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ALACHUA ‒ Sitting on Main Street in Alachua, a stately Victorian house reminiscent of San Francisco’s finest Victorians on Postcard Row, is Teatime, Tranquility and Treasures at Willow's Rest. The charming tea house with steep, gabled roofs, decorative woodwork and a turret offers fresh pastries and sandwiches in a relaxing setting that beckons back to yesteryear.

For owners Louis Blair and wife Yvonne Fort, the tea house is the realization of a dream. Blair has been nurturing the vision of a tea house for 30 years. But his life went in a much more dramatic and stressful direction.

Blair spent almost two decades as a flight paramedic on helicopter life flights in Colorado, saving lives of critically injured patients and surviving two helicopter crashes in the process. The couple eventually moved to South Florida where Blair was the patient access manager for an emergency room and Fort ran a geriatric care center they founded.

Six years ago, the couple left the drama of emergency care and retired to Ocala with thoughts of raising and training race horses on their own farm. But fate stepped in, when on June 1, 2016, Blair suffered a massive heart attack. This was a wakeup call for both of them, and they moved to small town life in Alachua and finally opened that tea house they had dreamed about for so long.

“When we first decided to open the tea house, we were very interested in the Manor,” said Blair, referring to the name of the building’s former business. “But it wasn't available at the time, so we opened in a smaller space on south Main Street.”

Blair says they wanted to create a special place where people could come for tea, pastries or sandwiches. “In our endeavor to calm our own lives, we determined that maybe there are others who long for that break in their hectic, pressured life, and take a few moments to slow down and enjoy a special time that we can disconnect and just breath,” said Blair.

His strong interest in antiques led the couple to incorporate a store within the tea house stocked with a variety of items ranging from fine China and pottery to sunhats, antiques and linens. Most are for sale, but some are just to create a relaxing environment and ambiance.

“I like going to auctions and antique sales and have collected all these over the years,” said Blair. “We decided to name the store ‘Teatime, Tranquility and Treasures’ to represent all the aspects of our shop.”

But Blair says the space had its limits and was at the far end of Main Street with less foot traffic. “We still wanted to add the Victorian feel to the tea shop and kept our eye on the Manor.”

When the “Manor” house was offered for lease, the couple jumped at the chance. “We saw our original vision for the tea shop become a reality,” Blair said. While maintaining the Teatime, Tranquility and Treasures name, Blair has renamed the building “Willows Rest.”

“This gives us the ability to expand the business and offer other services as well,” said Blair. The downstairs area features a variety of rooms where people can meet for tea and food. Each room is separated, offering a sense of privacy for gatherings. “We offer a variety of fresh pastries and sandwiches as well as displays of our antiques and pottery, most of which are for sale,” said Blair. “The Victorian décor of the house adds a quiet ambience to the rooms.”

Blair and Fort have plans to become an event venue for weddings, celebrations and business meetings. The upper floor will be used as guest rooms for wedding parties and business meetings along with a library where customers can relax with a cup of tea and read as well as an expanded store. Blair says that for weddings there are also the outdoor garden and gazebo for the ceremonies.

Teatime, Tranquility and Treasures at Willow's Rest opened to the public two weeks ago and is already so popular that the owners suggest reservations during the lunch hour. “We have been swamped in the two weeks since our opening with almost five times the business than at the previous store,” said Blair. “But being that busy is a good thing, and we believe we made the right choice.”

The tea house will be offering a version of a British “High Tea” which features a three-tier tray featuring tea and sandwiches on the bottom level with scones and specialty pastries on the other two. “However, since each High Tea is unique and made to order, reservations are required,” Blair said.

The Teatime, Tranquility and Treasure at Willows Rest is located at 14603 Main Street, Alachua, and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Additional information or reservations can be made by calling 386-243-9199.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Cory Shawn Pariseau, 32, was arrested on Friday, June 24, and charged with sexual assault on a 16-year-old female victim. The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call asking for a well-being check on someone believed to be suicidal.

When officers arrived, they found Pariseau, who was accused of having sex with the caller’s 16-year-old daughter.

Following an interview with the juvenile, she confirmed that the two had sex when she was 16 years old.

Officers attempted to interview Pariseau, but post Miranda he requested an attorney and the officer terminated the interview.

Currently, Pariseau is being held on $100,000 bond in the Alachua County Jail on a charge of sexual battery on a 16-year-old victim.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is once again open for business—and pleasure. The City of High Springs bought the property in August 2021 from owners Jim and Sally Wood, who had been running the business for some 31 years. During that time the Outpost became a popular spot to launch trips on the river for both locals and tourists.

