The following is a press release provided by the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff.

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH- Alachua) is issuing a rabies alert in Alachua County in response to a confirmed case of rabies in a stray cat that was found in an area south of Hawthorne, off Southeast U.S. Hwy 301 in Alachua County, on Aug. 28, 2025. DOH-Alachua is monitoring rabies among wild animals in the area. All residents and visitors should be aware that rabies is currently present in the wild animal population.

People and domestic animals should always avoid physical contact with wild animals (e.g., raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, otters, bobcats, coyotes), which carry a higher risk of human exposure and a need for rabies post-exposure treatment. If you are exposed to rabies, receiving appropriate treatment after exposure will protect you from the risk of rabies.

This rabies alert is for 60 days and includes the following boundaries in Alachua County:

• Northern boundary: Southeast 12 Avenue
• Southern boundary: Southeast 24 Avenue
• Eastern boundary: County Road 219A
• Western boundary: Southeast U.S. Hwy 301

Take the following precautions to prevent rabies exposure:

• Immunize your pets and livestock based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.
• Keep pets under direct supervision and on a leash, and keep livestock secured on your property. If an animal bites your pet or livestock, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with outdoor pet food, open garbage cans, or other sources of food. If you have been bitten or scratched by a wild or domestic animal, seek medical attention, and report the injury to DOH- Alachua by calling 352-225-4167.
• Never adopt wild animals or bring them into your home; instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact Alachua County Animal Control at 352-264-6870.
• Prevent wildlife, including bats, from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

For more information on rabies, please visit FloridaHealth.gov/Rabies or contact DOH-Alachua at 452-334-7900.

ALACHUA ‒ A 31-year-old Alachua man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing sexual battery investigation involving a juvenile victim, according to the Alachua Police Department (APD).

Investigators said the case stems from incidents that began in 2023, shortly after the victim and her father moved to Alachua. Detectives reported that Kenneth Bruce Scott Jr. befriended the victim, who was 11 years old at the time, and developed a relationship of trust with both her and her family.

Over time, Scott allegedly assumed custodial responsibility for the child during occasions when her father was away for work. Police said that between 2023 and 2025, Scott used his position of authority to commit repeated acts of sexual abuse. The reported incidents occurred at his residence, during overnight stays and on family outings.

In June 2025, after the victim and her father relocated, the child disclosed the abuse. Her father immediately contacted law enforcement, leading to a criminal investigation and a forensic interview scheduled at the Child Advocacy Center in Gainesville.

On July 11, during that interview, the victim provided detailed statements confirming repeated sexual abuse by Scott, according to detectives. Based on the interview and corroborating evidence, police identified Scott as the suspect and obtained charges.

Scott has been formally charged under Florida Statute 794.011(8)(b): engaging in sexual battery upon or with a child 12 years of age or older, but younger than 18 years of age, by a person in familial or custodial authority.

APD said it worked in collaboration with the Child Advocacy Center and other child protection partners to ensure the victim’s safety and provide support services.

APD Chief Jesse Sandusky said, “This case underscores the importance of vigilance and reporting, and we are grateful the victim had the courage to speak up. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the youth of this community and hold offenders accountable.”

Authorities said the case remains active. No further details are being released to protect the victim’s privacy.

Anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents involving Scott is asked to contact the Alachua Police Department at 386-462-1396 or Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867.

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ALACHUA ‒ Crews used a towering crane last week to hoist massive steel beams into place at Theatre Park, marking one of the most significant steps yet in the park’s ongoing transformation. The large steel structure, which now spans the entire width of the park, has been welded into position and will serve as the framework for the new stage area.

The installation signals that the long-awaited renovation of the downtown landmark is entering a visible new phase. For residents and visitors walking along Main Street, the structure is a striking sign of progress toward revitalizing one of Alachua’s most photographed gathering spaces.

Theatre Park, located at 14900 Main Street, has a storied history. Once the site of a drycleaner and later a movie house, the property was converted into an open-air park decades ago. Its historic brick walls and archways have long made it a popular backdrop for community events and casual photos.

But years of overgrowth, a failing arbor, and flooding concerns left the park in poor condition. In 2011, structural instability prompted the City of Alachua to close the park for several months while contractors reinforced the east wall, constructed new columns, and removed the upper portions of the front and side walls to reduce wind load. The emergency work, which cost more than $40,000, was paid for by the Downtown Redevelopment Trust Board, the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at the time.

