Local

The GFWC District 5 Director installed the new GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club’s Board of Directors for 2026 – 2028. Pictured L-R: Photo - L - R: District 5 Director - Sallie Milner, President - Bonnie Josey, 1st. Vice President - Shirley Macrides, 2nd. Vice President - Vickie Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Marlene Hackland, Treasurer - Mary Sears, Historian - Linda Alexander. Not pictured: Recording Secretary - Pat Carr. \ Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club marked a milestone recently as its new Board of Directors was formally installed for the 2026–2028 term, signaling continued leadership and service within the community.

The installation ceremony was led by GFWC District 5 Director Sallie Milner, who oversaw the transition and recognized the incoming board members. Each officer received a gift tailored to her role, adding a lighthearted and celebratory touch to the occasion.

Elected to lead the organization as president is Bonnie Josey, who will guide the club’s activities and initiatives over the next two years. She is joined by Shirley Macrides as first vice president and Vickie Cox as second vice president.

Marlene Hackland will serve as corresponding secretary, while Mary Sears takes on the role of treasurer. Linda Alexander was installed as historian, responsible for preserving the club’s records and legacy. Recording Secretary Pat Carr was unable to attend the ceremony and is not pictured.

The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Locally, the club has long been active in civic engagement, charitable projects and educational initiatives that benefit High Springs and surrounding areas.

Club leaders said the installation of the new board reflects both continuity and renewal, as experienced members step into leadership roles while maintaining the club’s long-standing mission of service and advocacy.

The newly installed board will serve through 2028, guiding programming, fundraising and community outreach efforts during the upcoming term.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Art Walk returns to historic downtown on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, offering residents and visitors a seasonal opportunity to experience local art, small businesses and the city’s walkable charm.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature between 15 and 20 local artists and makers displaying their work along downtown sidewalks. Artists will set up in front of storefronts, creating an open-air gallery that allows attendees to browse, meet creators and purchase original artwork throughout the afternoon.

Organizers say the Art Walk is designed to celebrate creativity while supporting both artists and downtown businesses. In addition to artist displays, participating merchants will offer special promotions and sales, encouraging visitors to explore the area’s shops and restaurants.

The event also provides an interactive component for attendees. Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host “Art Testing” stations from noon to 3 p.m., inviting guests to try new art products while enjoying light refreshments. The hands-on experience is intended to appeal to artists of all skill levels as well as those interested in learning more about creative tools and materials.

The Art Walk has become a popular feature of High Springs’ seasonal calendar, highlighting the city’s growing arts scene and its reputation as a welcoming destination for creatives. The combination of art, food and locally owned businesses reflects the community’s emphasis on supporting small enterprises and fostering a vibrant downtown environment.

Artists and creators interested in participating in future Art Walk events are encouraged to contact organizers by emailing downtownhighsprings@gmail.com and including photos of their work for consideration.

For customer or media inquiries related to the event, Unique Notions can be reached at 352-318-5719, and Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies can be reached at 352-474-1049. Additional updates and information are available through the official Downtown High Springs Facebook page.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Players battle for possession during a youth basketball game in Alachua, where more than 220 local children are participating in the community’s winter league./ Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The squeak of sneakers and the echo of bouncing basketballs have returned to the City of Alachua Legacy Multipurpose Center as Alachua’s youth basketball season tips off with record participation, signaling strong community support for youth athletics despite a smaller number of teams this year.

More than 220 children have registered to play this winter through 399 Sports and Recreation, marking one of the largest turnouts the organization has seen and underscoring a growing interest in organized sports among local families. Practices began last week, officially launching what has become a cornerstone of winter recreation in the city.

Although the number of teams is slightly lower than in past seasons, participation has increased, reflecting broader community engagement and sustained enthusiasm for youth basketball. League organizers credit that growth to accessibility and the continued commitment of families, coaches and volunteers.

The league is supported by an entirely volunteer-driven staff through 399 Sports and Recreation, including coaches and support personnel who help ensure a structured, positive experience for young athletes. Their efforts make it possible for children across the community to participate in organized sports during the winter months.

