Local

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted the community’s 25^th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Farmers Market Pavilion last Friday evening. The event has been held continuously for many years, even though the COVID-19 Pandemic, although on a reduced level. On Dec. 3 this year, the event was back to its former size both in volunteers and audience size.

While the event is hosted and staffed by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce members, the participation of various organizations and volunteers make it a community sponsored event. The Chamber along with local churches and organizations provided booths distributing candy, popcorn, cookies and other treats to the children.

Under the roof of the Farmers Market on Railroad Avenue, The Florida Creamery provided free ice cream to the crowd, while Witness of Christ Church offered free cookies. Another group provided hot chocolate and candy cane treats. The New Century Women's Club and the Girls Scouts combined efforts at another table to help children make Christmas ornaments.

John Decker and the High Springs Historical Society set up two running model train displays while the High Springs Lions Club offered actual train rides in their “Polar Express” train, pulled by a riding tractor.

“All these people help make this event a success,” said Chamber President Sharon Decker. “We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the City by providing the tree decorations, power, PA set up and traffic control.

“Due to some illnesses, we were short staffed from the Chamber but High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and his staff volunteered to fill in as well as traffic control and that was a great help,” said Decker. “Pastor Sammy Nelson of the Witness of Christ Church volunteered to be the emcee for the event, which was also a great help.”

People dressed as Christmas characters roamed the crowd interacting with the children and posing for photos while the crowd waited for the arrival of Santa Claus and the tree lighting ceremony. As the clock ticked closer to 6:15, the crowd gradually converged around the Christmas tree. Nelson introduced High Springs Mayor Gloria James who was joined by Commissioners Byran Williams and Katherine Weitz. Musical entertainment was provided by Dani MacKinzie and her brother, Bandon Luke, who sang Christmas songs.

At the appointed time of 6:30, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Santa and Mrs. Claus were immediately surrounded by excited children, wanting a chance to touch, hug or speak to Santa.

After a few minutes with the crowd, the Claus's were brought closer to the tree by Nelson and initiated the countdown as the tree lit up to the cheers of the crowd.

After the tree was lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus went to the Gazebo by the Farmers Market to listen to the long line of excited children and their wishes for Christmas.

“We were really glad how it all worked out,” said Decker. “I think we were able to make it a great event and bring back the traditional community celebration that was limited in the past due to COVID.

Decker added, “There were a lot of people who helped and made it work. We are looking forward to making it bigger each year and keep the tradition going.”

#     #    #

email rcarson@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is announcing the availability of free Naloxone (Narcan) Nasal Spray kits. This lifesaving medication could reduce thousands of substance abuse deaths across the state. Naloxone is available to people who use drugs, people with a history of drug use, others at risk of experiencing an overdose, friends, family members, and others who may witness an overdose. Kits consist of two Naloxone nasal sprays that are administered even without a health care professional present.

“Overdose deaths are tragic and preventable,” said Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “These lifesaving medication kits have been effective in reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths in Alachua County, and with increased availability, provide additional hope of surviving an overdose." 

Naloxone is a medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, restoring breathing and consciousness within minutes of being administered to a person who has overdosed. Naloxone can be administered by a bystander (non-healthcare professional) before emergency medical assistance becomes available, but it is not intended to substitute for professional medical care. Individuals should call 911 immediately when an opioid overdose is suspected before administering Naloxone.

Persons requesting a kit from DOH-Alachua must meet the following eligibility:

• Must be 18 years old or older
• Individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose
• Caregivers who may witness an opioid overdose or others likely to experience or witness an opioid overdose.

Naloxone kits can be obtained at the East Gainesville DOH-Alachua office located at 224 S.E. 24^th Street, Gainesville.

Naloxone kits are free, and no appointment is necessary. People using Naloxone receive educational material, referrals, and connections for substance abuse intervention.

Increasing access to Naloxone is a critical component in battling the opioid epidemic, especially in rural areas or counties with limited access to health care. Providing Naloxone through county health departments will increase support to individuals across the state dealing with substance use disorder and help prevent overdose deaths in Florida.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA CUNTY ‒ Crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue responded to a reported vehicle crash with extrication early on Dec. 6, at Northwest 78^th Avenue and County Road 235. Upon arrival, first responders found a two-car accident with occupants trapped inside.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 28-year-old male from Trenton was driving a white 2006 Ford pickup truck traveling east on Northwest 78th Avenue. As he approached the intersection, he failed to stop at the stop sign.

