Local

NEWBERRY – On Saturday, Feb. 28, Country Way Town Square hosted a new event that was organized and staffed by students from Newberry High School. Country Way is a housing community located just south of the school, but its spacious town square also has become a popular venue for larger special events. In the past two years, it has hosted the Newberry Watermelon Fest, rodeos and music events. This time it was the Newberry Soulfest, an event that was part festival and part cultural history event.

Organized by the students at Newberry High School, it was a celebration of African-American history and heritage. It was also an event to raise money for students in the African American history class to go to Montgomery, Alabama to visit the Equal Justice Initiative and Memorial.

The memorial opened to the public on April 26, 2018, and is the nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of African American slavery, people terrorized by lynching, and the struggle for equal rights from reconstruction to the Civil Rights Movement.

Set on a six-acre site, the memorial uses sculpture, art, and design to illustrate the racial inequality that existed in America from the beginning of slavery to the Civil Rights movement. The site includes a memorial square with 800 six-foot monuments to symbolize thousands of racial lynching victims in the United States and the counties and states where this terrorism took place. Montgomery is also the birthplace of the Civil Rights movement, which started with an incident in 1955 where Rosa Parks, an African American woman refused to give up her bus seat to a white man and was arrested. Martin Luther King was a pastor in Montgomery and helped organize a bus boycott among the African American community, which led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregation on buses was illegal.

Alachua County had its own share of lynchings in the late 1800s to mid-1920s, including the infamous “Newberry Six” incident on Aug. 18, 1916. The episode began with the attempt on Aug. 17 by Newberry constable George Wynne to serve a warrant on Boisey Long, an African American man, for stealing hogs.

Accounts differ how the conflict began and who fired first, but Long shot and killed Wynne, and wounded another man, Dr. L. G. Harris, who had accompanied him. Long escaped, but was captured two days later.

In the meantime, a posse was organized by the sheriff. They then shot and killed Jim Dennis, a friend of Long. The sheriff claimed Dennis was resisting arrest. Relatives and friends of Long were rounded up and taken to jail for allegedly helping him escape; they were Bert and Mary Dennis, Long's wife, Stella Young, and two friends of Dennis, Andrew McHenry and Reverend Josh Baskin.

A mob of 200 took them from the jail the morning of Aug. 18 and hanged them from a single oak tree, one mile from Newberry. Newspapers called it "a lynching bee." A newspaper also reported that the coroner's jury had returned a verdict that the seven lynching victims had died in freak accidents, such as running into a barbed wire fence and bleeding to death, or falling out of a tree and choking to death or breaking their necks.

Long was tried on Sept. 7, found guilty in seven minutes by an all-white jury and sentenced to hang. He was executed in the yard of the Alachua County jail on Oct. 27, 1916.

The Newberry Soulfest featured live music, food vendors and other forms of family entertainment such as a giant Jenga game, face painting and a football toss game. All proceeds were for the students’ trip to Montgomery. The event was also to raise awareness of what life was like for African Americans in their struggle for equality.

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NEWBERRY – The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) responded to a two-vehicle head-on crash scene on Monday, March 16. The incident occurred on County Road 235 north of Northwest Sixth Lane in Newberry at 4:15 p.m.

A 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, driven by 19-year-old Evan Scott Finnell of Newberry, was traveling south on County Road 235. A 2000 GMC Jimmy driven by 60-year-old Brett Donavan Bailey, also from Newberry, was traveling north on the same roadway.

Finnell’s Mitsubishi crossed the center line and both vehicles collided. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

At the time of the crash Finnell was wearing his seatbelt, but Bailey was not.

FHP is continuing to investigate the crash. Both drivers are being tested for alcohol, which is a standard procedure in a crash resulting in a death.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The City of High Springs has closed City Hall as of 6 p.m., March 17. It is expected to remain closed until April 6.

Residents are encouraged to utilize online services available through highsprings.us, including tag renewal. “Online fees will be reduced during this time from $3.50 to $2.50,” said High Springs Fire Department Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan.

Building inspections will continue to be conducted and scheduled by contacting the Building Department by telephone at 386-454-7322 or by email at nwarwick@highsprings.us. All other Building Department business will be on hold.

At this time, the City of High Springs has issued no specific directives toward private businesses regarding reducing hours or capacity. Any stories heard otherwise, as they relate to High Springs are at this time are rumors.

The High Springs Police Department will not be accepting fingerprints or non-essential calls during this shutdown. Officers will remain available 24/7 for emergency calls for service.

City staff will continue to monitor this situation closely and will handle emergency requests, such as water or sewer problems as needed.

