Local

NEWBERRY ‒ After more than 35 years of dedicated public service, the City of Newberry has celebrated the retirement of City Clerk Judy Rice, honoring a career defined by professionalism, integrity and a deep devotion to the community she served for over three decades.

Rice began her tenure with the city in the late 1980s, advancing from deputy clerk to finance director and ultimately being appointed city clerk in 2012. Her long career reflected both expertise and a passion for continuous learning. She earned the prestigious Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2019 and became a Certified Public Manager through Florida State University’s Florida Center for Public Management in 2023.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe praised Rice’s record-setting career, calling her “nothing short of amazing.”

“Thirty-five years of service to Newberry and a lifetime of love for her town,” Marlowe said. “It is a rare achievement, and on behalf of all of Newberry, thank you.”

Rice’s work earned her the Key to the City earlier this year during Newberry’s State of the City address, presented by then-Mayor Marlowe and the City Commission in recognition of her status as the longest-serving employee in city history.

Mayor Tim Marden said Rice’s legacy of dedication will remain a model for future generations.

“There are not many like Mrs. Rice,” Marden said. “She has set a high bar for dedication and professionalism to our community we can all admire.”

At the Sept. 8, 2025, City Commission meeting, Rice performed her final official act as city clerk — passing the City Seal to her successor, Randa Paul, who was formally sworn in during the meeting. The ceremonial handoff symbolized both continuity and renewal in City Hall leadership.

Throughout her career, Rice was known for her precise recordkeeping, her mentorship of city staff and her unwavering service to Newberry’s residents. City officials described her as a steady presence whose knowledge and commitment strengthened the city’s operations and its connection with the community.

As she begins retirement, city leaders expressed gratitude for Rice’s many contributions. Her institutional knowledge, mentorship and professionalism, they said, have helped shape the city’s success for decades to come.

“Her leadership and love for Newberry will remain a foundation for our future,” a city statement read. “The City of Newberry extends heartfelt gratitude to Judy Rice and wishes her joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of life.”

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GAINESVILLE ‒ A 50-year-old Alachua man was taken into custody Wednesday night, Oct. 1, 2025, following a traffic stop that led to the discovery of firearms and a large quantity of methamphetamine, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies say the arrest occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the 7400 block of Northwest 39^th Avenue after a Sheriff’s Deputy pulled over a vehicle with an expired license tag. The driver, identified as David Charles Stillwell, was found to have a suspended license and appeared visibly nervous during the encounter.

When questioned by the deputy, Stillwell reportedly acknowledged that there was a firearm inside the vehicle’s center console but declined to grant consent for a search. As a result, a Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit was called to the scene to conduct an exterior sniff of the vehicle. The K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics, giving deputies probable cause to perform a search.

During the search, deputies reportedly discovered a .357 revolver in the center console and a backpack containing a 9mm handgun along with a digital scale on the rear floorboard—equipment often associated with drug distribution. A locked money bag found under the driver’s seat was opened using a key belonging to Stillwell, revealing approximately 18 grams of methamphetamine.

Deputies also found an additional 32 grams of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine near a pipe with residue and a metal grinder, both of which also tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine residue. In total, the seized narcotics exceeded the statutory threshold for trafficking quantities of methamphetamine under Florida law.

Stillwell was subsequently arrested and transported to the Alachua County Jail. He faces multiple felony charges, including possession of trafficking quantities of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, maintaining a drug vehicle, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Court records show that Stillwell has three prior misdemeanor convictions, one of which was classified as violent. He does not appear to have prior felony convictions on record in Alachua County.

Judge Jonathan Ramsey of the Eighth Judicial Circuit set Stillwell’s bail at $200,000, citing the severity of the charges and the volume of narcotics recovered.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The City of High Springs began its Oct. 9, 2025, City Commission meeting by honoring a dozen city employees who have served in the U.S. armed forces, marking the launch of a new city initiative called “High Springs Hero.”

Commissioner Katherine Weitz introduced the program as a way to recognize employees and community members who have served their country and continue to serve their city. The first honorees included staff from the police, fire and administrative departments, along with City Manager Jeremy Marshall, who served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.

