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NEWBERRY ‒ At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, City Manager Mike New addressed a pressing concern: the city’s current wastewater treatment facility is nearing capacity due to sustained growth.

“At the rate we are approving development, the wastewater treatment facility will reach capacity in four years,” New stated. To address this, the City has proposed constructing a new advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day—double the current capacity.

The total estimated cost for the design and construction of the new facility is $88 million. So far, the City has secured $27,209,848 in funding, with an additional $14,935 coming from the City of Archer, a partner in the project.

New outlined the proposed usage of the new facility’s capacity:

• 300,000 gallons/day (25%) for existing customers.
• 175,000 gallons/day (15%) allocated to Archer.
• 725,000 gallons/day (60%) designated for new development.

With a current growth rate of 200 building permits per year, New estimated the facility would serve the city for 15 years. If the pace of development slows, it could extend the plant’s utility up to 30 years.

To manage the strain of rapid development, New discussed development agreements with builders to secure wastewater capacity. Developers were presented with four options to consider.:

1. Option 1 allows for upfront payment: Developers can pay for their wastewater capacity at the current rate, locking in lower costs as rates increase over time.
2. Option 2 allows for an Installment Plan: Developers pay system development charges in installments: 25% upon agreement execution, three additional payments of 20% at 60-day intervals, and the final 15% upon service availability. This option guarantees proportional capacity based on the amount paid.
3. Option 3 is based on a Per-Use Payment Plan: Developers pay charges for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) placed into service, with a minimum annual payment of 10% of the total ERUs requested over a 10-year period.
4. Option 4 allows for a Surety Bond: Similar to Option 3, developers guarantee their minimum annual ERU commitment by issuing a surety bond, ensuring they will meet their building obligations.

While the wastewater treatment presentation was the main topic of the commission meeting, no vote was taken. New emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the advanced treatment facility would not only support Newberry’s growth but also provide a sustainable solution for decades to come.

“The advanced treatment facility will likely last 15 years at the current pace of growth,” New explained. “If permit numbers slow down, the plant could last up to 30 years.”

The Commission is expected to revisit the topic in future meetings, as the City works to balance the demands of growth with the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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ALACHUA ‒ Dr. Cindy Sanders, a distinguished Livestock Agent and County Extension Director with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), took center stage as the keynote speaker at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s monthly luncheon on Dec. 3, 2024. The event brought together local business leaders and community stakeholders to focus on the critical role agriculture plays in the economy and fabric of Alachua County.

Dr. Sanders, a sixth-generation member of an agricultural family, has dedicated her career to advancing agricultural education and practices. She holds a Doctorate in Extension Leadership and Administration, a Master’s in Extension Education, and a Bachelor’s in Animal Science/Agricultural Education, all from the University of Florida. Her deep ties to agriculture, combined with her academic expertise, have made her a respected leader and advocate for the agricultural community.

Sanders highlighted the substantial economic impact of agriculture and livestock production in Alachua County. She provided detailed statistics on local agricultural output and underscored how the sector connects with various local industries.

Sanders also addressed emerging trends and challenges faced by producers, including farming practices. She emphasized the importance of adopting innovative technologies to improve efficiency and sustainability in agricultural operations.

Beyond economic discussions, Sanders shared updates on educational programs offered through UF/IFAS. These initiatives include workshops for producers, resources for the public, and youth-focused programs like 4-H.

She highlighted the role of 4-H in developing leadership and agricultural skills among young people, ensuring the next generation is equipped to continue Alachua County’s agricultural legacy.

Following Sanders’ presentation, the luncheon offered attendees an opportunity to ask questions about agricultural practices and the future of farming in the region.

The event also featured networking opportunities and updates from Chamber President Adam Boukari, who commended Sanders for her leadership and dedication to the agricultural sector.

Chamber members also praised Sanders’ insights and passion for strengthening the ties between the agricultural sector and the broader community.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ What started as an ordinary Monday transformed into a day of challenges and triumphs for the High Springs Fire Department (HSFD), culminating in a heartwarming rescue of a puppy trapped in a 40-foot sinkhole.

The day’s events began at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, when firefighters from High Springs, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were dispatched to the Springstead neighborhood near Northwest 142^nd Avenue. Gusty southwesterly winds had driven flames from a brush fire beyond control, igniting several spot fires on nearby land and threatening homes.

Working to contain the rogue flames, fire crews used a coordinated attack. They extinguished the brush fires and ensured the safety of nearby residences. No injuries or property damage occurred, and the initial fire threat was neutralized.

While monitoring the scene, the firefighters received a second emergency call at 3:12 p.m.—a puppy had fallen into a 40-foot sinkhole. Responding immediately, a specialized crew from HSFD diverted to the site, bringing along their newly deployed “light rescue” truck, a vehicle specifically equipped for such emergencies.

Arriving at the sinkhole, firefighters assessed the situation and deployed the specialized gear stored on the new truck. A firefighter descended into the sinkhole, finding the frightened but miraculously unharmed puppy. The rescue team brought the puppy to safety in just 12 minutes.

The rescue not only showcased the HSFD’s technical expertise but also underscored the department’s dedication to protecting all members of the community—including its four-legged residents.

