Local

Smiles filled the Legacy Multipurpose Center as volunteers, families, and young athletes gathered for a recent Limitless Legends soccer session, an inclusive sports program founded by Amanda Guevara, a pediatric physical therapist. The group meets monthly to ensure every child — regardless of physical ability — can experience the joy of the game./Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – On most days, the gymnasium floor of the City of Alachua’s Legacy Multipurpose Center echoes with the familiar sounds of basketballs bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and volleyballs spiking across the court. But one Sunday each month, those sounds take on a new rhythm — one filled with laughter, encouragement, and the unmistakable joy of achievement.

That’s when the space transforms into the home of Limitless Legends, a growing inclusive soccer program where every child — regardless of physical or cognitive ability — has the chance to play, participate, and belong.

Founded in 2024, Limitless Legends was born from the idea that sports should be accessible to everyone. The program offers children and young athletes with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy the “beautiful game” of soccer in a safe, supportive environment tailored to their needs.

The organization was founded and is led by Amanda Guevara, a pediatric physical therapist with 12 years of experience and a lifelong soccer enthusiast who decided to merge her two passions — helping children and playing soccer — into a single community effort.

“All children are invited regardless of their physical level,” said Guevara. “Wheelchair or ambulatory, we make it accessible for everyone.”

Guevara’s approach combines her clinical background with the heart of a coach and mentor. She ensures that every participant, whether they kick, roll, or push the ball forward, experiences the thrill of the game.

During the most recent session, families, volunteers, and young athletes gathered at the Legacy Multipurpose Center for the Limitless Legends Showdown.

Volunteers — many of whom have returned month after month — assisted players with positioning, movement, and ball control, ensuring that every child remained part of the action.

Each event blends skill-building and fun with an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement. For many participants, it’s the first time they’ve been able to take part in an organized sports activity designed to accommodate their abilities rather than limit them.

Volunteers are always needed — and everyone, no matter their experience level, is welcome to help create a field where all players can shine. Those interested in joining or volunteering with Limitless Legends can contact Guevara at dmpedspt@gmail.com.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

~ The following is a press release provided by Alachua County. It has been published here as received, without additional reporting or editing by Alachua County Today staff. ~

ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County invites the community to honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans at the 2025 Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (7400 SW 41st Place, Gainesville).

 Alachua County Veteran Services will host the celebration, in partnership with the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, the Alachua County Veterans Memorial Committee and local veteran and nonprofit organizations.

 This free, family-friendly event features live music, inspiring speakers, and activities for all ages. Festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. with music and family activities, followed by a formal program at 11 a.m. honoring those who have selflessly served our nation.

 Highlights include:

 Dedication of a new Veterans Memorial flagpole

• First responder aircraft displays and a skydiving performance
• Live band performances and drill team demonstrations
• Military and historical displays
• Guest speakers honoring veterans’ service and sacrifice
• Veteran resources and services from the Malcom Randall Veterans Health Administration
• Special appearances by University of Florida mascots Albert and Alberta

 “Veterans Day is a time for our community to come together and express our gratitude to those who have served,” said Alachua County Veteran Services Director Olajuwon White. “This celebration is not only about honoring their sacrifices, but also about connecting veterans and families with the support and appreciation they deserve.”

 For more information, contact Olajuwon White at 352-264-6740 or alachuacountyvet@alachuacounty.us.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

The Alachua Police Department’s Crime Prevention Unit was honored as the 2025 FCPA Crime Prevention Unit of the Year (Small Agency category) during the Florida Crime Prevention Association’s annual conference in Orlando. Accepting the award were, from left, Lt. Jason Moses, Lt. Daniel Chalker, Sgt. Thomas Stanfield, Chief Jesse Sandusky, and Lt. Carl Newsome./Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ The Alachua Police Department’s commitment to proactive community engagement and public safety has earned it statewide recognition. The department’s Crime Prevention Unit (CPU) was awarded the 2025 Florida Crime Prevention Association (FCPA) Crime Prevention Unit of the Year in the Small Agency (100 or fewer officers) category.

