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L-R: Alachua Chamber President Adam Boukari and Chamber Big Business of the Year recipient Scherer Construction / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Chamber of Commerce hosted its 2025 Annual Gala on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, delivering a night of celebration, community, and excitement that will not soon be forgotten. Held at Alachua’s Legacy Park, the signature event attracted nearly 700 attendees, with glowing 3-D marquee letters spelling out “Alachua” as a fitting backdrop to an evening honoring the Chamber’s accomplishments and promising future.

The gala, a cornerstone of the Chamber’s calendar, serves as an opportunity to recognize businesses, volunteers, and sponsors that contribute to the growth and prosperity of the region. It also allowed the Chamber to highlight the year’s achievements while unveiling goals for 2025.

The evening began with a lively cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., courtesy of Tri-Eagle and Beaker and Flask Wine Co., which set the stage for the festivities. At 6:45 p.m., guests indulged in a surf-and-turf dinner served by Beyond Expectations, capped off with desserts sponsored by Colliers International Real Estate.

The entertainment was as dazzling as the evening itself. The Dance Alive National Ballet opened the show with a breathtaking performance. But the true crowd-pleaser was a surprise appearance by Sister Hazel, the platinum-selling band from Gainesville. Founding members Ken Block and Drew Copeland, joined by keynote speaker and 1996 Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel on keyboard, had the crowd singing along to hits and requesting favorites.

Former Chamber President and current board member Mitch Glaeser took the reins as master of ceremonies, bringing both humor and heartfelt admiration to the role. Glaeser introduced Scherer Construction, the event’s title sponsor for the second consecutive year, and delighted the audience with a guided video tour of Alachua’s thriving business community—delivered on horseback, no less. To the crowd’s delight, Glaeser also appeared in a horse costume on stage.

Outgoing Chamber President Adam Boukari took the opportunity to thank the Chamber’s Sustaining Members, a distinguished group of businesses, organizations and individuals whose ongoing support drives the Chamber’s mission. Boukari emphasized the collective effort behind the Chamber’s successes, noting, “It took a team of dedicated individuals who gave their time and resources to make the Chamber a vibrant resource for local businesses.”

Among the honored Sustaining Members that continue to strengthen the region’s business environment were City of Alachua, San Felasco Tech City, Alachua Commerce Center, Renasant Bank, Campus USA, Scherer Construction, University of Florida, Santa Fe College, UF Innovate, Concept Companies, Fletcher Family Companies, G & C Foods, Tara Forest, Tower Hill Insurance Group and Jerry Smith Family.

The gala also celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations within the community. The Alachua Police Department recognized Sgt. Carl Newsome as Officer of the Year for his unwavering commitment to law enforcement and community service. Local favorite Mi Apa Latin Café was named Small Business of the Year, while

. Michele Lee, recognized as Chamber Volunteer of the Year, received heartfelt applause for her tireless efforts.

Outgoing President Boukari delivered his final address, reflecting on a year that saw the Chamber double its membership and strengthen its role as a vital resource for businesses. Boukari’s service and dedication were celebrated with a parting gift: a newly minted silver bar, presented by incoming Chamber President Elliot Welker.

The gala also featured an exciting live auction led by City Manager Mike DaRoza. Among the sought-after items were footballs signed by all three University of Florida Heisman Trophy winners—Steve Spurrier, Danny Wuerffel, and Tim Tebow—and an original art piece titled “Baby Danny Wuerffel” by Atlanta-based artist Reuben Watson.

Keynote speaker Danny Wuerffel brought both humor and inspiration to the evening. Reflecting on his journey as a UF quarterback who led the Gators to their first National Championship in 1997, Wuerffel shared amusing anecdotes and heartfelt insights into his current role as Executive Director of Desire Street Ministries, a nonprofit organization focused on community transformation.

The gala also included the announcement of the 2025 Board of Directors, Mitch Glaeser, Ed Potts, David Pope, Zak Seymoure, Neil Burk, Jerry Smith, Jovante Hayes, Joe Hancock, Flo Hester, Shasta Schoellhorn, Michele Lee, Shelley Vickers, Kyla Frye, Steve Szabo, Daurine Wehbe, Adam Boukari and President Elliott Welker.