Residents are encouraged to call 386-454-1416 for rumor control. In the event of a fire, medical or law enforcement emergency, dial 911.

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ALACHUA COUNTY – A pandemic has gripped the world and its effects are rapidly mounting in America. The COVID-19 virus has gone from a single case in Washington state on Jan.21, 2020 to over 5,981 cases covering all 50 states as of March 17, 2020.

By March 17, 2020, it has killed 99 people, most either elderly or with prior health issues. For many younger people it is not fatal, similar to a bad flu with dry cough, fever, trouble breathing, weakness and some mental disorientation. Many of these, especially lower- and middle-income people have jobs in the service industry or retail, interact with a number of people while needing to work to pay their bills. The problem becomes not only who has it, but who their interactions.

Someone younger going to work and interacting with others can spread the virus quickly. While it may not seem bad enough to miss work to the younger person, it can be deadly to those in the at-risk groups. The same goes for public events such as concerts, movie theaters, restaurants and bars. An infected person can easily spread to others unknowingly. There is usually a 4-14-day incubation period before symptoms show up and health experts have not confirmed when it becomes communicable, but believe it can be spread before symptoms show.

The virus is highly communicable, with the infection rate typically doubling in 2-4 days in most of the 146 countries it is currently in, with the numbers changing constantly. Nations are closing their borders, limiting travel by air, train or bus, mass quarantining of anyone suspected of being in contact with an infected person and closing businesses, putting many people out of work and affecting the world economy. It is currently estimated to cost the global economy $2.7 trillion.

Although slow to realize the scope of the epidemic in America and being unprepared for expanding numbers that needed supplies or hospitalization, the federal government has begun expanding their efforts to contain the epidemic and get supplies and test kits to a much broader audience, working with state governments to get what they need to minimize the virus's spread.

Guidelines

The Federal government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health experts have announced a variety of suggested restrictions. They initially said to avoid groups over 250 and practice “social distancing” by keeping six feet away from others. Within days that was revised to groups of 50 and then on March 16 it was further reduced to groups of 10.

These restrictions have resulted in cancellations or postponement of most events. Major sports games or events have been canceled including all NBA games, Kentucky Derby, NASCAR, tennis and soccer tournaments. Any event with more than 10 people is suggested to cancel. Museums, movie and show theaters, libraries and schools have all closed down. Many businesses have also shut their doors and many companies are asking their employees to work from home to avoid spreading the disease.

In Florida, both state and local governments have put restrictions on businesses and events. On March 17, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered all of Florida’s bars and nightclubs closed for 30 days starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, upending St. Patrick’s Day revelries as the state acts more aggressively to contain the COVID-19 virus that has infected more than 171 people in Florida and killed six as of his announcement.

He also said he’s asking Florida’s University Board of Governors to require students to return home for remote learning for the rest of the spring semester. All schools in the state are closed until at least March 27. A decision will be made at that time whether to reopen.

Florida also unveiled a new online dashboard that provides the public with a clearer picture of where the virus has hit. The COVID-19 surveillance dashboard provides a color-coded map that shows the intensity of infections across the state. Information on the virus, testing, restrictions and current status can be found at http://www.floridahealth.gov

Alachua County has been lucky so far with only four confirmed cases but testing has been limited and is just getting up to speed. Each of the city governments have tried to limit contact and the spread by canceling events.

Newberry

In Newberry, Mayor Jordan Marlowe announced on March 17 that he will be declaring a State of Emergency for the City of Newberry. This will help make additional funds available to the city to combat the virus. Gainesville has also declared a State of Emergency and canceled all public events. Newberry has canceled all recreation programs, including any activities at the Easton Sports Complex. They have canceled all city meetings that are not time sensitive and set up a drive-through center for people interacting with city departments as well as creating online payments for all utilities. The mayor has also recommended that employees work from home. Open air parks in Newberry will remain open at present. Newberry also has two meal programs to feed students that depend on school meals. The city distributes meals at the MLK Community Center during the week. For information call the city at 352-472-2161. United Methodist Church also has a food program on Sundays for students.

High Springs

In High Springs, the city has suspended all city activities, including food giveaways, excluding school board-sanctioned services, until further notice. Enclosed structures, including the bathrooms in city parks and playground equipment are closed. Large pickup games and parties in city parks are also discouraged, as the CDC encourages “social distancing.” High Springs City Hall will be closed as of March 17, 2020 at 6 p.m. and will remain closed until April 6. Residents are encouraged to utilize online services available through the website at highsprings.us, including tag renewal.