A 2001 Toyota SUV driven by a 66-year-old Gainesville woman was traveling north on County Road 235 approaching Northwest 78th Avenue. When the driver of the truck ran the stop sign, his right side was struck by the Toyota’s front end.

After the initial crash, the truck traveled off the roadway where it overturned on the east shoulder of County Road 235.

The driver of the Toyota was listed in serious condition. The driver of the truck was removed with minor extraction and no injuries.

First responders triaged the patient and began treatment. A trauma alert was issued and the driver of the Toyota was transported to UF Shands for further treatment.

Also in Alachua, a 39-year-old Alachua man was killed on Saturday, Dec. 3, in a single-vehicle crash on North County Road 225 at approximately 6:26 p.m. The man, who was the only occupant of the car, was pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time.

In Archer on Dec. 2, a crash occurred at the intersection of State Road 26 and County Road 241 that resulted in a fatality. An 82-year-old Archer man was traveling west in a Chevrolet SUV on State Road 26 and attempted to make a left turn south onto County Road 241.

At the same time a 51-year-old man from Riverview, Florida, was driving his white Ford pickup truck through the same intersection. The pickup truck crashed into the Chevrolet SUV in the intersection.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol, a 77-year-old Archer woman, who was a passenger in the Chevy SUV, was fatally injured in the crash and succumbed to her injuries from the impact of the truck. She was pronounced dead by paramedics at the crash scene.

The two drivers reported only minor injuries. All drivers and passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

In Waldo in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue, Melrose Fire Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle accident on Northeast U.S. Highway 301 just south of Waldo.

The vehicle left the roadway and flipped multiple times, incurring significant damage before coming to rest against a large oak tree. The driver was transported to a local trauma center in serious, but stable condition. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Alachua County Animal Resources and Best Friends Animal Society are hosting “Home for the Holidays” on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 - 10, from 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., at the Alachua County Animal Resources shelter, 3400 N.E. 53^rd Avenue, Gainesville. During this national animal adoption event adoption fees are waived. All animals are spayed or neutered and are up-to-date on vaccinations.

This event brings together welfare organizations across the country to help save more lives by connecting adoptable animals with their future families. Anyone considering adding a new pet to their family can make a difference by choosing to adopt.

“The overcrowding crisis is a nationwide concern and we will need the community’s help for a long time,” said Shelter Supervisor Faren Healey. “We need people to step forward and adopt or become fosters with us. The more adoptions and fosters we have, the more lives we can save. If you’ve ever thought about adopting a pet, now is the time.”

“When you foster or adopt, you are not just saving that animal but freeing up space in our facility, so we can focus on saving more lives. Every animal deserves to be in a home for the holidays, so we are hopeful our community will join us for another amazing event with Best Friends Animal Society,” said EVO coordinator Sarah Gilley.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ Monthlong seasonal festivities are in full swing in Alachua. Merrymaking kicked off last Friday evening at 6 p.m. with crowds gathering around the towering Christmas tree across from Alachua’s Skinner Field. The annual tree lighting tradition began in 2006 when the City of Alachua began holding a number of events to celebrate the Christmas season with the community. Every year, on the first Friday of December, the tree lighting ceremony is held followed by a visit from Santa Claus. This year Alachua will enjoy multiple events to make the whole month a celebration of the holiday season.

Friday’s official tree lighting ceremony was the center of attention as all eyes were on the larger-than-life Christmas tree as crowds gathered under strings of colorful Christmas lights as excited children awaited the arrival of Santa Claus in his horse drawn carriage. Helping to keep the experience alive long after the event ended, a cheerful background display with chairs for Santa and Mrs. Claus was available to offer free photos by Magnolia Lane Photography. Children also enjoyed boxes of treat-filled boxes after having their photo taken with the jolly couple from the North Poole.

A popular activity for the children was the ornament making stations for youngsters to create their own paper Christmas ornaments. Refreshments were abundant as Capital City Bank provided popcorn and costumed characters wandering in the park for children to greet and take photos with. Alachua’s Boy Scout Troop 88 provided steaming hot chocolate with marshmallows for the crowd. Dollar General provided free candies and cookies and Walmart provided juice boxes for the children.

Another highlight of the event was the snow blowing machine that created imaginary snow flurries for the children to play in. While all these activities provided the crowd with the Christmas feel, the big event was the tree lighting and arrival of Santa.