High Springs agreed to purchase the business for $600,000 and also to make upgrades to the property, bringing the total to $750,000. While the city had purchased the Outpost to preserve the land and keep river access available to the public, they did not have the staff and services to manage the operation. “We may have some limited hours here and there,” said High Springs spokesperson Kevin Mangan. “There might be a few days that when traditionally the canoe outpost was open for business, that it may not be in the interim. It’s a process and there’s going to be some growing pains along the way.”

Mangan says the daily management of the Outpost will be a team effort between the High Springs Parks and Recreation staff and Anderson’s Outdoor Adventures (AOA). “AOA is currently handling rentals for Poe Springs Park, among others, and will handle a majority of the operations for the Outpost,” said Mangan. “The name ‘Santa Fe Canoe Outpost’ lives on and we keep that spirit alive.”

The City earlier issued bids for a management services firm with extensive experience in the local environment and materials to keep the canoe business going. Anderson's Outdoor Adventures run by Paul Spiller and Charles Anderson was selected to run the operation.

Both men are veterans with Spiller serving eight years in the Marines and Anderson serving in the Air Force. Both men are Florida natives, growing up in the rural areas around Melbourne, and have known each other since their teens.

Spiller and his wife moved to rural Virginia after military service and Anderson had started a business providing services and management for state and regional parks. The Spillers moved back to Florida, and in 2012 along with Anderson, they formed Anderson Outdoor Adventures. The company provides services including food, building and campground maintenance, canoe and kayak rentals, and trip packages. Within a year they were awarded service contracts for Manatee and Fanning Springs.

In 2015, they expanded their services to included transportation for drop offs and pickups at various parks and they were awarded contracts with the state, including Hart Springs, Santa Fe River Park, Gilchrist Blue Springs and Poe Springs. In addition to on-site services, they expanded their business to include pontoon rentals, golf cart rentals, RV rentals, camping equipment rentals, guided river tours and transportation services.

“Both Charles and my family have always been outdoors orientated, growing up fishing, hunting and hiking, canoeing and outdoor living,” said Spiller. “We are conservationists who want to preserve Florida's natural environment while helping others experience our unique land and recreation on the rivers while preserving it for future generations.”

Spiller says they want to maintain the historic feel at Santa Fe Canoe Outpost while updating facilities such as the boardwalk and parking. “Our motto is ‘Adventure today, memories forever,’” said Spiller.

The Santa Fe Canoe Outpost is located at 21410 U.S. Highway 441, High Springs, FL 32643 and is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information and pricing on various services and canoe trips can be found at aoafun.com or by calling 352-507-0059.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Tiny homes are one step closer to reality in Newberry as the Newberry City Commission unanimously approved two actions that may lead to development of the first tiny home residential community in the city. The Commission approved Ordinance 2022-23/CPA 22-02 on Second Reading to change the Future Land Use Map from Agriculture to Planned Development on 5.75 +/- acres (Parcel No. 02544-003-006). The property is located immediately north of the Newberry Town Center Planned Development – south of Southwest 15^th Avenue, east of State Road 45. for Newberry’s During the June 27 City Commission meeting,

A small-scale comprehensive plan amendment was requested by Christopher Potts, P.E., agent for Norfleet Properties, LLLP, owners. “The property is vacant agricultural land,” said Newberry Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas.

Commissioners also conducted a quasi-judicial public hearing on Second Reading of Ordinance 2022-24/LDR 22-04 to consider an application to amend the zoning on the same 5.75 +/- acres. The change would add the acreage to the Country Way at Newberry Town Square Planned Development, amending the Preliminary Master Plan and the associated Development Order and Developer’s Agreement.

The current number of single-family residential units will not change. The gross residential density after the amendment will be 3.74 units per acre, while the total of 50 apartments and 180,000 square feet of commercial development will remain the same.

Although the proposed amendment will not change the maximum number of residential units or commercial square footage allowed under the Newberry Town Center PD, the amendment to the Preliminary Master Plan will allow for tiny homes within the development, which are not presently allowed.

Prior to further residential development on the additional area, a preliminary plat and construction plans will have to be presented for review and commercial development will require site and development plan review and approval.

Rezoning

In other business, a quasi-judicial public hearing was held for an application to rezone 1.69 +/- acres from Residential, Single-Family to Planned Development (Parcel Numbers 02282-000-000 and 02235-000-000).

The application was submitted by Tocknell Planning Services LLC, agent for Morlynn Properties LLC, owner, to amend the City’s Official Zoning Atlas by changing the zoning from Residential, Single-Family-2 (RSF-2) to Planned Development (PD). The property is located within the Economic Overlay and Historic Districts.

The site is a full block bounded by Southwest 1^st Avenue to the north, Southwest 257^th Street to the east, Southwest 2^nd Avenue to the south and Southwest 258^th Street to the west.

