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NEWBERRY - The Newberry City Commission on July 22, 2024, finalized annexation of three property parcels totaling in 44.61 acres. All three annexations were voluntarily requested by the owners and all three properties were located contiguous to the City of Newberry boundaries. The City Commission unanimously approved all three annexations on second and final reading.

City Ordinance 2024-16, a petition by Jamie and Steve Nelson, provided for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land of 4.76 acres and is located at 1318 S.W. 226^th Street, Newberry.

City Ordinance 2024-17, a petition by Daniel Shore, provided for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land consisting of 9.85 acres and is located at 17406 S.W. 46^th Avenue, Archer.

City Ordinance 2024-19, a petition by Paul and Pamela Smith, provided for the voluntary annexation of a parcel of land consisting of 30 acres and is located at 3201 N.W. 202^nd Street, Newberry.

Any future development of the smaller two land parcels will fall under the jurisdiction of the City of Newberry However, the 30-acre parcel is located in the Alachua County Growth Management District, and falls under Alachua County’s development jurisdiction.

In other City business, the City Commission set the 2023-24 preliminary millage rate at 6.0 mills, which would be an increase of $20 per year to properties worth $200,000. Setting the millage rate at 6.0 mills at this time gives flexibility to the Commission to reduce the millage rate when setting the final rate. When Alachua County sends out Truth in Millage information to Newberry’s property owners, it will be at the 6.0 millage rate. The previous year’s millage rate was set at 5.9 mills. A millage rate is one-tenth of a percent, which equates to $1 in taxes for every $1,000 in home value.

The Commission stated the possibility of a future assessment, which will include an amount for paving City roads, including the paving of Southwest 46^th Road. If the proposed assessment moves forward, the measure would be put before the electorate to vote on at the next city-wide election, which will be held in April 2025.

Turning to other matters, the Commission voted unanimously to approve an Interlocal Agreement between Alachua County and the City for Emergency Addressing Services. The agreement formalizes the switch from paper to electronic processing of address requests. The City is currently utilizing the electronic address request portal hosted by E-911 Addressing.

This Interlocal Agreement replaces an existing agreement between the City and E-911 Addressing from 1999. The agreement does not create additional responsibilities or fiscal impact for the City, but it does update the method of addressing. Approval by the City sends the agreement back to Alachua County for to finalize the agreement.

Looking toward upcoming business in August, Commissioner Tony Mazon has been named as the 2024 Florida League of Cities voting delegate to act on the City’s behalf during the Florida League of Cities Annual Conference to be held in Hollywood, Florida Aug. 15-17. “The City Budget for 2024 includes funding for elected officials to attend this conference,” said City Manager Mike New. Election of League leadership and adoption of resolutions are undertaken during the business meeting portion of the conference.

The City will hold another budget workshop on Aug. 6, 2024. City Manager New reported that Newberry will receive a $350,000 matching grant to upgrade the old electric plant. The grant matches the $350,000 previously set aside by the City for renovations on the facility. New said whoever rents the building will be responsible for making sure the equipment works inside.

New also discussed a recent downtown strategies meeting in which the City mostly listened to community input. He indicated the meeting began with a walking tour of the downtown area. “We expect a report on the workshop in seven to eight weeks,” New said.

New also said the City will be holding a groundbreaking ceremony for City Hall in August or September of this year.

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ALACHUA ‒ While the Alachua-High Springs area is renowned for its stunning springs that draw visitors from around the globe, there’s another natural marvel that captivates thousands of passersby on I-75 and U.S. Highway 441. Nestled in southern Alachua County, Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park stands as a shining example of Florida’s rich ecological and geological diversity.

Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park stands as a testament to Florida’s diverse natural beauty. This expansive 22,000-acre park, often referred to simply as Payne’s Prairie, offers visitors a unique glimpse into the state's ecological and geological richness.

The park offers visitors an opportunity to explore its natural beauty through a network of trails and boardwalks. The park features several hiking and biking trails that wind through its varied landscapes. The 16-mile Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, which runs through the park, offers an excellent opportunity for cyclists and walkers to experience the area’s diverse environments.

One of the park's most popular attractions is the observation tower located near the park's entrance. The tower provides panoramic views of the prairie, allowing visitors to take in the expansive vistas and spot wildlife from a higher vantage point. The experience is especially breathtaking at sunrise and sunset, when the changing light casts a magical glow over the landscape.

Birdwatching enthusiasts will find Payne’s Prairie a paradise. The park is home to an impressive array of avian species, including the majestic American bald eagle, the stately sandhill crane, and the vibrant roseate spoonbill. These and other bird species make the park a must-visit destination for nature lovers throughout the year.

Among the park’s other wildlife attractions, the numerous alligators are particularly popular. These reptiles, often seen cruising partially submerged in the park’s waterways, provide a thrilling sight for visitors.

But Payne’s Prairie is not just a recreational haven as it also plays a critical role in regional ecology. The park’s wetlands are essential for water filtration, flood control, and groundwater recharge.