As the evening came to a close, it was clear the 2025 Alachua Chamber of Commerce Gala was more than an event—it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and the promise of a bright future for Alachua. From the lively entertainment to the heartfelt recognition of local heroes, it truly was a night to remember.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission convened on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, for a relatively short meeting that included routine approvals and updates but was marked by a major announcement from City Manager Mike New.

In a surprising turn, New announced that he would be stepping down from his position, effective Feb. 24, 2025. No reason for his departure was disclosed, and New did not provide additional details during the meeting. He did, however, reflect briefly on his tenure, noting that he has served the City of Newberry for nearly 11 years.

Among the agenda items, Director of Community Development Stacey Hectus provided an update on plans to revise the city's Overlay District to address large-scale retail store applications. Hectus explained that incorporating changes into the existing Overlay District would simplify the process compared to drafting a new ordinance.

The proposed updates would provide developers with a menu of enhancements to choose from, based on the size of the structures they plan to build. Hectus stated that city staff anticipates presenting the changes to the Planning and Zoning Board in March. If approved, the proposed updates will then move to the City Commission for final approval.

Hectus also reported on Newberry’s participation in the Alachua County Bicentennial – Alachua 200 kick-off event, held on Jan. 11, 2025, at Depot Park in Gainesville. Newberry was the only city in the county to accept Alachua County’s invitation to participate in the celebration, focusing its contributions on the city’s agricultural history and the ongoing development of its Ag-Tech Park.

The city’s booth at the event, staffed by the mayor and members of the Community Development Department, highlighted the progression of Newberry’s agricultural heritage. Additionally, Newberry has been asked to lend historical artifacts to the Matheson Museum for the bicentennial exhibit, which is set to open on March 12, 2025.

The Commission also addressed several routine items of city business including an ordinance to amend the city’s water and wastewater code, which received approval on its first reading. Also unanimously approved was a resolution finalizing Avalon Woods Phase 4B Final Plat. The Commission also made Planning and Zoning Board Re-Appointments as three board members—Donald Long, Kathy Thomas, and Ann Polo—were re-appointed for one-year extensions, with their terms now set to expire in April 2026. Other board members will continue serving until their terms end.

Re-appointment of three Planning and Zoning Board Members for a one-year extension was also unanimously approved. Their terms will expire April 2026. The board members are Donald Long, Kathy Thomas and Ann Polo. The other board members will remain until their terms end.

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Teddy Sanchez leads the ABL Workshop AI for Small Business held at Optimal Station - Good Life Cafe /Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Business League (ABL) continued its Business Success Series on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, hosting a workshop focused on helping small businesses harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI). This event, titled “Empowering Small Businesses to Thrive by Using AI,” drew a diverse crowd to Good Life Station, eager to learn how emerging technologies can enhance their operations and drive growth.

The featured speaker, Teddy Sanchez of Optimal Station, delivered a comprehensive presentation on how AI tools can be utilized by small businesses to streamline processes, improve customer engagement, and gain a competitive edge.

Attendees, which included local entrepreneurs, professionals, and business owners, were not only introduced to AI concepts but also encouraged to share their own experiences with technology.

This workshop is the second in ABL’s Business Success Series, a year-long program aimed at equipping local businesses and professionals with skills and knowledge to adapt to changing market trends. The series offers a mix of workshops and networking opportunities, all designed to foster innovation and collaboration among the Alachua business community.

There are five more workshops scheduled for 2025, each covering a different topic critical to small business success. The ABL encourages anyone interested in growing their business or expanding their professional skill set to attend these events. Details on future workshops can be found on the organization’s website at www.AlachuaBusiness.com, or by contacting them via email at Alachua.Business@gmail.com.

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HAWTHORNE ‒ A 44-year-old man from Lehigh Acres, identified as Yosvani Fernandez, has been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash, following an investigation into the death of a pedestrian in January 2022.

The fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:55 p.m. on Jan. 3, 2022, on U.S. Highway 301 in Hawthorne, just north of Northeast 77^th Lane. Fernandez, driving a semi-truck northbound on the highway, allegedly swerved onto the grass shoulder, striking 49-year-old Donna Lassiter, who was walking along the east shoulder. After the collision, Fernandez reportedly steered back onto the roadway and continued driving, failing to stop or render aid.