The award was presented during the FCPA’s annual conference on Oct. 23, 2025, in Orlando, recognizing agencies that demonstrate outstanding innovation and dedication to public safety through prevention initiatives. Representatives from the Alachua Police Department were on hand to accept the honor, including Lt. Jason Moses, Lt. Daniel Chalker, Sgt. Thomas Stanfield, Chief Jesse Sandusky, and Lt. Carl Newsome.

“This recognition highlights our department’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and proactive crime prevention throughout the City of Alachua,” the department said in a statement announcing the award.

Under the leadership of Police Chief Sandusky and Sgt. Stanfield, the CPU has expanded its role in connecting residents with safety resources and educational programs designed to prevent crime before it happens.

Among its recent accomplishments:

• EZ Child ID Kits: The program provides parents with tools to create identification packets for their children, ensuring vital information is available in the event of an emergency.
• Back 2 School Backpack Giveaway: In collaboration with the department’s School Resource Officers, the CPU distributed 500 backpacks filled with supplies to local students, supporting families ahead of the new school year.
• radKIDS Safety Training: School Resource Officer A. Payne recently became certified to teach the radKIDS program, which empowers children with personal safety skills and confidence to make positive choices in potentially unsafe situations.
• Public Education Through Media: The department has embraced digital outreach to reach broader audiences. One of its educational videos, a Fourth of July 911 awareness message, drew more than 12 million views nationwide, significantly increasing awareness of emergency response protocols.

Sgt. Stanfield said the recognition reflects a team effort across the department. “While the CPU may be a one-person unit, this award truly belongs to the entire Alachua Police Department,” he said. “Without the support, teamwork, and dedication of every member of this agency, none of this would be possible.”

The Florida Crime Prevention Association serves as a statewide network supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce crime through education, partnerships, and prevention programs.

The Alachua Police Department expressed its gratitude to the FCPA for the honor and extended appreciation to the local community for continued trust and engagement.

“Community partnership is the foundation of effective policing,” the department stated. “This award reinforces our shared mission with Alachua residents — to build a safer, more informed, and connected community.”

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Gleaming chrome, polished paint, and hometown pride filled Northeast Railroad Avenue as more than 100 cars and motorcycles lined the streets for the High Springs Lions Club’s 4th Annual Bike and Car Show on Oct. 25./Photo special to Alachua County Today

HIGH SPRINGS – Sunshine, perfect weather, chrome, and community spirit filled Northeast Railroad Avenue on Saturday, Oct. 25, as the High Springs Lions Club hosted its 4th Annual Bike and Car Show, drawing 101 participating entries and spectators from across the region.

More than just a showcase of restored classics and creative builds, the annual event served a charitable mission — raising funds for the Florida Diabetes Camp, which provides educational and recreational opportunities for children living with diabetes.

Registration for entrants was $25. The event included music, door prizes, and a lively 50/50 raffle. In a touching show of generosity, the winner of that raffle donated her winnings back to the cause.

The day’s awards reflected both craftsmanship and community spirit. Among the most prestigious honors was the John B. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes not only vehicles built before 1962 but also the owner’s stewardship and enthusiasm for the car hobby. Judges, including the Sullivan family and the Lions Club, selected #33 Alex Fardales and his 1955 Chevy Belair as the 2025 recipient.

The Best of Show Award, chosen by representatives of the Florida Diabetes Camp, went to #40 Terry Hoyt for his 1961 Chevy Impala, a crowd favorite gleaming under the autumn sun.

In memory of longtime enthusiast Ed Decker, the Under Construction Award went to #22 Logan Butler for his in-progress 1966 Buick Skylark.

Adding a seasonal twist, the Halloween Award honored #18 Tim Mills and his 1996 Rat Rod, which brought a spooky flair to the lineup.

