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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce has awarded $22,000 in grants to six local organizations, providing crucial funding to support educational initiatives, youth programs, and community development efforts. The funding was made possible through the Chamber’s annual SportsFest Golf Tournament, held at the Turkey Creek Golf Course in Alachua.

The grant recipients include Irby Elementary, Alachua Elementary, Santa Fe High PTSA, Santa Fe High School Hospitality Council, a joint Mebane Middle/Kiwanis Club initiative, and the City of Alachua Recreation Department. These organizations will utilize the funds to encourage positive student behavior, improve school attendance, enhance career awareness programs, and provide scholarships in sports, arts, history, and robotics.

During the most recent Chamber Luncheon, a record-breaking crowd gathered to celebrate the contributions of the SportsFest Golf Tournament and the impact of the grants. With standing-room-only attendance, the luncheon underscored the community’s strong support for local youth and educational initiatives.

SportsFest Golf Tournament Chair Shelley Vickers highlighted the importance of the event, emphasizing the lasting impact it has on the next generation. “Our community came together to celebrate the incredible work the Alachua Chamber is doing for our youth,” said Vickers. “The energy in the room was incredible, proving once again the Alachua Chamber’s commitment to uplifting our community’s future leaders.”

The Sportsfest golf tournament takes place annually the Saturday before Father’s Day and is a collaboration between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, community partners, and local businesses. The golf tournament not only serves as a competitive and enjoyable day for participants but also plays a key role in raising funds to benefit local schools and community programs. Businesses that sponsor the event gain visibility while directly contributing to initiatives that strengthen the educational and recreational opportunities available to Alachua’s youth.

The Chamber’s commitment to investing in the future of Alachua remains evident through these grant awards. “These funds will directly impact our youth by promoting positive behavior, increasing school attendance, boosting career awareness, and funding scholarships in sports, arts, history, and robotics,” said Vickers.

By fostering community partnerships and supporting youth-centered programs, the Chamber continues to play a vital role in enhancing not only economic development but educational opportunities as well.

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ALACHUA – A 22-year-old Alachua man has been sentenced to two life terms following a jury conviction for first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery in connection with a 2022 shooting at One 51 Apartments.

On Dec. 9, 2022, at approximately 6:40 p.m., multiple 911 callers reported gunshots at One 51 Apartments, located at 15139 NW 150^th Road. Alachua Police Department (APD) officers arrived within minutes and discovered shell casings near a white Nissan Altima, which was later determined to belong to the victim. Nearby, officers found a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his left side. The victim, identified as 22-year-old Jaquan Robinson, was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased by paramedics.

As officers and paramedics responded to the scene, a separate 911 call came from a man reporting that he had been shot in the back. Officers located Lacorrin Raheem Calhoun in a pasture adjacent to building 15139 with a gunshot wound near his armpit. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition and met by law enforcement. While in the hospital, Calhoun refused to speak with officers and was released a few days later.

Following an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division, authorities determined that Calhoun had attempted to steal marijuana from Robinson, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Detectives identified Calhoun as the primary aggressor, leading to an arrest warrant. On Dec. 22, 2022, Calhoun was taken into custody after an interview at the Alachua Police Department.

The trial, prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ryan Nagel and Glenn Bryan, lasted five days. The jury deliberated for just over four hours before returning a guilty verdict for first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery. Calhoun was found not guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. Prior to the trial, Calhoun had entered a plea of nolo contendere to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

On March 11, 2025, Judge David Kreider sentenced Calhoun to life in prison for first-degree murder, a capital felony carrying a maximum penalty of death. Calhoun was also sentenced to life in prison for attempted armed robbery resulting in death, classified as a second-degree felony with an enhanced penalty due to his status as a habitual felony offender. In addition, he received a 30-year prison sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Calhoun’s attorney has filed an appeal of the conviction and sentencing.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – The future of a landmark building on North East Waldo Road is in jeopardy as the City of Gainesville eyes the property for a recreational complex around Citizens Field Stadium.

Ninety-two-year-old Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 was recently contacted by the economic development office of the city, and advised that some or all of the veteran organization’s home may have to make way for a planned development.  Under a more detailed proposal sent this week, the post’s building may need to be demolished to build a revitalized municipal sports and multiuse park.

Surrounded in the post’s main meeting hall by military memorabilia stretching from World War II to the present day, regular VFW members and the auxiliary discussed the new challenges now facing the local veterans’ organization.  It was the main topic at the post’s general membership meeting March 13. 

“In general, we’re all for the idea of progress, but my first responsibility is to the post and its membership,” said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Bn, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard.  “Most of us are local veterans, and live close to the post.  This part of the city has needed something like this for quite some time.”

According to one proposal submitted by the city, a new and larger competition-style swimming pool will replace the Dwight H. Hunter Pool.  Next to that, a bigger Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Purpose Center is planned, as well as walking and jogging trails, and outdoor tennis and pickleball courts.

Also under consideration is a playground and multi-purpose fields.  In all, the Citizens Field Revitalization Project will cover approximately 36 acres.

“This is the type of thing we like to see here,” said VFW Post 2811 Commander Jim Johnson, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam.  “I’m glad that the city is making us part of the planning stage, and reached out to us.”

Alachua County VFW Post 2811 was contacted by the City of Gainesville under a schedule of public and stakeholder engagement meetings.  City officials intend to make a more detailed presentation - as well as a question-and-answer session - to post and auxiliary members within the next two months.

Until that time, the post is considering its options.  These would include seeing if some of the property could be set aside to build a new post home, relocating the post to a new venue, merging with another post, or turning in the post’s charter.

