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NEWBERRY – After hours of debate and public comment, the Newberry City Commission voted Aug. 25, 2025, to set the city’s final fire assessment rate at $300 per residential property.

The vote came after weeks of discussion and public workshops. Although the previously discussed rate of $419 per residential unit was listed in the Alachua County Property Appraiser’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notice, City Staff recommended a reduced rate of $300 per residential unit for a final assessment

The commission ultimately approved the measure in a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Monty Farnsworth opposing.

Public Pushback and Calls for Broader Solutions

More than 10 residents and business owners voiced concerns over the increase, which marks the first change in three years. The commission had previously held the rate steady at $200 per residential unit, but officials said that amount was no longer sustainable.

Former commissioner Jason McGehee argued that the city could have avoided the steep increase if past boards had raised the rate incrementally, suggesting $25 annual increases as a way to reduce the impact on households.

Others focused on the burden for businesses. Industrial property is assessed at $0.09 per square foot, which drew objections from business owner Todd Russo. Russo said that much of the 119,000 square feet attributed to his company falls under canopy space, yet is still billed at the industrial rate. City officials explained that the county, not the city, determines industrial square footage. City Manager Jordan Marlowe said he would accompany Russo to meet with county staff on the issue.

Some residents urged commissioners to look beyond rate increases. Developer Trip Norfleet said the city should review its budget more carefully, while resident Sherry French called for expanding the commercial tax base to ease the load on homeowners.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee presented comparison tables showing that funding fire services through property tax increases would ultimately cost residents more than the flat assessment. Lee also explained that the fire assessment ensures costs are distributed evenly across property types.

Several speakers said they had not been aware of earlier workshops and urged the city to expand its outreach. Marlowe noted that Newberry maintains an email notification list for all meetings, but residents must sign up to receive those messages.

The fire assessment dominated the meeting agenda, extending the commission meeting to nearly five hours. Commissioners twice voted to extend the session, first beyond 11 p.m. and later to 11:30 p.m., before finally approving the new rate.

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K-9 Thor, pictured with his handler Sgt. Justin Horn (kneeling, center left) and members of the Alachua Police Department, was honored at his 2023 retirement after eight years of service. Thor, a Belgian Malinois trained in narcotics detection and patrol duties, remained with Horn as a family pet until his passing on Aug. 24, 2025./ Alachua County today file photo

ALACHUA– The Alachua Police Department is mourning the loss of retired K-9 Thor, a Belgian Malinois who dedicated eight years to serving the city before retiring to family life. Thor died Aug. 24, 2025, at age 13, surrounded by his handler’s family and his police department colleagues.

Born July 21, 2012, Thor joined the Alachua Police Department in May 2014. Over his career, he was trained and certified in narcotics detection and patrol functions. His work included building searches, locating wanted individuals, and recovering lost evidence — tasks that made him a valuable partner in day-to-day police operations.

Thor’s contributions to law enforcement extended beyond technical skill. His presence at crime scenes and community events strengthened bonds between the police department and residents, making him a recognizable and trusted figure in Alachua.

On Feb. 27, 2023, the Alachua City Commission publicly recognized Thor for his years of service. At that meeting, Police Chief Jesse Sandusky honored the K-9’s career with a ceremonial presentation. Thor officially retired that day, and his handler, Sgt. Justin Horn, received a shadow box commemorating their time together. After retirement, Thor remained with Horn and his family, enjoying a quieter life as a household pet after years of demanding service.

Thor’s career is remembered as an example of dedication and loyalty. His work alongside officers not only supported criminal investigations but also reinforced community trust in the department. His transition from a working dog to a family companion reflected the strong bond between police dogs and their handlers, as well as the department’s appreciation for the role K-9s play in public safety.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission met Aug. 25, 2025, to review a series of development and zoning issues including the Avalon Woods development, a multi-phase project.

Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez presented an application from JBrown Professional Group, Inc., representing M3 Avalon Land 2, LLC, owner of the project. The plan for Avalon Woods Phase 5A covers 15.5 acres and includes infrastructure and site improvements to support 91 single-family homes within the mixed-use development.

A key point of contention centered on a proposed road connection linking the southern edge of the subdivision to Northwest 244^th Drive. That road provides access to 41 Commerce Park and had not been part of the previously adopted development plan. Because it constitutes a major change to the development order, the new connection required commission approval.

A traffic impact analysis by MPH Transportation Planning indicated that routing traffic through the industrial park could help disperse vehicle trips generated by Phases 4 through 6. However, staff also noted potential conflicts between residential and industrial traffic, raising concerns over maneuverability and use-type compatibility.

City staff recommended adoption of Resolution 2025-26 with multiple conditions. Among them were requirements to amend the master development plan before Phase 5B, to resolve outstanding utility and easement issues, and to sign a maintenance and indemnification agreement for backwater valves.

Another condition addressed force main infrastructure along U.S. 27/41. While the city agreed to reimburse the difference in material costs for upsizing from a 6-inch to an 8-inch pipe, officials emphasized that reimbursements would be subject to city approval of engineering cost estimates.

Assistant City Manager and Director of Utilities and Public Works Jamie Jones suggested advancing Phase 5A with conditions attached, while deferring the road connection question to a later stage. Under the motion, the road will currently end at the last lot, with future resolution required before Phase 5B construction.

Commissioner Mark Clark moved for approval, seconded by Commissioner Don Long. The measure passed 3-2, with Commissioners Monty Farnsworth and Tony Mazon voting against.

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WALDO – Two Gainesville men were arrested Thursday, June 19, 2025, after allegedly taking a kayak without permission, damaging it, and, in one case, striking a woman with a car while fleeing the scene.

