NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission convened on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Chairperson Pro-Tempore Tony Mazon presiding in the absence of Mayor Tim Marden.
The Commission took a key step forward on a proposed residential development known as CountryWay II, unanimously approving an ordinance on first reading to amend the city’s Large-Scale Future Land Use Map.
The ordinance, presented by Community Development Director Stacey Hectus, seeks to change the land use designation for approximately 59.43 acres from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density, allowing up to four dwelling units per acre.
“This ordinance proposes a residential designation that will better align with the development plan for the property,” Hectus said during the presentation.
As part of the approval, commissioners also voted to authorize the transmittal of the ordinance to the Florida Department of Commerce for required state-level review.
The application was submitted by NV5 Global, Inc., acting as agent for property owners Charlie L. Futch and Juanita H. Futch. The request affects a portion of a larger, undivided 159.43-acre parcel located along Southwest 15th Avenue, between State Road 45 and Southwest 234th Terrace.
The proposed development, CountryWay II, would be a residential-only project with no commercial components. If approved on second reading, it would allow the construction of up to 500 dwelling units over a projected 20-year build-out period.
“A companion rezoning application requesting a zoning district change from Agricultural (A) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) has been received by the City and will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission in the coming weeks,” Hectus added.
The ordinance must return for a second reading and final approval before the land use change becomes official.
Fireworks Update
In other business, the City Commission unanimously approved an update to the city’s fireworks ordinance during its regular meeting, tightening regulations on the sale and use of fireworks while allowing limited exceptions in accordance with Florida law.
Community Development Director Stacey Hectus presented the ordinance changes to the commission, outlining the types of pyrotechnic devices covered under Section 38-7 of the city’s Code of Ordinances. These include firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles, detonating canes, blank cartridges and other devices intended for pyrotechnic display.
As adopted, the revised ordinance generally prohibits the manufacture, sale, use, possession, display or discharge of fireworks within the city limits. However, exceptions are allowed for private use and the sale of consumer fireworks during designated state-authorized holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).
Retail sales of fireworks are restricted to a four-week period prior to each holiday and must cease within one week afterward. Vendors must obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the city before sales may begin. Applications for the permit must include an affidavit from the property owner authorizing the sale of fireworks on the parcel in question. Inspections from both the City’s Building and Fire Departments are also required.
The new rules limit permitted sales locations to non-residential parcels that are adjacent to either State Road 26 or U.S. Highway 27/41. All manufacturing and sales of fireworks are banned in residential zones.
Public fireworks displays are not permitted unless conducted or authorized by the City of Newberry. The number of allowable sales locations is capped at two per holiday citywide. Homeowners association (HOA) rules remain enforceable, and the city ordinance does not override any such restrictions. Fireworks used for agricultural pest control purposes are excluded from the ordinance.
The commission also amended Section 38-97 to adopt a rate and fee schedule for fire department services related to fireworks inspections and permitting.
The approved updates to Chapter 38 of the City Code are intended to clarify local enforcement, increase safety, and ensure alignment with Florida Statutes regarding consumer fireworks.
City Clerk Position
The Commission unanimously appointed Randa Paul as the city’s next clerk following the planned retirement of longtime City Clerk Judy Rice, who will step down this fall.
The decision follows direction from commissioners during a May 5 special meeting, where they instructed staff to update the position’s responsibilities. As part of the changes, the incoming City Clerk will also be responsible for maintaining the minutes of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a task not previously included in the role.
Minimum qualifications were established, and the Commission set a starting salary of $60,000 per year. The position was posted for internal applicants only on Monday, May 12, with a deadline of Monday, May 19.
Only one internal application was received, and Paul’s appointment was approved without opposition.
While Rice served in the role without a formal employment contract, commissioners requested that a written contract be drafted for Paul’s appointment. Mayor Tim Marden and City Manager Jordan Marlowe are scheduled to meet with Paul to negotiate the final terms of the agreement, including salary.
Once completed, the proposed contract will be brought back before the Commission for final approval. Officials anticipate it will appear on the agenda for the June 23 regular City Commission meeting.
Comments and Community Updates
At the June 9 meeting, former Mayor Jordan Marlowe officially began his new role as Newberry City Manager. In his comments to the Commission, Marlowe emphasized the urgent need to address critical safety issues at Champions Park. While he did not provide an extensive breakdown, he noted that immediate repairs—such as replacing safety nets and eliminating trip hazards—are necessary and estimated the cost to be “a couple of hundred dollars.” Marlowe added that a broader discussion on Champions Park would take place at the next City Commission meeting, where he plans to present related budget amendments.
Commissioner Donald Long made a motion to approve the immediate expenditure, which was seconded by Commissioner Mark Clark and passed unanimously.
Also, during the meeting, Commissioner Monty Mazon announced that a Summer Meals Program is now underway at Easton, where residents can sit down to enjoy a free meal. Additionally, the MLK Center has resumed its weekly food distribution service, offering meal kits for children that cover the entire week, including weekends. Distributions take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Mazon encouraged anyone seeking more information to contact Tasha at the Center at 352-722-3944.
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