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ALACHUA ‒ The 2025 Winter A.C.T.F.O.R. Youth Basketball Tournament came to an exciting close last Saturday at the City of Alachua’s Legacy Multipurpose Center. Hosted by 399 Sports & Recreation, the tournament brought together teams from across Alachua County, Levy County, and Gilchrist County for a competitive and spirited season.

City officials expressed their gratitude to 399 Sports & Recreation, volunteers, coaches, and the young athletes who made the season a success. The city looks forward to continuing the celebration at 399’s End of the Season Youth Basketball Celebration on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

Following the excitement of basketball season, 399 Sports & Recreation hosted Spring Youth Volleyball Evaluations on Feb. 26 at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. Practices will begin on March 3, with games officially kicking off on March 31.

The Alachua Raiders Youth NFL Flag Football League is gearing up for its season, with practices starting next week at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex Football Field. Games will be held locally on Sundays, beginning March 9.

The Santa Fe Youth Soccer 2025 Spring Season registration deadline is Friday, Feb. 28. Practices will begin the following week, with games scheduled at the City of Alachua Legacy and Hal Brady Multipurpose Fields.

The Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball league is set to begin practices for the 2025 Spring Season, with the first week of games starting March 25. The season’s Annual Jamboree will take place on March 29 at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex World Series Field.

The Dance Alive National Ballet continues its six-week program, offering free dance classes every Monday from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Legacy Multipurpose Center. The program is open to students K-8th grade, with the final session scheduled for March 24.

For more information about these programs and future events, contact recreation@cityofalachua.org.

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ALACHUA ‒ The tradition continues! Despite Valentine’s Day falling on the previous Friday, the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department and 399 Sports and Recreation kept the spirit alive with their Annual Valentine’s Youth Basketball Games this past Saturday at the Legacy Multipurpose Center.

The event brought together young basketball players, ages 4 through 8, for a day of fun, teamwork, and friendly competition. Each participant received a special Valentine’s treat, and one lucky player went home with a Valentine’s stuffed animal, adding an extra touch of excitement to the celebration.

Winter Basketball Tournament Nears Its Finale

The Winter Basketball Tournament is set to wrap up this Saturday, marking the end of another successful season. But sports enthusiasts won’t have to wait long for the next opportunity to hit the courts—registration for the 2025 Spring Volleyball Season is now open.

Parents can register their children online through the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department – Youth Activities page. Player evaluations are scheduled for Feb. 26 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Legacy Multipurpose Center, with a registration deadline of Feb. 24.

In addition to volleyball, registration is also available for other spring sports, including:

• Santa Fe Babe Ruth Spring 2025 Baseball & Softball
• Santa Fe Soccer Alliance
• Alachua Raider Flag Football

Families looking to get involved in these programs are encouraged to sign up soon before spots fill up.

Valentine’s festivities weren’t limited to the basketball courts. The Thursday before Valentine’s Day, the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department partnered with Crafty Gemini for a special field trip experience. Local seniors took a trip to the Lake City Ole Country Buffet, where over 60 attendees enjoyed a day of good food and even better company, making lasting memories along the way.

For more information on upcoming sports programs and community events, contact the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department at 386-454-1450 or via email at recreation@cityofalachua.org.

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Cutline: Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Trustee Gary McCrea, left, and Senior Vice Commander Jim Johnson help with the organization’s Buddy Poppy program. The two Vietnam War veterans were among several in the post who helped raise more than $5,000 last year to benefit VFW programs. Photo special to Alachua County Today by Michael P. Mauer

ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ Veterans of Foreign Wars Post Senior Vice Commander Jim Johnson wakes up early on Buddy Poppy days. As only a disciplined sailor can, he goes through the logistical requirements for a new campaign.

Chairs, check. Tables and posters, check. Collection jar, check.

Like the crew on a ship, his and many other hands have helped national, state and county governments establish and maintain programs to benefit those who served in the United States military.

