maneuver that sent the SUV into the edge of the tree line.

The trooper drew his firearm and ordered the occupants to get out of the SUV.  Paraison allegedly tried to open the driver’s side door to flee on foot, but the door was stuck.

With the assistance of the second trooper, Paraison and Johnson were detained and were medically cleared before being transported to the jail.

A search of the vehicle reportedly produced 960 grams of marijuana.  Another package reportedly contained cylinder-type bundles that were about three to four inches long and two inches in diameter and contained about 169 grams of K-2, a synthetic cannabinoid, and tongue strips.  The trooper noted that the cylinders were similar to those used to introduce contraband into detention facilities by concealing them in the genital area.

Another package reportedly contained more tongue strips, which tested positive for PCP.  The trooper noted, “These type of illegal tongue strips are extremely popular in the prison/jail systems.”

The search also reportedly produced a box of Buprenorphine and Naloxone sublingual film with no prescription label, a digital scale, a box containing 305 cigarettes, and 10 cartons of cigarettes.

Post Miranda, Johnson reportedly claimed ownership of everything in the car, including the illegal narcotics.

The trooper reported that the temporary tag on the SUV belonged to a different vehicle and that Paraison’s driver’s license had been suspended since 2022.

Johnson has been charged with nine felonies and one misdemeanor: possession of more than 10 grams of a controlled substance, possession of a Schedule I substance with intent to sell, attempting to smuggle contraband into a prison, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, four counts of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of drug equipment with intent to manufacture and resisting an officer without violence.

Johnson has four felony convictions and one violent and two non-violent misdemeanor convictions.  

Bail was set at $470,000 by Judge Meshon Rawls.

Paraison has been charged with 10 felonies and three misdemeanors; on top of Johnson’s charges.  He was also charged with fleeing with lights and sirens active, driving without a valid license with a previous conviction and having a tag that is not assigned to his vehicle.  He is a Career Offender who has 21 felony convictions, seven of which were violent, and seven misdemeanor convictions and has served six state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2019. 

Bail was set by Judge Rawls at $535,000.

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NEWBERRY – During the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting of the Newberry City Commission, Grant and Funding Manager Jane Sullivan proposed the creation of a municipal non-profit organization to enhance the city's ability to secure grants. The commission unanimously authorized Sullivan’s request to move forward with the initiative, paving the way for Newberry to access funding opportunities otherwise unavailable to government entities.

Sullivan explained that municipalities are permitted to create non-profit organizations under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), provided the non-profit is separately incorporated and fulfills exempt purposes as outlined by the IRS.

To meet these requirements, the City of Newberry will need to file Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation with the State of Florida and submit Form 1023 to obtain a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS.

Sullivan detailed how the non-profit would be structured, noting that the Newberry Mayor and City Commission would appoint Newberry career staff members to serve as the Board of Directors. The Commission may also, if desired, form an Executive Committee comprised of community members to oversee day-to-day management responsibilities.

Importantly, the City will retain ultimate oversight of the non-profit, reviewing all expenditures and requiring an annual report to the Commission to ensure accountability and transparency.

Sullivan highlighted the advantages of creating a municipal non-profit, emphasizing the ability to pursue funding sources unavailable to government entities.

“The benefits of a municipal non-profit allow the 501(c)(3) to secure funding that is not offered to government entities, such as some foundations, corporate foundations, and specific federal funds earmarked for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations,” said Sullivan during her presentation.

By establishing a non-profit arm, Newberry positions itself to compete for grants from a broader range of sources, including private and corporate foundations, which often restrict funding to non-profits.

Following the Commission’s approval, Sullivan will begin the process of filing the necessary documents to establish the non-profit and secure 501(c)(3) status. Once operational, the non-profit will work closely with the city to identify and apply for funding opportunities that align with Newberry’s goals and priorities.

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GAINESVILLE – An all-white jury handed down a more than $15 million verdict after a weeklong trial in which Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Seargent Kevin Davis claimed racial discrimination.  

The jury awarded Davis, the plaintiff, $115,724 for lost earnings David Macpherson, Ph.D., an economic expert witness, claimed Davis would have realized had he been promoted.  The jury also awarded an astounding $15 million for emotional pain and mental anguish, although there were not any medical or psychological expert witnesses listed in the plaintiff’s witness list to testify to the extent of such pain and anguish.  Oddly, the jury passed on awarding $54,545 in lost pension benefits that the economic expert estimated Davis lost due to the non-promotion.

Davis, a white man who has been employed with ACSO off and on since 1999, filed his lawsuit in February 2023 alleging discrimination by then Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr.’s administration.  The crux of Davis’ complaint is that less qualified black candidates at the sheriff’s office were promoted into lieutenant positions instead him.  Davis claimed that although he was ranked in the top five candidates for a slate of positions, he was intentionally passed over based on his race.  The defense, however, stated that at the time of Davis’ lawsuit, there had been some 150 promotions, 120 of which were filled with white candidates and approximately 30 were filled with black candidates.

