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GAINESVILLE – A 43-year-old Archer man was denied bail in Gainesville on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, after prosecutors argued that he would pose a threat to the community if released.

Joel Bruce Searby, who led the campaign to convert three Newberry public schools to municipal charter schools and has served as a basketball coach at Oak View Middle School, was arrested on Friday, June 21, and charged with luring a 15-year-old boy to his home for sex.

The State Attorney’s Office filed notice at Searby’s First Appearance hearing on June 22 that they would file a motion for pre-trial detention within three days. The motion was filed the same day with the hearing set for June 25.

The State Attorney’s Office has been filing these motions in any case that qualifies since Jan. 31, 2024, when an appeals court ruled that defendants are entitled to be released on bail in a reasonable amount and that the amount should not preclude the probability of an ordinary citizen being able to post bail.

Traditionally, prosecutors would have asked a judge to set a very high bail in a case of this sort. Now that they are limited by the appeals court ruling, it is more common for prosecutors to argue that the defendant would be a danger to the community if released.

The motion for pre-trial detention in Searby’s case stated that one of the charges against him – lewd or lascivious conduct with a victim under the age of 16 – qualifies under Florida statutes for pre-trial detention without bail and that a prosecutor would argue at the hearing that there is a substantial probability that the defendant committed such crime, the factual circumstances of the crime indicate a disregard for the safety of the community, and there are no conditions of release reasonably sufficient to protect the community from the risk of physical harm to person.

At the hearing Judge James Colaw agreed with prosecutors and granted the motion for pre-trial detention, which means that the defendant will remain in jail until his case is resolved, whether through a plea agreement or a trial.

Two Alachua County Sheriff’s Office detectives presented testimony, according to the memo that summarized the results of the hearing. Five letters of support for Searby were submitted but are not yet public.

The defendant has hired an attorney who has filed a plea of not guilty and a waiver of a right to a speedy trial on behalf of Searby.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ On June 18, 2024, the National Association of Conservation Districts Southeastern Region honored Archie Matthews, a longtime member and officer of the Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District Board, by inducting him into the Southeast Region Conservation Hall of Fame.

Matthews has dedicated 40 years of service to the District Board, holding roles as Supervisor and Secretary/Treasurer. His commitment extends beyond local efforts, having served as Treasurer, President-Elect, President, Area Deputy Vice-President, and Parliamentarian for the Association of Florida Conservation Districts.

During the induction ceremony, a presentation video highlighted Matthews' life and contributions. Raised on a farm where he still resides, Matthews reflected on the evolution of farming practices and the influence of his parents and grandparents, who instilled in him the importance of land stewardship. “If we take care of the land, the land will take care of us,” Matthews said.

In his remarks, Matthews recounted how local farmer and cattlewoman Belle Jeffords invited him to join the board, a position he never anticipated holding for four decades. His enduring commitment has been a testament to his dedication to conservation and community service.

The Alachua Soil and Water Conservation District, comprised of five elected Supervisors, is committed to providing conservation information and education to farmers, ranchers, and homeowners throughout Alachua County. The Board meets on the last Monday evening of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Alachua Chamber of Commerce office in downtown Alachua.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs has appointed Jennifer Applebee as director of the City’s recreation department. A native of Fort White, Applebee joins High Springs from the City of Alachua, where she spent 10 years working with Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department and soccer league.

Applebee volunteered as the Santa Fe Soccer Alliance President for several years before taking the job as the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Program Coordinator. During her time in Alachua, she oversaw an array of programs including youth soccer, volleyball, basketball, dance, football, cheerleading, concert series, and several fundraising and outreach events.

“During her tenure in Alachua she reached hundreds of residents on our social media outlet, created flyers and campaigned tirelessly for our local programs,” said Alachua Recreation and Culture Director Damon Messina. “She also emceed plenty of the City’s events such as 399’s opening ceremonies and end of the year banquets

Applebee’s commitment to community enrichment extends further, as she has actively contributed to the High Springs Playhouse for eight years; directing multiple productions and currently holding the position of treasurer. She has been an executive officer for the Alachua County Task Force on Recreation for approximately five years.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Applebee said, “I'm excited. Right now, I'm doing a lot of listening — listening to staff, residents, and players about their vision for the future of High Springs Parks & REC and how we can collectively realize that vision.”

Outside of her professional achievements, Applebee is a devoted mother of three daughters: Riley, 20; Morgan, 16; and Dylan, 15. She is also an avid outdoorswoman, spending her free time hiking, camping, fishing, and scalloping. Her passion for theater continues as she frequently visits various theaters to enjoy diverse performances.

“The City of High Springs welcomes Jennifer Applebee and looks forward to her leadership in enhancing community recreation and cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike,” said High Springs Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan.

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~Youth Council highlights July 4 with patriotic flag displays~

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ In anticipation of the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, the High Springs Mayor’s Youth Council has taken the initiative to adorn the city with a patriotic display of flags. Spearheaded by Mayor Katherine Weitz and Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth, along with the enthusiastic participation of local Boy Scout Troop 69, the youth council embarked on a collaborative effort to line the streets with American flags.

