Officer Payne of the Alachua Police Department hands out backpacks to local students as families choose supplies for the new school year/Photo Special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – More than 500 local students are heading back to class with new supplies in hand, thanks to a community-wide back-to-school event held Saturday at Legacy Park.

The Alachua Police Department and the City of Alachua Recreation Department partnered with Just Between Friends of Gainesville to host the event, which provided backpacks filled with school supplies, free Child Identification Kits, and a family-friendly atmosphere designed to support student readiness and safety.

Volunteers and officers worked side by side to distribute 500 backpacks in a variety of colors and patterns. Each backpack was stocked with essential items to help children start the school year prepared.

Families also had the opportunity to complete free Child Identification Kits. These kits included fingerprints, current photographs, and other key information that can be critical in helping law enforcement quickly identify and locate a child in an emergency.

The Alachua Recreation Department provided space and logistical support at Legacy Park, contributing to the welcoming and well-organized environment. Just Between Friends of Gainesville, a well-known community consignment event, played a key role in organizing and supplying many of the items handed out during the event.

Alachua Police officers engaged with children and parents throughout the morning, helping with ID kits and offering safety information. Tables were filled with colorful backpacks, and children excitedly picked their favorites with help from family members and volunteers.

Support from sponsors, including Hitchcock’s Markets and Sysco, helped ensure the event’s success.

The effort is part of the Police Department’s broader commitment to youth engagement and community partnership as the school year begins.

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Main Street Momentum — Alachua’s historic downtown may soon welcome breweries and wine bars if the City Commission follows through on its plan to ease alcohol sales restrictions near churches. A proposed ordinance could help revitalize the area by allowing more diverse business types / Today Staff Photographer

ALACHUA – After months of mounting pressure from local business owners and residents, the Alachua City Commission took a significant step Monday toward relaxing its decades-old alcohol sales restriction near churches — a move that could pave the way for breweries, wine bars, and other small establishments to revitalize Main Street’s commercial core.

Commissioner Dayna Williams welcomed the proposed changes saying, “I think that it would benefit not just Main Street, but the [Community Redevelopment Agency area] and our city as a whole.

At the center of the debate is a city ordinance prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages within 450 feet of any religious institution. While the rule includes exceptions for full-service restaurants and temporary special events, it effectively bans new standalone alcohol vendors from opening in much of downtown due to the close proximity of three churches: Living Word Church of Faith, River of Life, and First Baptist Church of Alachua.

Under the city’s current ordinance, a business may sell alcohol even if it is closer than 450 feet to the nearest religious institution, but only if that business derives at least 51% of its sales from food or non-alcoholic beverages.

The issue resurfaced earlier this year after representatives of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce and other economic stakeholders urged commissioners to consider revising the ordinance to allow for new types of businesses in the downtown district.

Local resident Julie Smith summed up the issues as, “I think it's just a matter of freedom of choice and freedom of businesses to be able to operate, for them to be able to have an income.”

“Because of the close proximity of three churches, [the sale of alcohol] is currently restricted … the Commission requested staff return at a future meeting to present possible options,” said Economic Development Manager David Wisener, who presented a report outlining several policy options. “Other cities in Alachua County — including Gainesville, Hawthorne, and Micanopy — have removed these restrictions entirely or set shorter distances.”

Mayor Walter Welch expressed concern that downtown churches had not been contacted, despite Wisener’s insistence that multiple phone calls were made and emails were sent to encourage pastors to attend the July 28 meeting.

The City’s current 450-foot rule is stricter than most in the county. High Springs and Waldo, for example, maintain a 500-foot buffer, while Newberry sets its distance at just 300 feet. Gainesville and several neighboring municipalities impose no such restriction at all.

Wisener explained that the distance is measured from the center of the licensed business’s main entrance to the center of the church’s entrance, along the most direct pedestrian route. That approach has rendered wide swaths of downtown ineligible for new alcohol licenses unless the business qualifies under narrow exceptions.

Commissioners previously directed staff to solicit feedback from the affected churches. According to Wisener, pastors from religious institutions were contacted multiple times over the past two months via email and phone. While staff did not confirm whether any formal objections had been raised, it was noted that none of the churches appeared before the commission to speak Monday.

Commissioners voted unanimously to direct City Manager Rodolfo Valladares to bring back to the commission a proposed ordinance, which would remove any prohibition of alcohol sales within the Community Redevelopment Agency area. The commission also voted to direct the city manager to explore adding a new business category for breweries and wineries, which might also be exempt from the alcohol ordinance.

The new ordinance is expected to come before the commission later this year for public input and a formal vote. In the meantime, current restrictions remain in place.