Games will be played on Saturdays, offering a family-friendly schedule for spectators and participants alike. Community members are encouraged to attend games and support players as they build basketball skills while learning teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with concessions during game days. Proceeds from concession sales are reinvested directly into the league and related community programs, helping sustain youth sports opportunities in Alachua.

Beyond competition, the program emphasizes character development, leadership and physical fitness — lessons intended to extend well beyond the basketball season. Through 399 Sports and Recreation, organizers aim to provide a supervised environment where children can build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong values through fair play.

The season will officially begin with Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event will introduce teams to the community, followed by games throughout the day.

Game schedules will be posted on league and city social media platforms and websites as the season progresses. Additional information is available by contacting 399sportsrecreation@gmail.com.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA – A 43-year-old homeless woman was arrested Monday evening after police say she vandalized a pickup truck following an argument with its owner in the parking lot of an Alachua restaurant.

According to an arrest report from the Alachua Police Department, officers were called at about 7:05 p.m. on Dec. 8, 2025, to Sonny’s BBQ, located at 15935 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, in response to a report of an armed disturbance. The caller reported that a woman armed with a knife was threatening to slash the tires of his vehicle.

An officer arrived at the scene and made contact with the victim, who pointed out the suspect, later identified as Janelle-Joy Alexandra Summers, as she was driving out of the parking lot. The officer conducted a traffic stop and detained Summers, removing her from the vehicle and placing her in handcuffs.

Police reported recovering a knife clipped to the right side of Summers’ pants.

The victim told officers he had dated Summers intermittently for several years and had agreed to meet her at the restaurant. He said that when she arrived, she appeared to be in a manic state and became angry, yelling inside the restaurant. Employees asked her to leave the dining area, according to the report.

After leaving the restaurant, Summers allegedly sent the victim a series of text messages, including one threatening to slash the tires on his pickup truck.

The officer reported observing deep scratches along one side of the victim’s gray Chevrolet Silverado, as well as multiple messages written on the vehicle in nail polish. One of the messages reportedly included the word “die.”

After being advised of her Miranda rights, Summers reportedly admitted she was upset with the victim and acknowledged that she used a pocket knife to scratch the vehicle and wrote messages on it using nail polish.

Summers is described in the arrest report as homeless. She was charged with property damage of $1,000 or more, a felony offense. While she has an unspecified criminal history in other counties between 2021 and 2025, court records indicate she has no prior criminal convictions.

Judge Susan Miller-Jones set Summers’ bail at $15,000 but ordered that she be released if accepted into Mental Health Court. The judge also ordered an evaluation to determine whether Summers requires emergency mental health treatment.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday reviewed three business items and explored a new proposal aimed at strengthening the connection between the city’s popular natural springs and its downtown core.

During the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the CRA heard a presentation outlining a potential free shuttle service that would transport visitors between several nearby springs and downtown High Springs during peak tourism months. The concept was presented by John Millett, one of the owners of the recently opened Serendipity Sodas & Sweets.

Millett noted that 24 springs are located within 12 miles of High Springs, drawing thousands of visitors to the area each year. However, once visitors enter the springs on busy weekends, they often remain there for the day rather than venturing into town.

“Once someone gets to the springs, they are not able to leave and come back again during the weekend,” Millett said.

The proposed shuttle would operate on weekends from March through September, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Millett outlined two routes — a western loop serving Poe, Blue and Ginnie springs, and a northern loop serving Ichetucknee Springs and Rum Island. Shuttles would return to downtown approximately every 30 minutes, stopping in front of the High Springs Chamber of Commerce.

“Every half hour they would be returning to downtown High Springs in front of the Chamber building to drop off people,” Millett said. “People could come to town for shopping or lunch and then hop back on the shuttle and get back to their cars and the parks.”

CRA Manager Amy Bohannon expressed support for the idea, saying it could help draw visitors into the downtown area and support local businesses. She said there may be sufficient funding within the CRA budget to initiate the project.

