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ALACHUA ‒ A 34-year-old man, Jonathan Ellis O’Steen, was arrested on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, following a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) investigation into a CyberTip about child sexual abuse material. The arrest came after nearly a year of investigation into online accounts linked to O’Steen, culminating in multiple charges and a significant bond.

The investigation began on Jan. 8, 2024, when an FDLE Special Agent received a CyberTip regarding child sexual abuse material on a Kik account. That same day, the agent issued a subpoena to Google for information about the email address linked to the Kik account.

According to the FDLE, Google’s response included Google Pay transactions in O’Steen’s name and a phone number that had been associated with him since 2016. Additionally, a search warrant for the Google account revealed internet searches for pedophilic content, along with several images related to child exploitation. Authorities also reportedly found images of O’Steen’s driver’s license and Social Security card within the account and three more child sexual abuse images were reportedly found in the Google account.

Further investigation into the Google account led agents to a Yahoo email account serving as the recovery email. Subpoenaed records from Yahoo confirmed O’Steen’s name and linked another phone number to the account.

IP addresses tied to both the Yahoo and Google accounts provided critical evidence. One IP address associated with the CyberTip and Yahoo account was traced to a Windstream subscriber in Alachua, while another IP address linked to the Google account belonged to a nearby subscriber. Records revealed that O’Steen had reportedly updated his driver’s license to reflect an address near the two subscribers in September 2024.

Search warrants for the suspect Kik account uncovered six images, some depicting juveniles engaged in sexual activity, according to the affidavit. Meanwhile, the Yahoo email account produced an email attachment showing an image of O’Steen’s Florida driver’s license, further connecting him to the investigation.

Based on the FDLE’s findings, Judge James Colaw issued a warrant for O’Steen’s arrest on Dec. 5, 2024. O’Steen was taken into custody by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 9. The case is being prosecuted by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution.

O’Steen now faces seven counts of possession of child pornography and one count of using a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony. Notably, he has no prior local criminal history.

O’Steen’s bail set at $1.1 million.

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Cont.:     Bail set at $1.1 million in child porn case

GAINESVILLE ‒ A 26-year-old Alachua man was arrested Saturday night, Dec. 7, 2024, after a Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer conducted a traffic stop for loud music, which escalated into charges of drug possession and firearm possession during the commission of a felony.

Telvis Tashay Hall, Jr. was stopped at approximately 9:36 p.m. in the 4100 block of North Main Street in Gainesville when an officer reportedly heard music from Hall’s vehicle at a distance of about 20 yards.

According to the police report, Hall, the sole occupant of the vehicle, expressed surprise at being pulled over for loud music. However, the encounter took a more serious turn when the officer allegedly detected the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.

A subsequent search of the vehicle reportedly uncovered 27.8 grams of marijuana, a loaded Taurus 9mm pistol in the glove compartment, a digital scale, and empty sandwich baggies. Hall was also found with $436 in various cash denominations in his pocket, according to the report.

Police stated that after being read his Miranda rights, Hall admitted the marijuana belonged to him but refused to answer further questions and became uncooperative.

Based on the evidence—including the scale, empty baggies, multiple cash denominations, and the quantity of marijuana—the officer charged Hall with possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

Hall, a lifelong area resident with no prior criminal convictions, was booked into the Alachua County Jail. Judge Donna Keim set his bail at $11,000.

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ALACHUA – Alachua welcomed its newest addition on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, as Wawa celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony and an exciting sub sandwich-building competition between local first responders. The event brought together city officials, Wawa representatives, Chamber of Commerce representatives and community members eager to experience everything the convenience store has to offer.

Wawa’s regional leadership team was joined by Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari, Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor Ed Potts, City Commissioners Shirley Green Brown, Dayna Miller, and Jennifer Blalock to mark the official opening. Cheers erupted as the bright red ribbon was cut with oversized scissors and colorful confetti flew, symbolizing the beginning of Wawa’s role in serving both locals and travelers.

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, excitement reached a fever pitch during a spirited “Hoagies for Heroes” competition – a sub sandwich-building showdown featuring the Alachua Police Department and Alachua County Fire Rescue. The friendly rivalry saw both teams racing to see who could build the most subs in the allotted time, with onlookers cheering them on.

The competition was fierce, with the Fire Department assembling an impressive 21 subs. However, the Police Department edged out the win by crafting 23 sandwiches, securing their victory. The crowd erupted into applause as Wawa’s lovable mascot, Wally the Goose, presented the Police Department with a trophy to commemorate their win.

The event wasn’t just about the competition. Both teams’ efforts highlighted Wawa’s commitment to giving back to local communities. As part of the “Hoagies for Heroes” tradition, Wawa presented donations to charities chosen by both the Police and Fire Departments, ensuring the fun-filled event also supported meaningful causes.

Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed free coffee, giveaways, and Wawa merchandise as they explored the new store. Wawa Regional Director of Store Operations Nancy Dulaney and Area Manager Angela Reynolds emphasized the company’s enthusiasm for joining the Alachua community. Both expressed that Wawa is committed to building relationships and supporting local causes.

The new Wawa, located at 16304 N.W. U.S. Highway 441, Alachua, will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering its full range of fresh, made-to-order food, signature coffee, beverages, snacks, and fuel services. Wawa’s expansion into Alachua marks another milestone for the company as it continues to grow across Florida.

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NEWBERRY ‒ At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, City Manager Mike New addressed a pressing concern: the city’s current wastewater treatment facility is nearing capacity due to sustained growth.

“At the rate we are approving development, the wastewater treatment facility will reach capacity in four years,” New stated. To address this, the City has proposed constructing a new advanced wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 1.2 million gallons per day—double the current capacity.