“Because the property is in the Economic Development Overlay District, no change to the future land use category of Residential Low-Density is required,” Thomas said. The property is also partially located within the City’s Historic District. The site is adjacent to City of Newberry potable water, electric and City roadways. Sanitary sewer must be extended to the site prior to development.

The Overlay District refers to the main corridors leading into Newberry, which are State Road 26/Newberry Road and U.S. Highway 27/41. Regulations were created to establish design guidelines to help developers create attractive properties that are functional, but are also are aesthetically pleasing along the entrances to Newberry.

Barrington Rural Subdivision

The proposed development is an infill project that will add 14 cottage-style single family townhomes to the site, while leaving the existing single-family house as is. A central alley will bisect the block and automotive access to each lot will be provided via the alley. The homes will be 1,100 – 1,200 sq. ft. in size.

The application also requests a variance from the requirement of a minimum 10 percent of the development to be devoted to common open space, which is not practical due to the size limitations of the parcel.

The application was unanimously approved with a requirement that the townhouse design is reviewed and approved by the Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) because the property is partially in the City’s Historic District.

Commissioners approved Resolution 2022-37/SD 22-09, an application by eda consultants, inc., agent for Hawley Family Holdings, LLC, owner, for approval of construction plans related to a plat entitled Barrington.

The property as generally located at the northwest corner of Southwest 15^th Avenue and Southwest 170^th Street (04371-001-000).

Currently, the City of Newberry is under contract with eda consultants, inc. for survey and engineering services and they currently operate in the capacity of the City Surveyor. Due to the conflict, the City has contracted with Chris Potts, P.E. of JBPro, Inc. in lieu of eda consultants, inc.

The project includes 23 developable lots and common areas on an 84 +/- acre site. The average density is expected to be one unit per 3.62 acres with a minimum lot size of two acres and including detached single-family homes.

The Development Application Review Team (DART) reviewed and found no objection with the request. JBPro submitted engineering comments, which the property owner has agreed to resolve.

Commissioners also heard and approved a request on the same property for final plat approval of the. JBPro is again acting in lieu of eda consultants.

JBPro has reviewed the Barrington rural subdivision plat for compliance with applicable state law and City of Newberry Land Development Regulations and recommended approval.

Hawley Family Holdings, LLC and Barwick Bank, have provided a $652,800 surety agreement for completion of required infrastructure improvements.

Small Cities CDBG Application

In other business, Summit Professional Services, Inc.’s President Scott Modesitt requested authorization to prepare an application for a $700,000 Florida Small Cities Community Development Block Grant for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

Modesitt reviewed the grant and explained its purpose and how it worked. He listed three categories the City could apply to for grant funding but suggested submittals for either the category of Housing Rehabilitation or Neighborhood Revitalization.

The Commission authorized Summit to prepare an application for the Neighborhood Revitalization grant category and also authorized the firm to prepare an application in the Economic Development category, should an eligible project be identified at a later date.

Local Supports Grants Program

City Manager Mike New reported that the Florida Legislature included a new initiative in the FY 2022-23 budget for a Local Supports Grants Program for nonrecurring funding for local governments, education entities, or privately operated programs to support local initiatives. New said that funding requests must be submitted electronically by July 15. Applications must be submitted to a House member who will sponsor the application on behalf of the applicant. New anticipate that State Representative Chuck Clemons will support the City’s application.

“Staff discussed several projects for the program, but given our understanding the parameters for consideration, [we] identified purchase of the quint fire apparatus as a high priority project for Newberry that would likely rank high with the evaluating committee,” said New.

The City Commission authorized acquisition of a replacement quint when it adopted the FY 2021 – 2022 budget. The quint was ordered in last fall at a cost of $780,000. The City planned to borrow money to purchase the new quint and repay the loan from an increase in the City’s fire assessment. Instead, staff proposes to apply to the program for 50 percent, or $400,000, of the total cost. “We intend to pledge the $400,000 balance as a local match for in the grant application,” New said. Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize the City Manager to apply for the grant funds as he described.

New announced that a workshop on what impact fees will look like in Newberry will take place at 6:30 p.m., July 18.

Consideration and approval of a new Urban Services Area boundary map was put on hold as the County Commission is considering changes that might require Newberry to adjust the map again in the near future. Mayor Jordan Marlowe said he’d rather do this once rather than having to adjust the map again. Marlowe is meeting with County Commissioners in the next few days.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission has approved the site plan for Duke Energy’s proposed solar facility. In June 2021, Duke Energy announced plans to build a solar power plant on 700 acres in High Springs. At that time, company officials said that once operational, the 74.9-MW facility will consist of approximately 216,000 single-axis tracking solar panels and the plant will be capable of effectively producing enough electricity to power approximately 23,000 average-sized homes at peak production.