Those recognized for their military service were:

High Springs Police Department — Officer Whiteman (U.S. Army), Officer Treese (U.S. Coast Guard), Sgt. Higginbotham (Florida Army National Guard), Officer Pekala (U.S. Army), Officer Wilson (U.S. Army), and Sgt. Hampton (U.S. Air Force).

High Springs Fire Department — Chief Peters (U.S. Army), Captain Burkhalter (U.S. Navy), Firefighter Skinner (U.S. Marine Corps), Volunteer Tatum (U.S. Army), Volunteer Langston (U.S. Army), and Firefighter Livingston (U.S. Army).

Weitz said the High Springs Hero program will continue throughout the year to celebrate local veterans. The city encouraged residents to nominate future honorees by emailing citycommission@highsprings.gov.

Following the recognitions, City Attorney Kiersten Ballou introduced an item concerning a property lien. The city was served with a summons regarding foreclosure proceedings on a property located at 17338 N.W. 242^nd Street in High Springs.

Ballou explained that the city holds a lien of about $2,000 for impact fees related to the installation of the city’s sewer system. To preserve its financial interest, the city must file its own complaint to foreclose on the lien. After a brief discussion, commissioners authorized Ballou to proceed with filing the action.

Mayor Tristan Grunder presented Resolution No. 2025-R, approving an agreement with Gapske Law Firm to provide Special Magistrate services. The city had previously contracted with another firm earlier in the year, but staff determined that Gapske’s proposal offered a more cost-effective option.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution, maintaining the same terms as the previous contract.

In another unanimous vote, commissioners approved an agreement to “piggyback” on an existing contract with GAI Consultants, a firm providing planning, engineering and environmental services. The city has worked with GAI in the past and opted to continue the relationship through the new agreement.

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Snow White Theme Adds Fairy-Tale Flair to Annual Alachua Event

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua has once again come alive with a colorful cast of characters as Scarecrow Row returns to Main Street, marking two decades of fall fun, community spirit and small-town creativity.

For the past 20 years, the Alachua Chamber of Commerce has transformed the city’s historic Main Street into a festive corridor filled with handmade scarecrows that capture the whimsy and warmth of the season. From spooky to silly to storybook-themed, each creation reflects the imagination of local businesses, organizations and volunteers who decorate the light poles that line the heart of downtown.

This year’s theme — “Snow White” — brings a fairy-tale twist to the annual “Spooktacular Night.” Seven dwarfs, wicked queens, enchanted mirrors and apple-bearing scarecrows are among the sights greeting visitors and shoppers as they stroll through the downtown district. Each display is entered into a friendly competition, with three winners to be selected for creativity and presentation.

What began as a small local promotion has become one of Alachua’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Every October, community members gather along Main Street and in the Alachua Town Centre area to craft, decorate and admire the growing lineup of scarecrow displays. Early in the month, groups of families, employees and volunteers can often be seen assembling their creations, fastening hats, fluffing straw and fine-tuning costumes before the judging begins.

The event is part of a larger effort by the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate downtown businesses and strengthen community ties. Chamber officials say Scarecrow Row not only brings fun and foot traffic to the area, but also supports future events and programs through sponsorships.

Funds raised from Scarecrow Row help support community favorites such as Trick-or-Treat on Main Street and the annual Christmas Parade, both free public events that draw crowds from across the region. These efforts, Chamber representatives said, help promote local commerce while offering families accessible, hometown celebrations.

The scarecrows lining Main Street range from the eerie to the adorable, reflecting the diversity and humor of the Alachua community. Some display homespun charm with straw hats, denim overalls and flannel shirts, while others go all out with intricate costumes and haunting details. The only limit, organizers say, is the imagination of those who make them.

As Halloween approaches, the scarecrows remain on display throughout October, attracting visitors and photographers alike. Downtown businesses often use the occasion to decorate storefronts, host fall promotions and encourage visitors to linger and shop local.

Scarecrow Row also serves as a precursor to one of Alachua’s biggest family celebrations — the annual Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, scheduled for Friday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. The downtown streets will be closed to traffic as more than 1,000 costumed children fill the sidewalks, collecting candy from local businesses and community groups. The evening transforms Main Street into a lively, family-friendly festival of lights, laughter and Halloween spirit, bringing the community together for what has become one of the Chamber’s most anticipated events of the year.