After short speeches by Mayor Gib Coerper and City Manager Mike DaRoza, all attention turned toward Main Street as police cars with lights flashing escorted a shiny white carriage with Santa, Mrs. Claus and two elves. Children excitedly lined the street for a glimpse of the carriage and its occupants.

DaRoza joined Santa in the street to lead a countdown for the tree to light up filling the park with shimmering multicolored illuminations. Families gathered around the tree to photograph their children as excited children waited in anticipation to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their Christmas wishes.

Alachua’s holiday celebrations will continue with a parade down Main Street on Saturday, Dec. 10 starting at 2 p.m. And for the next two Saturdays, “Holiday Nights” sponsored by the City of Alachua are also on tap on Saturday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 17 with a variety of activities in the historic downtown area. Free showings of The Santa Claus film series will be happening downtown as well as free carriage rides up and down Main Street. Free Christmas gift wrapping will be provided and Santa will again be set up near Magnolia Lane Photography for additional photos. Two stages will feature acoustic musicians playing Christmas music as well as a performance by the Gainesville Youth Choir.

Wrapping up the season’s activities is a performance of The Nutcracker by Dance Alive. This special event hosted by the City of Alachua takes place Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at Legacy Park, 15400 Peggy Road. This free event is not to be missed, and the public is encouraged to bring a bag chair and a blanket to enjoy this family tradition under a canopy of stars. Hot chocolate and popcorn will be available while supplies last, and a meet and greet the dancers will follow the performance.

#     #    #

email rcarson@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ It was a weekend for celebrations as the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association held its annual homecoming reunion starting on Friday and continuing into Sunday. Each year on the weekend after Thanksgiving former students and family members from A.L. Mebane High School hold a multi-day homecoming celebration and parade for a school that no longer exists.

Sponsored by the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association, the event has become a community tradition to keep the school's history alive and to remember the struggle for equal education and the achievements of African American students over the past 150 years.

While the Civil War may have ended slavery, it did little to resolve the divisions between the races in the South or bring equality. Prior to 1924, there were no organized institutions of learning for the black community. In that year, the Alachua County Training School (ACT) was opened by the state to provide education for African American children.

For the next 32 years, ACT was the main educational institution for the African American community in Alachua. In 1956 the school was replaced by the Mebane School, named after Albert Leonidas Mebane who had been principle at the ACT school. The school covered all grades including high school. Due to segregation policies, the school remained an all-black school with its first class graduating in 1960.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed by Congress outlawing discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. It also prohibited racial segregation in schools, but it would be 1970 before Alachua County schools were integrated by Federal law. Public schools in the county were reorganized and Mebane became an integrated middle school. Mebane high school students were transferred to Santa Fe High School. There would be no more graduating seniors after the class of 1970.

But the unity and spirit of those 14 graduating classes remained strong and the Alumni Association was created. In 1996 the Association held their first Homecoming event. For the Alumni Association, keeping their history alive is a matter of community pride and an eye to the future. Each year since 1996, the community gathers to remember the old Mebane High School. Activities begin on the Friday after Thanksgiving as the Alumni and families from the 14 classes attend activities leading up to the longstanding parade through downtown Alachua.

On Saturday, Nov. 26, the crowd began to gather on the sidewalks along Main Street as overcast skies and mild temperatures made a pleasant day for a parade. Each alumni class designed a float or decorated a car, along with some community organizations and churches that also participated. Led by a police escort, the parade kicked off with sirens wailing and lights flashing.

Sidewalks were lined with spectators as cars and trucks carrying homecoming queens and dignitaries were interspersed with floats sponsored by the various alumni classes, many tossing candy for the excited children attending the parade. A variety of other vehicles, including a large group of motorcycle riders, added to the cacophony of celebratory sounds.

Entertainment was interspersed between the vehicles with the 352 Marching Band performing along the way. The Heart and Soul Line Dancers entertained with style and energy along the parade route.

While the parade started with the deafening howl of police sirens, it ended softly with a nod to the past as a group of horse mounted cowboys and farmers closed out this year’s procession.

Each year the Alumni classes get smaller as the students of 50 years ago get older. But what started as a small group of former students wanting to keep a connection with their classmates, has become a community event spanning multiple generations celebrating their history, culture and achievements.

#     #    #

email rcarson@

alachuatoday.com