The park also provides a range of amenities, including hiking and biking trails, campsites with electric and water hookups, primitive and equestrian camping, fishing, and geo-seeking opportunities. Whether you’re interested in a leisurely stroll, an adventurous bike ride, or a serene camping experience, Payne’s Prairie has something to offer.

Open year-round from 8 a.m. until sundown, Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park offers an affordable outing for everyone. Entrance fees are just $6 per vehicle (for two to eight people), $4 for single occupant vehicles, and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, and additional passengers in vehicles with an Annual Individual Entrance Pass holder. This affordable pricing makes the park a great value compared to many other attractions.

For those planning a visit, it’s a good idea to check the park’s website for up-to-date information on trail conditions, guided tours, and special events. Visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/and navigate to Payne’s Prairie Preserve State Park for more details. The park’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife are sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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ALACHUA ‒ Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS) announced on July 18, 2024, a significant change to the Early Release Wednesdays schedule, effective with the upcoming 2024-25 school year starting on Aug. 12. Under the newly approved plan, Early Release Wednesdays will be limited to the third Wednesday of each month.

In a written statement, ACPS Spokesperson Jackie Johnson explained, “Under an agreement between Alachua County Public Schools and the Alachua County Education Association, which represents most district employees, early release Wednesdays will be limited to the third Wednesday of each month for the 2024-25 school year.”

The change will impact all elementary schools in the district, as well as students at High Springs Community School, A. Quinn Jones School, and Sidney Lanier School, which follow the early release schedule. The newly-reopened Duval Early Learning Academy for prekindergarten students will also be affected.

Previously, students at the affected schools were released 68 minutes early every Wednesday, allowing time for teacher planning, meetings, and other activities. ACPS Superintendent Shane Andrew noted that the new schedule will add approximately six days of instructional time to the school year. Teachers will have planning time on regular Wednesdays while their students are in other classes.

“We appreciate ACEA’s willingness to work with us on this change,” said Superintendent Andrew. “It will give our students much more direct instructional time, which is critical to raising their academic achievement.”

Johnson also mentioned that in March 2025, the early release Wednesday will be on the fourth Wednesday, March 26, to avoid conflicting with the public school spring break.

A full schedule of start and dismissal times for the upcoming school year, including early release Wednesdays, is available at the School Board of Alachua County's website at https://www.sbac.edu/schoolhours. Johnson confirmed that families have been notified of the change through email, phone, and text messages for those who opted into the district’s texting notification system.

The decision has sparked controversy among some parents, caregivers, and the public. With the new school year just weeks away, many parents are scrambling to adjust their schedules to accommodate the School Board’s decision.

Concerns have been raised about the lack of parental involvement in the decision-making process and the impact on families' ability to maintain regularly scheduled appointments on early release Wednesdays. Additionally, some foresee challenges in keeping track of the third Wednesday of the month, predicting that students might be left at school as parents and caregivers adjust to the new schedule.

Despite the controversy, ACPS appears determined to adhere to the once-a-month Early Release Wednesday plan, emphasizing the benefits of increased instructional time for students.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On July 14, 2024, at Camp Kulaqua, a 45-year-old woman was saved from a near-drowning incident thanks to the swift actions of four off-duty personnel from the High Springs Fire Department and a vigilant lifeguard.

The woman experienced a sudden medical emergency, causing her to go under the water for about 20 seconds. Fortunately, Lieutenant Kim Wilson, Firefighter Chris Tatum, Chief Joe Peters, Captain Kevin Pearson, and lifeguard Ben Bache were nearby and quickly sprang into action.

When the lifeguard blew the whistle to signal distress, firefighters rushed to help. They found the lifeguard already initiating the rescue and joined in, taking over patient care without hesitation.

Chief Joe Peters described the critical moments, “We assessed the woman's condition as soon as we got her out of the water. At first, we couldn't detect a pulse,” said Chief Peters. “Firefighter Tatum performed chest compressions, and after only four compressions, the woman began coughing up water and regained consciousness.”

The patient was taken to UF Health Shands as a trauma alert due to the time she spent submerged. She remained conscious and breathing during transport, with no additional injuries reported.

“Had the lifeguard and our off-duty guys not acted as quickly as they did, this story may have had a very different ending,” said Firefighter/Paramedic Michael Rivers, who responded to the call.

Camp Kulaqua management praised the collaborative effort, emphasizing the crucial role of preparedness and rapid emergency response. They commended the High Springs Fire Department and lifeguard for their bravery and professionalism, stating that their quick actions undoubtedly saved a life.

“This incident reminds us of the importance of being prepared, acting swiftly in emergencies and swimming in areas with lifeguards,” said High Springs Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan.

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ALACHUA ‒ On July 23, 2024, the Alachua City Commission granted preliminary plat approval for the 198-acre Tara Forest West development, which will feature 523 single-family homes along with common areas and right-of-way to be constructed in six phases. Approval came with a 3-1 vote by the Commission.