For Alachua, Scarecrow Row has become more than a seasonal decoration contest. It’s a celebration of community, creativity and the welcoming spirit of a small town that loves its traditions and sets the stage for Trick-Or-Treat on Main Street. As the light poles of Main Street and Alachua Town Centre don their festive figures once again, the event continues to weave together local business, artistry and the magic of fall.

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ALACHUA – Southeastern Grocers, LLC (SEG), parent company of Winn-Dixie, announced Tuesday that it will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company in early 2026, uniting under one iconic name as it refocuses on its Florida roots and expands its North Florida footprint.

As part of its Florida-focused strategy, SEG has finalized an agreement to acquire Hitchcock’s Markets in Alachua, Keystone Heights, and Williston, a move that will strengthen the company’s presence across North Florida.

The new Williston Winn-Dixie, located at 434 E. Noble Ave., is scheduled to open in early December 2025, replacing the current store at 727 W. Noble Ave. Associates from the closing location will have the opportunity to continue serving customers at the new site.

Additional Hitchcock’s Markets in Alachua and Keystone Heights will be converted to Winn-Dixie locations and are expected to open by summer 2026, according to the company.

SEG said the new stores are part of a broader plan that includes dozens of remodels and upgrades statewide to create inviting, community-centered grocery environments designed around local needs.

The transition marks the start of a new chapter for the century-old grocery chain, aligning all operations under the Winn-Dixie banner while modernizing stores, growing its presence in key Florida markets, and investing in customer-centered innovation.

The company said it will move forward with dozens of remodels and new store projects, both planned and underway. These investments include expanding its liquor store portfolio, enhancing its Own Brand product line, and reintroducing the fan-favorite Lip Lickin’ Chicken in early 2026.

SEG is also testing new customer conveniences, such as third-party delivery services and in-store return kiosks, as part of its broader effort to modernize the shopping experience.

In addition to its Florida expansion, SEG announced plans to transition ownership of most of its locations outside the state, enabling the company to reinvest more heavily in its core Florida and southern Georgia markets.

Agreements have been reached or are underway with multiple grocery companies involving 32 Winn-Dixie stores and eight Harveys Supermarkets in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Store transitions and closures are expected to conclude by early 2026.

Afterward, the company will operate approximately 130 grocery stores and 140 liquor stores across Florida and southern Georgia, continuing service in Brunswick, Folkston, Lake Park, St. Simons Island, and Valdosta.

The Winn-Dixie Company plans to strengthen its operations through new store investments, modern technology, and community partnerships. Company leaders said the goal is to blend tradition with innovation while maintaining its neighborhood grocer identity.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry Fire Department will soon breathe easier thanks to a major federal award aimed at improving firefighter safety and readiness. During the Oct. 13 City Commission meeting, Fire Chief Jason Lyman announced that the department has received a $139,699.28 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), requiring only a $6,984.97 local match from the City.

The funding will allow the department to replace aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units—critical equipment that enables firefighters to breathe clean, independent air in smoke-filled or hazardous environments. Many of the department’s current air packs are more than a decade old, and according to Lyman, have begun to show signs of unreliable performance.

The grant will fund the purchase of new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including a complete update of the department’s SCBA inventory. These systems provide the life-sustaining air supply firefighters depend on while battling structure fires, vehicle fires, and hazardous materials incidents.

The City Commission unanimously approved acceptance of the FEMA grant and the required 5% local match. Commissioners also voted to authorize city officials to execute all necessary agreements and documentation related to the grant to ensure timely compliance with federal requirements and efficient implementation.

Chief Lyman praised the teamwork behind the successful application, emphasizing that the project was handled entirely in-house by city staff. The application was written by Grant and Finance Manager Jane Sullivan, with support from Firefighter Paramedics Louis Derousie and David Voigt. Lyman noted that all three employees “went above and beyond their normal duties” to complete the detailed grant proposal, which resulted in securing nearly $140,000 in critical funding for the department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, administered by FEMA, supports fire departments and emergency medical service organizations nationwide by providing funding for training, equipment, and facility improvements that enhance public safety and firefighter health. For smaller departments like Newberry’s, these competitive grants often serve as a lifeline for maintaining modern, compliant equipment.

With this new grant, the City of Newberry is better positioned to continue its ongoing investment in emergency services and public safety infrastructure.

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