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L-R: Larry Wilson and Newberry Mayor Tim Marden/Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission formally recognized longtime volunteer and artist Larry Wilson during its Jan. 12, 2026, meeting, approving a proclamation declaring Jan. 24, 2026, as Larry Wilson Day in the city.

Mayor Tim Marden presented the proclamation, citing Wilson’s extensive volunteer service and artistic contributions to downtown Newberry and its cultural life. “Wilson generously volunteered his time and talents with the Newberry Main Street Organization, serving on its Board and as Curator of the Firehouse Art Gallery. Through the Art Gallery he helped provide local artists a place to show and sell their work while also encouraging residents and visitors to spend time and money in downtown Newberry,” Marden said.

Wilson’s work with the Newberry Main Street Organization includes serving on the board and curating exhibitions at the Firehouse Art Gallery. In 2025, the gallery generated $3,470 in sales, underscoring its role in supporting local artists while contributing to the downtown economy. In addition to coordinating gallery shows and opening receptions, Wilson’s own artwork has been featured in exhibitions and recognized by fellow artists, including being named the winning artist in the 125^th Anniversary of the Founding of Newberry Art Show.

Beyond the gallery, Wilson has donated his creative skills to the broader community. He redesigned the Newberry Main Street Organization logo to reflect the character of downtown and has painted numerous decorative elements displayed throughout the area. City officials noted that these visual enhancements help define Newberry’s identity and create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors.

Marden also highlighted Wilson’s hands-on support of community events. “He supports the success of community festivals including the Fall and Spring Festivals, BBQ and Blues Festival and the Fabulous 50s Festival, often arriving before daylight to assist with vendor setup and event preparation,” the mayor said.

In declaring Larry Wilson Day, Marden encouraged residents to recognize Wilson’s service. The proclamation “encouraged all citizens to recognize and thank Larry Wilson for his service and contributions to the community.”

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NEWBERRY – Newberry City Commissioners moved forward on a wide range of growth, land-use and infrastructure matters on Jan. 12, 2026, finalizing voluntary annexations totaling approximately 227 acres, approving agreements to improve roadway connectivity and advancing zoning and policy changes aimed at accommodating future development.

Commissioners unanimously approved Voluntary Annexation #40 on second reading, which included 11 annexation requests from seven applicants. According to Community Development Director Stacey Hectus, the latest action brings the total number of acres voluntarily annexed into the city over the past year to 430 acres.

The annexations were approved through a series of ordinances involving multiple petitioners and parcel locations across the city’s growth areas.

In addition to annexations, commissioners finalized an agreement between the City of Newberry and CSX to extend the city’s easement along Seaboard Drive. The project is intended to improve roadway connectivity for residents by allowing the city to construct a future road connection to Southwest 15th Street.

Under the agreement, the city will pay CSX $100,000 immediately and an additional $100,000 during the next budget cycle to secure the easement. City officials described the project as a long-term priority aimed at improving transportation options and connectivity.

Land-use and zoning changes advance

Commissioners also approved, on first reading, a small-scale future land use map amendment requested by JBrown Professional Group Inc., doing business as JBPRO, acting as agent for PBR Financials Inc. The request would change the designation of a 0.72-acre property at the southeast corner of Northwest Third Avenue and Northwest 251st Street from Residential Low Density to Residential High Density.

“A companion rezoning application will also be heard during this meeting,” said Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez during his presentation.

The request had previously been reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board, which recommended approval at its Dec. 1, 2025, meeting. A second reading is scheduled for Jan. 26, 2026.

During the same meeting, JBPRO Senior Planner Tara Howell indicated that the property owner plans to develop eight townhomes on the site.

A related rezoning request for the same property, changing the zoning district from Residential Single-Family (RSF-2) to Residential Multi-Family (RMF-2), was also approved following a quasi-judicial public hearing. That item will likewise return for second reading in January.

Accessory dwelling unit rules reviewed

Commissioners unanimously approved, on first reading, changes to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations as part of Ordinance 2025-74. Hectus said the review was prompted following Annexation #39.

“After Annexation #39, staff was asked to review our ADU guidelines to see how they compare to Alachua County’s ADU guidelines,” Hectus said. “A few people had commented that we are more strict as it relates to ADUs and were not interested in annexing into the City for that reason.”

Proposed changes include increasing the maximum ADU size from 1,000 square feet to 1,700 square feet, updating state agency references and allowing ADUs to connect to a primary home’s septic system on properties of 10 acres or more. The Planning and Zoning Board unanimously recommended approval, and the ordinance will return for second reading Jan. 26.

Utilities and capital projects approved

Commissioners also approved entering into a contract with Woodard & Curran for $342,000 in engineering services related to the Tanglewood Water Tower project, authorizing the city manager to approve change orders not exceeding 15 percent of the contract amount.

The item was presented by Director of Public Works and Utilities Rance Green and includes services for a water main extension and elevated storage tank to address capacity, fire flow, redundancy and future demand. The project is part of the city’s capital improvement plan and is funded through State Revolving Fund loans and grants, contingent upon approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

The project is expected to go out for bid in January 2026, with construction beginning in June 2026 and completion anticipated by May 2027.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – Firefighters from multiple agencies responded Saturday afternoon to a working fire at a motel in Alachua, where crews encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from a ground-floor room.

Just after noon Jan. 17, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, High Springs Fire Rescue, LaCrosse Fire Department and Newberry Fire Rescue were dispatched to a residential unit at the Best Value Inn, located at 16100 N.W. U.S. Highway 441. Law enforcement units from the Alachua Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol also responded.

First-arriving crews reported thick, black smoke and heavy flames rolling from a window of a downstairs unit. Firefighters initiated an aggressive interior attack while simultaneously conducting a primary search to ensure no occupants were inside the unit where the fire originated.