In May 2024, the Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board reviewed design proposals from Monarch Design Group. Concepts included new entryway façades, interior seating, brick pavers, lighting, and a stage. The board ultimately favored a black wrought-iron aesthetic, clay-fired brick accents, Florida-friendly landscaping, and a modest stage with handicap access.

By March 2025, momentum grew when the City secured a $50,000 T-Mobile Hometown Grant — one of just 25 awarded nationwide. CRA Coordinator Susan King had been applying for the grant for three years. The award provided a critical boost to the project, supplementing the CRA’s limited budget of $150,000.

Interim City Manager and Professional Engineer Rodolfo Valladares has emphasized from the outset that the project would have to address deep structural challenges first. Water intrusion, vine overgrowth, and failing infrastructure required “ground up” solutions, making a multiphase renovation unavoidable.

With the steel stage structure now in place, those solutions are taking tangible shape. The framework not only provides the backbone for live performances but also ensures the park can be used more safely and consistently for community events.

Future phases are expected to add lighting, seating, landscaping, and other amenities to make the park a more welcoming space for lunch breaks, study sessions, and cultural gatherings.

What once seemed a distant vision is steadily becoming reality. And for longtime Alachua residents, seeing the steel beams rise above the historic brick walls is proof that Theatre Park’s best days may still lie ahead. The addition of the stage will serve as a convenient and quaint location for a variety of events, including live bands.

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JONESVILLE – An 18-year-old Newberry man was arrested late Friday after deputies reported finding a loaded handgun and marijuana in his backpack during a traffic stop.

According to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, the stop occurred around 10:07 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2025, near the intersection of Northwest 136^th Boulevard and Northwest 132^nd Circle. A deputy said he pulled over a blue four-door sedan after observing it traveling at a high speed without working rear lights.

As the deputy approached, he reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. Passenger Caden Freeney allegedly admitted to smoking earlier that evening, though none of the occupants had a medical marijuana card.

A search of the car led to the discovery of a backpack on the floorboard behind the driver’s seat. Inside, deputies reported finding a loaded Glock 21 handgun and approximately 12.4 grams of marijuana. Small amounts of marijuana were also located on the seat where Freeney had been sitting. Another passenger reportedly told deputies that Freeney had the backpack when he entered the car.

After being read his Miranda rights, Freeney allegedly stated that his money was inside the backpack.

Freeney was charged with carrying a concealed firearm without a permit and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. Authorities noted he is currently on juvenile probation for grand theft of a motor vehicle and resisting an officer without violence.

Judge Gloria Walker set his bail at $20,000.

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Alachua’s proposal is posted at levitt.org/vote

ALACHUA – Downtown Alachua could host a free outdoor concert series as soon as 2026 if a local proposal advances in a national public voting competition backed by the Levitt Foundation.

Josh’s Place, a hometown nonprofit, is partnering with the Alachua Business League (ABL) and the City of Alachua to compete for a Levitt Music Series grant of up to $120,000 over three years. The grant program supports free, family-friendly concerts designed to activate underused public spaces and draw residents and visitors into city centers.

Under the proposal, the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series would stage up to 10 free shows each year with a diverse lineup of professional musicians. Organizers say the series is tailored to Alachua’s historic Main Street—where the city has invested in streetscape improvements and where independent shops, restaurants and festivals already anchor the downtown economy. Free, predictable programming, they add, could help businesses by extending foot traffic into evening hours and across multiple weekends.

The path to funding runs through public participation. The Levitt Foundation will winnow applicants to 50 finalists based on an online and text-to-vote phase that opens Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. Eastern and closes Sept. 15 at 11 p.m. Eastern. Alachua’s proposal is posted at levitt.org/vote; voters can also text ALACHUA to 877-409-5525. After public voting ends, the foundation will review the 50 finalists and announce the grant recipients Nov. 18.

The Levitt Music Series model targets small and mid-sized communities with populations under 250,000. Grants are awarded to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits and are structured as multi-year matching funds of up to $40,000 per year for three years for communities to produce their own series. In addition to the concerts themselves, the program encourages partnerships that reflect local identity and broaden access to the arts.

If selected, the Alachua series would join similar Levitt-funded efforts nationwide that spotlight local culture while creating repeat reasons to visit downtown districts. Organizers say the format — free admission, predictable schedules, and professional talent — lowers barriers for families and encourages cross-generational audiences to gather in civic spaces.

