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A Final Splash Before School Starts: Beat The Heat at Ichetucknee Springs State Park

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Administrator
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31 July 2025
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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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Cuban Flavor, Local Roots: Mi Apa Latin Café Expands in Alachua

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31 July 2025
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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 157th 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 34th 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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Gib Coerper Recognized for Decades of Civic Dedication

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31 July 2025
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Photo special to Alachua County Today

LACROSSE ‒ Former City of Alachua Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was recognized once again for his lifelong dedication to public service on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as Waldo Mayor Louie Davis presented him with a plaque honoring his years of service to the Alachua County League of Cities (ACLC).

The presentation took place during the League’s regular meeting, hosted by the Town of LaCrosse as local elected officials or designees from each municipality in the county gathered to collaborate on regional issues.

The award from the ACLC adds to a long list of accolades Coerper has received for his unwavering service to the community and local government.

Earlier this year, on May 5, the Alachua City Commission memorialized Coerper’s contributions with an official proclamation naming the date “Gib Coerper Day.” At that meeting, current city leaders and staff delivered heartfelt tributes to the longtime mayor and commissioner, recognizing not only his accomplishments in office but also his mentorship and steady presence in civic life.

“Even though he won’t be sitting behind the dais, he’ll always be part of this city,” Commissioner Dayna Williams said at the time. “To me, he’ll always be ‘Ambassador Coerper.’”

Coerper, who moved to Alachua in 1974, first joined the City Commission in 1999 and went on to serve as mayor for multiple terms. Under his leadership, Alachua saw major infrastructure investments, increased economic development, and the successful recruitment of bioscience and tech companies. One of the city’s most transformative initiatives under his guidance was securing a multimillion-dollar Florida Job Growth Grant to build a parkway that could double the region’s bioscience capacity.

“It was never, ever a job for me,” Coerper said during the May 5 ceremony. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here.”

That passion and dedication to service have earned Coerper recognition not only locally but also at the state level. In August 2024, the Florida League of Cities presented him with its highest honor—the E. Harris Drew Municipal Lifetime Achievement Award—at its annual conference.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always volunteered and I’ve always wanted to help,” Coerper said at the time. “It’s such an honor to be involved in this wonderful community.”

The award, named after former Florida Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, is presented to municipal leaders who have made significant, lasting impacts on their cities and the state. Coerper’s résumé is a testament to that legacy: Vice Chair of the Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee, President of the ACLC, two-time recipient of the Home Rule Hero Award, and active member of the Florida League of Mayors and Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

His service also extends well beyond the world of governance. He has been a youth liaison with Boy Scouts Troop 88, a tutor at local schools, and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Alachua Lions Club, and Keep Alachua County Beautiful. In 2013, he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship by Lions Club International and named Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

Alachua City Commissioner Dayna Miller said it best: “The E. Harris Drew Achievement Award that Mayor Coerper recently received was certainly well deserved; he’s accomplished great things as our mayor. His heart for Alachua shines bright.”

Now affectionately referred to by some as “Ambassador Coerper,” his name continues to be synonymous with the values of service, humility, and community.

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Alachua County VFW Post Grills up Support for Deploying Soldiers

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By MICHAEL P. MAUER/Special to Alachua County Today
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31 July 2025
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Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, left, serves up a hamburger to 1st Lt. Clint Whaley of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team. Whaley’s unit will soon deploy to help provide logistical support in the Middle East.\ Photo by MICHAEL P. MAUER special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – A Gainesville veterans service organization provided some hot hamburgers and hotdogs to help an Army Reserve unit Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Cynthia Chestnut Park.

Three members of Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 participated in a sendoff picnic for more than 50 soldiers and family members of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team.  The veterans provided refreshments and camaraderie to the unit that is on orders for deployment to the Middle East.

“Deployments can be stressful,” said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Bn, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard.  “Local reserve units tend to be made from communities and often families that you know.  This gives our VFW post a chance to show its grassroots support for those who are sacrificing for our freedoms.  Anything we can do to make things easier for the soldiers and families involved, we’re happy to do.”

Owen, who manned the grill and transported the post’s tables, chairs and refreshments to the event, said that this is the type of function that the VFW promotes.  He added that grant funds available through the VFW’s Military Assistance Program (MAP) can help offset his post’s costs.

“The prime mission of the VFW is to honor veterans by directly helping them and their families,” said the quartermaster.  “When our post took the position of helping sponsor the 257th Transportation Battalion, it did so knowing we have the full backing of every VFW member in the organization.”

Specifically designed by the VFW to help members of the local military community, the MAP grant program can help the Alachua County post recoup up to $5,000 annually for events such as the sendoff picnic.  The money is specifically earmarked for basic food items and nonalcoholic beverages for currently serving military and their family members.

“The program is a great fit for active posts like ours who want to spend more time helping and less time fundraising,” said Owen.  “That way, we can spend more time at the grill and less time worrying about the bill.”

Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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Siemens Launches Operations in Alachua’s Tech Corridor

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31 July 2025
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Leaders from Siemens, San Felasco Tech City, the City of Alachua and Chamber of Commerce gathered June 18, 2025, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Siemens' new 30,000-square-foot facility in Alachua / Photo special to Alachua County Today

Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Facility at San Felasco Tech City

ALACHUA ‒ Siemens officially opened the doors to its new 30,000-square-foot office and warehouse on June 18, 2025, marking a major step forward in its regional growth and adding to the expanding roster of companies at San Felasco Tech City.

The new facility enhances the company’s ability to serve clients and operate efficiently within North Central Florida while aligning with Siemens’ broader goals in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. The project was completed in just seven months, with construction starting in October 2024 and occupancy beginning in May.

Located within one of Florida’s fastest-growing tech corridors, Siemens joins a growing group of over 65 businesses at the San Felasco campus, which is recognized for its environmentally conscious design and emphasis on digital innovation. Tech city, situated in the city of Alachua in western Alachua County, offers a campus-style environment that supports collaboration among companies in technology, biotech, manufacturing, and green development.

“This launch represents more than a new building—it’s a signal of Siemens’ commitment to innovation, efficiency, and investing in the future of the Alachua community,” said Mitch Glaeser, co-developer of San Felasco Tech City and CEO of the Emory Group Companies.

The building features a combination of warehouse and administrative space, tailored to meet Siemens’ operational needs and foster connectivity with nearby partners and clients. The company is expected to utilize the site’s advanced infrastructure, including renewable energy systems and high-speed digital connectivity, to drive innovation in smart systems and sustainable solutions.

Developers and local officials have described Siemens’ expansion as a meaningful addition to the regional economy, bringing high-skilled jobs and reinforcing Alachua’s reputation as a destination for forward-thinking enterprise.

San Felasco Tech City has gained recognition beyond the state for its unique blend of eco-conscious planning and entrepreneurial support, making it an attractive location for global firms like Siemens. The campus continues to evolve as a mixed-use center that blends business development with walkable, green-friendly amenities.

The June 18 ribbon-cutting brought together city leaders, company representatives, and business partners to celebrate the milestone, highlighting Siemens’ role in helping shape the future of the region’s technology landscape.

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