Local

NEWBERRY ‒ At its Dec. 9, 2024, the Newberry City Commission heard updates about a road maintenance program. Peter Napoli of Stantec presented an overview of a proposed Road Maintenance Assessment Program in response to the Commission’s request during the FY 2025 budget process. Napoli outlined how non-ad valorem special assessments could generate revenue to maintain and improve roads and other infrastructure.

Napoli detailed the two-pronged legal test required to impose such assessments. There must be a special benefit and fair apportionment. The special benefit is applicable if the property derives a tangible benefit from the improvements. The fair apportionment benefit requires that the assessment be distributed equitably among the properties receiving the benefit.

Using Newberry’s residential and non-residential property data, Napoli proposed a calculation model. He provided examples of ways in which the properties might benefit from the assessment and subsequent improvement. One assessment calculation listed a benefit of 4,754 assessment units with the total revenue needed for road improvements at $1.325 million. Residential properties were assessed per parcel while non-residential properties were assessed per 1,000 square feet of space. He calculated the amount per parcel and per 1,000 sq. ft. at $278 per year.

Napoli outlined collection methods of direct billing or inclusion on the property tax rolls via the Alachua County Tax Collector. The City will host a workshop on Dec. 16, 2024 to discuss the proposal further. No vote was taken at this meeting.

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved a preliminary plat for Country Way South Phase 2. A Quasi-Judicial public hearing addressed the application by CHW, acting on behalf of Norfleet Properties LLP, to approve construction plans for Phase 2 of the Country Way South subdivision. The 10.22-acre project will feature 35 single-family homes and a common area west of U.S. 27/State Road 45. Advisory comments accompanying the plat approval included provision of lift station details and compliance with FDOT lighting standards for site and street lighting. Additional comments included resolution of electric design at construction plan approval and inclusion of a perimeter buffer in the construction plan.

After the regular commission meeting, the Commission transitioned into a CRA meeting. CRA Coordinator Uma Sarmistha introduced Chelsea Bakaitis as the new CRA Specialist, highlighting her previous experience.

Sarmistha presented a market analysis by Downtown Strategies, a consultant who was hired to help develop an action plan for Newberry downtown/CRA. Mayor Jordan Marlowe expressed disappointment in the analysis, citing a lack of implementation strategies.

In final business of the evening and by unanimous vote, the Commission authorized the City Manager to offer $101,000 for land along Seaboard Drive. This property is expected to play a key role in future redevelopment initiatives.

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HAWTHORNE – On Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) responded to a significant accident at a railroad crossing in the city of Hawthorne.

A train collided with two semi-trucks at a railway crossing causing a major incident. One person was injured and transported to Shands Hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

While one of the semi-trucks sustained only minor damage, the other semi-truck, which bore the brunt of the impact, was visibly crushed in the front, with its engine compartment almost entirely destroyed.

The freight train, still on the tracks, sustained impact damage, while the semi’s trailer remained partially intact but displaced. The force of the impact led to a complete blockage of the railway and intersection, causing a spill from a large diesel fuel tank.

Fire crews from Melrose, Windsor, and Gainesville Fire Rescue joined ACFR to handle the incident. The situation was quickly brought under control, with all hazards effectively mitigated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CSX, the train’s operator, were also on the scene to manage environmental concerns and assess railway conditions.

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HIGH SPRINGS – On Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, representatives from Cox presented High Springs Police Chief J. Antoine Sheppard with 75 Walmart gift cards, each valued at $50, to support the department’s annual Operation Holiday Cheer initiative. The gift cards will help provide much-needed assistance to local families during the holiday season.3

For many years, the High Springs Police Department has worked with the community to ensure families in need receive extra support through Operation Holiday Cheer. The program collaborates annually with local schools to identify deserving candidates who will benefit from the holiday giving initiative.

This year, the Operation Holiday Cheer team will deliver gifts to families on the morning of Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. Residents can expect to see flashing lights and hear sirens as officers and volunteers make their rounds to brighten the season for local families.

“The Holiday Cheer event will spread holiday cheer to over 50 children and 25 families,” said Chief Sheppard.

Sheppard expressed his gratitude to Cox and the community partners who make the program possible. “We would like to thank Cox and all of our community partners who help us provide support to those families in need,” Sheppard said. “Through these valuable partnerships, we’re able to help so many of our local residents have a magical holiday season.”

In addition to donating gift cards, Cox also went above and beyond by fulfilling the holiday wish list of a local 10-year-old and surprising the child’s mother with a special gift.

