Local

NEWBERRY – Development of a small-scale rural event center on approximately 4.27 acres located approximately .25 mile west of the intersection of Newberry Road and 170^th Street is in the works.

The City’s Planning and Zoning Board voted to recommend approval of Resolution 2022-04/SE 22-03 to the Board of Adjustment (BOA). City officials anticipate it will be heard at the Feb. 28 meeting.

The Special Exception, if approved by the BOA will allow for the development of a small-scale rural event center on approximately 4.27 acres located approximately .25 mile west of the intersection of Newberry Road and 170^th Street.

Applicant Shabnam Rumpf-Monadizadeh, agent for Ecovibe, LLC, explained the myriad of possible uses of the property, which range from a nature trail, a beer garden/café, covered stage pavilion, vegetable and herb garden to food trucks and musical events. Rumpf-Monadizadeh said approximately 2/3 of the property will be used as an outdoor living room with movable seating for easy conversation.

Concern about noise, light pollution, parking and hours of operation were discussed. Although a suggestion to allow larger concert events three times a year was mentioned, that was not included in the motion to approve. What did seem to be included in the confusing motion was a recommendation that the Commission review the application again in one year. If no problems or concerns are brought up at that time, the recommendation is to extend the Special Exception another three or five years, depending on the wishes of the BOA.

Planning and Zoning Board members recommended that the Special Exception approval be attached to the applicant and the Board of Adjustment would decide if the Special Exception would transfer to a new owner at the point of sale.

In other business, Planning and Zoning Board members voted unanimously to recommend approval of Ordinance 2022-19/LDR 22-02, an application by the City of Newberry to amend the text of the Land Development Regulations to provide for electronic message signage at city-owned facilities, specifically City Hall.

Tabled was a change in the July meeting schedule to avoid the July 4^th holiday. This item will be addressed at the next meeting.

Principal Planner Wendy Kinser-Maxwell announced that she will be retiring from her position with the City on March 3, and this would be her last Planning and Zoning Board meeting.

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ALACHUA ‒ Join the fabulous Dance Alive National Ballet at the incomparable annual fundraiser on Saturday, March 12, 2022, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Rd, Alachua.

A fabulous time will be had by all! Featuring the extraordinary ‘Dancing With the Stars’ production, this event has it all. Dining, dancing, a silent auction, and the wonderful Dance Alive dancers join with terrific celebrity stars to put on a dynamite show. 

It is without a doubt the most entertaining event you will attend! Chaired by the charming Susannah Peddie, hosted by the terrific Eric Godet, with sumptuous food provided by Blue Water Bay, stunningly decorated by Unforgettable Events, and entertained by the amazing Gosia and Ali band. Prepare to be transported!

PURCHASE TICKETS AND TABLES AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ‘STAR’ AT TICKETS AND VOTING.

Proceeds go to Dance Alive National Ballet’s Outreach and Educational Programming.Sponsored by Parris Dance, Unforgettable Events, Publix Super Market Charities, Legacy Park, and the City of Alachua. 

The STARS & their partners in Dancing With the Stars. Who will win the People's Choice Award? It's Up to YOU!

LADY ‘STARS’ and their professional dance partners

Star Bradbury Star and Jose Ramos

Aubrey Hall and Tim Cannon

Emma Luetgert Emma and Fhilipe Teixeira

Valesca Rugbi and Roberto Vega

Anna Olcese Anna and Andre Valladon

Tara Tara and Nathan Fernandes

Kathy Sarantos and Tales Ribeiro

GENTLEMEN ‘STARS’ and their professional dance partners

Wickie Ariet and Beatriz Correa

Adam Boukari Adam and Rosemary Deiorio

Luis Rodriguez Louis and Emilia Leon

Raymond Chobaz and Ashley Brooke Lunn

David Franklin and Carla Amancio

Maury Ivey and Luana Rayssa

Jeffrey Meldon and Jessie Dominguez

Matt Urban and Marilyn Deiorio

Robert de Rochement, Jr. and Rachel Ridley

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HIGH SPRINGS – In just their second season, the High Springs SwampBots (Team Frogman) came in third place out of 32 teams at the Lego League Panther Prowl Qualifier at Palatka High School on Saturday, Feb. 5. “This is a remarkable feat for local coaches and participants,” said High Springs Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina.

The objective of SwampBots is to have robots, which are built by the teams, do runs for a period of time. “This is another avenue for children to express themselves creatively,” said Messina. “It’s not only children building robots, but also robots building children.”

There are several teams in Alachua County, and two of those teams are from High Springs and Alachua that partner with the City of High Springs Parks and Recreation Department. Each team consists of eight to 10 kids. The teams practice two to three times a week in the multi-purpose rooms of the old school building behind City Hall. The season is August to February/March each year. Children from fourth to eighth grades are eligible to participate free of charge.

The organization is funded by a grant from the Alachua County Children’s Trust. All funds go toward the registrations, programming, equipment (Lego robotic set), computers, coaches’ stipend, league and tournament fees.

Based on the third-place results, the teams may go on to play in a Southeast Regional competition. Messina said he is grateful to the Alachua County Children’s Trust for their consistent contribution, to President of SwampBots, Ben Sanders for his dedication to the program, and to the High Springs Parks and Recreation Board for advocating the program.

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NEWBERRY – A Newberry man is behind bars after deputies say he hit a 15-year-old child with a rock in an altercation on Feb. 4.  Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the scene of a fight between 37-year old Kenneth Polk and another family member.  

