A Santa Fe High School infielder prepares for a play during action at the 49th Annual Santa Fe Raider Softball Classic held at the Hal Brady Complex. / Photo by RILEY APPLEBEE

ALACHUA – Teams from across the region gathered in Alachua for the 49^th Annual Santa Fe Raider Softball Classic, a long-running tournament that once again showcased competitive high school softball and continued a nearly five-decade tradition connected to Santa Fe High School.

This year’s tournament was played at the Hal Brady Complex softball fields, where teams competed throughout the event in a slate of games highlighting both established programs and emerging talent. The Raider Classic has become a staple of the local spring sports calendar and continues to attract strong participation from teams seeking early-season competition.

Over the years, the Raider Softball Classic has built a reputation for drawing quality teams and providing a competitive environment early in the high school season. Coaches often use the tournament as an opportunity to evaluate their teams against strong opponents while giving players valuable experience in tournament-style play.

Spectators lined the fences at the Hal Brady Complex during the tournament, watching teams battle through multiple matchups on the complex’s softball fields.

For Santa Fe High School, the event represents both tradition and an opportunity to showcase the school’s softball program. Raider players took the field in front of family members and local supporters while competing against visiting teams in a tournament that has now spanned nearly half a century.

As the 49^th edition concluded, the Santa Fe Raider Softball Classic once again delivered a weekend of competitive play and community support, reinforcing the tournament’s role as a highlight of the area’s high school softball season.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Sidewalks lined with artwork, storefronts buzzing with shoppers and the steady rhythm of a walkable downtown will once again define High Springs when the seasonal High Springs Art Walk returns Saturday, March 21, 2026.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. in historic downtown High Springs and is expected to feature 15 to 20 local artists and makers displaying their work along the district’s charming sidewalks. Visitors can browse paintings, handcrafted goods and other creative pieces while enjoying the area’s eclectic mix of restaurants and shops known for their small-town hospitality.

Organizers describe the Art Walk as a community favorite that celebrates local creativity while supporting downtown businesses.

“This beloved seasonal event provides a vibrant platform for local artists and artisans to display their talents and offer their creations for sale in front of participating storefronts,” organizers said in a release announcing the event.

Artists will set up in front of participating downtown merchants, creating an open-air gallery experience that invites visitors to stroll, shop and engage directly with creators. Many businesses will offer special promotions and sales throughout the afternoon.

In addition to the outdoor displays, Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host a featured exhibit inside its space.

“Inside Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies, guests will find the ‘Mini Mini Art Exhibit,’ featuring several tables of small, affordable artworks created by the gallery’s house artists, perfect for collectors and gift-seekers alike,” organizers said.

The “Mini Mini Art Exhibit” will be held for two weekends only, concluding Saturday, March 28.

The Art Walk has become a recurring seasonal event in High Springs, drawing residents and visitors alike to explore downtown’s blend of art, dining and retail offerings. By pairing local artists with established storefronts, the event aims to strengthen both the creative community and the city’s historic business district.

Organizers are also inviting additional artists and creators to participate in future Art Walk events. Those interested are encouraged to email a photo of their work to downtownhighsprings@gmail.com for consideration.

The High Springs Art Walk is free and open to the public.

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Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott (left) and Newberry Mayor Tim Marden (right) present a proclamation honoring Crossing Guard of the Year Calita Wilcox during the Feb. 23, 2026, Newberry City Commission meeting./Photo special to Alachua County Today

NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission opened its Feb. 23, 2026, meeting with a standing ovation for Calita Wilcox, who was honored with a proclamation recognizing her years of service and her selection as Crossing Guard of the Year.

Mayor Tim Marden presented the proclamation, outlining Wilcox’s decades of dedication to public service and the community. Though a native of Archer, Marden noted that Wilcox was raised in Newberry and graduated as a member of the Class of 1982.

According to the proclamation, Wilcox has devoted more than 30 years of service to the state of Florida, including 18 years working in corrections. City leaders described her career as reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service, responsibility and care for others.

