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HIGH SPRINGS – A Homestead woman with a string of arrests across multiple states was taken into custody Friday after police say she attempted to exchange stolen merchandise at the Tractor Supply Company in High Springs before shoving a manager and fleeing the store with the items.

According to the High Springs Police Department, officers responded to the store at 20460 North U.S. Highway 441 just before 11 a.m. on Nov. 14, 2025, after employees reported that a customer, later identified as 28-year-old Fredshawn Maquell Jeanbaptiste, had attempted to pass off stolen goods as previously purchased items.

A responding officer wrote that Jeanbaptiste entered the store carrying “a large, empty purse-looking bag” and spent about 10 minutes placing merchandise into both the bag and her shopping cart. Police say she then approached the service counter and asked to exchange the items — valued at $644— for three higher-priced products worth $636, claiming she had bought the items earlier.

When employees asked for a receipt, Jeanbaptiste reportedly said she didn’t have one. Staff then asked for a rewards number to verify a purchase, but she was unable to provide one. Store personnel informed her they had surveillance video showing she had not brought the items into the store.

After viewing the footage, Jeanbaptiste allegedly began “yelling and screaming all throughout the store and making a scene, as well as disrupting the business and visibly frightening staff and customers,” according to the report.

Police say she returned to the counter and demanded the items back while continuing to yell. When told again that she had not brought the items into the store, she allegedly grabbed merchandise and resisted employees’ attempts to retrieve it. Jeanbaptiste was reportedly able to place several items into her cart and tried to push it out the door.

A manager attempted to stop her, but Jeanbaptiste allegedly shoved the employee and forced her way out of the store with the stolen goods.

Jeanbaptiste fled before officers arrived but was pulled over near the business. Police say the stolen merchandise was found in her vehicle.

She is charged with robbery by sudden snatching, simple battery, petit theft and resisting detention by a merchant. Her address is listed in Homestead.

While her full criminal history was not available, authorities noted that she has been arrested several times in 2025, including: April 16 in South Carolina for shoplifting, July 2 in Sarasota County for driving without a valid license and Aug. 7 in Pennsylvania for terroristic threats.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst set her bail at $90,000.

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Players battle for possession during a youth basketball game in Alachua, where more than 220 local children are participating in the community’s winter league./ Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The squeak of sneakers and the echo of bouncing basketballs have returned to the City of Alachua Legacy Multipurpose Center as Alachua’s youth basketball season tips off with record participation, signaling strong community support for youth athletics despite a smaller number of teams this year.

More than 220 children have registered to play this winter through 399 Sports and Recreation, marking one of the largest turnouts the organization has seen and underscoring a growing interest in organized sports among local families. Practices began last week, officially launching what has become a cornerstone of winter recreation in the city.

Although the number of teams is slightly lower than in past seasons, participation has increased, reflecting broader community engagement and sustained enthusiasm for youth basketball. League organizers credit that growth to accessibility and the continued commitment of families, coaches and volunteers.

The league is supported by an entirely volunteer-driven staff through 399 Sports and Recreation, including coaches and support personnel who help ensure a structured, positive experience for young athletes. Their efforts make it possible for children across the community to participate in organized sports during the winter months.

Games will be played on Saturdays, offering a family-friendly schedule for spectators and participants alike. Community members are encouraged to attend games and support players as they build basketball skills while learning teamwork, sportsmanship and discipline.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with concessions during game days. Proceeds from concession sales are reinvested directly into the league and related community programs, helping sustain youth sports opportunities in Alachua.

Beyond competition, the program emphasizes character development, leadership and physical fitness — lessons intended to extend well beyond the basketball season. Through 399 Sports and Recreation, organizers aim to provide a supervised environment where children can build confidence, self-esteem and lifelong values through fair play.

The season will officially begin with Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The event will introduce teams to the community, followed by games throughout the day.

Game schedules will be posted on league and city social media platforms and websites as the season progresses. Additional information is available by contacting 399sportsrecreation@gmail.com.

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Santa brings holiday greetings during the Alachua Christmas parade. Alachua County Today Staff Photographer.

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Crisp air, clear skies and a touch of timeless nostalgia set the scene Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, as the communities of Alachua and High Springs ushered in the holiday season with their annual Christmas parades, filling Main Street in Alachua and later downtown High Springs with festive cheer. This year’s “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme added a warm, reflective tone to the celebrations, blending simple holiday charm with hometown spirit in both cities.

In Alachua, families bundled in sweaters and jackets lined the parade route early, children perched along the curb clutching bags in anticipation of candy and waving at familiar faces passing by. The smell of winter air and the hum of excited conversation filled downtown as the parade stepped off along North Main Street, crossing U.S. Highway 441 under cloudless skies.

