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HIGH SPRINGS – Students at High Springs Community School will have a new way to get to campus next month as part of a nationwide effort to promote bicycle safety and healthy activity.

Safe Kids North Central Florida is inviting students and families to participate in National Bike and Roll to School Day on May 6, 2026, a community-wide event designed to encourage safe, active transportation. The event coincides with National Bike Month and will bring together students, parents, educators and local safety agencies.

Organizers say the annual observance highlights biking and similar forms of travel as “fun, healthy, and safe ways for children to get to school,” while reinforcing the importance of safety practices such as wearing properly fitted helmets.

This year’s event will introduce High Springs’ first “Bike Bus,” a supervised group ride in which students and families travel together along a planned route to school. Adult volunteers and local safety partners, including the High Springs Fire Department and High Springs Police Department, will help lead and support the rides.

“The Bike Bus is about more than just getting to school; it’s about building confidence, creating connections, and showing kids that being active can be both safe and fun. We’re excited to bring this opportunity to families in High Springs,” said Jordyn Zyngier, coordinator for Safe Kids North Central Florida. “We also want to remind families that a helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injuries in a crash. Bicycle-related injuries remain a leading cause of trauma among patients at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, yet many children in Alachua County still ride without helmets.”

Participants can choose from two routes, both departing at 7:15 a.m. and arriving at the school around 7:40 a.m.

According to route materials, the Downtown route will begin at the Old School Community Center and travel through several intersections along Main Street before merging with the Bailey route near the school.

The Bailey route will start at the entrance to Bailey Estates on Northwest 190th Avenue, making multiple neighborhood stops before joining the Downtown route at the school campus.

Event organizers said the Bike Bus model provides a structured and visible way for children to ride together while practicing traffic safety skills and building community connections.

For the event, all participating students will be required to wear helmets. Families who need assistance obtaining helmets are encouraged to contact the High Springs Fire Department.

“Bike and Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to engage with our community and reinforce the importance of wearing proper safety gear,” said Kevin Mangan, public information officer for the High Springs Fire Department. “We’re especially excited to introduce the Bike Bus this year, which allows families to ride together in a visible, organized group while practicing traffic safety skills. We’re proud to partner with Safe Kids North Central Florida to make this event both fun and safe for our students.”

Families are encouraged to review route maps, stop locations and additional details in advance through the city’s website.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission voted April 13, 2026, to eliminate the city’s Board of Adjustment, consolidating its duties under the commission in a move officials said will streamline the approval process and reduce redundant hearings.

Because commission members also served as the Board of Adjustment, the city had been conducting separate hearings on the same matters. Commissioners said eliminating the board removes duplication and allows land-use and related decisions to be handled more efficiently. The Board of Adjustment served as the city’s quasi-judicial body, handling variance requests, appeals of staff decisions and interpretations of land-use regulations, with authority to approve or deny exceptions to the city’s development code.

In other city business, commissioners unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-12 establishing a Citizen Advisory Task Force for the city’s Community Development Block Grant program. The panel will provide input on community needs, program priorities and funding recommendations tied to the federal grant.

Appointed to three-year terms running from April 13, 2026, to April 12, 2029, were Daniel Thomas, Sheron Cheesborough, Daniel Eby, Sierra Nicole Nyberg and Gail Watson.

The commission also approved an interlocal agreement with Alachua County to participate in the county’s Tree Planting Program. The initiative provides municipalities with nursery-grown trees at no cost for planting on public property, including rights-of-way, parks and stormwater facilities, with cities responsible for long-term maintenance.

County Arborist Lacy Holtzworth told commissioners the program focuses on high-value species such as live oak, magnolia, bald cypress and longleaf pine, noting that tree canopies can improve air quality, reduce heat and glare, and contribute to safer, more walkable communities.

Commissioners also completed a pair of land-use actions tied to Annexation No. 40. In a legislative hearing, the commission unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2026-1 on second reading, changing the future land use designation of seven parcels from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture. Officials said the changes were “like-for-like,” meaning no increase in development density or intensity is permitted.