Marden said she continues that spirit of service through her faith and volunteerism, serving on the usher board at Bethel Church in Lake City, volunteering weekly at food distributions in Archer and personally delivering food to neighbors who are unable to attend in person.

In addition to her volunteer efforts, Wilcox serves as a poll worker during elections, further demonstrating her commitment to civic engagement and community trust.

City officials also highlighted her role as a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who leads by example through kindness, generosity and compassion.

As a crossing guard for the City of Newberry, Wilcox has extended her impact beyond traffic safety. Marden said she ensures not only the safety of children but also brings joy to their school days — whether through holiday gifts, handing out cold popsicles on warm afternoons or creating memorable moments such as leading students across the crosswalk wearing reindeer antlers during the holidays.

The proclamation noted that many of her acts of kindness go largely unnoticed because she does not seek recognition, choosing instead to serve humbly and wholeheartedly.

Marden stated that Wilcox was rightfully selected as Crossing Guard of the Year, calling the honor a reflection of her dedication, compassion and the profound impact she has on children and families in Newberry.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe said he has observed that Wilcox knows every child’s name and the time individual children usually cross the street on their way to school each morning.

Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott attended the meeting to recognize Wilcox as well. He cited several examples of her kindness and service and said he was pleased to be present to honor her dedication to the community.

Wilcox, visibly surprised by the recognition, thanked the City of Newberry for the proclamation and expressed appreciation for the honor.

Through her work at the crosswalk and her volunteer efforts beyond it, city leaders said Wilcox exemplifies the kind of quiet, consistent commitment that makes a lasting difference in Newberry.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry city commissioners took steps to align park properties with their current use while also discussing long-term recreation improvements during the March 9, 2026, City Commission meeting.

Much of the meeting focused on land use changes affecting several city-owned parks, as commissioners unanimously approved two ordinances intended to better reflect the properties’ existing use and support future recreational planning.

Park Land Use Changes Approved

During a legislative public hearing, commissioners approved Ordinance No. 2026-19/CPA 26-08 on second reading. The city-initiated ordinance amends the Future Land Use Map for several municipal parks, including Barry Park, Martin Luther King Jr. Park, Lois Forte Park and Jimmy Durden Park.

The amendment changes the land use classification of those properties from Commercial, Recreation and Residential Low Density to Public Facilities and Land, a designation intended to better match how the sites are currently used.

City officials said the change will help guide long-term planning for park expansion and improvements. The objective of the amendment is to allow the city to expand parks where possible, preserve and acquire additional greenspace, coordinate park growth with the city’s comprehensive plan and improve accessibility at existing facilities.

Commissioners also approved Ordinance No. 2026-20/LDR 26-10 on second reading following a quasi-judicial public hearing. The ordinance rezones the same park properties to the Public Facilities zoning district.

The rezoning changes the parks’ zoning classifications from Commercial Central Business District, Residential (Mixed) Single Family/Mobile Home-2 and Residential Single Family-2 to Public Facilities. Officials said the zoning change supports the same goal of expanding and enhancing recreational space throughout the city.

Annexed Parcel Ordinances Move Forward

The commission also approved two additional ordinances related to a privately owned parcel previously annexed into the city.

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2025-43/CPA 25-13, a small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment that changes the designation of parcel number 04377-011-000 from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture.

The item had previously been removed from consideration at the request of the property owner due to concerns about the size limitations for accessory dwelling units. City officials said that after the city revised its regulations regarding accessory dwelling unit size, the owner requested the item return for a second hearing so a building permit application could proceed.

Following a quasi-judicial hearing, commissioners also approved Ordinance No. 2025-58/Petition LDR 25-21, which rezones the same parcel from Alachua County Agriculture to City of Newberry Agricultural.

Recreation Projects Discussed

In addition to the ordinance approvals, commissioners discussed future recreation projects as Parks and Recreation Director Rod Clark sought direction on updates to the city’s Recreation Master Plan for Champions Park South and Martin Luther King Jr. Park.