A police escort with flashing lights led the procession, followed by Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky, High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott, who greeted spectators and waved as they made their way along the route.

Leading the parade as grand marshal was longtime Alachua dentist Dr. Douglas Adel, who was followed by a procession of festively decorated floats, marching bands, community groups and holiday characters that filled Main Street with music and cheer.

The City of Alachua’s official float leaned into the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme, featuring familiar imagery inspired by the beloved holiday classic — simple decorations, whimsical characters and a nod to the understated spirit of the season — as city commissioners waved from aboard and city staff members passed out sweet treats to children.

The parade showcased a wide cross-section of the community, with floats and walking groups representing local businesses, civic organizations, churches and schools. Participants included Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Capital City Bank, members of the Hare Krishna community, and parade newcomers Ben E. Keith and Chick-fil-A, among many others.

Musical performances added energy and rhythm to the procession. The Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band performed holiday favorites that echoed through downtown.

Youth sports teams, including Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball and the Santa Fe Soccer Academy, proudly represented their programs, walking the route and interacting with the crowd. Volunteers dressed as Peanuts-inspired characters, Santa’s elves and other holiday figures handed out treats and smiles.

Parade judging took place at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, where judges evaluated entries for creativity and presentation. Three cash prizes were awarded, with the Alachua Soccer Alliance taking first place and earning $500, Momentum Dance placing second for $300 and Matchmaker Realty finishing third with a $200 award. Parade emcees Damon Messina and Tabitha Jenkins kept the energy high near the judges’ stand, announcing each entry and engaging spectators with commentary as floats rolled past.

Following close behind the horse-drawn entries were the Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, representing Capital City Bank and the Alachua Lions Club, who once again performed their familiar and appreciated role of keeping the parade route clean.

The grand finale arrived as Santa Claus appeared atop a firetruck, waving to children who shouted his name and waved back enthusiastically. For many young spectators, the moment marked the official start of the Christmas season.

As night fell, the celebration continued just down the road in High Springs, where the Twilight Christmas Parade transformed downtown into a glowing holiday scene. Floats outlined in twinkling lights rolled beneath the dark sky, while illuminated costumes, flashing decorations and softly lit storefronts created a festive backdrop. Families lined the streets bundled against the evening chill, waving as the parade passed by and enjoying the quieter, storybook feel of the after-dark procession that brought the “Charlie Brown Christmas” theme to life under the stars.

“It really captures the holiday spirit,” said a local resident. “The best part is watching how excited the kids are.”

As crowds dispersed, the feeling lingered — a simple, joyful celebration marked by togetherness, tradition and a reminder that, much like Charlie Brown’s Christmas, the season’s meaning is often found in community.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency on Thursday reviewed three business items and explored a new proposal aimed at strengthening the connection between the city’s popular natural springs and its downtown core.

During the Dec. 11, 2025, meeting, the CRA heard a presentation outlining a potential free shuttle service that would transport visitors between several nearby springs and downtown High Springs during peak tourism months. The concept was presented by John Millett, one of the owners of the recently opened Serendipity Sodas & Sweets.

Millett noted that 24 springs are located within 12 miles of High Springs, drawing thousands of visitors to the area each year. However, once visitors enter the springs on busy weekends, they often remain there for the day rather than venturing into town.

“Once someone gets to the springs, they are not able to leave and come back again during the weekend,” Millett said.

The proposed shuttle would operate on weekends from March through September, running from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Millett outlined two routes — a western loop serving Poe, Blue and Ginnie springs, and a northern loop serving Ichetucknee Springs and Rum Island. Shuttles would return to downtown approximately every 30 minutes, stopping in front of the High Springs Chamber of Commerce.

“Every half hour they would be returning to downtown High Springs in front of the Chamber building to drop off people,” Millett said. “People could come to town for shopping or lunch and then hop back on the shuttle and get back to their cars and the parks.”

CRA Manager Amy Bohannon expressed support for the idea, saying it could help draw visitors into the downtown area and support local businesses. She said there may be sufficient funding within the CRA budget to initiate the project.

“There might be enough money in the CRA to get this project started,” Bohannon said.

Millett said the estimated cost for the shuttle service ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, with additional plans to offset expenses by selling advertising space on the sides of the shuttle vans. He said several downtown business owners have expressed interest in contributing financially.

“I have talked with several business owners in town and they are into chipping in to help carry the financial burden,” Millett said.

Millett said the shuttle vehicles would be owned by the organizers, with insurance under their name, but he requested reimbursement for insurance costs. He estimated that $30,000 would cover fuel, driver salaries and insurance for one year. Both Millett and Bohannon noted that similar shuttle programs are already in place in other CRA districts throughout Florida.

