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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs will soon have a new face sitting on its commission after Chad Howell notched a solid victory over Julie Ann Tapia-Ruano for Seat 4 in the Nov. 5, 2024, City Commission race. Howell picked up 2,432 votes (63.66 percent) to Tapia-Ruano’s 1,388 votes (36.34 percent). Howell and Tapia-Ruano were vying for a seat being vacated by Commissioner Byran Williams. Williams, a local pastor, has served as commissioner off and on numerous times over the last 24 years. Howell, 44 years old, relocated to High Springs in 2018, has been married for more than 22 years and has two daughters. By day, Howell serves as a supervisor of the Criminal Investigations Division at the Alachua Police Department.

Incumbent Commissioner Katherine Weitz beat out Sue Weller for Seat 5 on the High Springs Commission as 2,198 voters (57.90 percent) pulled the lever for Weitz while Weller garnered 1,598 votes (42.10 percent). Weller has previously served on the High Springs commission and more recently served as the liaison between the City of High Springs and the High Springs Chamber of Commerce. Weitz is currently serving as Mayor. Weitz and Howell are scheduled to be sworn into their seats at the next commission meeting, which is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2024.

Voters in High Springs also approved four Charter amendments. Amendment number 1 allows the City to update its corporate boundary in accordance with Florida law. Amendment number 2 would allow the electronic advertisement of public notices rather than in the newspaper, provided that such notices are placed five weeks in advance of the hearing. Amendment number 3 updates the oath of office for commissioners and charter officers to ensure that no person convicted of a felony or found to be mentally incompetent may run for office until restoration of civil rights or removal of disability. Amendment number 3 also permits adjustments in the City’s budget and requires the City Manager to inform the commission when revenues are expected to be outpaced by appropriations. Amendment number 4 updates the names of public parks and also allows the City’s Sports Complex to be added to a list of public owned lands.

In the race for Alachua County Sheriff, political newcomer Chad Scott appears poised to finish on top by a margin of roughly 415 votes. Scott, a Democrat, challenged sitting Republican Sheriff Emery Gainey who was appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to finish out the term of Clovis Watson, Jr. Watson announced July 31, 2023 that he would resign effective Oct. 1, 2023 amid health concerns.

While a recount is ongoing, unofficial election data shows Scott garnering 62,757 votes (46.97 percent) over Gainey’s 62,342 votes (46.66 percent). A third candidate, Pamela Marshal-Koons, with no party affiliation, picked up 8,513 votes (6.37 percent). With the margin of victory at less than one-half of one percent, a recount is mandated by law. The Alachua County Canvassing Board began meeting Sunday morning and was scheduled to continue each morning until all ballots had been recounted, which could be as late as Thursday, Nov. 14.

If Scott is declared the winner, he will assume office in January 2025.

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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce gathered with city officials, community members, and local business owners on Oct. 30, 2024, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of LisaV Company, a new addition to the heart of downtown Alachua.

Located at 14822 Main Street, LisaV Company offers curated home décor, unique furnishings, and comprehensive interior design services, aiming to bring a fresh, stylish touch to Alachua’s historic Main Street.

The ceremony drew an enthusiastic crowd, including members of the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Gib Coerper and City Commissioner Dayna Williams, who all gathered to officially welcome LisaV Company. As owner Lisa Vega, a seasoned interior designer with a passion for creative spaces, cut the ribbon, attendees applauded the arrival of a business dedicated to both beauty and functionality in home design.

Housed in a restored historic building, LisaV Company’s interior combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance. The store features carefully selected décor items, furnishings, and a variety of services to help clients bring their design visions to life. From accent pieces and textiles to larger furniture items, the collection reflects Vega’s eye for detail and dedication to quality.

Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari expressed enthusiasm about the business’s potential to attract both locals and visitors to downtown Alachua. “LisaV Company adds a wonderful touch to Main Street,” said Boukari. “It’s businesses like this that keep our downtown area thriving and unique.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded with a tour of the shop, where guests browsed the collection and discussed potential design ideas with Vega and her team. Many attendees noted the positive impact a business like LisaV Company can have in drawing visitors to the area and contributing to Alachua’s vibrant downtown culture.

LisaV Company is now open to the public, with Vega and her team ready to assist clients in finding the perfect pieces for their spaces and providing expert advice on interior design.

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ALACHUA ‒ An FFA team from Santa Fe High School brought home a prestigious Gold Emblem from the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event in Indianapolis. They joined only seven other teams nationwide in earning this top honor. This marks the first time since 1990 that Santa Fe High has achieved a gold-level emblem in a leadership development event.

The team, consisting of students Taylor Batten, Leila Ceilley, Savannah Eckert, Bryli Kuhn, Layla Parris, Alana Seals, and Taylor Trosper, presented on the agricultural impacts of bottled water in their local community. Their presentation addressed complex issues related to water resources, farming, and environmental impacts—a topic they explored through extensive research and multiple community forums.

The students presented to stakeholders including the Alachua County Farm Bureau, the Alachua County Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Springs Institute, refining their topic through community feedback.

To reach the national stage, the team first secured a win at the state competition in June, which qualified them to compete against the nation’s best FFA teams. In Indianapolis, they defended their research in front of a panel of expert judges, answering audience questions with poise.