A witness said that the two had gotten into an argument over a gun that the 15-year-old said he had found in Gainesville.  During the physical altercation, Polk shoved the child and took the gun from him in an attempt to dispose of it.  Polk then left the residence with the boy following him in an attempt to recover the weapon.  

The child chased Polk onto the railroad tracks at which point witnesses said Polk picked up a rock from the train track bed and threw it at the child, hitting him in the back of the head and causing a raised knot of approximately 1.5 inches in diameter.  

Polk fled the area but was located several hours later walking southbound along State Road 45.  Post Miranda Polk admitted to being involved in a physical altercation, but denied throwing a rock and claimed the 15-year-old was the primary aggressor.

Polk was subsequently arrested for child abuse and transported to the Alachua County Jail.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua City Commission Monday considered the final plat for Savannah Station 2C subdivision located north of Savannah Station Phase I and Pilot Forest subdivisions, west of the Shady Lane Acres and Interstate 75, and east of Northwest County Road 235. Phase 2C is the final portion of the already established subdivision.

Property developer and owner, Gloria's Way, is requesting to add 43 lots on a 9.3-acre plot, with associated right-of-way and common areas. The preliminary plat for Savannah Station Phase II was originally approved by the City Commission on Feb.12, 2019 and allowed for up to 180 houses with a maximum of four house per acre.

This request for the last part of the project is distinct from what has already been developed. As part of the approval the City would receive an irrevocable letter of credit from Gloria’s Way, LLC in the amount of $1,397,528 as the surety instrument for infrastructure improvements, other than sidewalks. The City would also accept a letter of credit from Gloria’s Way, LLC for $116,483 as the surety instrument for sidewalks.

Development of Savannah Station 2C involves removal of trees, that in accordance with the City’s Land Development Regulations (LDRs), requires replacement mitigation of those trees. The number of trees proposed for removal would require 873 replacement trees to be planted. The approved Construction Plans for Savannah Station Phase 2B and 2C propose to provide a total of 48 replacement trees on-site. The remainder would be planted elsewhere as off-site mitigation in accordance with the City’s LDRs.

Off-site mitigation trees may be planted in City-owned properties and parks, City rights-of-way, preservation or conservation areas owned by the City, and within medians and rights-of-way of State and County roads The cost for tree replacement and off-site mitigation must be paid by the developer prior to the start of construction on the final Phase 2C. The required payment for the off-site mitigation will amount to $128,434.

In other business, students from Irby Elementary School were recognized by the City Commission. The students currently have their artwork, “Fall Trees,” on display in the lobby of City Hall. Six students attended the meeting with their parents and were presented with a certificate by Mayor Gib Coerper and their picture taken with the full Commission.

In a related school matter, School Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is recognized annually throughout Florida. Crossing guards are vigilant at keeping students safe from harm as they monitor intersections and assist students cross roadways on school days. In recognition of school crossing guards in Alachua, Coerper read a proclamation officially declaring Feb. 4 as Crossing Guard Appreciation Day. He said that the proclamation is a gesture of gratitude for those who dedicate their service by ensuring the safety of children as they commute to and from school. Alachua Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky commended crossing guards for their invaluable service and dedication to the children of the community.

Alachua is scheduled to receive an estimated $33,507 through a potential settlement over opioid litigation. On April 13, 2021 the City received a letter from the Office of the State of Florida Attorney General regarding ongoing opioid litigation between the State and a number of defendants. The letter provided an update regarding the litigation and potential settlement for damage caused by opioid addiction.

The City Commission adopted a resolution authorizing Alachua County to act on behalf of the City to maximize any recovery from the litigation. The State has now reached a settlement with two companies. Both settlements are estimated to provide a combined total of $33,507 to the City of Alachua over an 18-year payout horizon. Funds received by the City are to be used for strategies, programming and services used to expand the availability of treatment for individuals impacted by substance abuse disorders, including education/awareness activities.

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ALACHUA – The City of Alachua has named a new Chief of Police. Interim City Manager Mike DaRoza appointed Lt. Jesse Sandusky to the position effective Feb. 1, 2022. 

An 18-year veteran of the Alachua Police Department, Sandusky takes over for outgoing Chief Chad Scott, who resigned after 13-plus years.  Scott will be taking a position at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. 

Sandusky has served in many different capacities throughout his career, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He began his career in 2003 as an officer in the Patrol Division. 

“After we learned of Chief Scott’s plans, the choice became clear who needed to take the helm,” DaRoza said. “Jesse has grown alongside the department for nearly two decades, and has developed the necessary leadership and trust our community needs to take us to the next level.” 

With a strong interest in the investigative side of law enforcement, Sandusky served for several years as a Detective, and ultimately a Detective Sergeant within the Criminal Investigations Division before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and appointed as the Commander of the Administration Division. 

Sandusky, the long-time Public Information Officer for the Alachua Police Department, was elected President of the Florida Law Enforcement Public Information Officer Association where he served for two years. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Peaceful Paths Domestic Violence Network. 

“Chief Sandusky is a trusted leader who has built important relationships in our community,” said Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper.  “He has a proven track record as a police officer and a problem solver, and I know he will be an effective leader for the Alachua Police Department.”

“I am honored to have this opportunity to lead such a great team of dedicated law enforcement professionals,” Sandusky said. “Together, we will continue the tradition of providing excellent law enforcement services to the residents and visitors of the City of Alachua. The safety of our citizens will always remain top priority.”

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