Online fees will be reduced during this time from $3.50 to $2.50. Canceled events include the weekly Farmers Market, Music in The Park series and all non-essential meetings. Several businesses have also shut their doors including Rum 138, which provides river trips and rental kayaks. The owners felt that because they have customers from all over the world interacting it would be best to minimize the risk to customers by closing. The Chamber of Commerce has also postponed their annual Murder Mystery charity play. Deeper Community Church in High Springs is organizing a free meal program for students. The Alachua County School Board is also offering free meals at a number of campuses including Santa Fe High School.

Alachua

In the City of Alachua, City parks remain open for public use, although that may change. However, no organized gatherings are permitted. All youth sports have been suspended until at least March 30, 2020. All special events have been suspended until at least March 30, 2020. Two large annual events, the Cattleman's Ball sponsored by the Alachua Lions Club and the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life have been canceled or postponed as well. City services are available under normal operating conditions including online pay options and all facilities are operating with increased sanitizing and disinfecting protocol. Several restaurants including Mi Apa have switched to take-out or delivery only to avoid crowds.

The restrictions and business closings will affect both the local and national economy, possibly for a much longer time and may even bring about an economic recession. The virus's exponential infection rate, data and developments are constantly changing, often within hours. While the disease is serious and unprecedented, it must be remembered that it can be mild in younger patients but deadly in others.

Containment depends on all people working together and being aware of others around them. Alachua Today will continue to provide updated information. For up-to-the-minute information, readers can go to Florida Health Department website https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/ or the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/

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NEWBERRY – Newberry City Commissioners convened an emergency meeting at 5 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, to consider and ultimately approve, Newberry Emergency Resolution 2020-14. The resolution was being considered in response to the Coronavirus pandemic and mandates from state and federal government agencies. Declaring a state of emergency also allows the City to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement, should the need arise.

The state of emergency became effective at 6 p.m., March 17, and can be extended for additional seven-day periods, as may be necessary.

With the approval of this resolution, Commissioners also waived the procedures and formalities otherwise required of the City in performance of public work and taking whatever prudent action is necessary to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

The resolution also waives procedures for entering into contracts, incurring obligations, employment of permanent and temporary workers, utilization of volunteer workers, rental of equipment, acquisition and distribution, with or without compensation, of supplies, materials, and facilities, appropriation and expenditure of public funds and also on the specific limits on the authority of the city manager to expend funds and enter into agreements.

City Hall drive-through will remain open during this period. Open air parks will also remain open, and restrooms and other park facilities will be sanitized twice daily. The Building Department will remain open. Easton will be closed, but the daycare center will remain open and the City is urging all daycare centers to remain open to allow emergency personnel to be able to attend to their jobs.

City Manager Mike New said that on Monday he anticipates a program will be instituted for all non-essential employees to work from home.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe remarked that the elections will continue on April 14, but he encouraged people to use mail-in ballots if possible. Rather than having everyone wait to vote inside the Municipal Building, he said they will remain outside and each ballot box will be set up six feet apart.

At an earlier meeting Marlowe said Newberry High School had offered to host an election forum for candidates. Instead, he said he would interview two candidates at a time and have the interviews on YouTube so voters could get to know the candidates and what they stand for.

“City Commission meetings will be limited to once a month during this crisis,” said New. Citizens are encouraged to watch the meetings electronically to reduce the amount of people that have to sit together in the audience.

The Elder Care program will continue, but will be required to prepare meals for take-out instead of eating in. Newberry High School is handing out lunches and breakfasts for the following day between the hours of 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Anyone picking up food for 10 or more people is encouraged to call 352-472-1101 in advance.

City events being postponed include WestFest, the Walkathon, and the April 4 Soil Ceremony. New dates for these events will be announced at a later date.

This state of emergency extends throughout the geographic confines of the City of Newberry. Newberry will coordinate its emergency plans with the County Emergency Operations Center.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Much of north Florida's beauty is based around its rivers and springs. The Silver River is a short, spring fed river east of Ocala with crystal clear water, abundant wildlife and seven miles of pristine undeveloped land. There have been settlements at nearby Silver Springs since before the first Europeans. The history of the Silver River is haunting and familiar. The film, “Out of the Mist: A Silver River Story,” explores its natural beauty and the lives of people who lived there and depended upon the river for their livelihood.

After Florida became a United States territory, settlers established a town at Silver Springs in 1852. Since the mid-19th century, the natural environment of Silver Springs attracted visitors from throughout the United States and became a popular tourist spot for visitors who poled their way along the narrow stream through overhanging cypress and Spanish moss. With the invention of the paddle wheel boat, Silver River also became a distribution center for Central Florida. Plantations growing produce used the river as a transportation route from nearby Ocala to settlements to the east.