The proposal also emphasizes inclusivity and safety, with partners planning outreach to youth and families and coordination with city services. As with other Levitt series, concerts would be paired with local vendors and nonprofits, giving small businesses and community groups visibility at well-attended events.

Residents can help move the project forward by voting once online or via text during the September window and by sharing the information through neighborhood groups, schools, faith communities and social networks. Supporters point to the cumulative effect of consistent, free programming: more nights out downtown, broader arts exposure for young people, and steady patronage for storefronts that have helped sustain Main Street’s revival.

The series bid brings together three local partners with complementary roles:

• Josh’s Place, a 501(c)(3) community outreach organization founded in 2021, would serve as the lead applicant and producer, building on its mission to create inclusive spaces and connect residents—especially youth—through programs and events. Josh’s Place honors the memory of Josh Harris, a 20-year-old electrician known for his kindness and strong work ethic. His story inspired the creation of a space for others feeling lost or alone to find hope and support.
• Alachua Business League (ABL), known for organizing the city’s Main Street Festivals, would manage planning, on-site operations, vendor coordination and promotion, and support talent selection and hospitality. ABL’s network of downtown merchants is expected to help amplify the voting drive and, if funded, sustain the series through sponsorships and in-kind support.
• The City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) would coordinate logistics in the downtown redevelopment district, help with site preparation and approvals, and provide the required local cash match, aligning the series with the CRA’s goals to spur economic activity and enliven public spaces.

The Levitt Foundation is expected to announce the 2026–2028 grant recipients Nov. 18 after reviewing the 50 publicly selected finalists.

For details on the proposal and voting, visit levitt.org/vote or text ALACHUA to 877-409-5525

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Gardeners, nature enthusiasts and families will have several opportunities this fall to explore the outdoors and learn from experts through a slate of programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office.

The events, scheduled throughout September, October and early November, range from hands-on gardening workshops to a large horticultural expo and an in-depth water education series. Programs will be led by Environmental Horticulture Agent Cynthia Nazario-Leary and Master Gardener Volunteers.

Vegetable Gardening Workshop

The series begins Sept. 9 with The Fall Vegetable Garden workshop from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the Alachua County Ag Auditorium, 22716 W. Newberry Road in Newberry. Fall is considered one of the best seasons to grow vegetables in North Central Florida thanks to cooler temperatures, fewer pests, reduced rainfall and lower rates of plant disease. Participants will learn soil preparation, planting techniques and harvesting methods for crops such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens and root vegetables. The program is free, but registration is required online. Attendance is limited to 100.

Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market

On Oct. 18, the Alachua County Agriculture & Equestrian Center, 23100 W. Newberry Road in Newberry, will host the Fall Horticultural Expo & Plant Market from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is presented by the Alachua County Master Gardener Volunteer Program in partnership with the Gainesville Garden Club. Admission and parking are free.

The expo will feature keynote speaker Jennifer Jewell, presenting “Cultivating Place: Sow Wild Wonder.” In addition to a fall plant and seed market, visitors can explore Florida-Friendly Landscaping ideas, browse nature displays, visit the Kids’ Zone and enjoy food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring wagons for carrying purchases.

Follow the Water Program

From Oct. 23 through Nov. 13, the Follow the Water program will take participants on a four-day journey tracing the path of a single drop of water from southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico. Each day focuses on different aspects of Florida’s water systems, from natural hydrology and agriculture to urban impacts and coastal ecosystems.

• Oct. 23 (Day 1): Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, Folkston, Ga. — includes a boat tour and Chesser Island Boardwalk.
• Oct. 30 (Day 2): Big Shoals State Park and Suwannee Valley Farm Tour, White Springs — includes hiking, springs exploration and farm tours.
• Nov. 6 (Day 3): Gainesville — tours of Sweetwater Wetlands, Depot Park and a Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ neighborhood.
• Nov. 13 (Day 4): Cedar Key — includes a boat tour, shoreline exploration and walking tours along the Florida Shellfish Trail.

The cost for the full four-day program is $125, plus a $10.23 Eventbrite fee. Registration for individual days is not available. Participants must register online by Oct. 3. The program involves extensive walking, and participants are encouraged to carpool and bring a lunch.

For more information on these programs or to register, call 352-955-2402 or visit the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County website.

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