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ALACHUA ‒ Almost every community in America honors the memory of Martin Luther King, Jr. King inspired millions of people in his lifetime, and he changed the face of American society by bringing awareness about equal rights. During the 1950s and 1960s he rose to national prominence, and his death on April 4, 1968 at the hands of an assassin shocked and angered the nation. But his legacy and accomplishments live on.

King was one of many people who became involved in the Civil Rights movement, but his speaking ability and organization of non-violent protests, large marches and economic boycotts made him the most visible leader of the movement. He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington where he delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd of over 250,000 people. On Oct. 14, 1964, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to fight racial inequality through nonviolent protests. King was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Martin Luther King Day was enacted as a federal holiday through legislation signed by President Ronald Reagan in 1986. Now each year, on the third Monday in January, Martin Luther King Day is celebrated to mark his birth on Jan. 15, 1929.

In High Springs, Reverend and current Mayor Byran Williams has led a memorial march down West U.S. Highway 27 from City Hall to Catherine Taylor Park for the past 10 years.

“My church, Mount Carmel United Methodist Church, has been holding remembrance services for MLK day for over 20 years,” said Williams. “About 10 years ago it was decided to open the services to the whole community by creating a walk that all could participate in, similar to the marches that King organized, to honor the day and unify the community.”

This year, on a cold Monday morning, about 50 people gathered at High Springs City Hall to make the almost mile walk accompanied by a police escort. Once at the park, there was singing by Spiritual Excellence followed by Noah Brock describing Dr. King's life and achievements and keynote speaker Reverend Jon Ingraham.

For the past 16 years the City of Alachua has hosted a celebration of Martin Luther King Day with an event at the Cleather Hathcock Community Center. The City provides a catered lunch, equipment, law enforcement and some of the entertainment for the event. City employees from the parks and recreation department and the city manager's office volunteer their time and services for the event. Volunteers from churches and community organizations also offer their time to serve the food, prepare desserts and provide entertainment and information.

This year’s event started at 11 a.m. with an opening prayer by Pastor Gregory Pelham and the National Anthem sung by Antionette Hunt. Master of Ceremony Carol Richardson introduced speakers Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, State Representative Yvonne Hinson and Florida State Senator Keith Perry. Entertainment from the Smooth Flava Dance group followed. Inside the Hathcock Center, Alachua born artist Kenneth Kith displayed his artwork while caterers set up lunch outside on the porch.

Speakers included Dr. Micha Johnson who spoke of his early life of homelessness and poverty and the childhood trauma that many minority children face. Born and initially raised in South Florida, Johnson was uprooted at a young age to Brooklyn, New York. Living in impoverished conditions, often homeless in a volatile family situation, Johnson's neighborhood was a dangerous place with gangs, drugs and poverty.

Many of the New York kids called him a farmer or hick due to his accent and background in the south. Johnson had low self-esteem and fear of not being accepted, especially due to his homeless situation. “I was afraid that once my friends found out about living in homeless shelters I would be shunned,” he said. But the opposite happened. “They all accepted that I was in a hard situation and never once mentioned or joked about my situation.”

Sleeping in cars and homeless shelters, Johnson graduated from high school and was accepted at the University of Florida where he pursed three degrees, including his doctorate in Sociology. He now teaches at the University of South Florida about childhood trauma and its effects on self-worth and ability to achieve.

Events held throughout the country not only honor King and his legacy, but they also memorialize the changes in society that King helped bring about.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission approved 4-1 a measure to add small-scale rural event centers in Agricultural Zoning Districts. The measure was hotly contested at the Jan. 3, Newberry Planning and Zoning Board meeting. That board voted 4-1 to recommend the proposed change to the Commission. Commissioner Monty Farnsworth cast the dissenting vote at the Jan. 11 City Commission meeting.

LDR 22-01 proposes to amend the City’s Land Development Regulations to add small-scale rural event centers as a use allowed by special exception in the “A” Agricultural Zoning District. The amendment is the result of various inquiries received by the Planning Department regarding interest in developing venues that provide agricultural- and/or wellness-related educational, recreation and entertainment-type activities in a rural setting for the local community and visitors alike.