Silver River’s Glass Bottom Boats

In the late 1870s, Phillip Morrell fixed a piece of glass in the bottom of a rowboat and a new enterprise began. Silver River's glass bottom boat tours have been world famous for more than 100 years.

In the early 1900s, Ed Carmichael purchased much of the land around the river and by the late 1920s he had developed a park that eventually became known as Silver Springs Nature Theme Park. The attraction featured native animal exhibits, amusement rides, and 30 or 90-minute glass-bottom boat tours. Upon Carmichael”s death, the land was donated to the University of Florida to ensure that the land would stay undeveloped so its pristine beauty could be maintained.

The tourist attraction continued after his death under lease to several corporations. The undeveloped tropical nature of the land also made it a popular spot for Hollywood films and was a frequent location for the series of Tarzan films in the 1930s to 1950s. Other films shot on the Silver River include the James Bond movie “Moonraker,” a “Smokey and the Bandit” sequel and the series “Sea Hunt” with Lloyd Bridges.

State of Florida Buys the Land

Beginning in 1993, the first thorough scientific studies of the springs were conducted and wildlife rehabilitation was started. That year, the State of Florida bought the underlying land, while private businesses continued to operate the attractions and concessions. The park went through a number of changes and revenue dropped off and the company running the park ended their lease. In January 2013, the state of Florida announced it would begin managing the park. Palace Entertainment agreed to pay a $4 million buyout to end their lease. The private park closed as of Sept. 21, 2013 and it became part of the Florida State Park system. The state also continued the glass bottom boat tours that were a long tradition at the park.

Cinematographer Mark Emery Grew up on the River

Double-Emmy-Award-winning wildlife cinematographer, naturalist and longtime Ocala resident Mark Emery moved to Ocala at age four and graduated from Vanguard High School in 1972. He grew up on the river, and as a young adult he worked at Silver Springs as a glass-bottom boat captain and wrestled alligators and milked rattlesnakes at reptile expert Ross Allen’s institute at Silver Springs. Emery also spent six months employed as a guard against poachers on the then 23,000-acre Drake Ranch in western Marion County and lived in very primitive conditions.

His love of the area and experiences as a boat captain eventually led him to become a photographer and cinematographer. He worked with and learned his craft from Academy Award winning underwater cinematographer Jordan Klein, Sr. Over the years, Emery has received two Emmys for National Geography nature films. He also has been involved in producing, filming and directing shows on channels including the Discovery Channel, PBS Nature and BBC, and has made a film with the Navy SEALS.

Boat Captains Inspired Film

His relationship to the river and the older boat captains eventually led him to his newest film, “Out of the Mist: A Silver River Story” featuring four of the old-time boat captains and their cumulative experience of over 200 years. Intersected with beautiful footage of the nature and wildlife on the river, the film interviews the four captains, three of whom are now retired.

Emery produced the film with his own resources and sponsored “go fund me” finances, working on it for five years in between other jobs. Three of the four captains featured in the film are African Americans who worked at the park during the time of segregation. While they drove the boats and gave tours, the visitors were all white and the boat captains only worked at the park and were unable to bring family or friends for the tours. A now defunct park along the river was called Paradise Park was for “coloreds” only.

In the film, the four boat captains, Virginia Ferguson, Roosevelt Faison, Oscar Collins and Leon Cheatam, tell of their work on the river and the information they shared with some 12 million visitors over the years. They also reflect on their experiences in a segregated society and the changing times.

But the captains spent much of the interviews on what they loved about their job, the beauty and passion they felt for the river. How they enjoyed watching the wonderment of the tourists at seeing the unique beauty of the river and its wildlife. To the captains, it was the perfect job, with each day bringing something different. The film also tells of the ebb and flow of certain species of wildlife and the increase in algae in the river.

Contamination and Restoration

In the 1970s to 1990s human growth in the surrounding area, including increasing numbers of septic tanks, fertilizer and livestock operations, caused nitrate-nitrogen contamination along the river, increasing algae growth which also affected the park’s tourism. Since that time the State of Florida has been leading a restoration effort that has brought the river back to its former beauty.

Due to the environmental impact on the river, the Florida Springs Institute has sponsored showings of Emery's film and on March 5 the movie was shown at the historic Priest Theater in High Springs. Starting with a BBQ dinner at the High Springs Brewery, the attendees were able to meet and talk with Emery and then hear his discussion on what the film was about and his passion for the area.

Emery also talked about the unique qualities of the river for underwater photography, stating that the Silver River environment provides an atmosphere where filmmakers don’t have to deal with salt water in their equipment and the light conditions in the water are very positive.

Emery hopes that the film will make people aware of the uniqueness of Florida's environment and help raise awareness on the need to preserve it for future generations.

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