And for more than a century, a small red flower has been near the core of this work.

“Of all the great programs the VFW has, I feel this is the best one,” Johnson said. “We’re able to get out and meet people, plus raise money to help those less fortunate.”

Along with the Gainesville unit, many VFW posts in Florida conduct Buddy Poppy fundraisers at various retail establishments and public spaces. Usually scheduled around Memorial Day, Veterans Day or Patriots Day weekends, Buddy Poppy distribution has become a well-established tradition. Headed by individual post Buddy Poppy chairpersons like Johnson, this activity allows those who appreciate the VFW’s good work to show support for area soldiers, sailors, airmen, guardians and Marines.

“These poppies aren’t for sale.” said Johnson, a Navy veteran who served in Vietnam. “I tell people that these poppies were paid for by our country’s heroes.”

“We do accept donations to help local veterans,” he said. “To wear a poppy is to show support for those who served.”

Among all the flowers that evoke the memories and emotions of battle is the red poppy. It became linked with war after the publication of a poem written by Lt. Col. John McCrae of Canada. The poem, "In Flanders Fields," describes blowing red fields of poppies among the battleground of the fallen.

The VFW was the first veterans' organization to adopt the poppy and develop a national distribution campaign. Since 1922, the VFW's Buddy Poppy program has raised millions of dollars in support of veterans' welfare, as well as their dependents. From the very beginning, the Buddy Poppy has received the support of the Veterans Administration, and the endorsement and cooperation of all United States presidents since Warren G. Harding.

Johnson said VFW Post 2811 in Gainesville raised more than $5,000 last year from its Buddy Poppy program. Its tradition of helping Alachua County veterans began when the post was mustered in May 21, 1933.

“Every nickel donated by fellow citizens here went to helping veterans and our community,” he said. “It was a great effort, and I can’t thank my fellow post members and neighbors enough.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled, needy and aging veterans in VA hospitals and domiciliary homes across the country, and distributed by VFW posts and their auxiliaries. The cost of Buddy Poppies to VFW posts provides added money to the veterans who assemble the flowers, and also generates funding for state and national veterans' rehabilitation and service programs. Additionally, the program partially supports the VFW National Home for orphans and widows of United States veterans.

Last year, VFW Post 2811 kept up a schedule of nine Buddy Poppy engagements. So far the post is two engagements into a more ambitious 10-event season. The next Buddy Poppy drive is scheduled for March 8 at the corner of Northwest 39^th Avenue and Northwest 13^th Street, Gainesville.

“Since the first of this year, we’ve collected $670,” said Johnson. “We’re hoping to do better as the year goes on.”

Just as VFW Post 2811 does in Alachua County, the VFW Department of Florida and the VFW of the United States supports all veterans and their families to obtain veterans' entitlements and other services. In addition, the national and state organizations also work for the welfare of those serving on active duty, in the National Guard and the Reserves.

Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted 3-2 on Feb. 13, 2025, to deny a request to establish a Community Development District (CDD) for the proposed Bridlewood development, a 688-acre planned community.

Mayor Tristan Grunder introduced Ordinance 2024-01, which outlined the request for a CDD. The item had previously been tabled at the developer’s request during an earlier commission meeting.

Representing the project, EDA Engineering Vice President Chris Potts described Bridlewood as a mixed-use development featuring 60 acres of open space and up to 2,000 residential units, including both single-family and multi-family homes. Additionally, plans call for up to 200 senior living units and municipal utility services.

Despite the commission’s decision, Potts confirmed that Bridlewood will move forward regardless of whether a CDD is approved.

“A CDD can result in 10 to 15 percent savings on home construction costs because the developer can use tax-exempt bond financing,” Potts said. He added that these savings would be passed to builders, potentially lowering home prices for buyers.

Bridlewood attorney Alyssa Willson addressed concerns raised by commissioners, explaining that CDD fees would be disclosed prominently in closing documents and early in the sales process. The development is planned to include homes at various price points to accommodate a range of income levels.