The Special Exception process provides a legal mechanism for the City Commission, serving as the Board of Adjustment, to allow certain uses in specified zoning districts, on a case-by-case basis, determining findings and adding conditions that are tailored to the specific request at its specific location.

Special exceptions allow a use that would not be appropriate generally or without restriction through a zoning district. LDR 22-01 would allow small-scale rural event centers related to agricultural uses, agritourism, and/or wellness retreats to include but not be limited to recreation, entertainment, and/or educational experiences, and accessory uses such as associated sales of agricultural products grown on or off premises, beer gardens, farm-to-table cafes, food truck plazas, outdoor health and wellness activities. Small-scale is defined as 300 or fewer participants/attendees. The City Commission will hold a second reading on the matter.

In other business, Ordinance 2021-75/CPA 21-26, an application submitted by JBPro, Agent for Drummond and Russell Jr., Helen L. Jeffcoat and Michael Willis, owners, was approved unanimously on first reading. The application is a small-scale amendment to the City’s Future Land Use Plan Map to change the Future Land Use classification on approximately 2.34 acres from Residential Low Density (1-4 dwelling units per acre) to Commercial. This property encompasses Tax Parcels 01950-000-000, 1950-001-000, 01951-000-000 and 01951-001-000 and is located on the south side of West Newberry Road and on the west side of Southeast 246^th Terrace and Doc Karelas Drive. Plans are for the eastern two parcels to be developed as an Elliano’s Coffee shop.

Following approval of the ordinance, an application for rezoning from Residential, Single Family (RSF-1) and Residential, Single Family (RSF-2) to Commercial, Intensive (CI) on the same 2.34 acres was heard and approved in a quasi-judicial public hearing on first reading of Ordinance 2021-76/LDR 21-35.

The Commission approved unanimously on first reading Ordinance 2021-65/CPA 21-25, an application submitted by Morgan L. “Lee” Smith, IV, agent for RPM Auto LLC, owner. The small-scale amendment to the City’s Future Land Use Plan Map changes the Future Land Use classification on approximately three acres from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Commercial on property previously voluntarily annexed into the City. This property encompasses Tax Parcel 01928-004-000 and is located on the south side of West Newberry Road and on the west side of Southwest 226^th Street.

Following approval of the ordinance, an application for rezoning from Alachua County Agriculture (A) to City of Newberry Commercial Automotive (CA) on the same three acres received unanimous approval on first reading of Ordinance 2021-66/LDR 21-34.

Ordinance 2021-29/CPA 21-13, an application to approve a change to the Future Land Use designation of a total of approximately 237.92 acres from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture, was unanimously approved on second reading. The large-scale amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, which was heard and unanimously approved on Oct. 4, 2021, by the Planning and Zoning Board; was heard again and unanimously approved on first reading by the City Commission on Oct. 25, 2021 and sent to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO)for expedited review. The DEO reviewed the application and provided no comments requiring responses or noting any adverse impacts.

The land involved in this transaction are Tax Parcels 01861-001-001, consisting of 20.88 acres, Tax Parcel 01861-001-000, consisting of 59 acres and Tax Parcel 01858-000-000, consisting of 158.04 acres. The property is located on the west side of Northwest 202^nd Street, approximately a half mile south of Northwest 46^th Avenue.

Since the County’s Rural/Agriculture and the City’s Agriculture classifications both allow residential densities of “less than or equal to one dwelling unit per five acres” and continuation of similar agriculture uses and intensities, no additional density is allowed based upon changing from the County’s to the City’s designation.

On the same 237.92 acres, Commissioners unanimously approved rezoning the same property in a quasi-judicial public hearing on second reading of Ordinance 2021-30/LDR 21-21. Each of the three tax parcels will now have their zoning district changed from Alachua County Future Land Use and Zoning District classifications to City of Newberry designations.

