Newberry Grows City’s Footprint, Annexes 44.61 Acres

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission on July 8, 2024, annexed 44.61 acres into the City of Newberry. The Commission held three separate legislative public hearings to consider on first reading the voluntary annexation of a total of 44.61 acres. All three ordinances were heard separately and all three received unanimous approval on first reading. Second reading of these three ordinances will take place at the July 22, 2024, regular City Commission meeting.

The first hearing was for Ordinance 2024-16, a petition by Jamie and Steve Nelson providing for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land contiguous to the boundaries of the City of Newberry. The area to be annexed is consists of 4.76 acres and is located at 1318 S.W. 226^th Street, Newberry.

The second hearing concerned Ordinance 2024-17, a petition by Daniel Shore, providing for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land contiguous to the boundaries of the City of Newberry. The area to be annexed consists of 9.85 acres and is located at 17406 S.W. 46^th Avenue, Archer.

The third application was for Ordinance 2024-19, a petition by Paul and Pamela Smith, providing for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land contiguous to the boundaries of the City of Newberry. The area to be annexed consists of 30 acres and is located at 3201 N.W. 202^nd Street, Newberry.

Solar Project

The City of Newberry has opted out of a proposed solar project. In 2019, Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) issued a Request for Proposals seeking energy from large scale (74.5 MW) solar array projects. The City reports that solar energy was competitive with other energy sources and recognized that solar energy was environmentally friendly. The proposals received by FMPA were competitive, and the City elected to acquire one MW (mega-watt) of solar energy capacity through FMPA. Newberry’s one MW allocation was divided across two projects.

During the July 8 meeting, FMPA representative Susan Schuman addressed the Commission to explain that one of the two locations called “Whistling Duck” has suffered rate increases due to supply chain constraints since COVID-19 and must raise their earlier proposed rates from the rates quoted in 2019.

Schuman said some of the cities that were originally going to participate have dropped out due to the rate increase. After explaining the logistics and approximate increase to citizens’ rates, the Commissioners voted to opt out of their previous request to join in the Whistling Duck solar project.

FMPA plans to move forward with the project, but with the remaining municipalities that still want to participate.

Newberry Youth Council

In other City business, Newberry High School student Annah McGehee addressed Commissioners asking for the creation of a Newberry Youth Council similar to the ones in several other cities she listed, including High Springs. She explained that a Municipal Youth Council is an advisory body to the Commission composed of local youth that advocates for issues that matter to them.

Although Commissioners seemed in favor of the program, Mayor Jordan Marlowe suggested the City take this year to develop the program. This was a presentation by McGehee and did not require a vote. However, Commissioners unanimously chose to formally vote to work on the details of a Youth Council this year.

Recreation Month

The City has proclaimed the month of July Recreation Month in Newberry. Park and recreation agencies nationwide are recognizing the month with various summer programs, events, contests, commemorations and celebrations. These activities are designed to engage communities, encourage participation in outdoor activities and promote the numerous benefits of parks and recreation.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Mike New announced that the City would hold a Budget Workshop on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, to discuss the General Fund, Recreation and the Fire Department. He said he hoped to wrap up budget workshops by the end of August.

Also announced was the closing of Southwest 4^th Avenue to begin construction of a turn lane for Bev’s Better Burgers, now open and located at 24974 S.W. 4^th Avenue.

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