Infrastructure and Roads Top High Springs- County Joint Meeting

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Thursday, June 6, 2024, the City of High Springs hosted a joint meeting between the City Commission and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC). The meeting was led by High Springs Mayor Katherine Weitz and BoCC Chair Mary Alford, focusing on topics such as infrastructure and youth literacy.

Mayor Weitz highlighted innovative programs to encourage youth literacy, such as High Springs Librarian Ann Lane’s therapy dog initiative, where children read to a therapy dog at the library. She also mentioned the positive impact of having a K-9 at schools, advocating for increased canine involvement with children. Former City Commissioner Sue Weller noted that the Gentle Carousel mini-horses had visited the High Springs Library the day before to promote reading among kids.

County Commissioner Anna Prizzia discussed the Children’s Trust and the University of Florida’s comprehensive literacy needs assessment program, designed to support both children and adults aiming to improve their reading skills. Commissioner Ken Cornell emphasized the Children’s Trust's commitment to smaller communities, while Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler elaborated on the Library Board’s Literacy Department for Adults and summer activities for kids.

The meeting then shifted to proposed updates on the City’s Infrastructure Surtax Partnership Projects. Mayor Weitz reported that the surtax funded six new pumps for the lift station and stressed the need for financing to manage effluent of a local subdivision, aiming to protect rivers from contamination. BoCC members suggested seeking funding from the water management district for the effluent return design.

The discussion also covered the Canoe Outpost and the property behind the River Rise boat ramp. The BoCC requested to see the City’s Parks Master Plan, which is nearing 75 percent completion with consultants, upon its conclusion.

The Rails-to-Trails project was also discussed with Commissioner Cornell noting progress in communication with CSX, indicating potential discussions about the project. He also recommended contacting Newberry to get involved.

Alachua County’s Jeff Hays addressed transportation projects, mentioning a $50,000 grant focused on safety and community engagement. He discussed a county-wide bicycle master plan supported by a $250,000 contribution from the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO). Although this program has been under the North Central Florida Planning Council (NCFPC) in the past, it may eventually come under the County's jurisdiction, benefiting the entire county.

Hays also outlined a Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) improvement program for resurfacing Highway 27/41 from Newberry to U.S. Highway 441, estimated to cost $11 million and scheduled for 2025-2026.

Alachua County Public Works Director Ramon Gavarrete reviewed various resurfacing and roadway projects in the High Springs area. Details on Alachua County Transportation Capital Improvement Program Projects for 2023 – 2032 are available on the Alachua County Public Works website. He said the County will be spending $252 million on roadways between 2023 – 2032 with $4 million in projects already completed.

City Commissioners raised concerns about the lack of a light at Poe Springs Road, noting that crash data had not been recorded in FDOT’s database, thus not prioritizing the area. Efforts are underway to correct this oversight, aiming for future safety improvements at the intersection. Mayor Weitz also called for stop signs on 237^th Street, and a residential city street.

City Commissioner Andrew Miller named Kevin Mangan, the City’s Public Information Officer, as his Employee of the Week.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 2024.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com