Champions Park South was discussed as the preferred location for a future gymnasium. Commissioners indicated the facility should be designed to accommodate four courts to support long-term community growth and recreational demand.

Commissioner Mark Clark suggested the building should also be designed so it can be expanded in future years if additional space is needed. The potential project was discussed as a $3 million investment.

Commissioners agreed staff should move forward with planning for the gymnasium concept.

Clark also requested guidance on the master plan for Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where several proposed improvements were discussed.

All three concepts presented included relocating the basketball court to the east side of the park. Commissioners also discussed increasing parking capacity, with Clark suggesting that closing a road within the park could allow for additional parking space.

Additional recreational features were also discussed, including the possibility of adding adult fitness opportunities such as pickleball courts. A covered court was also mentioned as a potential future improvement.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe noted that covering a court would likely need to wait until a later phase of the project so the city could apply for a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP) grant to help fund the improvement.

Commissioners unanimously directed staff to proceed with planning based on the concepts discussed, with Clark expected to return with additional information as the planning process continues.

The Newberry City Commission will meet again at 7 p.m. on March 23, with a Board of Adjustment meeting scheduled immediately afterward.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua City Commission voted 4–1 on March 9, 2026, to authorize demolition of the Cleather H. Hathcock, Sr. Community Center, a city-owned facility long used for community gatherings and events at 15818 N.W. 140^th Street.

The vote clears the way for demolition of the existing building and allows the city to continue moving forward with plans for a new community center to replace the aging structure.

City Manager Rodolfo Valladares presented the item to commissioners, summarizing findings from two professional evaluations commissioned by the city to determine whether the decades-old building could feasibly be repaired, relocated or should be replaced.

“The assessments identified significant structural deterioration and several code compliance deficiencies,” Valladares told the commission.

The studies included a structural observation by GSE Engineering & Consulting and a facility condition and code compliance assessment by Monarch Design Group.

According to Valladares’ presentation and the accompanying reports, moisture damage in the crawl space beneath the building has compromised portions of the floor framing system, resulting in sagging joists, deteriorated wood members and corrosion on roof truss fasteners.

Engineers also reported that the building lacks hurricane tie-down connections required under modern construction standards and that the existing floor framing system does not meet current Florida Building Code load requirements for assembly spaces such as community halls.

The structural report concluded that rehabilitation of the building could cost roughly $275,000 to $550,000, depending on the scope of repairs required to address the damage and bring the structure up to current code standards.

If the city attempted to relocate the building, an option that had previously been discussed as a way to preserve the structure, engineers estimated that could add another $180,000 to $350,000 in costs, not including the necessary structural repairs.

By comparison, the report estimated that constructing a new building of similar size and function could cost approximately $625,000.

The Monarch assessment identified additional issues related to life safety and accessibility that would also have to be addressed if the building remained in use.

Inspectors found disconnected smoke detectors throughout the facility and noted the absence of horn-and-strobe emergency notification systems required for occupant alerts during fires or other emergencies.

They also reported exit signage directing occupants toward a storage room rather than an approved egress route and an exit door that does not meet modern emergency exit requirements.

Accessibility issues were also significant. The building’s restrooms and kitchen areas do not comply with current Americans with Disabilities Act standards, and inspectors concluded the existing floor plan likely lacks the space needed to reconfigure those areas without expanding the structure.

Taken together, the reports suggested that bringing the building up to current code standards would require extensive work and significant expense.

Vice Mayor Shirley Green Brown made the motion authorizing demolition of the existing structure and directing staff to continue moving forward with the design of the replacement facility. Commissioner Dayna Williams seconded the motion.

After Mayor Walter Welch asked for public comment and hearing none, the commission proceeded to vote.

Commissioners Williams, Jennifer Ringersen, Green Brown and Welch voted in favor of demolition.