“Cox is a family-owned business committed to helping improve the lives of those in our community,” said Aimee Pfannenstiel, Central Florida Market Vice President for Cox. “When we learned of the opportunity to help our neighbors through the High Springs Police Department’s Operation Holiday Cheer, it was an easy yes.”

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ALACHUA – In the early afternoon of Nov. 25, 2024, Alachua County Fire Rescue (ACFR) responded to a report of a residential fire in the city of Alachua, where there were initial concerns that two people might still be inside. Upon arrival, crews encountered smoke seeping from the eaves of a single-story home and visible flames near the kitchen window.

Demonstrating effective action, the firefighters launched an aggressive attack on the blaze, successfully extinguishing it before it could spread further. A thorough search of the home revealed that no one was inside, as all occupants had safely evacuated and gathered outside on the street.

Thanks to the efforts of the E21 crew, the fire was contained with minimal damage to the home. Timely intervention saved the structure and prevented what could have been a devastating loss.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In the wake of the incident, Alachua County Fire Rescue emphasized the importance of preparedness, urging families to establish a fire evacuation plan with a designated meeting point to ensure everyone’s safety in emergencies.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua is set to host its 20^th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will take place at the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center in Alachua, and promises a vibrant lineup of activities and performances.

Headlining this year’s celebration is none other than Vickie Winans, a renowned six-time Grammy Award nominee. Winans, who has also earned eight Stellar Awards and an NAACP Image Award, will deliver both a soulful musical performance and an inspiring keynote speech. Known for her multifaceted talents as a singer, speaker, comedian, and actress, Winans is expected to bring a unique and dynamic energy to the event.

The celebration will also feature a special return performance by Frantz Emmanuel and an engaging puppet show presented by students from the Music and Arts Program.

“This celebration will be nothing short of spectacular and memorable,” said Carol Richardson, Gainesville’s Cultural Affairs Manager and event committee member. “With the addition of Vickie Winans this year, you will not want to miss this celebration.”

As tradition, the event will conclude with a community meal, offering an opportunity for attendees to come together, reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, and celebrate as a unified community.

“Our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations are always such a special time, and they get better and better each year,” said Mayor Gib Coerper. “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate Dr. King than gathering with the Good Life Community to experience awesome talent like Mr. Emmanuel and Ms. Winans.”

This milestone celebration promises to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while fostering community spirit and inspiration. All are encouraged to attend. Legacy Park is located at 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua.

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ALACHUA – A 35-year-old Alachua woman, Alexei Francis Bellow, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, following an alleged road rage incident that escalated into aggravated battery. She has been charged with using her car as a deadly weapon to ram another vehicle and driving with a suspended license.

The victim reported the incident to 911 while driving southbound on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua. According to his statement, Bellow repeatedly swerved into his path and accelerated erratically to match his speed. While on the phone with the 911 operator, the victim followed Bellow as she drove to a Starbucks on Northwest 43^rd Street in Gainesville, where she purchased two drinks. She then proceeded to a residence in the Millhopper Station subdivision.

At the residence, Bellow allegedly confronted the victim while he remained on the phone with police. After the confrontation, she returned to her vehicle and intentionally backed into the victim’s car, which was parked in the road. The victim reported that after hitting his car, Bellow exited her vehicle, walked around the front yard, and then drove away, cutting through neighboring lawns.

The victim followed Bellow’s car to U.S. Highway 441, where a Gainesville Police Department officer stopped her near the Staghorn subdivision.

Post-Miranda, Bellow admitted to swerving at the victim and accelerating but claimed it was due to being a "bad driver." She also said she refrained from calling 911 or seeking shelter at the Starbucks because she was afraid.

The victim, who was driving a Tesla, provided video recordings of the incident to law enforcement, which may serve as critical evidence. The arrest report did not clarify whether Bellow and the victim had any prior relationship.

Bellow’s arrest adds to her existing legal troubles. She was previously arrested in May for allegedly breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home, causing $4,000 in damage, and stealing items. In that case, she was charged with burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft, and felony property damage.

Although the State Attorney’s office initially sought to hold her without bail, the motion was withdrawn, and Judge David Kreider set bail at $50,000 with a GPS monitoring requirement. Bellow posted bail and had been compliant with the terms of her pretrial release until this latest arrest.

Bellow now faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and knowingly driving with a suspended license. Her license had reportedly been suspended in April. She claimed to have renewed her license in January, but records contradicted her statement.

Given her criminal history and pending felony case, Judge Kristine Van Vorst ordered Bellow held without bail. The State Attorney’s office has filed a motion to hold her in custody until trial, with a hearing pending.

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