The project was made possible through the generous donation of flags by ACE Hardware, a gesture that was crucial in bringing this community initiative to life. Elva Bryant played a pivotal role in coordinating the logistics, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned and executed.

“This is more than just a display of flags; it's a symbol of our community coming together to celebrate our nation’s independence,” remarked Mayor Weitz, emphasizing the significance of civic engagement among the youth.

The flag display not only adds a festive touch to the city streets but also serves as a reminder of the values and freedoms cherished by the residents of High Springs. As the Fourth of July approaches, residents can look forward to a vibrant display of patriotism, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Mayor's Youth Council, local officials, community volunteers, and supportive businesses.

The Mayor's Youth Council is composed of students in grades 8-12 who live within the city limits of High Springs. Students interested in applying for a future opening on the Mayor's Youth Council, can complete the form at https://www.highsprings.gov/city-commission/page/mayors-youth-council and return it to the City Commission office, Monday-Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. located on the second floor of City Hall, 23718 W U.S. Highway 27.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission on June 27, 2024 tackled recommendations by the Charter Review Committee. Following a lengthy dialogue, the Commission approved four of the eight items recommended by the Charter Review Committee to be on this November’s ballot.

Charter amendments approved include:

No. 1 Updating Corporate Boundary to that of the present-day boundary and provide for the ability of the City to change its boundary as prescribed by law.

No. 6 Updating Public Notice Requirements to allow for electronic advertisement of public notices in the event the City has followed the requirements of Fla. Stat. 50.0311 and require five weeks of online publication in the event of electronic advertisement.

No. 7 Updating Oath of Office and Ability to Alter Appropriations and Reductions to require commissioners and charter officers to assert they are not precluded from holding office pursuant to Article VI, Section 4 of the Florida Constitution prior to taking office, and allow the City Commission to make supplemental appropriations or reductions and require the City Manager to inform the City Commission when revenues will be insufficient to meet appropriation amounts.

No. 8 Updating Public Owned Lands to update the names of public parks and add the Sports Complex to the list of public owned lands.

Other Charter Review Committee recommended items will be discussed further by the Commission for possible inclusion on the 2025 ballot for citizen consideration.

Of the failed recommendations, issues regarding forfeiture of office and censuring a commissioner for not adhering to the Charter appeared to be of most concern. Several commissioners and a few audience members along with Commissioner Andrew Miller expressed concern about Item No. 3: Commissioner Salary, Mayor Term, and Unified Commission to Instruct City Manager to allow for the salary of commissioners to continue at the same rate if the commission does not act on same, limit the term of the mayor to one year absent supermajority vote of the commission, prevent a single commissioner from ordering the City Manager to act, preventing the City Manager from following the instructions of a single commissioner, and provide for the ability of censure.

Miller said he believed those three items should be voted on separately.

Miller initially made a motion to strike Items 2, 3, 4 and 5, which died for lack of a second. Vice Mayor Tristan Grunder made another motion to put all of the items suggested by the Charter Review Committee on the ballot. That motion also died for lack of a second.

Following comments by the city attorney that commissioners could choose the items that they were all in agreement on for this year’s election ballot and discuss the remaining items for next year’s ballot, Miller made another motion to strike items No. 2 – 5 from Ordinance 2024-04. The motion passed 3-2 with Grunder and Commissioner Byran Williams in dissent.

Miller made another motion to approve the Ordinance with items No 2-5 deleted, which passed in another 3-2 vote with Grunder and Williams in dissent.

Items 2-5, which will not be on this year’s ballot are: No. 2 Commissioners, Voting, and Notice; No. 3 Commissioner Salary, Mayor Term, and Unified Commission to Instruct City Manager; No. 4 Adding Forfeiture of Office Section; No. 5 Disallowing Individual to Serve as both Manager and Clerk, Residency Requirements for City Manager and Candidates

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved two agreements related to School Resource Officers (SROs). The first was an agreement between the School Board of First Christian Academy and the City of High Springs for the City to provide SROs for their school.

The second agreement was between the School Board of Alachua County and City of High Springs which provides funding for SROs.

Also receiving unanimous approval was the City’s finance director request for approval to sell the 2021 CRA vehicle to the Building Department for the amount that was paid for the vehicle originally. The funds for the sale of the vehicle will go back into the CRA’s budget.

In still other business, Tree Committee Chairperson Linda Hewlett talked about a recent meeting in which the County’s arborist attended. She has been planting and maintaining trees in the community and offered to plant 70 more native trees in High Springs during the next two years. Commissioners unanimously voted to approve that action.

In final comments it was revealed that High Springs Police Officer Minor and Sgt. Moore attended to a woman who was not conscious. Using their emergency equipment, they were able to revive her and send her to the hospital.

The next High Springs City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 11 at 6:30 p.m.

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