HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A 75-year-old High Springs resident has been sentenced to two years in state prison, followed by five years of probation, after pleading nolo contendere to shooting at a man who was attempting to repossess his daughter’s car.

Winzoir Van Durr entered the plea on June 10, 2024, to charges of shooting into a vehicle and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The charges carried a potential maximum sentence of 20 years, but on Nov. 25, 2024, Judge David Kreider accepted his open plea and imposed a reduced sentence.

The case stems from an incident on Feb. 14, 2023, when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call about shots fired in the 14700 block of Northwest 270th Avenue in High Springs.

According to reports, the victim—an automobile recovery agent—had gone to the residence to repossess a car. The victim told deputies that he had spoken to Durr at the front door, where Durr inquired about ways to prevent the repossession. After their conversation, Durr went back inside to retrieve what he claimed was paperwork.

As the recovery agent began to back up his vehicle to leave, he suddenly heard a "pop" and saw Durr standing near the front door, pointing a firearm at him. The agent reported hearing five more gunshots as he sped away in fear for his life.

When questioned by deputies post-Miranda, Durr admitted that he knew his daughter was behind on her car payments and acknowledged that he retrieved his gun from his office when he saw the agent taking the vehicle.

Durr initially claimed he fired a “warning shot,” but later admitted he fired three more rounds at the tires to try to stop the agent from leaving.

After spending two days in jail, Durr was released on bail and remained free until sentencing.

Durr’s case moved through the court system over the following year. On June 10, 2024, he entered a nolo contendere plea, meaning he neither admitted nor denied guilt but accepted the legal consequences of the charges.

On Nov. 25, 2024, Judge David Kreider imposed two concurrent two-year prison sentences, meaning Durr will serve both sentences simultaneously before beginning his five-year probation period.

Durr’s legal troubles also had political repercussions. Shortly after the shooting incident, he was appointed to the Alachua County Historical Commission at a Feb. 28, 2023, County Commission meeting. However, after a member of the public informed the board about his recent arrest, Commissioner Ken Cornell moved to change his vote. The board subsequently selected a different applicant to fill the position.

On his application, Durr had listed a background in the U.S. Army and previous employment with the Smithsonian Institution in Human Resources.

Durr will serve his prison sentence in a Florida state facility before beginning his five years of supervised probation.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

NEWBERRY ‒ The Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show Association has announced the highly anticipated 2025 Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show, a free event celebrating youth involvement in agriculture. The fair will take place from Feb. 27 to March 4, 2025, at the Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center, located at 23100 W. Newberry Road in Newberry.

Designed as an educational platform for young people in Alachua County, the fair provides an opportunity for 4-H and FFA members to showcase their hard work in livestock and non-livestock projects. Participants will display their skills and knowledge in areas such as animal husbandry, horticulture, and agricultural sciences, helping to preserve and promote the county’s deep-rooted agricultural traditions.

Cindy Sanders, director of UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County, emphasized the fair’s importance. “The youth fair benefits agriculture and the local community by providing an educational opportunity for youth to learn about production agriculture.

“Working with livestock and other agriculture events through the youth fair prepares future citizens of Alachua County to be knowledgeable about agriculture production and land use. This benefits Alachua County by allowing citizens to see our 4-H and FFA youth projects.”

The fair will feature a variety of livestock competitions, project exhibitions, and educational presentations. Attendees can expect to see exhibits featuring cattle, swine, goats, poultry, and rabbits, horticulture displays and gardening projects.

Additionally, the event offers interactive experiences for visitors, including youth demonstrations, educational workshops, and a chance to learn more about modern farming practices.

The fair is more than just a competition as families, educators, and business leaders come together to support the next generation of farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals.

For many youth participants, the fair is the culmination of months of dedication, responsibility, and hands-on learning. These experiences help build essential life skills, including leadership, teamwork, and business management.

Admission to the fair is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for the entire community. A complete schedule of events is available on the Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show website at https://www.acyfls.com/, where interested attendees can find details on show times, participant registration, and competition guidelines.

