Newberry and Publix to Share Traffic Signal Cost

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission held its regular meeting on Monday, March 24, 2025, with a full agenda that included upcoming election candidate introductions, financial updates, infrastructure agreements, and a recognition for workplace safety.

At the start of the meeting, the commission allowed time for candidates in the upcoming municipal election to introduce themselves. Mayoral candidate Joy Glanzer, a former city commissioner, and current Commissioner Tim Marden each shared their vision for the city and reasons for seeking the mayor’s seat. Group V candidates Rosa Marie Campbell and incumbent Commissioner Tony Mazon also spoke about their qualifications and goals.

Newberry was honored with the 2024 Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award, marking the ninth consecutive year the city has received the recognition. Mayor Jordan Marlowe presented a plaque to Assistant Director of Utilities and Public Works Rance Green in appreciation of the team’s continued commitment to workplace safety.

Barbara Boyd of Purvis Gray CPAs presented the Community Redevelopment Agency’s (CRA) comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024. Boyd reported that the audit received a clean opinion, with no findings requiring correction.

Amanda Boon of Woodard & Curran presented the results of a vulnerability assessment identifying critical city assets and their risk levels in the event of severe weather. The commission unanimously approved adoption of the assessment.

Assistant City Manager for Public Works and Utilities Jamie Jones presented Ordinance 2025-03, granting Central Florida Electric Cooperative an electrical franchise within the city. The ordinance outlines the terms, conditions and penalties related to the franchise and was unanimously approved by the commission.

The commission adopted three completed elements of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, presented by Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus. She also discussed the need to update the city’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs), estimating the process would take two years. Commissioners requested cost estimates for completing the updates in one year instead of two. Hectus said she would provide those figures at a future meeting.

Commissioners approved a cost-sharing agreement with Publix for a traffic signal at State Road 26/Newberry Road. Under the agreement, Publix will contribute $134,000 toward the signal’s installation.

A $2.4 million contract was also awarded to Watson Construction for a roadway improvement project on Southwest 15^th Avenue. The contract was approved unanimously.

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, the May 26 City Commission meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, May 27. Commissioner Mark Clark announced the grand opening of the Newberry Veterans Memorial, set to take place on Memorial Day, May 26.

Chris Mack, president of the Newberry Main Street Organization, announced a Spring Festival to be held Saturday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Newberry Historic District. The event will feature more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music and a family fun zone.

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