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ALACHUA – The Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s annual Sportsfest Golf Tournament brought together area teams on June 15, 2024, at the picturesque Turkey Creek Golf Course. Despite record heat, the charity event saw unprecedented turnout in participation, volunteers, and funds raised. In its 35th year, the event drew golf enthusiasts for a day of friendly competition and community support.

“The community enthusiasm for this event only continues to grow,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “Our business partners continue to step up and put our community first helping to raise funds that support the youth of our community.”

Participants kicked off the day early in a shotgun-style start, with teams of four players engaging in a best ball scramble format. Each team strategically used the best shot among their group for subsequent plays toward the pin, navigating the 18-hole course over approximately four hours.

Check-in process was at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast provided by MiApa. Shotgun start was at 8:30 a.m. Beverage station at the turn was sponsored by Alachua Okito. Lunch was provided by local community staple Conestogas Restaurant. A multitude of raffle prizes donated by area businesses were awarded, from gift cards, to hotel stays to TVs to new golf equipment. Afterword, the traditional and famous shootout — for teams that qualify — can win bragging rights and prize money to the victors.

Winning Teams and Results

• Shootout Team: Campus USA Credit Union clinched the winning title, featuring Fred Hilton, Josh Hansen, Josh Dunbar, and Yancey Steingraber.
• Gross Scores: Devin Osbourne, Bryan Faulk, Luke Tillman, and Clayton Gregory from Sysco.
• Net Scores: Luke Smith, Charlie Culp, Jeff Tyre, and Nick Tyre from Concept Companies.

Beyond the thrill of victory and the camaraderie on the greens, the tournament holds deeper significance. Funds raised through the event traditionally support youth programs in the city of Alachua, particularly benefiting Legacy Park Recreation initiatives and education. Recent past contributions include enhancing study spaces at the Alachua branch library and supporting educational resources for local students.

This year’s event featured 27 teams with 108 participants, supported by over 30 volunteers “We are incredibly grateful for the well-organized, community-supported golf tournament,” said Sportsfest Committee Chair Shelley Vickers of Scherer Construction. “This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our volunteers, committee members, and especially our sponsors.”

The 2024 Sportsfest Golf Scramble raised over $26,000 to support local youth who participate in the City of Alachua’s activities, program and events. “It took an army of chamber volunteers and local merchants who donate their time and funds to consistently make this happen,” said Vickers.

Sportsfest sponsors were Dollar General, Capital City Bank, Scherer Construction, Palms Medical, Pizza in the Hood, Okito, MiApa, Conestogas, Boukari Realty, Campus USA Credit Union, Edward Jones Potts & Surrency, Concept Companies, Menadier Engineering, San Felasco Tech City, Waco Properties, Santa Fe Ford, Florida Credit Union, Douglas Adel, Waste Pro, Easy Dumpster, ReMax, State Farm, Sysco, True Force Roofing, New Generation Builders, Polaris, and the City of Alachua.

“The City of Alachua's crew was amazing, generously donating their tent, tables, and chairs for the event,” said Vickers, adding, “We also had numerous wonderful hole sponsors and community donations, all contributing to making this event unforgettable.”

The success of the tournament was made possible by longstanding sponsors such as Dollar General and Capital City Bank, whose support continues to foster positive impacts across Alachua.

A shoutout from Vickers captured the event’s long running success, “Thank you to everyone who made this year's Sportsfest one for the books! We can’t wait till next year.

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ALACHUA – A 55-year-old Alachua man, Jody Allen Meyer, was arrested on Thursday, June 13, 2024, after allegedly threatening to shoot workers at a neighboring property.

At about 8:40 a.m. an Alachua Police Department (APD) officer responded to the area of Northwest 133^rd Terrace and Northwest 153^rd Place in Alachua after a call was received about a possible assault.

According to the caller, several workers were confronted by Meyer, who was on his own property approximately 30 feet away. One worker reported that Meyer called them “illegals” and told them to return to their own country. The worker further stated that Meyer threatened to get a gun and shoot him, making a gun shape with his hand and saying, "Bang! Bang!" before rushing inside his house.

Fearing that Meyer was retrieving a gun, the worker retreated and contacted his boss, who then called law enforcement. Post Miranda, Meyer reportedly admitted that he had argued with a group of workers and called them “illegals,” but he denied making any threats.

Despite his denial, several workers provided sworn statements corroborating the initial worker’s account.

Meyer has been charged with simple assault. He has no criminal history.

He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Susan Miller-Jones.

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TALLAHASSEE ‒ On June 7, 2024, the Florida Commission on Ethics dismissed an ethics complaint against Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe. The complaint, filed by Tyler Foerst, Co-Chair of Save Our Schools Newberry, was reviewed during a closed-session meeting where the Commission assessed 22 complaints for legal sufficiency.

Foerst’s complaint alleged that Marlowe's actions constituted an overreach of his authority and misuse of city resources. Foerst claimed that Mayor Marlowe improperly directed City staff to assist in creating a budget for Education First for Newberry (EFN), a private entity, without the approval of the City Commission.