At the June 23, 2022 City Commission meeting, CHW’s Gerry Dedenbach represented Duke Energy to obtain approval for the solar power plant facility to be located on 735 +/- acres of property in the southwestern quadrant of High Springs.

Dedenbach presented an in-depth, step-by-step assessment of Duke’s plan listing each plan review and approval that had been obtained during the process leading up to a request that would result in a zoning change of the property and place it under the City’s regulations rather than the County. As part of that review process the Planning Board also reviewed the application and unanimously recommended approval to the City Commission.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos reported that the site plan had been reviewed by the City Engineer and the site plan review committee. She said the plan has been found to be safely planned and that it meets all applicable City regulations.

The Commission approved on first reading 4-0 an ordinance amending the text of the City’s Land Development Code creating the AG Agriculture Zoning District. Commissioner Ross Ambrose abstained from voting as his company will likely be involved in the construction aspect of the solar array facility.

An additional ordinance also impacting the Duke Energy property was approved on first reading to amend the Future Land Use Plan Map and change the Land Use Classification from County Rural/Agriculture to City Agriculture on the 735 +/- acres south of Northwest 174^th Avenue. To the north, south and west of the property is County Rural/Agriculture and to the east of the property is City Rural Residential.

Transitioning from County AG to City AG is a compatible land use change. The AG District is intended to depict those areas of the City that are characterized as rural/agriculture in nature. “This is a zoning district referenced in the Comprehensive Plan and, as such, needs to be created,” said Stathatos.

As a large-scale amendment to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the proposed ordinance must be forwarded to the state of Florida for review. If no comments are received by the state agencies within 31 days, the ordinance will be considered for second reading by the City Commission.

An additional ordinance to amend the Official Zoning Map and rezone the 735 +/- acres of Duke Energy tax parcels from County Agricultural to City Agriculture was also approved on first reading, but is contingent on state and City approval of the previous ordinance.

To the north, south and west of the property is County Agricultural and to the east of the property is City R-1. Duke Energy’s proposed solar power facility is allowed by right in County and in the City’s AG. Rezoning the property will put it under City regulations rather than County regulations.

By state statute the City may enforce buffer and landscape requirements for solar facilities, but that those requirements may not exceed the requirements for similar uses in agriculture land use and zoning categories.

“Since the City does not have another solar facility,” she said, “staff researched a variety of ordinances from other cities. The buffers and landscaping in this site plan exceeded the requirements in other city ordinances.”

Dedenbach said there is a 150-foot setback around the perimeter of the facility and a 50-foot vegetative buffer as well. Near the residential neighborhood to the east, there is a 100-foot vegetative buffer.

As part of citizen comments on the issue, a list of suggested landscaping items was produced by Janet Evans. Todd Yoho said he had met with project manager Cory Graham, and he seemed agreeable to plant in such a way as to block the solar panels.

Dedenbach emphasized that the site plan is an enforceable document and Stathatos stressed that City staff would follow up to ensure that the plans were enforced.

Vanessa Goff of Duke Energy said they would conduct a preconstruction site visit and would give citizens more say as to the buffering plants used.

Commissioner Linda Jones made a motion to approve the site plan with Vice Mayor Gloria James seconding the motion. The motion was approved 3-1 with Commissioner Katherine Weitz casting the dissenting vote saying she wanted more detailed information. Commissioner Ambrose abstained from voting.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 14 at 6:30 p.m.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry Board of Adjustment approved at their June 13 meeting an application for site and development plan for the first phase of Treehouse Village RV Resort, a recreation vehicle resort. The design calls for 300 sites and 14,430 square feet of clubhouse, resort store and bath facilities. The plan includes parking, stormwater and utilities.

The plan was submitted by JBPro Engineering, acting as agent for M3 RV Land, LLC, owner. The property is approximately 44.96 +/- acres and is located at 2120 N.W. State Road 45 (tax parcel 01879-002-000).

The Board approved the plan subject to approval of a fire hydrant plan from the Newberry Fire Department.

In other Board business, a second public hearing was for site and development plan approval for a new commercial building in CountryWay Town Square in the Planned Development Zoning District.

The new construction is for 29,193 square feet of gross floor area with the 13,194 square foot first floor used for commercial use and the second floor used for 12 residential apartments. The plan also includes associated site developments including parking and utilities.

The property is located on the north side of Southwest 18^th Road between Southwest 248^th Drive and Southwest 249^th Drive within CountryWay Town Square in the Newberry Town Center “PD” Planned Development Zoning District.

City Planner Alayna Jackson said that the Planning and Zoning Board heard the application on May 2 and unanimously agreed to recommend approval of the application to the Board of Adjustment.

The Board unanimously approved the site and development plan.

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