“The last thing on our minds is folding the post,” said Owen.  “Our mission here and our history in the community is too important.”

Founded 125 years ago, the VFW is essentially a grassroots organization, with posts like the Alachua County one at the local level, districts at the regional level, and departments at the state level, as well as national leadership.  Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 has been active since May 21, 1933.  It has approximately 200 members.

The quartermaster gave an example of the post’s outreach to fellow veterans.

“A couple Wednesdays ago, a homeless veteran arrived here with his family,” Owen said.  “Their car had broken down, and they literally walked in here because they had nowhere else to turn to before they could secure an apartment within a few days.  The post paid for them to stay in a hotel until they were able to get a more permanent place to live.”

“This is what we’re here for,” Johnson said.  “We honor the sacrifices made by our fellow veterans by helping those in need.  If we were just another social club, we wouldn’t be so driven to continue in this community.  We’re hoping everything works out for the best.”

Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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GAINESVILLE – A 63-year-old Archer man was arrested early Saturday, March 15, 2025, and charged with stealing a Freightliner truck from his former employer, LDH Trucking Company.

Lucious James Hines, Sr. was taken into custody at approximately 12:48 a.m. after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop on Northeast Waldo Road. The deputy identified the vehicle as one that had been reported stolen by a trucking company based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

According to law enforcement, Hines stated post-Miranda that he had been hauling truckloads for approximately two weeks and had returned home for a day off on March 13. He claimed to have informed his employer of his intention to resign in order to work for his cousin’s trucking company and denied stealing the truck.

The owner of LDH Trucking Company told deputies that he had terminated Hines on March 13. He stated that Hines had returned the truck to the company’s dirt lot in Charlotte and had also turned in the keys. However, when a cleaning crew arrived the following day, the truck was no longer there. The owner reported the vehicle stolen to the Charlotte Police Department but initially provided incorrect vehicle information. Later, he provided GPS tracking data from a device installed on the truck, which led authorities to Hines.

Charlotte police confirmed that the victim was the registered owner of the Freightliner and identified Hines as the suspect in their report.

Hines has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle. Court records indicate that he has 21 prior felony convictions, including four classified as violent, along with seven misdemeanor convictions, four of which were violent. He has previously served five state prison sentences, with the most recent ending in 2013.

Judge Luis Bustamante ordered Hines to be held on $10,000 bail.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ The Children’s Trust of Alachua County will host an Open House and Building Dedication event on March 29, 2025, celebrating its new building location and inviting the public to learn more about its mission and funded programs. The event will take place at the Children’s Trust Office, located at 4010 N.W. 25^th Place in Gainesville, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the community to the Children’s Trust,” said Executive Director Marsha Kiner. “Our Open House and Building Dedication Event is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our connection with the families and community members we serve.”

The Children’s Trust was established in 2018 following voter approval of a referendum aimed at creating and funding community services for children, youth, and families. Since its inception, the organization has supported 80 community programs designed to advance its mission of ensuring the well-being of young people and their families. In 2024 alone, these programs served 25,583 individuals, including 21,118 children, 3,958 parents, and 606 professionals.

The event will begin with remarks from Kiner and Board Chair Ken Cornell, who also serves as an Alachua County Commissioner. They will share insights on the establishment of the Children’s Trust and the significance of the Open House and Building Dedication. Program providers and participants will also speak about the impact of the Children’s Trust on their organizations and personal success stories.

At noon, the official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place, marking a commitment to fostering strong community ties in support of children, youth empowerment, and family stability. A building dedication led by local faith leaders will follow, reinforcing the organization’s mission of ensuring that children in Alachua County are healthy, receive quality education, and live in safe environments.

The remainder of the afternoon will feature a variety of free activities, including food, bounce houses, musical and circus performances, and special appearances from beloved characters Bluey and UF mascot Alberta Gator.

“Everyone is welcome to join us,” Kiner said. “We’re looking forward to celebrating this milestone with the community and sharing this special moment together.”

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry will hold its annual municipal election on April 8, 2025, giving residents the opportunity to select their mayor and two city commissioners. The election will take place at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Newberry’s municipal elections are held each year, with all seats elected at-large and on a nonpartisan basis. Officials serve two-year terms, with Groups I, II, and III elected in even-numbered years and Groups IV, V, and the mayor elected in odd-numbered years.

This year’s election will determine the representatives for the following seats, currently held by:

• Mayor: Jordan Marlowe
• Commissioner Group IV: Tim Marden
• Commissioner Group V: Tony Mazon

Qualified Candidates for the 2025 Election

The following candidates have completed the qualifying requirements and will appear on the ballot:

• Mayor: Joy Glanzer, Tim Marden
• Commissioner Group IV: Donald Long, Steve Panaghi
• Commissioner Group V: Rosa Marie Campbell, Tonio (Tony) Mazon

To participate in the election, residents must be registered to vote with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections. The voter registration deadline was March 10, 2025. Those who are already registered are encouraged to verify or update their registration at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or by contacting the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections at VoteAlachua.com.

Residents unsure whether they live within Newberry’s city limits can check their address using Alachua County’s Map Genius tool at mapgenius.alachuacounty.us. A Newberry mailing address does not necessarily mean residency within the incorporated city limits.

On April 8, all City of Newberry residents may vote in person at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, located at 25420 W Newberry Road. Voters must bring a photo ID with a signature to cast their ballot.

Newberry does not offer early voting for municipal elections. However, residents may request a vote-by-mail ballot through the city’s website at newberryfl.gov.

For questions regarding the election, residents can contact City Clerk Judy Rice at 352-472-2446.

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