City Manager Jeremy Marshall said he wanted direction from the CRA Board before staff devoted further time to developing the proposal. Board members responded favorably, signaling interest in exploring the concept further. The proposal is expected to return to the board once details and financing are refined.

In other business, the CRA unanimously approved a Commercial Façade Grant application from the Howard T. Odum Florida Springs Institute, located at 18645 High Springs Main Street. The institute plans to paint the front of the building, repair trim and install a Florida Springs Welcome Center sign previously discussed by the board.

The total project cost is estimated at $7,500, with a requested grant of $3,750, representing 50 percent of the total. Bohannon said approval is contingent upon the project also receiving a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Board.

The board also unanimously approved a second Commercial Façade Grant request from the GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club. The project includes the design and installation of a two-sided sign and construction of a 7-foot-by-7-foot deck with stairs, handrails and a bench at the rear entrance of the building. The total project cost is $4,977, with a requested grant of $2,488.64.

Additionally, the board approved an updated interlocal agreement related to an innovative policing initiative first approved in September. The agreement allows for an increased cost of an electric bicycle dedicated to policing efforts within the CRA district and enhanced police services during peak hours. The cost of the electric bike increased from $5,500 to $5,800 and was approved unanimously.

At the close of the meeting, board members acknowledged the retirement of High Springs Police Department Sgt. Gary Moore, who was working his final shift. The board thanked him for his service to the community and wished him well.

Earlier in the meeting, the board also recognized the recent death of Sonny Tillman, offering a moment of silence and condolences to his family.

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The GFWC District 5 Director installed the new GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club’s Board of Directors for 2026 – 2028. Pictured L-R: Photo - L - R: District 5 Director - Sallie Milner, President - Bonnie Josey, 1st. Vice President - Shirley Macrides, 2nd. Vice President - Vickie Cox, Corresponding Secretary - Marlene Hackland, Treasurer - Mary Sears, Historian - Linda Alexander. Not pictured: Recording Secretary - Pat Carr. \ Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – The GFWC High Springs New Century Woman’s Club marked a milestone recently as its new Board of Directors was formally installed for the 2026–2028 term, signaling continued leadership and service within the community.

The installation ceremony was led by GFWC District 5 Director Sallie Milner, who oversaw the transition and recognized the incoming board members. Each officer received a gift tailored to her role, adding a lighthearted and celebratory touch to the occasion.

Elected to lead the organization as president is Bonnie Josey, who will guide the club’s activities and initiatives over the next two years. She is joined by Shirley Macrides as first vice president and Vickie Cox as second vice president.

Marlene Hackland will serve as corresponding secretary, while Mary Sears takes on the role of treasurer. Linda Alexander was installed as historian, responsible for preserving the club’s records and legacy. Recording Secretary Pat Carr was unable to attend the ceremony and is not pictured.

The High Springs New Century Woman’s Club is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization dedicated to community improvement through volunteer service. Locally, the club has long been active in civic engagement, charitable projects and educational initiatives that benefit High Springs and surrounding areas.

Club leaders said the installation of the new board reflects both continuity and renewal, as experienced members step into leadership roles while maintaining the club’s long-standing mission of service and advocacy.

The newly installed board will serve through 2028, guiding programming, fundraising and community outreach efforts during the upcoming term.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs Art Walk returns to historic downtown on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, offering residents and visitors a seasonal opportunity to experience local art, small businesses and the city’s walkable charm.

The event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature between 15 and 20 local artists and makers displaying their work along downtown sidewalks. Artists will set up in front of storefronts, creating an open-air gallery that allows attendees to browse, meet creators and purchase original artwork throughout the afternoon.

Organizers say the Art Walk is designed to celebrate creativity while supporting both artists and downtown businesses. In addition to artist displays, participating merchants will offer special promotions and sales, encouraging visitors to explore the area’s shops and restaurants.

The event also provides an interactive component for attendees. Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies will host “Art Testing” stations from noon to 3 p.m., inviting guests to try new art products while enjoying light refreshments. The hands-on experience is intended to appeal to artists of all skill levels as well as those interested in learning more about creative tools and materials.

The Art Walk has become a popular feature of High Springs’ seasonal calendar, highlighting the city’s growing arts scene and its reputation as a welcoming destination for creatives. The combination of art, food and locally owned businesses reflects the community’s emphasis on supporting small enterprises and fostering a vibrant downtown environment.

Artists and creators interested in participating in future Art Walk events are encouraged to contact organizers by emailing downtownhighsprings@gmail.com and including photos of their work for consideration.

For customer or media inquiries related to the event, Unique Notions can be reached at 352-318-5719, and Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies can be reached at 352-474-1049. Additional updates and information are available through the official Downtown High Springs Facebook page.

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