The High Springs Chamber’s Club Participation Award went to the Gainesville Street Rods, whose members turned out in impressive numbers. Meanwhile, young attendees helped select the Top Truck Kid’s Choice Award, presented to #8 Chris Forback for his beautifully restored 1946 Chevrolet truck.

Top Entries

Judges also recognized the Top 20 cars and Top five bikes overall. Standouts included:

Top 20 Cars (selected highlights):

• #13 John Hoehn – 1957 Chevy 3100 Truck
• #28 Clint Wilson – 1966 C10 Chevy Pickup
• #55 “Gator” David – 1964 Chevy Chevelle Malibu
• #49 Don McCullen – 1957 DeSoto Fireflite
• #66 Darryl Crumpton – 1967 Chevy Camaro

Top 5 Bikes:

• #14 Rick Testa – 1910 Harley Replica
• #79 David Croenne – 2009 Harley Rocker C
• #70 Jeff Knight – 2012 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
• #1 Gene Resmondo, Jr. – 2004 Harley-Davidson Road King
• #74 Allen Newborn – 1969 BSA Motorcycle

As the trophies were handed out and engines cooled under the afternoon sun, organizers reflected on another successful year of giving back. With every polished chrome fender and revving engine, participants helped support the Florida Diabetes Camp, ensuring that children living with diabetes can experience summer adventures filled with confidence, friendship, and fun.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY – The City of Newberry took a step toward economic growth on Monday, approving a new business tax exemption for a confidential company known as Project Hydro, expected to bring jobs, investment, and innovation to the community.

The measure, passed unanimously by City Commissioners during the Oct. 27, 2025, City Commission meeting, allows the city to grant an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption to qualifying new or expanding businesses.

Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee said the proposal met all state and local criteria. “All applicable requirements under state law and Ordinance No. 2018-20 have been met,” Lee said, referencing the city’s 2018 ordinance that established the guidelines for such incentives.

The Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes authorize local governments to offer tax exemptions to attract new business investment and create jobs, provided such programs are approved by voters. Newberry’s authority to do so originated with a 2017 city referendum, followed by the passage of Ordinance No. 2018-20 a year later.

Under that ordinance, businesses must demonstrate measurable economic benefits such as new job creation, higher-than-average wages, and capital investment.

Though details of the company remain confidential under state law, Project Hydro has represented that it will:

• Employ at least 50 full-time equivalent workers,
• Provide average annual wages at least 115 percent above the local average, and
• Make a significant capital investment in building a new facility within city limits.

The incentive, if all compliance requirements are met, will reduce the company’s City of Newberry ad valorem taxes on improvements and tangible personal property over a nine-year period. The tax break applies only to city taxes — not to those levied by Alachua County, the school district, or other taxing authorities.

Exemption Schedule

The exemption period will begin Jan. 1, 2027, and end Dec. 31, 2034, contingent on the company maintaining its promised jobs and wage levels. The approved schedule phases out over time:

• Years 1–2: 100 percent exemption
• Years 3–4: 80 percent exemption
• Years 5–6: 60 percent exemption
• Years 7–8: 40 percent exemption
• Year 9+: 0 percent exemption

Should the business fail to meet those conditions, the city retains the right to revoke the exemption and recover abated taxes.

According to city figures, Newberry’s current ad valorem tax revenue totals $5.28 million. The city anticipates no loss in revenue this fiscal year, since the exemption does not begin until 2027. However, the estimated reduction for the first fiscal year of effect is projected at $203,029.

Despite the short-term impact, officials said the tradeoff is well worth it. The project is expected to expand Newberry’s tax base, diversify employment, and stimulate private-sector growth in the coming decade.

“The City Commission … finds that Project Hydro has met all requirements of Ordinance No. 2018-20 and Section 196.012(15), Florida Statutes,” Lee said. “Granting the exemption will result in an economic benefit to the City of Newberry.”

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the measure following brief discussion on compliance assurances.

#     #     #

email editor@

alachuatoday.com