The Commission also approved on first reading Ordinance 2021-73/CPA 21-29, a small-scale amendment to the Future Land Use Map of the City of Newberry Comprehensive Plan, proposing to change the future land use designation from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture (less than or equal to one dwelling unit per five acres) to City of Newberry Agriculture with the same allowable use. This action pertains to Tax Parcel 04370-001-000, consisting of approximately 4.27 acres located on the south side of West Newberry Road along both sides of a portion of Southwest 174^th Street. The Commission approved on first reading a zoning change from Alachua County Agriculture (A) to City of Newberry Agricultural (A) on the same voluntarily annexed property.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs residents went to the Jan. 13 High Springs City Commission meeting to voice their frustration over what they say is a business operating in a residential neighborhood. Although the Commission was set to discuss proposed Ordinance 2022-01 amending the Land Development Code regarding home occupations, several homeowners took the opportunity to voice their frustration and concern about what they believe is an automotive repair business being run out of a residential property on Northwest 191^st Street.

Residents Sheila Gannon, Lance Verner, Deborah Simone, J.D. McNeil, Eva Verner and Jesse Lindsey all addressed the Commission to complain about the same home business, which they said was operating as an automotive and engine repair company.

Complaints ranged from excessive noise during the day and late at night, racing engines, the use of loud pneumatic tools, bright floodlights, cars being moved onto neighbors’ properties without permission, accessory construction without a permit and washing oil and automotive products into the soil to leach into the aquifer.

Some of the neighbors had produced videos and photographs to document their claims, some of which have been turned over to the High Springs Police Department and to the Codes Enforcement Officer.

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard said he had just seen some videos that afternoon that were concerning and would be following up on. Sheppard had contacted Alachua County Environmental Protection Agency regarding the business’s disposal of waste products. Sheppard said they conducted an assessment and cleared the business owner, whose business is listed as a mobile automobile repair business. He further encouraged citizens with proof to bring it to the police department.

Sheppard also asked that people call immediately with noise-related issues so his officers can document the disturbance as it is occurring.

City Manager Ashley Stathatos said she would also talk with the City’s Building Department regarding the structures that have been built on the property to determine if they were permitted.

Turning back to Ordinance 2022-01, the Commission considered the measure, which was drafted in direct response to an update in Florida Statutes. Florida Statute Section 559.955 preempts the regulation of home-based business to the state and the statute describes state and municipality authority and responsibilities. Stathatos said, “The goal is to ensure consistent enforcement of home-based business throughout the state of Florida.” She said that if a home-based business is operating such that you can’t tell it’s a business from the street, it is in compliance with state statutes.

Commissioner Ross Ambrose said he had attempted to contact State Senator Keith Perry when he was proposing the legislation. Ambrose opposed the bill because he felt this and some other bills Senator Perry was proposing preempted home rule. “Citizens need to be aware that this is going on in Tallahassee,” he said. He said although he tried to contact Senator Perry, he never received a return call or email from his office.

Regarding the ordinance, Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham said that the City was not compliant with statutes and were less able to enforce regulations. The ordinance was unanimously approved with Ambrose making the motion to approve, which was seconded by Vice-Mayor Gloria James.

In other business, Stathatos presented Resolution 2022-A, which authorizes the issuance of a $589,000 note to provide funds to finance the Santa Fe Canoe Outpost and related capital improvements. She said the funds to conduct the closing came from Wild Spaces Public Places and money from the Alachua County Trust associated with the Conservation Easement.

She said the fund has $1.6 million in available resources. “It is making around $300,000 - $400,000 a year. The purchase took away around $600,000, leaving approximately $1 million.

Parks and Recreation Director Damon Messina reported on projects planned for the next fiscal year and the anticipated costs associated with those projects. He said Alachua County voters would consider continuing Wild Spaces Public Places funding again this November. Should those funds be renewed, it is possible to pay the loan back sooner than the seven year time frame for payback.

“Staff’s recommendation is to borrow the funds to allow for some leeway,” Stathatos said. She pointed out that construction costs are higher right now and interest rates are lower. She also said there is no penalty for paying the loan off early, should the funds become available. The interest rate on the loan under consideration is 2.23 percent.

Weitz offered again that the City should use America Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds rather than borrow money. Jones said she tended to agree with Weitz. However, after a motion made by Ambrose to approve, with a second from James, the final vote was 4-1 with Weitz casting the only dissenting vote.

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved a settlement agreement and release of lien on Tax Parcel 01295-000-000. The agreement is with former titleholder Herbert Allen Towne and lien holder, the City of High Springs. The lien was placed against Towne’s property in 2006 for codes violations and fines that accrued at $200 per day to a total of $1,066,000.