Brian Skipper, the FFA sponsor and director of Santa Fe High’s Academy of Veterinary Assisting, praised the team’s dedication. “The students put in countless hours researching, creating a script, and practicing answering questions for this event,” said Skipper. “Because of this contest, they are all able to find reliable sources on topics, speak in front of large groups, and write academic papers.

Skipper added that these experiences would serve students well into their futures, preparing them to become informed, active citizens. The Santa Fe High FFA chapter’s success in the competition is a testament to the students' dedication and the strong agricultural education program at the school.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, the High Springs Community School (HSCS) students in grades 6-8 were able to cast their vote for President in a mock election.

After a month of informational preparation presented in each of the Social Studies classes in the 5-minute bell ringers, students were allowed to register to vote, received a voter registration card, and then, on Election Day, they presented their voter registration card and received a ballot. Students then proceeded to an official voter booth, cast their vote and finally receiving an official “I VOTED” sticker. The 5-minute bell ringers provided unbiased information on the election process in brief.

Information from the very first presidential election, to the history of voting, the primaries and caucuses were explored. Also covered were the history of the two main political parties, their symbols, and beliefs, party conventions and what happens during the campaigns.

Students also learned about the difference between the popular vote and the Electoral College, who can be President and Vice President and what to consider when choosing a candidate to support.

And finally, students learned what positions are in a Presidential Cabinet, what happens after an election, what a Lame Duck is, and what happens on Inauguration Day.

The administration and staff at HSCS played a key role in supporting this educational opportunity, with special thanks extended to the Social Studies team for grades 6-8, led by Jennifer Buckner and including Vito Montauk and Bill McMahan. Former teachers Jackie Michael and Terri Burley were also recognized for their contributions to making the program a success.

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Author Terri Burley is a former teacher of 30 years at High Springs Community School and a member of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) whose main purpose is to install a love of country, patriotism, and to inform the public on the importance of voting.

GAINESVILLE ‒ 59-year-old Newberry man, Steven Dean Webb, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, following a burglary and alleged assault at a construction site. Webb faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and burglary of an occupied dwelling after reportedly stealing copper wire and injuring the property owner during his getaway.

According to the Gainesville Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. at a house under construction in the 2800 block of Southwest 1st Avenue. The homeowner discovered Webb inside the garage, cutting copper wire from the fuse panel with a long-handled tool. When the homeowner confronted Webb and said he was calling the police, Webb fled to his car, which was parked on the street.

The homeowner attempted to take a photo of Webb through the windshield as he tried to escape. Webb allegedly accelerated, hitting the homeowner's leg with the front bumper. The victim managed to jump out of the way and was not seriously injured.

The victim also informed police that copper wire had been stolen from the property during a prior incident on Nov. 2, when Webb was caught on video walking around the house carrying the same cutting tool. Clear photographs of Webb’s face and his vehicle’s license plate led to his identification using facial recognition software. Authorities confirmed the car is registered to someone who shares an address and last name with Webb.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy apprehended Webb at his Newberry residence. Before being read his Miranda rights, Webb reportedly admitted to being at the property but claimed he was inspecting copper pipes when the homeowner jumped in front of his car, causing the collision.

Webb’s criminal history includes a violent felony conviction and a state prison sentence for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, for which he was released in 2004. He is currently on pre-trial release for driving without a valid license, with two additional notices to appear for subsequent violations of the same charge.

Judge Adam Lee has ordered Webb held without bail, pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to keep him detained until trial. The investigation into the cost of damages and theft is ongoing as the homeowner awaits an assessment from an electrician.

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ALACHUA – Main Street in Alachua was transformed into a spine-tingling tribute to Tim Burton’s classic movie “Beetlejuice” for this year’s Alachua Chamber of Commerce Scarecrow Row, drawing thousands of visitors to experience the creatively eerie decorations and celebrate the spirit of Halloween.

With a unified theme, this year’s event encouraged businesses, organizations, and community groups to craft scarecrows inspired by the iconic 1988 film, resulting in an array of imaginative and ghostly displays. Residents and visitors strolled along Main Street enjoying the spooky sights throughout October and especially during Trick or Treat on Main Street held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

After much anticipation, scarecrow display winners were announced, each entry earning praise for their attention to detail and creativity in bringing the Beetlejuice theme to life.

First Place: Alachua Business League

The Alachua Business League claimed first place with a standoutdisplay that included a scarecrow dressed as Beetlejuice himself, sporting his famous black-and-white striped suit, messy green hair, and a mischievous grin. The display captivated both fans of the movie and those new to its charm, winning over the judges.

Second Place: Optimal Station

Optimal Station took second place with their hauntingly funny “Soul Vending” machine complete with a giant and chilling sandworm emerging from the vending window.

Third Place: City of Alachua

The City of Alachua’s entry, “Maitlands’ Haunted House,” took third place, capturing the spooky charm of the Maitlands’ haunted house from the film.

The Alachua Chamber of Commerce reported a record number scarecrow display participants this year that added a new level of excitement to the annual Scarecrow Row tradition. Organizers were thrilled with the community’s participation and praised the creativity on display. “The creativity and detail in each display were amazing,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages enjoying this community event.

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