Adding significance to the rescue was the fact that it marked the inaugural mission for HSFD’s Light Rescue truck, which had gone into service mere hours before the call. The truck’s successful deployment demonstrated its vital role in enhancing the department’s operational capabilities.

HSFD issued a statement thanking High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall, the High Springs City Commission and the truck committee for making the light rescue truck purchase possible.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ Two men have been charged with first-degree premeditated murder in the 2022 drive-by shooting that claimed the life of 16-year-old Zhané Sanders at the Palms of Archer apartment complex.

Nathaniel Deweese Kendrick Jr., 25, and Geremy Doel Navarro, 22, were arrested and are currently being held in the Marion County Jail. Both men face charges related to the shooting, which occurred in the early hours of June 5, 2022.

At approximately 2:17 a.m. on June 5, 2022, Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to reports of a drive-by shooting at Palms of Archer, located at 7117 S.W. Archer Road. Upon arrival, deputies found Sanders, who had been struck by gunfire. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

Sanders, a 16-year-old from out of state, was visiting Gainesville to attend a family member’s high school graduation celebration. Investigators believe she was an innocent bystander caught in the line of fire.

Over the past two years, detectives have worked to identify suspects in the case. After gathering sufficient evidence, warrants were issued for Kendrick and Navarro’s arrests. Both men are now facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder for their alleged involvement in Sanders’ death.

This is not the first time Navarro has faced serious charges. Earlier in 2022, he was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Ferron Marquise Williams in Ocala. That murder occurred just months before Sanders’ death. Navarro was sentenced to life in prison for Williams’ murder.

The successful identification and apprehension of Kendrick and Navarro required coordination among multiple agencies, including the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocala Police Department, and the 5th Judicial Circuit State Attorney, Bill Gladson.

ASO continues to work closely with the 8th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office, and investigators have hinted that additional charges and arrests may follow as the case progresses.

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ALACHUA ‒ Last week, 399 Sports & Recreation kicked off their Winter Basketball program with the Alachua County Task Force on Recreation (A.C.T.F.O.R.) Youth Basketball evaluations, bringing hundreds of young athletes together to showcase their skills. The evaluations, which included participants aged 7 to 14, were overseen by 399 board members, coaches, and volunteers.

The goal of the evaluations is to ensure balanced recreation teams by assessing each player’s abilities and establishing a fair draft process.

The season officially begins on Jan. 4, 2025, with Opening Ceremonies at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event will feature team introductions, awards, refreshments, and a full slate of youth basketball games. Organizers invite the community to attend and support Alachua’s young athletes as they tip off the season in style.

Meanwhile, the Legacy Multipurpose Center was also abuzz this past Saturday as the Swamp Bots of Alachua & High Springs hosted the First Lego League Florida State Tournament. This STEM-focused competition brought teams from across Florida to compete for a chance to advance to the Regional Tournament, also slated to take place at the Legacy Multipurpose Center on Jan. 18, 2025.

The state tournament attracted over 1,500 attendees, including representatives from the Children’s Trust of Alachua County, the Alachua County School Board, and local city commissioners. The event highlighted the importance of STEM education, with the Swamp Bots and First Lego League guiding participants through hands-on STEM learning, teamwork, and problem-solving in a high-energy, competitive environment.

“Hosting back-to-back tournaments is both an honor and a reflection of the tremendous support our community shows for youth STEM and recreation programs,” said a spokesperson. The tournaments provide an exciting platform for youth to apply their skills in engineering, coding, and robotics while building habits of perseverance, collaboration, and confidence.

For those interested in joining the First Lego League or learning more about local recreation opportunities, contact recreation@cityofalachua.com.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 37-year-old Newberry man, Collen Courtney Brown, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy witnessed him allegedly attempting to swallow baggies of cocaine during a traffic stop.

The incident began at approximately 2 p.m. when a deputy conducted a stop on Brown’s vehicle after it reportedly failed to yield while exiting a private driveway, nearly causing a collision. The deputy also observed illegal tint on the car's front windshield.

The deputy reported that while he was attempting to catch up to Brown’s car, the car abruptly turned into a parking lot and made a U-turn. The deputy placed his patrol vehicle in front of Brown’s car, boxing it in.

Brown reportedly got out of his car, turned his back to the deputy and ‘chugged’ a bottle of water. While the deputy reportedly commanded him to step in front of his patrol vehicle, Brown allegedly ignored the commands, continued to “chug” water, and started sweating profusely, despite the cool weather.

After backup arrived, the deputies attempted to detain Brown because they believed he was attempting to swallow evidence. Brown allegedly pulled away, and deputies took him to the ground.

After the subject was handcuffed, he reportedly spit out two clear baggies containing a white substance that later tested positive for cocaine. In addition to about 2.2 grams of cocaine in the baggies, a search of Brown’s person reportedly produced 0.8 grams of marijuana.

Post Miranda, Brown reportedly declined to speak with deputies.

Brown was transported to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries, and he reportedly told a doctor that he’d had cocaine in his mouth before arriving at the hospital.

Brown has been charged with cocaine possession, tampering with evidence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence.

Court records indicate Brown has a criminal history dating back to 2006, including at least three felony convictions and five misdemeanor convictions.

Judge Phillip Pena set Brown’s bail at $50,000. He remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail.

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