In a separate quasi-judicial hearing, commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2026-02, rezoning the same parcels from county agricultural zoning to the city’s agricultural designation. The properties, identified by multiple tax parcel numbers, are now incorporated into the city’s regulatory framework without altering their allowable uses.

City officials also recognized the electric utility for its safety performance during the meeting. Director of Public Works and Utilities Rance Green presented the city’s 2025 Safety Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association to Electric Department Supervisor Colton Langford. Newberry was among 17 public power utilities statewide to receive the recognition.

To accommodate the Memorial Day holiday, the commission approved shifting its May 25 meeting to May 26.

The meeting, held on the eve of the municipal election, also included remarks from candidates seeking the Group 3 commission seat. Incumbent Monty Farnsworth and challengers Naim Erched and J.D. Mercado were each given time to outline their platforms for voters ahead of Election Day.

City officials said newly elected commissioners will be sworn in at 6 p.m. April 27, followed by a regular commission meeting at 7 p.m.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The return of spring in High Springs will once again bring artists into the streets, as the city’s seasonal Artwalk resumes Saturday, April 18, with an afternoon of outdoor exhibits, demonstrations and downtown shopping.

Scheduled from noon to 5 p.m., the Artwalk will feature approximately 15 to 20 local artists and makers set up along sidewalks throughout the historic downtown district. The event invites residents and visitors to browse artwork, watch artists at work and purchase original pieces directly from creators.

Organizers say the Artwalk continues to build on High Springs’ reputation as a walkable destination known for its mix of small businesses, restaurants and galleries. During the event, participating merchants are expected to offer specials and promotions, creating a coordinated draw for foot traffic across the downtown core.

A central feature of this month’s Artwalk will be a concurrent exhibit at Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, which will showcase the Santa Fe Plein Air Paintout Art Exhibit. The display will include works from 18 artists, both local and visiting, who have spent the past week painting outdoor scenes across the region.

The exhibit highlights landscapes captured at area natural landmarks, including Rum Island Park, Poe Springs Park and O’Leno State Park. The paintings reflect the tradition of plein air — a style of painting done on location to capture natural light and scenery in real time.

Following the Artwalk, Lanza Gallery will host a public reception from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., where attendees can view the completed works and meet participating artists. Light refreshments will be served.

Organizers describe the Artwalk as both a marketplace and an interactive arts experience, giving visitors a chance to engage directly with artists while supporting local creative businesses. Artists and makers display a range of items, from fine art to handcrafted goods, with many offering pieces for immediate purchase.

The event also serves as an entry point for artists interested in participating in future Artwalks. Organizers are encouraging creators to apply by submitting images of their work via email for consideration in upcoming events.

For additional details about the Artwalk or artist participation, organizers have directed inquiries to downtown event contacts, including Unique Notions and Lanza Gallery.

With mild spring weather and a full slate of artists and activities, the April Artwalk is expected to draw a steady crowd to downtown High Springs, continuing a seasonal tradition that blends art, commerce and community.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman has been named the inaugural recipient of a national award recognizing excellence in county leadership and public service.

Lieberman received the first David J. Krings County Administrator of the Year Award from the National Association of County Administrators, which honors exceptional service, ethical leadership and contributions to county government.

With more than 20 years of experience in local government, Lieberman has built a reputation for emphasizing accountability, professionalism and service. She currently serves as county manager after previously holding the role of county attorney. According to the nomination materials, her leadership has helped foster an organizational culture focused on excellence and public service.

“I am both grateful and humbled by this,” Lieberman said of the recognition. “I share this with all county employees who strive every day to fulfill our mission.”

Lieberman was nominated by members of her staff and selected by peers and colleagues for reflecting values including integrity, humility and service above self. The nomination effort was led by Assistant County Managers Mari K. Daniels and Gina Peebles, along with Executive Coordinator Rebecca Cassels.

“Submitting Michele’s nomination for this award was an easy decision,” Daniels said. “She leads with integrity and compassion, making people feel seen, supported and inspired to grow. She has built a culture where staff are encouraged to lead boldly and serve with purpose, and because she invests so deeply in her team, our community benefits every day.”

