Local

NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission met July 8, 2024, to consider rates for the upcoming fiscal year. Of the five-member commission, Commissioner Mark Clark was not in attendance.

Newberry Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Dallas Lee proposed Resolution 2024-28, a preliminary Fire Assessment. Summarizing calls received for services, Lee said there had been 1,180 total calls for EMS and fire-related issues in the past year. Breaking down those calls by category, Lee reported that EMS service calls numbered 882, while 308 had been for fire services with another 88 for non-specific fire calls.

This year, rather than only identifying calls and fees by category such as residential, commercial, industrial/warehouse, the City weighted the calls using two factors; average call duration and average personnel response. Results of the new methodology revealed that the Industrial/Warehouse category made up 13.26 percent of the calls, which was the largest category except for residential properties. Using this weighted process, Industrial/Warehouse calls showed a difference of 11.62 percent.

“A special assessment for fire services can only be used to fund personnel costs, capital improvements, equipment and other costs related to responding to fire/non-medical emergencies and maintaining readiness to respond to fire/non-medical emergencies through staffing, training, procuring and maintaining facilities and equipment,” said Lee during his presentation.

The Commission voted 3 – 1, with Commissioner Monty Farnsworth casting the dissenting vote, to continue with a $200 assessment per Residential Dwelling Unit for Fiscal Year 2024-25. Rates will be charged for Commercial properties at $0.24 per square foot, Industrial/Warehouse properties will be charged $0.25 per square foot and Institutional properties will be charged at $0.06 per square foot.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Interstate-75 southbound in Alachua County was the scene of several accidents on July 4, 2024. Around 5 a.m. on July 4, 2024, units from Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) and Gainesville Fire Rescue were dispatched to a reported vehicle accident on I-75 southbound, at the 386-mile marker. First units to arrive on scene reported there was a two-vehicle accident, off the roadway, with heavy damage.

First responders confirmed that one victim needed to be extricated from one of the vehicles. Crews deployed rescue tools, including the “Jaws of Life,” and safely extricated the victim from the heavily damaged vehicle.

The rescue lasted less than 20 minutes with the individual reported to have only minor injuries. No other injuries to any other parties were reported, and the accident is being investigated by Florida Highway Patrol.

On the same day only a few hours later at 11 a.m., a serious vehicle accident occurred on I-75 southbound near the 389-mile marker, once again necessitating a multi-agency emergency response.

Units from ACFR and Gainesville Fire Rescue were dispatched to the scene following reports of a two-vehicle collision involving a passenger car and a semi-truck.

Upon arrival, first responders found both vehicles off the roadway, heavily damaged and entangled in the tree line. The semi-truck required urgent attention as one of the occupants was trapped inside the wreckage. The complex extrication process, which involved the use of rescue tools such as the "Jaws of Life," took nearly two hours to complete.

The extrication was very complex and rigorous reported an ACFR spokesperson. Responding crews worked tirelessly to safely remove the victim from the heavily damaged semi-truck.

Once extricated, the individual was airlifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment. The specifics of their condition have not been disclosed.

Adding to the complexity of the rescue, the semi-truck's cargo posed a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) risk. Specialized teams were deployed to manage and mitigate the situation, ensuring the safety of both the responders and the public.

In light of these incidents, ACFR officials have reiterated the importance of safety precautions on the road, including the use of seatbelts.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ On June 18, 2024, the National Association of Conservation Districts Southeastern Region honored Archie Matthews, a longtime member and officer of the Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District Board, by inducting him into the Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame.

Matthews has dedicated 40 years of service to the District Board, holding roles as Supervisor and Secretary/Treasurer. His commitment extends beyond local efforts, having served as Treasurer, President-Elect, President, Area Deputy Vice-President, and Parliamentarian for the Association of Florida Conservation Districts.

During the induction ceremony, a presentation video highlighted Matthews' life and contributions. Raised on a farm where he still resides, Matthews reflected on the evolution of farming practices and the influence of his parents and grandparents, who instilled in him the importance of land stewardship. “If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us,” Matthews said.

In his remarks, Matthews recounted how local farmer and cattlewoman Belle Jeffords invited him to join the board, a position he never anticipated holding for four decades. His enduring commitment has been a testament to his dedication to conservation and community service.

The Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District, comprised of five elected Supervisors, is committed to providing conservation information and education to farmers, ranchers, and homeowners throughout Alachua County. The Board meets on the last Monday evening of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Alachua.

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WALDO ‒ A 52-year-old Waldo man was arrested on Friday, July 5, 2024, and charged with attempted homicide after allegedly trying to choke his wife.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy was called to the home of Rolando Perez at approximately 7:44 a.m., responding to a call about a possible suicide attempt at the Perez’s home in Waldo.

Perez’s wife reportedly told the deputy she had been sleeping when Perez pulled the blanket off her. She said she thought he was intentionally waking her up and asked him to stop, but he immediately sat on her and began choking her. She said she lost consciousness for an unknown amount of time before a juvenile family member intervened, separated the couple and escorted Perez to a different room.

The deputy reported that the victim’s injuries were consistent with her account of the incident. She was subsequently transported to an emergency room for medical treatment.

Post Miranda, Perez reportedly said that when he woke up that morning, he decided he was going to kill his wife and then reportedly described the incident in detail.

Perez reportedly said that when his wife regained consciousness, she tried to get away from him, and he chased her, grabbed her from behind and tried to choke her again until the juvenile family member walked in and told him to stop.

Perez also reportedly said he released the victim and went into the kitchen, where he armed himself with a knife to end his own life, but another family member took the knife from him and held him against the couch until the deputy arrived.

Perez reportedly told the deputy that if the juvenile family member had not walked in, he would have killed his wife. He reportedly could not explain why he woke up with the urge to kill his wife.

Perez has no local criminal history.

Judge Jonathan Ramsey ordered Perez held with bail.

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~Youth Council highlights July 4 with patriotic flag displays~

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ In anticipation of the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, the High Springs Mayor’s Youth Council has taken the initiative to adorn the city with a patriotic display of flags. Spearheaded by Mayor Katherine Weitz and Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth, along with the enthusiastic participation of local Boy Scout Troop 69, the youth council embarked on a collaborative effort to line the streets with American flags.

The project was made possible through the generous donation of flags by ACE Hardware, a gesture that was crucial in bringing this community initiative to life. Elva Bryant played a pivotal role in coordinating the logistics, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned and executed.

“This is more than just a display of flags; it's a symbol of our community coming together to celebrate our nation’s independence,” remarked Mayor Weitz, emphasizing the significance of civic engagement among the youth.

The flag display not only adds a festive touch to the city streets but also serves as a reminder of the values and freedoms cherished by the residents of High Springs. As the Fourth of July approaches, residents can look forward to a vibrant display of patriotism, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Mayor's Youth Council, local officials, community volunteers, and supportive businesses.

The Mayor's Youth Council is composed of students in grades 8-12 who live within the city limits of High Springs. Students interested in applying for a future opening on the Mayor's Youth Council, can complete the form at https://www.highsprings.gov/city-commission/page/mayors-youth-council and return it to the City Commission office, Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. located on the second floor of City Hall, 23718 W U.S. Highway 27.

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