Whether you're a longtime supporter of local agriculture or just looking for a fun and educational event, the 2025 Alachua County Youth Fair & Livestock Show promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent and agricultural excellence.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Humane Society of North Central Florida (HSNCF) is celebrating a banner year, with significant accomplishments made possible through the generosity and support of the local community. Throughout 2024, the organization provided critical services to animals in need, connected hundreds of pets with loving homes, and engaged a vast network of dedicated volunteers and foster families.

The Humane Society shared the following achievements for 2024:

  • 1,800+ pets were welcomed into the organization’s care.
  • 1,600+ pets found loving, permanent homes.
  • 1,250+ foster families volunteered, providing pets with nurturing environments.
  • Over 65,000 hours were contributed by foster families, helping animals adjust and thrive.
  • The organization’s low-cost Vaccine & Wellness Clinic administered 4,400+ appointments to keep pets healthy.
  • The PetSnip Spay/Neuter Clinic performed more than 4,500 surgeries, helping to control the pet population.
  • Volunteers dedicated 23,400+ hours, equivalent to the work of 11 full-time staff members.
  • HSNCF provided services to 21 counties across Florida.

These milestones underscore the profound impact of community involvement and the Humane Society’s commitment to improving animal welfare in the region. From adoption success stories to critical medical interventions, every effort reflects the shared dedication of North Central Florida residents, staff, and volunteers.

“Together, we have all made 2024 a year to remember,” the Humane Society stated. “Let’s continue this lifesaving momentum into 2025!”

For those interested in volunteering, fostering, or supporting the Humane Society, information can be found on their website or by visiting their Alachua County location.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

WALDO ‒ A 39-year-old Waldo man, Jeffrey Lamar Becker, faces new charges of sexual battery on a child under 12 after a second victim came forward, adding to the allegations against him. Becker was initially arrested on December 19, 2024, and charged with sexual battery on a child over the age of 12. With the second victim’s statements, Becker now faces four additional counts of sexual battery on a victim under 12, all of which are capital felonies, along with one count of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child under 12. All are capital felonies with the addition of one count of lewd/lascivious molestation on a child under 12.

Forensic interviews with both victims reveal that the alleged abuse began when they were young children—well before puberty—and continued for approximately four to six years. The reported incidents stretch over a period of more than 10 years, with the abuse allegedly persisting until December 2024.

The allegations suggest that Becker maintained access to the victims over an extended period, raising concerns about how the abuse went undetected for so long. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed how the victims are connected to Becker, citing privacy concerns, but noted that the abuse reportedly took place in multiple locations over the years.

This is not Becker’s first encounter with the legal system on allegations involving children. In March 2022, he was arrested for child abuse after allegedly choking a child, but the charge was later dropped. It is unclear whether the victim in that case is connected to the current allegations.

On December 27, 2024, Judge David Kreider granted a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold Becker without bail pending trial on the first set of charges. Prosecutors have now filed notice that they intend to seek the same no-bail status in the second case involving the additional victim.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

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.Vickers Wurefuel Sister Hazel of Year474714319 10170940564675512 2160405240132633971 n

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

HIGH SPRINGS – A new Christian-based private school is coming to High Springs as Deeper Purpose Christian Academy (DPCA) prepares to welcome its first group of students in August 2025.

To provide families with more information about enrollment and program details, DPCA scheduled a Parent Interest Meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. at Deeper Purpose Community Church Worship & Resource Center, 19975 N.W. 244th Street, Unit 30, High Springs, next to Subway.

For the Fall 2025 school year, DPCA will serve students in Kindergarten through Third Grade, with plans for future expansion. Topics covered in the meeting include school location and classroom setup, academic calendar and daily schedule, curriculum and courses of study, strategic plan for growth, teacher qualifications, dress code, illness and discipline policies, and tuition, payment options and scholarship opportunities.

DPCA is a Ministry of Deeper Purpose Community Church, Inc., operating alongside the well-established Deeper Purpose Kids Academy Preschool, which has been serving families in the community.

The mission of Deeper Purpose Christian Academy is to expand learning opportunities for God’s children while providing a strong academic foundation rooted in faith-based principles.

DPCA aims to help students achieve excellence in both education and character development, preparing them for future success in school, life, and faith.

Families seeking additional details about DPCA’s Christian-based curriculum, enrollment process, and tuition options can visit the Deeper Purpose Christian Academy Facebook Page.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

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.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

Add a comment

More Articles ...