Lassiter was pronounced deceased about 30 minutes later at UF Health Shands.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, multiple witnesses reported the truck's erratic behavior. One witness followed the semi-truck for several miles, attempting to get the driver to stop. Witnesses noted that the truck was traveling at speeds of approximately 75 mph in a 55-mph zone, passing other vehicles.

Other witnesses stated that the semi-truck drifted off the roadway, hit Lassiter, and then swerved back onto the highway without braking. Fernandez reportedly returned to the scene of the crash commenting, “Oh, what, she has a broken ankle?” Witnesses also described Fernandez as appearing fatigued at the time.

Evidence collected at the scene further implicated Fernandez. One of Lassiter’s shoes was found in the outside travel lane, while the other was discovered entangled under the truck’s trailer.

Fernandez consented to a blood draw at the crash scene, which reportedly tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine. A toxicology expert from the UF Forensic Toxicology Laboratory stated that the results indicated recent methamphetamine use, which likely impaired Fernandez’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. The expert described the driver’s behavior and driving pattern as consistent with the negative effects of a central nervous system stimulant.

Post-Miranda, Fernandez reportedly admitted to driving the semi-truck at the time of the crash. Following a detailed investigation, a warrant was served on Fernandez on Dec. 12, 2024, charging him with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

Fernandez has a criminal history that includes one felony conviction and one misdemeanor conviction, as well as two pending felony cases in Miami-Dade County.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set Fernandez’s bail at $100,000 for the hit-and-run charge. However, he is being held without bail on the vehicular homicide charge pending a hearing on a motion filed by the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial.

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ALACHUA – A 48-year-old High Springs man, John Kada Talton II, was arrested early Sunday morning, January 26, 2025, by an Alachua Police Department (APD) officer following a traffic stop for a stop sign violation. Talton now faces multiple charges, including possession of drugs and ammunition.

The traffic stop occurred at approximately 4:55 a.m. During the stop, the officer identified Talton as the driver and registered owner of the vehicle. A records check revealed that Talton was on probation and under house arrest as part of a drug offender probation sentence. Talton’s probation had been extended to 10 years in 2022 due to multiple probation violations stemming from a Columbia County drug possession case.

While the officer attempted to contact Talton’s probation officer to confirm his house arrest status, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office K-9 team arrived on the scene. The K-9 unit alerted to the presence of illegal substances in the vehicle, prompting a search.

According to police reports, the search uncovered several items, including:

• A bag containing 0.7 grams of methamphetamine
• A methamphetamine pipe
• 27 1-mg Xanax pills in a bottle labeled for 0.5-mg Xanax, prescribed to Talton
• A single round of ammunition

After being read his Miranda rights, Talton and his passenger both denied knowledge of the items found in the vehicle. However, as the vehicle’s driver and owner, Talton was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of ammunition by a convicted felon and possession of drug paraphernalia

Talton has a lengthy criminal history, with at least six felony convictions and three state prison sentences—two from Alachua County and one from Columbia County. He was most recently released from prison in May 2022.

Bail for Talton was set at $155,000 by Judge James Colaw.

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ALACHUA ‒ A 39-year-old High Springs man tragically lost his life in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 5:27 p.m. near the Alachua exit 399-mile marker.

The man was driving a sedan northbound on I-75 when, for reasons that remain under investigation, his vehicle veered off the roadway to the right. The sedan struck an informational road sign before crashing into a tree. The impact caused significant damage to the vehicle and resulted in fatal injuries to the driver, who was the sole occupant.

Authorities confirmed that the man was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Despite this safety measure, the severity of the collision proved fatal. Emergency responders pronounced the driver deceased at the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. At this time, it is unclear whether factors such as driver error, a medical emergency, mechanical failure, or road conditions contributed to the incident.

The crash briefly impacted traffic on the northbound lanes of I-75 as emergency crews worked to clear the scene and assess the situation. Motorists in the area were advised to exercise caution during the response efforts.

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