Alachua elected officials and city staff serve food to diners during the “Stick a Fork in Cancer” fundraiser held March 5, 2026, at Mi Apa Latin Café in Alachua. The annual event supports the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, with a portion of the day’s restaurant proceeds donated to cancer research and patient services. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ In a blend of food, community spirit and fundraising, local leaders once again stepped behind the counter to help raise money for cancer research during a Relay for Life fundraiser held Wednesday, March 5, 2026, at Mi Apa Latin Café in Alachua.

The annual event, known as “Stick a Fork in Cancer,” brings community volunteers into local restaurants to serve customers while raising funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. During the event, the Alachua Mi Apa donated a percentage of its proceeds to support the organization’s cancer research and patient services programs.

City of Alachua commissioners, staff members and public safety officials volunteered as guest servers during both breakfast and lunch shifts, greeting customers, delivering meals and helping encourage donations.

The “Stick a Fork in Cancer” initiative is held in communities across the country as part of broader efforts supporting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life program, which raises funds for cancer research, patient assistance and community education.

For Alachua participants, the event provided an opportunity not only to serve meals but also to help raise awareness and financial support for those affected by cancer.

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Shoppers browse vendor booths at the Alachua County Farmers Market at its new home in San Felasco Tech City. The more than 50-year-old market is now in full swing at the Tech City location, operating Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. / Photo special to alachua County Today

ALACHUA – With colorful vendor tents lining brick walkways and shoppers filling market bags with fresh produce, the Alachua County Farmers Market is now in full swing at its new home in San Felasco Tech City.

After relocating just months ago from its longtime site along U.S. 441, the oldest continuously operating farmers market in the area has settled into its new location at 13900 Tech City Circle, just a few miles north of its former home. Organizers say the move has allowed the more than 50-year-old institution to continue its mission of supporting local agriculture while welcoming new customers and vendors.

The transition has been marked by a steady turnout of longtime patrons and first-time visitors alike. Vendors offering seasonal produce, meats, eggs, dairy products, seafood, plants and honey now operate beneath a covered structure at Tech City, providing a sheltered and inviting environment for weekly shopping.

Earlier this winter, the market hosted a series of free culinary tastings and organic gardening workshops to introduce the community to the new site. Throughout January, vendors including jam makers, beekeepers, pickle producers, sprouts growers and bakers offered rotating selections of complimentary samples while sharing ideas for incorporating locally produced foods into everyday meals. Vendors also raffled off product packages to encourage residents to make the Saturday market part of their routine.

In February, programming shifted to gardening education as North Central Florida entered its spring growing season. Growers led organic gardening workshops covering topics such as cultivating vegetables, herbs, ornamentals and butterfly gardens in small spaces, along with practical instruction on composting, organic pest control and container gardening.

Organizers emphasize that all items sold at the market are locally grown or produced, reinforcing the market’s long-standing commitment to supporting area farmers and small businesses. Buying local food, they note, not only ensures freshness but also helps keep food dollars circulating within the community.

Market hours remain unchanged. The Alachua County Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and is pet-friendly, welcoming well-behaved animals as part of its community atmosphere.

With decades of history behind it, the market’s relocation represents both continuity and renewal. Now fully established at San Felasco Tech City, the Alachua County Farmers Market continues to serve as a weekly gathering place where residents can shop local, learn from growers and connect with neighbors.

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Structural roof and stabilization work is underway at the historic Priest Theatre in downtown High Springs. The City of High Springs has undertaken repairs to address long-standing deterioration at the 1910-era landmark. / Alachua County Today Staff Photographer

HIGH SPRINGS – Visible signs of structural work are now evident at the historic Priest Theatre, marking progress in the city’s effort to stabilize one of downtown High Springs’ most prominent landmarks.

The 1910-era building, located along Northwest 237^th Street, has remained in severely blighted condition for years, drawing concern from residents and city officials. In 2023, the Florida Legislature approved a $1,040,450 appropriation to the City of High Springs to purchase, renovate and restore the structure for public use.

Following acquisition of the building, the High Springs City Commission in August 2024 authorized structural mitigation work to stabilize the deteriorating structure. The scope of work included securing the existing perimeter, removing and replacing the compromised roof and addressing structural deficiencies in the steel frame.

In September 2025, the city awarded Hoffman Construction Inc. a contract totaling $550,828 for roof replacement and structural upgrades. The commission also approved an additional $18,280 for replacement of the parapet wood apron on the building’s front elevation.

In December 2025, commissioners authorized a services agreement with Hoffman Construction for continued structural roof repairs.

The ongoing work is intended to halt further deterioration and preserve the integrity of the building while longer-term plans are evaluated.

Originally constructed in the early 20th century, the Priest Theatre once served as a centerpiece of downtown High Springs. Over time, however, deferred maintenance and structural decline left the building in significant disrepair.

City officials have stated that the current repairs are focused on stabilization rather than full restoration.

Most recently, the City Commission has discussed plans to sell the building once necessary structural repairs are completed. While no final decision has been announced regarding the building’s long-term use, officials have indicated that completing the mitigation work is a prerequisite to any transfer of ownership.

City leaders have emphasized that protecting the structural integrity of the building is critical to preventing further decline and preserving redevelopment opportunities.

As work continues, residents and downtown business owners are watching closely to see what the next chapter will hold for the long-vacant theater.

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Alachua celebrates the ribbon cutting for Theatre Park. / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Theatre Park officially opened Thursday morning, Feb. 12, 2026, with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the City of Alachua and the Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), marking the completion of the park’s long-awaited downtown reconstruction.

City commissioners, CRA representatives, and community partners gathered at 9 a.m. at the park site, located at 14900 Main Street, to celebrate the transformation of what was once an aging and flood-prone space into a redesigned centerpiece for public events and performances.

The ceremony served as the formal dedication of the renovated park, which city leaders describe as a key investment in the continued revitalization of historic downtown Alachua.

“This is a place where stories will be played and the community will gather,” organizers noted, echoing the theme of the park’s reopening.

Theatre Park has long held a central location along Main Street, but in recent years its deteriorating condition limited its use for public programming. The city’s reconstruction effort addressed drainage and structural concerns while preserving the park’s historic character.

The renovated space now features restored brickwork, new clay-fired pavers, enhanced lighting, Florida-friendly landscaping, and a permanent stage area designed to support performances, small concerts, theatre groups, and seasonal celebrations.

Funding for the improvements included substantial support from the Alachua CRA and outside grant assistance, including the $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant awarded in 2025.

Residents first experienced the rebuilt park during the city’s Dec. 5 Christmas on Main celebration, when Theatre Park reopened to the public in a festive debut filled with lights, decorations and live entertainment.

Thursday’s ribbon cutting marked the park’s official opening and signaled its readiness to serve as a year-round gathering space for the community.

City officials said the new performance-oriented design will strengthen downtown’s ability to host events without relying on temporary infrastructure.

Located just steps from other downtown landmarks, Theatre Park is expected to play a central role in future community programming and economic activity along Main Street.

Local leaders expressed optimism that the renovated venue will support everything from cultural events to civic celebrations, further reinforcing downtown Alachua as a hub for residents and visitors alike.

With the ribbon officially cut, Theatre Park now begins its next chapter — not only as a restored public space, but as a renewed stage for community life in the heart of the city.

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