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A kayaker dips a paddle into the crystal-clear waters of Ichetucknee Springs, where the river winds through lush, shaded forests in North Central Florida. The spring-fed water stays a refreshing 72 degrees year-round, offering a scenic escape from summer heat / Today Staff Photographer

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ With heat indices soaring past 100 degrees and the first day of school in Alachua County just weeks away, North Central Florida finds itself squarely in the dog days of summer.

As the humidity lingers and summer camps fade into memory, many families are looking for one last seasonal adventure before the return to classrooms on Aug. 11. One perennial favorite offers not just fun but also a cool escape: Ichetucknee Springs State Park.

Nestled between Fort White and High Springs, the 2,669-acre park is a local treasure that continues to draw visitors seeking natural beauty and relief from the heat. The Ichetucknee River, fed by a series of pristine springs, winds six miles through cedar and maple forests, offering one of Florida’s most iconic tubing experiences.

Floating along the crystal-clear water for one to three hours provides a tranquil way to beat the heat. The constant 72-degree spring water and dappled sunlight create a relaxing scene that feels far removed from the summer swelter.

The park’s springs were designated a National Natural Landmark in 1972 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Visitors often marvel at the pale blues and deep blacks of the spring-fed pools, which pour millions of gallons of fresh water into the river daily.

First-time visitors often describe the experience as magical. Locals, though familiar, are frequently reminded of just how special this natural resource is.

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, visitors can also enjoy food, drinks and supplies from a full-service concession stand located within the park.

The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to sundown, with a $6 per-vehicle admission fee. However, park officials recommend early arrival on weekends. As of May 16, 2025, when the park reaches maximum capacity, it closes to all new entries — even to those with tube or vessel reservations. Once closed, it may reopen later in the day if enough space becomes available. Parking along nearby roads or at the entrance is prohibited.

Transportation services, including a tram shuttle and van/bus options, are available for tubers and paddlers. Wristbands can be purchased at the general store near the south entrance, located just off U.S. Highway 27, approximately six miles from the park’s north entrance.

So instead of spending another day fanning yourself on the porch, consider soaking in the refreshingly cool waters of the Ichetucknee. There’s no better remedy for Florida’s summer heat — and no better place to celebrate the last stretch of summer.

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Mi Apa Latin Café’s new Alachua location is open and offers more space, parking, and a drive-thru at 14829 N.W. 157th Lane, just off U.S. Highway 441.\ Today Staff Photographer

ALACHUA ‒ For more than 13 years, Mi Apa Latin Café has served up authentic Cuban food and rich, aromatic coffee to residents of Alachua and its neighboring communities. Now, the beloved local restaurant is entering a new chapter with the opening of its new and expanded location fronting U.S. Highway 441.

The new Mi Apa restaurant, located at 14829 NW 157^th Lane, offers everything longtime customers love including fast, flavorful meals and affordable prices. And with the added benefits of a larger dining space, improved parking, and a convenient drive-thru window, customers can enjoy more options for their dining experience.

“You can find the same great Mi Apa food and coffee as you always have,” said a spokesperson for the restaurant, “now with a drive-thru, larger seating area, and more parking.”

Mi Apa Latin Café first opened in 2003 in Gainesville’s Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of 34^th Street and University Avenue. From those early days, the restaurant has grown steadily, fueled by word-of-mouth praise and community loyalty. Today, Mi Apa operates six locations across Alachua County, each offering the vibrant flavors and culture of traditional Cuban cuisine.

The relocation in Alachua marks a milestone for the business as it continues to expand its footprint while remaining rooted in the communities it serves. The new building reflects a growing demand for quick-service dining options that don’t sacrifice quality or heritage.

Popular menu items include pressed Cuban sandwiches, slow-roasted pork, black beans and rice, maduros (sweet plantains), and the café’s signature Cuban coffee — strong, sweet, and served just right. The restaurant has become a go-to stop for families, professionals on lunch break, and longtime locals alike.

In addition to food, Mi Apa offers something less tangible but equally important: cultural connection. From the music playing inside to the Spanish-language greetings and the scent of espresso in the air, the experience is as rooted in tradition as the recipes themselves.

“We’re proud to continue serving the city of Alachua, High Springs, and surrounding communities,” the spokesperson said. “Although the building is new, our mission is the same — offering a taste of our culture and making people feel at home.”

The restaurant’s leadership said the new location was designed with both customer comfort and efficiency in mind, especially for those looking to grab a quick meal or cafecito on the go. With the drive-thru now open and ample seating indoors, the team hopes to welcome even more guests in the coming months.

For more information, including hours, menu offerings, and other locations, visit www.miapalatincafe.com.

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