The fire was brought under control quickly, officials said. Additional crews assisted with checking for fire extension into other areas of the building and confirmed that the blaze had been fully extinguished.

No injuries were reported. However, the commercial structure sustained significant damage from the fire and from on-scene firefighting operations required to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office.

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ARCHER – A man wanted on a felony drug warrant was arrested Monday afternoon after deputies with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office used K-9 teams to locate him hiding beneath a large pile of debris inside an Archer residence.

Michael Louis Leopold, 47, was taken into custody at about 2:13 p.m. Jan. 12, 2026, after deputies found him concealed under a roughly four-foot-tall mound of belongings inside the home. Authorities said Leopold was wanted in Sarasota County for failing to appear at a hearing on a felony drug charge.

Deputies were dispatched to the residence after a neighbor reported seeing Leopold enter the home. According to the sheriff’s office, another resident told deputies that only Leopold and his girlfriend, Michele Belinda Lewis, 47, should have been inside the house. A deputy noted that the pair were living in a makeshift enclosed porch attached to the residence.

Deputies said repeated knocks at the front door went unanswered. After securing a loose dog in the backyard, deputies attempted contact at the back door and reported hearing dogs and a female voice inside the home. Loud verbal commands were issued for anyone inside to exit, but no one initially complied.

Multiple K-9 teams were called to the scene. Lewis eventually was seen inside the home after deputies created a small opening near a window-mounted air conditioning unit. Authorities said Lewis initially refused to exit or identify herself and denied that Leopold was inside. After additional commands, she eventually complied and was detained in handcuffs. Lewis later provided her name and again stated she did not know Leopold’s whereabouts.

With consent from the homeowners, deputies searched the residence and reported finding a Ruger 10/22 rifle in a bedroom identified as Leopold’s. Investigators noted that Leopold is a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing firearms.

Deputies described the bedroom as being filled with debris and belongings. About an hour into the search, a K-9 alerted to a large pile of items inside the room. After issuing loud commands, deputies began removing items and found Leopold lying on the floor beneath a blanket.

Authorities said Leopold resisted arrest and was apprehended by a K-9. Deputies reported that Leopold grabbed the dog’s face, mouth and neck before being pulled away. Leopold was treated for a dog bite and transported to a local hospital.

Based on the size of the debris pile, deputies concluded Leopold could not have concealed himself without assistance, leading to Lewis’ arrest.

Leopold was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, striking a law enforcement K-9 and resisting an officer without violence. Records show he has one felony conviction and three misdemeanor convictions. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set Leopold’s bail at $60,000 on the new charges.

Lewis was charged with resisting an officer without violence. She has no prior criminal convictions. Judge Miller-Jones ordered Lewis released on her own recognizance under the supervision of Court Services for mental health treatment.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Palms Medical Group will host a Safe Riders Safe Drivers event later this month at its High Springs location, offering free car seat inspections and vehicle safety checks aimed at improving safety for drivers and passengers of all ages.

The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Palms Medical Group, 16916 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, in High Springs.

Presented by Safe Kids North Central Florida and UF Health Adult Trauma Injury Prevention and Outreach, the event will focus on proper car seat installation, child passenger safety and driver positioning to help reduce the risk of injury in crashes.

During the event, parents and caregivers may have their car seats inspected to ensure they are correctly installed and appropriate for their child’s age and size.

“Keeping children safe on the road starts with the right information and the right equipment,” said Jordyn Zyngier, Safe Kids North Central Florida coordinator. “Our goal is to remove barriers, provide education and support families in making the safest choice for their child.”

In addition to car seat checks, certified CarFit technicians will be available to assist drivers of all ages. The CarFit program evaluates how well a driver fits their vehicle, including adjustments to the seat, mirrors, steering wheel and other components that affect visibility and control.

“Small adjustments make a big difference on the road,” said Brian Dean, adult injury prevention and outreach coordinator for UF Health Trauma Services. “The CarFit program empowers drivers by ensuring their vehicle is properly fit to them. During a free, quick 12-point evaluation, trained CarFit technicians help drivers optimize vehicle safety features and review evolving in-vehicle technology.”

Palms Medical Group officials said hosting the event at the High Springs location allows safety resources to be easily accessible to local residents.

By offering these services in the community, Palms Medical Group continues its focus on promoting health and safety, supporting families and drivers through education and prevention efforts.

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ALACHUA COUNTY — College and university students in Alachua County pursuing degrees related to public service, government and communications may apply for a scholarship program administered through the Florida Supervisors of Elections.

Kim A. Barton, Alachua County’s supervisor of elections, announced that local students are eligible to apply for one of three $1,200 scholarships offered statewide through the association. The scholarships are part of the organization’s ongoing commitment to education and civic engagement in Florida.

To qualify, applicants must be full-time juniors or seniors enrolled at a college or university and studying political science, public administration, business administration, or journalism or mass communications. Students must also be registered to vote in Florida.

Applications are due March 6, 2026, and must be submitted to the supervisor of elections office in the county where the student is registered to vote. In Alachua County, applications will be reviewed locally before advancing in the selection process.

Each county participating in the program will review its applications and conduct interviews as part of the screening process. One student from each county will then be selected to move forward for consideration by the Florida Supervisors of Elections scholarship committee, which makes the final award decisions.

The Florida Supervisors of Elections serves as a statewide forum for elections officials, providing opportunities to share information, coordinate best practices and address election-related matters affecting voters across Florida.

Students interested in applying can find the application, eligibility requirements and additional guidelines through the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections website.

The Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and can be reached by phone at 352-374-5252 for questions about the application process.

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