A Community Development District is an independent special-purpose government entity that finances and maintains community infrastructure. Thousands of CDDs exist across Florida, and while they can levy assessments, they do not exercise general government powers.

In addition to CDD maintenance fees, Bridlewood homeowners would also be required to pay Homeowners Association (HOA) fees. CDD fees would be adjusted annually by the CDD’s governing board based on actual expenses.

Potts noted that local builders would be used for construction, though they would have the freedom to hire subcontractors.

During public comment, Rebecca Burns, a real estate broker, voiced opposition to CDDs, citing her experience with buyers in St. Augustine who actively avoid them.

Resident Brian Bewsher questioned whether any cost savings would actually benefit homebuyers.

Commissioner Chad Howell acknowledged concerns over CDD costs but noted that a CDD could provide financial protection for the City, comparing it to an insurance policy.

Commissioner Katherine Weitz made a motion to deny the Bridlewood CDD petition, with Commissioner Andrew Miller seconding. The motion passed 3-2, with Commissioners Weitz, Miller, and Wayne Bloodsworth, Jr. voting in favor of denial. Commissioner Howell and Mayor Grunder dissented.

With the request denied, Bridlewood’s developers will proceed without the financing structure a CDD would have provided.

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ALACHUA ‒ The A. L. Mebane High School Alumni Association, Inc. awarded scholarships to first-term college students during a ceremony held Dec. 29, 2024, at Mt. Zura Full Gospel Baptist Church in Newberry.

The organization, which supports social services, cultural enrichment and scholarship programs, recognized five students for their academic promise. Miles Davis will attend Louisiana State University, Jamia Hunt is headed for the Savannah College of the Arts and Design, Elijah Kellum will join Bethune-Cookman University, Emmanuel Dixon is enrolled at Albany State University and Myiah Williams will be a student at Santa Fe College.

During the event, Assistant Principal at Oak View Middle School and Assistant Principal of the Year Levonia Campbell challenged the students to pursue excellence in their college careers. Scholarships were also presented by alumni from the 1965 and 1966 graduating classes, underscoring the long-standing commitment of past students to support current educational endeavors.

The event highlighted the significant role community and alumni play in fostering academic achievement. The association expressed gratitude to its sponsors for making the scholarship program possible and for their continued support of first-term college students

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GAINESVILLE ‒ A 22-year-old Alachua man has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a 2022 fatal shooting at an Alachua apartment complex.

On Feb. 9, 2025, an Alachua County jury found Lacorrin Raheem Calhoun guilty of premeditated murder, attempted armed robbery causing death, and possession of a weapon or ammunition by a convicted Florida felon. The verdict followed a five-day trial prosecuted by Assistant State Attorneys Ryan Nagel and Glenn Bryan. The jury deliberated for just over four hours before reaching its decision.

The case stemmed from a violent incident on Dec. 9, 2022, when Alachua Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots at One 51 Apartments, located at 15139 N.W. 150^th Road, Alachua.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found 22-year-old Jaquan Robinson suffering from a gunshot wound to his left side near building 15139. Robinson was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by paramedics.

While officers were assisting Robinson, a second 911 call was received from another gunshot victim—later identified as Calhoun—who said he had been shot in the back. Officers discovered him in a pasture near the apartment building, suffering from a gunshot wound to his armpit area. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition and released a few days later.

The APD Criminal Investigations Division launched an extensive investigation, conducting multiple interviews with on-scene witnesses and persons of interest. Detectives determined that the shooting resulted from Calhoun attempting to rob Robinson of marijuana, which escalated into gunfire.

Following the investigation, Calhoun was identified as the primary aggressor, and a warrant for his arrest was issued. On Dec. 22, 2022, he was interviewed at the Alachua Police Department and subsequently arrested.

During the trial, the jury acquitted Calhoun of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, but found him guilty on all other charges.

Calhoun’s sentencing is scheduled for March 11, 2025.

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