The total estimated cost for the design and construction of the new facility is $88 million. So far, the City has secured $27,209,848 in funding, with an additional $14,935 coming from the City of Archer, a partner in the project.

New outlined the proposed usage of the new facility’s capacity:

• 300,000 gallons/day (25%) for existing customers.
• 175,000 gallons/day (15%) allocated to Archer.
• 725,000 gallons/day (60%) designated for new development.

With a current growth rate of 200 building permits per year, New estimated the facility would serve the city for 15 years. If the pace of development slows, it could extend the plant’s utility up to 30 years.

To manage the strain of rapid development, New discussed development agreements with builders to secure wastewater capacity. Developers were presented with four options to consider.:

1. Option 1 allows for upfront payment: Developers can pay for their wastewater capacity at the current rate, locking in lower costs as rates increase over time.
2. Option 2 allows for an Installment Plan: Developers pay system development charges in installments: 25% upon agreement execution, three additional payments of 20% at 60-day intervals, and the final 15% upon service availability. This option guarantees proportional capacity based on the amount paid.
3. Option 3 is based on a Per-Use Payment Plan: Developers pay charges for each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) placed into service, with a minimum annual payment of 10% of the total ERUs requested over a 10-year period.
4. Option 4 allows for a Surety Bond: Similar to Option 3, developers guarantee their minimum annual ERU commitment by issuing a surety bond, ensuring they will meet their building obligations.

While the wastewater treatment presentation was the main topic of the commission meeting, no vote was taken. New emphasized the importance of long-term planning, stating that the advanced treatment facility would not only support Newberry’s growth but also provide a sustainable solution for decades to come.

“The advanced treatment facility will likely last 15 years at the current pace of growth,” New explained. “If permit numbers slow down, the plant could last up to 30 years.”

The Commission is expected to revisit the topic in future meetings, as the City works to balance the demands of growth with the need for sustainable infrastructure solutions.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex may be undergoing a significant expansion. At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, Carl Green of the Easton Foundation presented a proposal to expand the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex and extend the existing agreement with the City for approximately 35 years.

The current City/Easton agreement expires in 2029, but allows continuation of the current contract for another 10 years. Green said with a new agreement of 20 years, the same period of time of their first agreement, it would equal a total of 35 years.

The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex was established as a joint effort between the City and the Easton Foundation. In 2008, Newberry provided the property and managed construction of the main 17,600-square-foot facility, which was completed in 2009. Easton Foundation contributed $1.5 million to the project, while the City covered the remaining $1 million and handled additional transportation improvements on U.S. Highway 27/41. Both parties have shared the use of the facility since its opening.

During the project development, the City and Easton developed a contract that spells out the relationship between them during construction and during the operational period afterwards. Under the current agreement, the City shoulders most of the operational and maintenance costs. The contract included a 20-year term, terminating around 2029. After the 20-year operating period the facility is to be utilized for archery.

City staff also noted that the Easton Foundation had previously considered relocating its facilities to a 40-acre site adjacent to Champions Park, owned by the City. However, the Foundation has not moved forward with that plan, and Green’s presentation focused on expanding the existing complex.

Green presented plans for a $3.1 million expansion to the facility, including detailed renderings of how the upgraded complex would look. While Green emphasized the benefits of the proposed modifications, City staff raised concerns about parking availability and suggested incorporating expanded parking into negotiation.

Staff provided the Commission with several options regarding the proposal. Those options included directing the City to negotiate a new contract with Easton Foundation, outlining specific terms and responsibilities for both parties. These negotiations would not be binding, allowing either party to withdraw at any time. Another option would provide for termination of the discussions with the Easton Foundation and decline the renewed partnership. A third option would be to postpone the decision and bring the matter back for further discussion at a later date.

While Green’s presentation highlighted the benefits of the expansion and extended partnership, the Commission opted to take more time to deliberate, promising to reach a decision within 90 days.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ What started as an ordinary Monday transformed into a day of challenges and triumphs for the High Springs Fire Department (HSFD), culminating in a heartwarming rescue of a puppy trapped in a 40-foot sinkhole.

The day’s events began at 1:37 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, when firefighters from High Springs, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were dispatched to the Springstead neighborhood near Northwest 142^nd Avenue. Gusty southwesterly winds had driven flames from a brush fire beyond control, igniting several spot fires on nearby land and threatening homes.

Working to contain the rogue flames, fire crews used a coordinated attack. They extinguished the brush fires and ensured the safety of nearby residences. No injuries or property damage occurred, and the initial fire threat was neutralized.

While monitoring the scene, the firefighters received a second emergency call at 3:12 p.m.—a puppy had fallen into a 40-foot sinkhole. Responding immediately, a specialized crew from HSFD diverted to the site, bringing along their newly deployed “light rescue” truck, a vehicle specifically equipped for such emergencies.

Arriving at the sinkhole, firefighters assessed the situation and deployed the specialized gear stored on the new truck. A firefighter descended into the sinkhole, finding the frightened but miraculously unharmed puppy. The rescue team brought the puppy to safety in just 12 minutes.

The rescue not only showcased the HSFD’s technical expertise but also underscored the department’s dedication to protecting all members of the community—including its four-legged residents.

Adding significance to the rescue was the fact that it marked the inaugural mission for HSFD’s Light Rescue truck, which had gone into service mere hours before the call. The truck’s successful deployment demonstrated its vital role in enhancing the department’s operational capabilities.

HSFD issued a statement thanking High Springs City Manager Jeremy Marshall, the High Springs City Commission and the truck committee for making the light rescue truck purchase possible.

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