“There might be enough money in the CRA to get this project started,” Bohannon said.

Millett said the estimated cost for the shuttle service ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, with additional plans to offset expenses by selling advertising space on the sides of the shuttle vans. He said several downtown business owners have expressed interest in contributing financially.

“I have talked with several business owners in town and they are into chipping in to help carry the financial burden,” Millett said.

Millett said the shuttle vehicles would be owned by the organizers, with insurance under their name, but he requested reimbursement for insurance costs. He estimated that $30,000 would cover fuel, driver salaries and insurance for one year. Both Millett and Bohannon noted that similar shuttle programs are already in place in other CRA districts throughout Florida.

City Manager Jeremy Marshall said he wanted direction from the CRA Board before staff devoted further time to developing the proposal. Board members responded favorably, signaling interest in exploring the concept further. The proposal is expected to return to the board once details and financing are refined.

In other business, the CRA unanimously approved a Commercial Façade Grant application from the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, located at 18645 High Springs Main Street. The institute plans to paint the front of the building, repair trim and install a Florida Springs Welcome Center sign previously discussed by the board.

The total project cost is estimated at $7,500, with a requested grant of $3,750, representing 50 percent of the total. Bohannon said approval is contingent upon the project also receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board.

The board also unanimously approved a second Commercial Façade Grant request from the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club. The project includes the design and installation of a two-sided sign and construction of a 7-foot-by-7-foot deck with stairs, handrails and a bench at the rear entrance of the building. The total project cost is $4,977, with a requested grant of $2,488.64.

Additionally, the board approved an updated interlocal agreement related to an innovative policing initiative first approved in September. The agreement allows for an increased cost of an electric bicycle dedicated to policing efforts within the CRA district and enhanced police services during peak hours. The cost of the electric bike increased from $5,500 to $5,800 and was approved unanimously.

At the close of the meeting, board members acknowledged the retirement of High Springs Police Department Sgt. Gary Moore, who was working his final shift. The board thanked him for his service to the community and wished him well.

Earlier in the meeting, the board also recognized the recent death of Sonny Tillman, offering a moment of silence and condolences to his family.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HAWTHORNE – A 21-year-old Hawthorne man is facing multiple felony charges in two separate cases involving allegations of sexual battery against a juvenile victim, according to court records.

Austen William Cassels has been charged in one case stemming from incidents that allegedly occurred when both he and the victim were juveniles. Although the incidents were reported to have taken place several years ago, the abuse was not disclosed until last year. Cassels is now charged as an adult in that case.

According to investigators, the victim described two incidents of sexual battery during an interview with the Child Protection Team. The victim was in elementary school at the time of the alleged offenses. Cassels has been charged with sexual battery with the offender under 18 and the victim under 12. After being advised of his Miranda rights, Cassels reportedly said he did not remember one of the incidents and denied the other.

The second case involves allegations that occurred several years later, when Cassels was an adult and the victim was in middle school. In that case, investigators reported that the victim provided a text message exchange in which Cassels allegedly offered money and a favor in exchange for sexual activity. The messages were sent several months after an incident in which Cassels is accused of molesting the victim.

In the second case, Cassels has been charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim under the age of 16 and use of an electronic device to solicit a child. Following a post-Miranda interview, Cassels reportedly said he did not remember communicating with the victim about sexual activity but later stated he may have “said some things to her” while intoxicated. He denied sexually battering the victim.

Court records indicate Cassels has at least nine prior felony convictions and has served two state prison sentences. One sentence resulted from a 2022 conviction for burglary and seven counts of firearm theft.

Arrest warrants for the sexual battery cases were issued after investigations were completed, but Cassels had been incarcerated in state prison since April 2024 on an unrelated Baker County case. He was released from prison on Dec. 1, 2025, and immediately arrested and booked into the Alachua County Jail.

The Baker County arrest also constituted a violation of Cassels’ probation in the 2022 case, and he is being held on that violation in addition to the new charges.

Judge James Colaw ordered Cassels held without bail pending trial on the sexual battery cases.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com