Newberry Celebrates Growth, Tackles Downtown Parking

NEWBERRY ‒ During the Feb. 24, 2025, meeting of the Newberry City Commission, Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus introduced the City’s Building Division Team and provided updates on parking expansion in downtown Newberry. Commissioners also celebrated the City’s recent recognition by the Florida Municipal Electric Association’s (FMEA) Restoring Communities Award and announced an upcoming joint City/County meeting in May.

Hectus introduced the Building Division Team, which was reported fully staffed as of Jan. 27, 2025. The team includes Ashley Monk, Building Permit Tech I, Michael Booth, Building Permit Tech II, Tony Carpenter, Building Inspector and David Meyer, Building Official. Commissioners and audience members welcomed the team, acknowledging their role in ensuring the City’s continued growth and development.

In other business, Assistant Director of Utilities and Public Works Rance Green shared that Newberry was one of 28 Florida public power utilities recognized with the Restoring Communities Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). This award honors utilities for their exceptional power restoration efforts following severe weather events and for providing mutual aid assistance to neighboring communities.

In 2024, Florida endured one of its most destructive hurricane seasons in recent years, including Hurricane Debby – a Category 1 storm that caused widespread power outages and Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton – two back-to-back major hurricanes that left extensive damage across Florida.

Newberry’s public power crews worked tirelessly to restore power quickly and safely. In addition to aiding local communities, Newberry’s electric utility workers provided mutual aid assistance to Louisiana following Hurricane Francine, and South Carolina and Florida electric cooperatives after Hurricane Helene.

Green emphasized that the dedication and quick response of Newberry’s electric utility teams played a crucial role in helping the community and neighboring areas recover from severe storm damage.

The meeting also included two official proclamations recognizing the contributions of City Clerk Judy Rice. Resolution 25-79, from the Florida Association of City Clerks, highlighted Rice’s years of service to the City of Newberry. And a City resolution, read by Mayor Jordan Marlowe, honored Rice’s dedication and impact on the community. Commissioners expressed gratitude for Rice’s commitment to the City and her role in ensuring efficient local government operations.

In still other business, commissioners reviewed a presentation on ways to increase parking in downtown Newberry. Current parking availability (FDOT Data) is 109 on-street parking spaces and 83 off-street parking lot spaces for a total 192 total existing parking spaces.

The proposed future parking expansion includes 134 on-street parking spaces and 22 off-street parking spaces for a total of 156 projected parking spaces.

City staff presented a map of proposed parking expansions, highlighting potential areas for additional parking spaces. No formal vote was required at this time, as the presentation was for informational purposes only.

A joint meeting between the Newberry City Commission and the Alachua County Commission is scheduled for Monday, May 12, at 7 p.m.

One of the key topics expected to be discussed is the Southwest 15^th Street project, which both commissions have expressed interest in. Mayor Jordan Marlowe encouraged commissioners from both City and County levels to suggest additional agenda items.

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