Witnesses for the sheriff’s office, however, testified that Davis has specifically not been recommended for promotion.  Notably, Davis had been seen as problematic, filing multiple Equal Employment Opportunity and other complaints against multiple sheriffs, both black and white.  And despite Davis’ many years on the force, under several sheriffs he had not been highly promoted by any of them.

Davis also claimed that he was retaliated against when he was placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation into Davis’ potential violation of ACSO’s social media policy.  Davis said this paid administrative leave was retaliation for his filing of an Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint.

Former Sheriff Watson testified that he was greatly bothered by assertions that he or his administration acted in a racially biased manner against any of his officers.  Watson harkened back to his time as a former city manager in the City of Alachua where he oversaw the promotion of numerous white employees, including white men and women, who ultimately became city managers in Alachua and elsewhere around the state.

The trial began Monday, Jan. 3, 2025, with jury selection and opening statements.  The plaintiff was scheduled to conclude its case by Wednesday at noon, but by Thursday at noon, it appeared that plaintiff would not rest until Thursday at 3 p.m., leaving little time for the defense, who would need to rush its case or hold the jury late into the evening and possibly through the weekend.  Apparently, the court broke for lunch Friday and sent jurors out to begin deliberations.  By early afternoon, the jurors returned with their surprising verdict.  

The $15 million award seems unlikely to be paid out of public coffers anytime soon.  It’s possible that presiding Judge Gloria Walker could reduce the award, especially if the jury had no evidentiary basis for arriving at the number.  It also seems likely ACSO will appeal the decision based on numerous objections and motions raised before and during trial.

Representing ACSO, Attorney R. Wayne Evans of Allen, Norton, and Blue, P.A. in Tallahassee, Fla., was tight-lipped about the defense’s plans going forward, saying, “They put on their case-in-chief, and we put on our case-in-chief.  We are considering all of our options.”

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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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GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida Governor DeSantis is charting a new course for Florida’s recreational boaters, urging state lawmakers Tuesday to prohibit marine law enforcement officers from stopping boats on the water for inspections unless there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity.

During an appearance at a boat show in Miami Beach, the governor said he was announcing a “boater freedom initiative” that would change Florida’s existing laws permitting inspections and searches of boats under the justification of safety checks. 

The move would represent a major change for maritime law enforcement. DeSantis called the existing law “a wrong that has been an issue in this state for far too long.” It wasn’t clear how any change to Florida law would affect operations by the U.S. Coast Guard in the state’s waters.

“We don’t want to have our boaters to be unnecessarily interfered with,” DeSantis said. He described marine law enforcement officers as “sometimes well meaning.” 

“People who are just out enjoying themselves when there’s no indication that anything is wrong, they should not be subjected to these intensive searches,” DeSantis said at the Miami International Boat Show.

The Legislature’s annual session begins next month for 60 days. 

State law allows authorities to stop and inspect boats, passengers and search any containers on board without probable cause. Officers routinely check a boater’s registration paperwork, fishing licenses or catches, storage containers or coolers, life preservers and required safety equipment – and a boater’s sobriety.

DeSantis said the law has resulted in unwarranted inspections and cited an example that went viral from August, when law enforcement arrested a Jupiter executive who later blew a 0.0 in a breathalyzer. DeSantis met with the executive two weeks ago, on Jan. 29, according to a copy of the governor’s official schedule. 

Michael Christian Arrieta, 36, was on the Loxahatchee River with his wife on board when a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer stopped him. Arrieta was driving his boat on full plane in a slow speed zone, according to his arrest report.

Per the officer’s instructions, Arrieta performed a series of sobriety tasks before being arrested and accused of operating the boat under the influence. 

“I’m with all my kids right now,” Arrieta told the officer. “You don’t smell alcohol on my breath. There’s not one ounce of alcohol on the boat.” At one point during the encounter, Arrieta told the officer he is a church elder, knows the local police chief personally and said, “Sir, if you Google me, I’m on Governor Ron DeSantis’ council, OK?” 

It wasn’t immediately clear which council Arrieta was describing. A search of the governor’s appointment announcements didn’t show one for Arrieta. He was not among the members of the governor’s Faith-Based and Community-Based Advisory Council, according to the council’s website. The governor’s press office did not immediately respond to a request for an explanation.

According to the arrest report, Arrieta told his wife to “call multiple high-ranking officials” in the state to demand the officer’s name and badge number.

The incident was captured on video through the officer’s body camera and shared online.

Arrieta, who was never charged with a crime, said in a new interview Tuesday the situation was traumatizing for him and his family. He declined to discuss the governor’s new proposal or the incident further.

DeSantis also said Tuesday he intends to repeal a restriction some state municipalities enforce that ban fuel-based boats on the water.

“You don’t need to be driving an electric boat if you don’t want to,” he said.

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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