Deputies with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office responded around 8:30 p.m. to a residence near the Waldo Canal Park boat ramp at 14736 N.E. 152^nd Street, where victims reported two men and a woman had arrived in a silver BMW and taken a red kayak from the embankment without permission.

The kayak’s owner said he confronted one of the suspects, later identified as Carter Wayne Cutter, 19, after the group returned to shore. The man told deputies that the kayak seat had been damaged, estimating repairs at $60. Cutter allegedly punched the owner in the mouth during the confrontation, causing visible bleeding, according to the deputy’s report.

The victim said he and several neighbors became involved in a physical altercation with Cutter and another man, identified as Stephen Medlock, 19. Cutter then reportedly got into the BMW and drove toward three of the victims who were standing in the road. Although they were not blocking his exit, Cutter allegedly accelerated toward them, narrowly missing two and striking a woman in the leg.

All five victims told deputies they feared for their lives as Cutter drove at them.

Deputies later located Medlock at his home in the 7700 block of Northeast Waldo Road. He reportedly resisted being escorted to the patrol vehicle and resisted a search during his arrest. While at the residence, deputies saw Cutter inside and took him into custody after a witness identified him as the driver.

Cutter faces multiple felony charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery, theft and property damage under $200.

Cutter has no prior criminal history. Bail was set at $112,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

Medlock has been charged with property damage under $200 with a prior conviction, theft with two or more prior convictions and resisting an officer without violence

According to records, Medlock has a history of juvenile offenses from 2018 to 2025 and two adult misdemeanor convictions. His bail was set at $14,000 by Judge Van Vorst. He was released from the Alachua County Jail on June 27.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Several Alachua County innovators are among the finalists for the 16th Annual Cade Prize for Inventivity, one of the region’s premier competitions recognizing groundbreaking ideas.

Judges selected 15 finalists nationwide from a pool of 100 applicants representing 16 states, including entrepreneurs, researchers, and technology transfer organizations. Competitors are advancing in five categories: Environmental, Healthcare, Technology, Sports, and Wildcard.

Finalists will gather Oct. 14 at the Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention in Gainesville for the awards ceremony. The event will feature an expo-style showcase of projects, networking with attendees, and a final round of live judging. Winners in each category will receive $10,000, and five finalists will present pitches on stage for a chance at the $50,000 grand prize, the Student Choice Award, and professional consulting services.

Alachua County innovators are strongly represented in the Healthcare and Technology categories. NanoNeurosciences of Alachua was named a finalist for NanoGlaucoOut, a peptide-based nanomedicine platform designed to treat conditions such as glaucoma, epilepsy, and depression. The technology focuses on long-lasting, nonsurgical treatments that support cell survival and energy function.

CasNx of Gainesville advanced for its CRISPR technology that edits donor organs to reduce viruses and immune rejection, with the goal of providing safer and longer-lasting transplants.

Elias Sayour, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Florida, and Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Texas were recognized for research aimed at improving cancer immunotherapy through methods that enhance treatment response.

Immunogenik of Gainesville earned a spot in the Technology category for 8R-70CAR, a CD70-targeted CAR T cell therapy designed for aggressive, treatment-resistant cancers, including glioblastoma and pediatric high-grade gliomas.

The Cade Prize, named after Dr. James Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, is a national competition celebrating creativity and innovation. Each year, it highlights early-stage inventions with the potential for significant societal impact.

This year’s competition is supported by sponsors including the Community Foundation of North Central Florida, the Florida High Tech Corridor, Gatorade, the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, OneSixOne Ventures, NVision Strategies, and Hyatt Place Downtown, among others.

The Oct. 14 awards ceremony will take place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cade Museum. Tickets are available at cadeprize.org.

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Alachua County Today fie photo

Clear Waters Promise A Refreshing Retreat

HIGH SPRINGS – Families in search of a splash this Labor Day holiday need look no further than North Central Florida’s springs, where bubbling waters, sandy riverbanks, and the laughter of swimmers promise a cool retreat from the late-summer sun.

Poe Springs Park, Alachua County’s largest natural spring, is expected to be a top destination this weekend. Pumping about 45 million gallons of crystal-clear water daily into the Santa Fe River, the park offers a mix of swimming, shaded picnic areas, volleyball courts, and trails that make it a reliable holiday favorite.

On holiday weekends, Poe Springs comes alive with families grilling under oak-shaded pavilions, children splashing in the spring basin, and kayakers pushing off from the boat ramp to explore the river. Picnic shelters, sports fields, and a lodge available for event rentals round out the offerings, making the park popular for gatherings large and small.

While Poe Springs will draw plenty of visitors, it is only one of many spring-fed escapes in the region. Just down the road, Ginnie Springs is famous for tubing, scuba diving, and camping along the Santa Fe. Ichetucknee Springs State Park in Columbia County offers a gentler pace, where the six-mile spring run remains one of Florida’s most iconic tubing and kayaking destinations.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, with its shaded hammocks and family-friendly swimming areas, is another local favorite. Further west, Fanning Springs and Manatee Springs State Park welcome campers and snorkelers with expansive boardwalks and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Together, these parks create a corridor of natural attractions that have long defined late-summer recreation in North Florida.

Poe Springs Park charges $6 per vehicle or $1 for walk-in and bicycle visitors, though admission is free from October through April and waived for individuals with disabilities. Other regional springs vary in price, with most state parks charging $6 per vehicle.

Located at 28800 N.W. 182^nd Avenue in High Springs, Poe Springs Park is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to sunset. County officials encourage visitors to arrive early on holiday weekends, as parking lots at the most popular springs often fill quickly.

For many families, a dip in the region’s cool, aquifer-fed springs is as much a Labor Day tradition as cookouts and backyard games. This year promises no exception, with North Central Florida’s network of springs once again beckoning as a refreshing and affordable way to celebrate summer’s final holiday.

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