The complaint alleged that Marlowe “has been directing City staff to assist in the creation of the budget for Education First for Newberry (EFN) and has used City resources in benefit of EFN, a private entity, without a vote of the City Commission. By unilaterally ordering City staff to work for the benefit of a private entity, the Mayor has clearly overstepped his authority and abused his power.”

In its dismissal, the Commission stated the complaint lacked legal sufficiency. The Florida Commission on Ethics clarified that their review of legal sufficiency focuses on jurisdiction and whether the complaint’s content adequately alleges a violation of the Code of Ethics or other laws within the Commission’s scope. The Commission emphasized that no factual investigation is conducted at this stage, and thus their conclusions do not reflect on the truthfulness of the allegations.

The Florida Commission on Ethics, an independent nine-member body established in 1974, oversees the review of complaints filed under the statutory Code of Ethics and provides advisory opinions to public officials regarding potential conflicts of interest.

Should the Commission find a complaint legally sufficient, it may conduct a public hearing. If a violation is confirmed, the Commission can recommend civil penalties, including fines up to $10,000 per violation and removal from office or employment.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission addressed several significant agenda items during their meeting on June 13, 2024, with Ordinance 2024-03 taking center stage. The ordinance, which concerns alcohol sales, has been a topic of extensive discussion in prior meetings and was passed on second reading with a vote of 3-1. Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth cast the sole vote against the measure. Bloodsworth also opposed the measure at an earlier City Commission meeting.

Ordinance 2024-03 allows businesses that derive less than 51 percent of their revenue from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages to apply for special permits to operate outside the hours established in the City’s original alcohol ordinance. The Special Permit Process enables business owners to petition the City Commission to operate outside the hours described in Paragraph (d) of the original ordinance, which prohibits businesses from operating on Sundays to sell alcohol unless they also sell food.

The ordinance change was largely driven by local support for the High Springs Brewing Company and Prohibition Pizza, both family-friendly establishments. At the May 9, 2024, City Commission meeting, approximately 15 people spoke in favor of allowing the Brewing Company to open on Sundays, while four audience members opposed the approval. However, the new ordinance will apply to any business meeting its specifications, allowing them to petition for permits as well.

Under the new ordinance, businesses must adhere to specific requirements and restrictions to obtain a Special Permit. They must provide proof of food service or have food trucks on premises during the scheduled event. Special Permits must be applied for in connection with a special event, such as a City-sponsored event or Federal Holiday, and are subject to administrative approval. If a Special Permit is not connected to a special event, it requires City Commission approval and cannot be issued for a period exceeding 48 hours.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs City Commissioners conducted a special presentation at the beginning of their June 13, 2024, City Commission meeting to recognize members of the High Springs Fire Department who recently performed an emergency delivery of a baby girl in fire department’s parking lot.

Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, June 7, the High Springs Fire Department first responders sprang into action to deliver the baby girl. The parents had been en route to UF Health Shands from the Live Oak area when they realized they wouldn't make it in time, and dialed 911 informing operators that they were moments away from the High Springs Fire Department.

Under the command of Captain Andy Burkhalter, the crew recognized the urgency of the situation and prepared for the imminent arrival. Firefighter (FF)/Paramedic Jon Friend, alongside FF/Paramedic Jake Rhoden, skillfully assisted in safely delivering the baby, who was born at approximately 33 weeks, into the world. FF/EMT Clinton Drake expertly applied cord clamps, while FF/Paramedic Doug Hope aided the new father in cutting the cord.

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NEWBERRY – On May 2, 2024, David and Gail Hodge of Hodge Farms received the Florida Farm Bureau “County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship” (CARES) award, presented at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak. The CARES award was granted to 12 farm families in the Suwannee River Basin. The Hodge Farm received this statewide award for their outstanding achievements in preserving land and water resources.

During the May 28 Newberry City Commission meeting, Commissioners honored Hodge Farms recognizing exemplary stewardship of their land with Best Management Practices (BMPs).

This is the second CARES award received by Hodge Farm, the first being in 2006. The award adds to the distinguished list of Newberry farms receiving the award over the last 20 years, including Tropic Traditions, McGehee and Sons Farm, Kennard Farm, Herb Marlowe, James Boyd, Trevor Bass and Don Green.

The CARES program was established by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership in 2001 to promote public recognition of outstanding agricultural conservation achievements by farm families. The program honors farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented science-based and field-tested BMPs that conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources on their properties.

“Florida’s farmers and ranchers answer the call to protect our environment while also producing a safe, affordable and abundant food supply,” said Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith. “Demonstrating outstanding efforts to implement conservation practices that reduce water and nutrient use and also improve water quality is the basis for a producer being awarded a, ‘This Farm CARES,’ designation and sign. The customized CARES sign is a farmer or rancher’s tool to demonstrate to the general public they are committed to protecting local natural resources.”

Hodge Farms has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Growing tobacco, blueberries and raising cattle, David Hodge knows the importance of being a dedicated steward of the land. He has implemented technology like drip irrigation since 1989. Along with drip irrigation, Hodge also places an emphasis on enhancing soil health and reducing erosion through soil testing, cover crops and conservation tillage.

Hodge places an emphasis on best management practices on his farm because he wants to pass it on to his sons, and protecting the land is how he can ensure they will be able to farm the land for years to come.

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