The property was sold by tax deed in November 2020, and the building was removed in September 2021. In exchange for resolution of this matter, Towne will receive $40,000 and the City will receive $21,356. According to Stathatos, the lien attaches to all of Towne’s other properties. Should any other property owned by Towne be sold, a portion will also be collected by the City.

Also unanimously approved was Resolution 2022-C, which is a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the state of Florida to participate in a unified plan for the allocation and use of opioid litigation settlement proceeds. Sheppard presented this item and said that an amount of $5 billion is anticipated over a period of nine years to be available to cities for substance abuse education.

“Once they know the number of cities who want to participate,” said Sheppard, “the exact numbers will be provided.” He said he anticipates approximately $30,630 spread out over a number of years will be available to High Springs.

Commissioners appointed Hector E. Tapanes to replace Ronald Wilson, who resigned from the Planning and Zoning Board.

Stathatos asked for input from Commissioners in the near future as to whether they would like to discuss how the ARPA funds should be used at either the first meeting in February or at a workshop.

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ALACHUA COUTY ‒ The three teachers selected as finalists in this year’s Alachua County Teacher Recognition Program come from different backgrounds, but all share a passion for helping students develop skills and attitudes that will help them beyond the classroom.

Nicole Duncan, Todd Eckstein and Kendra Vincent were chosen from among the district’s 39 teacher of the year honorees to represent elementary, middle and high school teachers in the districtwide program. One of them will go on to represent Alachua County Public Schools in the Florida Teacher of the Year program.

Nicole Duncan is a first-grade teacher at the Rawlings Center for Fine Arts. Originally from Jamaica, Duncan has worked as a teacher and parent educator/counselor teacher with Alachua County Public Schools and as a guidance counselor in Kingston, Jamaica. She’s also volunteered her time with local churches and with the St. Francis House.

Duncan says she wants students to know that with hard work, they can master even those subjects that cause them to struggle. She says seeing children do just that is the best part of teaching.

“Those moments are unpredictable,” she said. “You don’t know when it’s going to happen, but when it does happen, it’s so good to see, and it’s good to be a part of it.”

Todd Eckstein is the director of music at Lincoln Middle School, where he’s been on the faculty since 2007. He’s been teaching music since 1998, and is active in state and local music and music education organizations. He’s also performed and recorded professionally.

Many of Eckstein’s students were not musicians until they started attending his class. Like Duncan, he wants his students to understand the value of trying, even if it sometimes means failing.

“They’re learning a new skill, something they’ve never done before,” he said. “In order to be successful, they have to be ready to fail, but approach it with a grateful heart, be excited about it and ready to try again and again and again.”

Vincent is an English teacher at Buchholz High School. She’s been teaching there since 2006. Her resume also includes time as a unit leader with the Girl Scouts of America and as an Americorps VISTA volunteer serving high-needs students in West Virginia. She’s also volunteered as a child advocate with the local Guardian ad Litem program and as a tutor for the PACE Center for Girls.

Vincent says she wants to teach students to understand and enjoy books, but also much more.

“I really hope that I can broaden their horizons and that they get a larger sense of the world instead of just their own bubbles,” she said. “I want them to realize they can make a difference in their community and the larger world.”

Duncan, Eckstein, Vincent and their fellow honorees will all be recognized at the 30^th Annual Robert W. Hughes Alachua County Teacher Recognition Program celebration, which will be held Thursday, Jan. 27 at 6:30 p.m. and is being hosted by The Education Foundation. The program is named after the former Alachua County Public Schools superintendent who established the program.

All honorees will receive a cash award and gifts donated by local businesses and individuals, including primary sponsors Cox, Florida Credit Union, North Florida Regional Medical Center and SWI Photographers. The overall district Teacher of the Year will be announced at the end of the celebration.

The event will be live streamed at: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eW2H0Jj7YxM&feature=youtu.be

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ HIGH Springs The High Springs Woman's Club delivered hand-made lap blankets and goodies to the veterans living at the Mayflower Assisted Living Retirement Home for Christmas. Club members say they love to help people in the community have a happy Christmas. L to R: Carole Tate, Manager Stepheny Conner and Windy Phillips.

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