The proposed development is situated east of the Tara Forest East and Tara Baywood subdivisions, north of U.S. Highway 441, and south of the Dogwood Acres subdivision. The lot sizes will range from 7,294 square feet to 19,841 square feet, with most lots estimated to be around 7,500 square feet.

The meeting saw considerable attendance from Dogwood Acres residents, six of whom voiced their concerns regarding the development. A total of eight people expressed their disapproval of the proposed development. These concerns included the potential loss of the area's rural character, increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts on Mill Creek Sink, light and sound pollution, and the loss of wildlife.

The City of Alachua Planning and Zoning Board had previously voted 3-1 on June 11, 2024, to forward the application to the City Commission with a recommendation to approve. An additional condition was included regarding the placement of fencing along the project's border with Dogwood Acres. The Board also voted 3-1 in favor of a special exception permitting stormwater ponds in areas zoned for agriculture.

Historically, the property has been used for agriculture and silviculture, with pine trees planted from 2004 until 2020 when they were harvested. Before 2004, the site featured open pasture with scattered tree lines and wooded areas dating back to 1964.

Residents expressed concerns about the loss of the small rural community feel, increased traffic congestion, environmental impacts on the nearby Mill Creek Sink, light and sound pollution, and loss of wildlife. In response, JBrown Professional Group, Inc., representing the property owner Tara Forest, LLC, addressed environmental concerns by highlighting retention basins designed to filter and treat stormwater runoff from both the new development and Dogwood Acres. The preliminary plat includes 13 common areas, with the largest on the west side serving as stormwater retention and detention areas, as well as housing amenities such as pools, a splashpad, tennis and basketball courts and pavilions for the development.

To address concerns about lot sizes and density, the City of Alachua Land Development Regulations (LDRs) require that lots abutting Dogwood Acres be larger than other lots in the development. Most of these lots, except for Lot 468, will be at least 10,000 square feet in size and 100 feet in width. Additionally, a fence will be installed between Tara Forest West and Dogwood Acres.

The development will feature one access connection to U.S. Highway 441 completed during Phase 1, with an additional connection required by Phase 4. Further interconnections will be made as the project and adjacent developments (Tara Forest East, Tara Baywood, and Tara Phoenicia) progress.

Tara Forest West will connect to City of Alachua potable water and wastewater facilities. An impact analysis on public facilities, including transportation, potable water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, and public schools, has been conducted and meets the requirements set by governing agencies.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission on July 11, 2024, approved on second reading an ordinance calling for a referendum to be placed on the Nov. 5, 2024, ballot. Amendments included in the referendum were proposed by the City’s Charter Review Committee and approved on first reading at the June 27, 2024, City Commission meeting. Citizens will have an opportunity on Nov. 5 to cast their votes in support of or against the amendments.

The July 11 Commission vote on the matter passed 3 – 2 with Commissioners Tristan Grunder and Byran Williams casting the dissenting votes. Both expressed their opinion previously on first reading on June 27, 2024, that all of the items initially proposed by the Charter Review Committee should be on the ballot. Several Charter Review Committee amendments were voted down by the Commission at the June 27 meeting. Of the eight amendments proposed by the Charter Review committee, the four that will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot are:

Updating Corporate Boundary to that of the present-day boundary and provide for the ability of the City to change its boundary as prescribed by law.

Updating Public Notice Requirements to allow for electronic advertisement of public notices in the event the City has followed the requirements of Fla. Stat. 50.0311 and require five weeks of online publication in the event of electronic advertisement.

Updating Oath of Office and Ability to Alter Appropriations and Reductions to require commissioners and charter officers to assert they are not precluded from holding office pursuant to Article VI, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution prior to taking office, and allow the City Commission to make supplemental appropriations or reductions and require the City Manager to inform the City Commission when revenues will be insufficient to meet appropriation amounts.

Updating Public Owned Lands to update the names of public parks and add the Sports Complex to the list of public owned lands.

Four of the amendments initially proposed by the Charter Review Committee will not appear on the ballot. At the June 27 meeting, some Commissioners expressed the need to review the remaining recommendations in more detail prior to placing them on the ballot. Another reason also expressed was the large number of amendments for voters to consider on the November ballot. Some Commissioners also voiced concern that voters may tire of reading all of them and skip the City Charter items.

The Commission passed in a 4 - 1 vote on July 11, that the Charter amendments not included on the ballot will come before the Commission again for consideration at the Commission’s second meeting in January 2025. Grunder casting the dissenting vote.

Charter Review Committee recommendations which will not be on this year’s ballot are: Commissioners, Voting, and Notice; Commissioner Salary, Mayor Term, and Unified Commission to Instruct City Manager; Adding Forfeiture of Office Section; and Disallowing Individual to Serve as both Manager and Clerk, Residency Requirements for City Manager and Candidates.

Of the failed recommendations, issues regarding forfeiture of office and censuring a commissioner for not adhering to the Charter appeared to be of most concern. At the June 27, 2024 commission meeting, several commissioners and a few audience members along with Commissioner Andrew Miller expressed concern about that proposed charter amendment.

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