HIGH SPRINGS – The City of High Springs began its Oct. 9, 2025, City Commission meeting by honoring a dozen city employees who have served in the U.S. armed forces, marking the launch of a new city initiative called “High Springs Hero.”
Commissioner Katherine Weitz introduced the program as a way to recognize employees and community members who have served their country and continue to serve their city. The first honorees included staff from the police, fire and administrative departments, along with City Manager Jeremy Marshall, who served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Those recognized for their military service were:
High Springs Police Department — Officer Whiteman (U.S. Army), Officer Treese (U.S. Coast Guard), Sgt. Higginbotham (Florida Army National Guard), Officer Pekala (U.S. Army), Officer Wilson (U.S. Army), and Sgt. Hampton (U.S. Air Force).
High Springs Fire Department — Chief Peters (U.S. Army), Captain Burkhalter (U.S. Navy), Firefighter Skinner (U.S. Marine Corps), Volunteer Tatum (U.S. Army), Volunteer Langston (U.S. Army), and Firefighter Livingston (U.S. Army).
Weitz said the High Springs Hero program will continue throughout the year to celebrate local veterans. The city encouraged residents to nominate future honorees by emailing citycommission@highsprings.gov.
Following the recognitions, City Attorney Kiersten Ballou introduced an item concerning a property lien. The city was served with a summons regarding foreclosure proceedings on a property located at 17338 N.W. 242nd Street in High Springs.
Ballou explained that the city holds a lien of about $2,000 for impact fees related to the installation of the city’s sewer system. To preserve its financial interest, the city must file its own complaint to foreclose on the lien. After a brief discussion, commissioners authorized Ballou to proceed with filing the action.
Mayor Tristan Grunder presented Resolution No. 2025-R, approving an agreement with Gapske Law Firm to provide Special Magistrate services. The city had previously contracted with another firm earlier in the year, but staff determined that Gapske’s proposal offered a more cost-effective option.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution, maintaining the same terms as the previous contract.
In another unanimous vote, commissioners approved an agreement to “piggyback” on an existing contract with GAI Consultants, a firm providing planning, engineering and environmental services. The city has worked with GAI in the past and opted to continue the relationship through the new agreement.
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Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com
HIGH SPRINGS – The City of High Springs began its Oct. 9, 2025, City Commission meeting by honoring a dozen city employees who have served in the U.S. armed forces, marking the launch of a new city initiative called “High Springs Hero.”
Commissioner Katherine Weitz introduced the program as a way to recognize employees and community members who have served their country and continue to serve their city. The first honorees included staff from the police, fire and administrative departments, along with City Manager Jeremy Marshall, who served in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps.
Those recognized for their military service were:
High Springs Police Department — Officer Whiteman (U.S. Army), Officer Treese (U.S. Coast Guard), Sgt. Higginbotham (Florida Army National Guard), Officer Pekala (U.S. Army), Officer Wilson (U.S. Army), and Sgt. Hampton (U.S. Air Force).
High Springs Fire Department — Chief Peters (U.S. Army), Captain Burkhalter (U.S. Navy), Firefighter Skinner (U.S. Marine Corps), Volunteer Tatum (U.S. Army), Volunteer Langston (U.S. Army), and Firefighter Livingston (U.S. Army).
Weitz said the High Springs Hero program will continue throughout the year to celebrate local veterans. The city encouraged residents to nominate future honorees by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Following the recognitions, City Attorney Kiersten Ballou introduced an item concerning a property lien. The city was served with a summons regarding foreclosure proceedings on a property located at 17338 N.W. 242nd Street in High Springs.
Ballou explained that the city holds a lien of about $2,000 for impact fees related to the installation of the city’s sewer system. To preserve its financial interest, the city must file its own complaint to foreclose on the lien. After a brief discussion, commissioners authorized Ballou to proceed with filing the action.
Mayor Tristan Grunder presented Resolution No. 2025-R, approving an agreement with Gapske Law Firm to provide Special Magistrate services. The city had previously contracted with another firm earlier in the year, but staff determined that Gapske’s proposal offered a more cost-effective option.
Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the resolution, maintaining the same terms as the previous contract.
In another unanimous vote, commissioners approved an agreement to “piggyback” on an existing contract with GAI Consultants, a firm providing planning, engineering and environmental services. The city has worked with GAI in the past and opted to continue the relationship through the new agreement.
# # #
Email cwalker@
alachuatoday.com