Town Leaders and area dignitaries unveiled the Newberry Veterans Memorial honoring veterans who gave all / Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – A long-held vision became reality on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, as between 700 and 750 attendees gathered to witness the dedication of the Newberry Veterans Memorial. The ceremony honored local service members and celebrated the community’s dedication to bringing the memorial to life.

Newberry City Commissioner Mark Clark, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who served two tours in Iraq, was a driving force behind the project.

“The whole experience was an absolute pleasure,” Clark said. “I don’t know anywhere else where business owners and residents open their wallets wide and ask, ‘How much do you need?’”

The idea for the memorial took shape more than two years ago, when Clark and then-Mayor Jordan Marlowe began discussing the concept. Marlowe encouraged Clark to lead the charge. Having visited numerous veterans memorials around the country, Clark envisioned a design that would stand out. He sketched his concept, which artist Paula Willis transformed into a detailed rendering based on their conversations.

The core committee consisted of nine members who committed to the long-term effort. “We reached out to people we knew, and although many were interested, the two-plus year commitment was more than some could take on,” Clark said. Community volunteers formed an ad hoc committee to assist with fundraising.

The City of Newberry committed $350,000 in Wild Spaces & Public Places funds as seed money to launch the project. Additional contributions came from brick sales, T-shirt sales, and large private donations. Veteran names were engraved on bricks and benches placed throughout the site. Each level of contribution, whether monetary or in-kind, was acknowledged with permanent markers on benches.

Clark praised many contributors but gave special recognition to Debbie Boyd. “She kept the records and kept us straight. We met every two weeks and she was responsible for making sure everything went as planned,” he said.

Boyd confirmed the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction, set by Oelrich Construction, was $589,912. “In some cases, people provided in-kind services to help offset the specified cost,” said Boyd, “which was very helpful.”

A standout feature of the memorial is a life-sized bronze statue of a military working dog, a Belgian Malinois, sculpted by Master Sculptor Lena Toritch of Salt Lake City, Utah. Both Boyd and Clark noted the level of detail in the sculpture and said Toritch flew in to attend the dedication ceremony. Another guest, a man from California who had purchased memorial bricks for his two sons, also traveled to Newberry for the event.

“The ceremony took approximately 45 minutes,” Clark said. “Middle and high school bands performed the national anthem and the fight songs for each branch of service.”

Many audience members were unaware that among them sat decorated veterans, including recipients of the Silver Star, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star with Valor.

Asked for final thoughts, Clark replied simply: “Semper Fi” — always faithful.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Zach Nichols received a standing ovation at the May 22, 2025, High Springs City Commission meeting in recognition of achieving the rank of Eagle Scout /Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS — The High Springs City Commission honored local resident Zach Nichols on May 22, 2025, for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest distinction in the Boy Scouts of America.

Nichols received a formal proclamation during the commission's regularly scheduled meeting, followed by a standing ovation and photo opportunity. Commissioners praised his dedication, leadership, and community service.

Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. noted the significance of the achievement, while also announcing that the local Boy Scout troop would be disbanded. According to Bloodsworth, the current members had either already earned or were in the process of completing their Eagle Scout requirements, and no new boys had joined the troop.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

UF Health President and System CEO Stephen J. Motew, M.D., MHA, FACS, and Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie II, Ph.D., signed an agreement Wednesday to formalize the third-year of a highly successful nurse training partnership. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE — UF Health and Santa Fe College have formally renewed a critical partnership aimed at strengthening Florida’s nursing workforce. On Wednesday, leaders from both institutions gathered at Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus to mark the third year of collaboration that has already yielded millions in combined funding for nursing education.

UF Health President and System CEO Dr. Stephen J. Motew and Santa Fe College President Dr. Paul Broadie II signed the agreement during a late-morning ceremony attended by students, faculty, and staff from both organizations.

UF Health’s $350,000 grant to Santa Fe’s Nursing program for 2025 is being fully matched through the State of Florida’s Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) fund, resulting in a $700,000 investment in the college’s healthcare education infrastructure.

“LINE funding provided by the State of Florida is a powerful example of what can happen when institutions come together under a shared vision,” said Dr. Shakira Henderson, Dean of the UF College of Nursing and Chief Administrative Officer at UF Health. “It is not a financial investment, it is a vote of confidence in programs like Santa Fe, which continue to set the bar when it comes to nursing excellence.”

This year’s grant brings the total support from UF Health and the LINE match to over $1.8 million since 2022. Previous awards totaled $345,200 in 2023–24 and $780,000 in 2022–23.

Dr. Broadie expressed gratitude for the partnership and highlighted the tangible outcomes already seen on campus. With past funding, Santa Fe College has expanded faculty, introduced advanced simulation mannequins, and launched programs like ANEW, which supports working adults returning to nursing.

“UF Health stands right beside Santa Fe College in ensuring that we address the nursing shortage and produce the best qualified nursing graduates on the planet,” Broadie said.

Dr. Motew emphasized the increasing need for well-trained nurses, especially as Florida’s population ages.

“I am very proud of the long-standing relationship UF and UF Health have with Santa Fe,” Motew said. “We have to really put into perspective the opportunity to train together, highly skilled, compassionate nurses who deliver exceptional care to our community.”

Motew also praised the collaboration for allowing both institutions to “chase new paradigms” in integrating nursing education with real-world healthcare delivery.

This year’s funding will go directly toward student scholarships, reducing financial barriers for future nurses. Additionally, LINE funds will support development of a dedicated academic space designed for healthcare-focused study and support services.

Santa Fe College has maintained a strong track record in preparing nurses for the field. The school surpassed both state and national averages in 2024, posting a 93% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX nursing certification exam.

One of those students, Seth Mantio, an Army veteran, attended the signing ceremony and reflected on how the program is shaping his future.

“This program ensures that my patients will feel comfortable with me and instills confidence that I can help them when they need it most,” Mantio said.

UF Health’s support for Santa Fe College extends beyond nursing. In 2021, the health system awarded a five-year, $1 million grant to bolster the college’s Surgical Technology program, focusing on recruitment, outreach, and training for underserved populations.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Alachua ‒ Siemens, a global leader in technology and innovation, has opened a new office and warehouse facility in San Felasco Tech City, bolstering its presence in Alachua County and adding to the growing technology hub.

The new integrated facility represents a significant investment by Siemens and reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovation, energy efficiency, and community partnerships. Siemens joins more than 65 other companies at the rapidly expanding San Felasco Tech City. The facility will benefit from San Felasco Tech City's advanced infrastructure and collaborative business environment, supporting Siemens in delivering forward-thinking solutions for a more connected future.

Mitch Glaeser, co-developer and CEO of the Emory Group Company, expressed enthusiasm about Siemens joining the tech hub. “We are thrilled to have Siemens join other exceptional companies at San Felasco Tech City,” Glaeser said. “This facility strengthens Siemens' operational capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and building strong community partnerships.”

San Felasco Tech City is recognized for its sustainability and emphasis on digital innovation, making it a natural fit for Siemens’ expansion, company officials said. The facility is expected to leverage the site's advanced infrastructure to promote collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence.

Siemens' decision to expand operations in Alachua County highlights its dedication to advancing regional technology development and economic growth.

San Felasco Tech City, located in Alachua, is noted as one of Florida’s fastest-growing technology communities, known internationally for sustainable development and innovative practices

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com