Commissioner Jacob Fletcher cast the lone dissenting vote, raising a concern about how the agenda item appeared on the city’s website and whether it clearly signaled that demolition would be discussed.

“I access the agenda the same way the public would access this,” Fletcher said during the meeting. “There seems to be no notice to the public that this was a conversation we were going to have today. So, I’m going to have to vote no.”

The discussion itself was brief and followed months of public conversation about the future of the facility. City officials had previously reviewed the project during a commission meeting in September 2025 and later conducted community workshops to gather resident input on the design and programming for a replacement center.

During the meeting, Fletcher also asked whether the building’s condition meant certain activities would need to remain relocated.

Valladares confirmed that leaving the building closed until a replacement facility is constructed was the safest course of action for liability and public safety reasons.

Although the vote formally addresses the fate of the existing building, the discussion also marks another step toward a new community center that city leaders say will better serve Alachua’s growing population.

Concepts previously presented to commissioners include larger multi-purpose rooms capable of hosting major community events, vocational training space, computer labs and flexible meeting areas designed to accommodate both youth and senior programs.

Public feedback gathered through city workshops also highlighted interest in outdoor features such as a shaded stage or amphitheater and expanded space for community festivals and gatherings.

City officials have also discussed improving access to the site, including paving Northwest 159^th Lane and upgrading sidewalks and parking areas to make the facility easier to reach and fully ADA compliant.

For many residents, the Hathcock Center has long served as a neighborhood gathering place for meetings, celebrations and local programs. But the structural reports presented to commissioners reinforced what city leaders have increasingly concluded in recent years — that the building has reached a point where renovation could approach the cost of replacement.

With the demolition vote now approved, attention now turns to what comes next. City leaders say the goal is not simply to replace the aging structure, but to create a larger, more modern community gathering place designed to host the events, programs and celebrations that have long made the Hathcock Center a focal point of civic life in Alachua.

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ALACHUA – Free live music will soon fill the air in downtown Alachua as organizers prepare to launch the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series, a new outdoor concert series bringing nationally touring and regional artists to Skinner Baseball Park this spring and fall.

The series will feature 10 free concerts held Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at Skinner Baseball Park, located near Main Street in downtown Alachua. Performances are scheduled from April 3 through May 8, with additional concerts planned for September 2026.

The concerts will feature a variety of musical styles, including R&B, soul, bluegrass, indie rock, country, Irish, blues, reggae, funk, Latin and a cappella. Organizers say the performances are intended to create a family-friendly atmosphere where residents can gather and enjoy live music in an outdoor setting.

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics to enjoy the performances on the park’s open lawn. Admission to all concerts is free.

The series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which funds outdoor music programs nationwide through its Levitt AMP grant initiative. The program supports communities in activating public spaces through free concerts and community gatherings.

Earlier this year, downtown Alachua was selected as one of just 26 communities nationwide to receive the competitive Levitt AMP grant. More than 300 communities across the United States submitted proposals during the latest grant cycle.

Under the award, Alachua will receive up to $40,000 per year in matching funds from 2026 through 2028 to produce the Levitt AMP Alachua Music Series.

The successful application was submitted by Josh’s Place, a local nonprofit organization that will serve as the lead grantee and fiscal agent for the series. The Alachua Business League will coordinate artists, vendors and promotional efforts, while the City of Alachua Community Redevelopment Agency will provide venue support, infrastructure assistance and matching funds.

City officials celebrated the announcement earlier this year.

“We are thrilled that Alachua has officially been selected,” city officials said in a public statement.

Organizers say the concert series is expected to draw visitors to downtown Alachua and increase activity along Main Street during evening hours.

“This is a milestone moment for Alachua. This is a win for our community vision. And this is the start of something big,” project partners said in the announcement.

A launch party for the concert series is scheduled for 6 p.m. on March 13 at Theatre Park, located at 14900 Main Street in Alachua.

Additional information about concert schedules, performers, directions and parking is available at www.levittampalachua.com.

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