In a letter supporting the nomination, Alachua County Commission Chair Ken Cornell highlighted Lieberman’s focus on mentorship and professional development.

“Beyond her administrative accomplishments, Michele is respected as a mentor and advocate,” Cornell wrote. “She invests in the professional development of those around her, champions her staff at every level, and cultivates a workplace where individuals feel empowered to grow. I believe her leadership is rooted in the belief that strong organizations are built on strong people, and she works every day to make that a reality.”

The award is named in honor of David J. Krings, a longtime local government leader who served as president of the International City/County Management Association from 2003 to 2004 and as president of the National Association of County Administrators from 1986 to 1987. It recognizes county administrators whose leadership, mentorship, advocacy and ethical standards distinguish them among their peers.

Lieberman will be formally recognized at the International City/County Management Association Annual Conference during the County Administrator Idea Exchange. The honor also includes a $1,500 scholarship to support conference participation and continued professional engagement.

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ALACHUA – A biotechnology startup based in Alachua is positioning itself to reshape how medical tests are performed, announcing a new leadership partnership and an ambitious push into advanced diagnostic technology.

Synvitta Diagnostics, Inc. said it is focused on advancing multiplex diagnostic testing, a method that allows multiple biomarkers to be detected in a single test, with the goal of creating faster, more efficient and widely accessible diagnostic tools.

The announcement highlights a partnership between co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Mitch Glaeser and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer Rainara Almeida, combining business development experience with scientific research expertise.

Glaeser, who also founded Alachua’s San Felasco Tech City, has been a prominent figure in the region’s technology and startup ecosystem. The campus has served as a hub for emerging companies and collaborative research, particularly in biotechnology and sustainability-focused ventures.

“Synvitta represents a powerful combination of innovation and entrepreneurship,” Glaeser said. “The ability to deliver multiplex diagnostics in a simple and scalable format creates a significant opportunity across multiple areas of healthcare.”

Company officials say Synvitta is developing a platform that integrates both rapid single-target tests and scalable multiplex systems, allowing laboratories to analyze multiple conditions at once. The approach is designed to streamline workflows, reduce processing time and improve diagnostic accuracy in clinical settings.

Almeida said the company’s focus is on improving both the speed and precision of testing while maintaining accessibility for healthcare providers.

“Our mission is to make diagnostics more precise, faster, and accessible,” Almeida said. “We are building a platform that simplifies complex testing while maintaining high analytical performance, enabling better and faster clinical decision-making.”

Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its diagnostic offerings to include applications for infectious diseases, autoimmune conditions and neurodegenerative disorders. Officials say the technology is intended to address gaps in current testing capabilities and support improved patient outcomes.

Synvitta is currently operating out of UF Innovate | Sid Martin Biotech, where it is advancing product development and working with clinical and strategic partners in the United States and abroad.

Company leaders said their goal is to integrate new diagnostic tools into existing laboratory systems without adding complexity, while maintaining high levels of sensitivity and reliability.

With its combination of proprietary technology and leadership experience, Synvitta is aiming to establish itself as a key player in the evolving field of clinical diagnostics.

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ALACHUA – A 21-year-old Gainesville man was arrested late April 1, 2026, after police said he fired a handgun while under the influence of alcohol, following multiple reports of gunshots in and around the Turkey Creek area.

Residents began reporting gunfire as early as 7 p.m., with calls and social media posts continuing throughout the evening seeking information about the source.

At about 10:38 p.m., an Alachua Police Department officer reported seeing Riley Jay Kamden Abney firing a Sig Sauer pistol at a residence in the 10800 block of Northwest 59th Terrace, just outside the Turkey Creek neighborhood.

According to the report, the officer observed that Abney had watery, bloodshot eyes and detected the odor of alcohol.

Abney told the officer he had been drinking “Mad Dog” 20/20 and said he was sighting in a red-dot optic on the firearm, according to police.

He was arrested and charged with using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.

Court records show Abney has one juvenile conviction from 2019.

Judge Adam Lee set bail at $25,000 and ordered that Abney not possess weapons or consume alcohol while the case is pending.

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