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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Tensions flared at the April 25 High Springs City Commission meeting as community members voiced their concerns over the sudden dismissal of former Utility Director and Assistant City Manager Thomas Henry by new City Manager Jeremy Marshall.

During the Public Comment portion of the meeting, a number of attendees expressed their support for Henry and his contributions to the city. Comments were unanimous in praising Henry's work ethic and dedication to the community.

Chrissy Swilley, a commenter at the meeting, addressed potential misinformation surrounding Henry's dismissal. “He has never once been written up or received a negative employment evaluation from this administration,” said Swilley. “He was nominated by this current Commission to be part of a trio providing coverage of City Manager duties until a suitable City Manager could be hired.

“He was not compensated for these additional duties, nor did he request them. He did them so that he could help the City continue to move in a forward direction.”

Mayor Katherine Weitz read a letter during the public comment session, which highlighted concerns about City Manager Marshall's decision to remove Henry from his position. The letter from former High Springs Mayor and City Commissioner Scott Jamison and wife Lynn Jamison criticized Marshall for breaking his promise not to make personnel changes within the first six months of his tenure and expressed dismay at the removal of an experienced employee like Henry, especially during challenging times for the City.

“We met with Jeremy Marshall on Tuesday, April 23, to welcome him and ask him about the removal of Thomas Henry from his position as Director of Public Works the morning of the fifth day on the job, before he even knew all the names of his employees. He removed Mr. Henry, one of the best employees with 33 years of experience in the field, an employee who at every meeting one or more of our Commissioners had only positive things to say about him and actually had glowing remarks about how he got things done.”

“Need I remind everyone Mr. Marshall said he would not make any personnel changes for six months when he was interviewed for the job? We are sick that he would remove an exemplary employee like Mr. Henry when we are in such tumultuous times. We will email each of you additional details about our meeting in the next couple of days. We were appalled by some of Mr. Marshall’s responses and his complete lack of emotional engagement. We are quickly losing confidence in Mr. Marshall’s ability to be able to lead us through these very difficult times. Respectfully, Scott and Lynn Jamison.”

Brad Riddle, Chair of the High Springs Historic Preservation Board, expressed shock and disappointment at Henry's dismissal, emphasizing Henry's effectiveness and the positive impact he had on various city initiatives. “I gotta say I was shocked… Thomas was awesome. I was able to get a lot of things accomplished through Thomas that I wasn’t able to before… I would love to see Thomas come back.”

Despite the outcry from the community, City Manager Jeremy Marshall was not present at the meeting to address the issue due to a prior commitment. However, it was noted that even if he had been present, he might not have commented due to the sensitive nature of the personnel matter.

In response to the comments, Mayor Weitz refrained from offering her own opinion but expressed gratitude for the community's input.

Henry's abrupt departure has left some community members questioning the rationale behind the decision and has raised doubts about the new city manager and the future of the the city's leadership.

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ALACHUA ‒ Two members of the Alachua City Commission have been returned to their positions on the Commission for three-year terms. Commissioners Shirley Green Brown and Jennifer Blalock Ringerson were sworn in during a brief ceremony at the April 22, 2024 Alachua City Commission meeting.

Incumbent City Commissioner Ringerson won the majority of votes in the City of Alachua election conducted on April 9, 2024, defeating Eric L. Ford for Seat 5. She was first elected to the Alachua City Commission in 2021 and served as Vice Mayor in 2022-2023. Commissioner Ringerson was sworn in by City Manager Mike DaRoza.

Incumbent City Commissioner Brown earned another term after running unopposed in the April 2024 election. Brown holds Seat 4 on the Commission and has served four previous terms, serving as Vice Mayor 2020-2021. Brown was sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Susanne Wilson Bullard.

In addition to welcoming back Commissioners Brown and Ringerson, Commissioner Ed Potts was unanimously selected by his peers to serve as Vice Mayor for the term spanning 2024 to 2025.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua has given the green light for alcoholic beverages to be served, sold, and consumed at special events held in Legacy Park, marking an update to the City's Code of Ordinances.

The decision, finalized on April 22, 2024, by the City Commission, comes after a series of amendments over the past years gradually easing restrictions on alcohol consumption in public spaces. The latest amendment, known as Ordinance 24-08, received initial approval on April 8, 2024, with a unanimous 4-0 vote during the first public hearing.

Prior to 2015, alcoholic beverages were prohibited from being sold, served, delivered to another, or consumed in any municipal park or recreation area and on any municipally leased, operated, or controlled property or area, including public right-of-way. In July 2015, the Code was amended to permit alcoholic beverages at the Swick House when the facility was rented for a private event, such as for wedding receptions.

In February 2018, the City again amended its Code to permit alcoholic beverages during specified events at the downtown Theatre Park and the Legacy Park Multipurpose Center.

In 2020, Phase 2 of Legacy Park, which included the addition of three multipurpose sports fields and the amphitheater, was completed. Ordinance 24-08 adds the Legacy Park property as a designated City property where alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Under the updated ordinance, alcoholic beverages will be allowed at Legacy Park during events that obtain a Special Event Permit issued by the City of Alachua. Specific circumstances outlined in the ordinance include:

Individual personal consumption at a fundraising event sponsored by a governmental entity;

Individual personal consumption by a not-for-profit entity that charges admission for the event but does not charge for the delivery of alcoholic beverages;

As permitted in accordance with a rental agreement which specifies such terms and conditions and permits the sale, service, or delivery for individual personal consumption during the period of the rental agreement.

Commissioner Jennifer Blalock made a motion to approve the ordinance with Commissioner Dayna Miller providing the second. The measure was passed unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Downtown High Springs was buzzing with activity spanning the sidewalks from Main Street to U.S. Highway 27 as the seasonal Art Walk unfolded on Saturday, April 20 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event featured local artists and makers situated on the sidewalks in front of businesses in the charming downtown area. The picturesque town center transformed into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, drawing locals and visitors alike to immerse in the creative flair of the community.

Boosted by beautiful springtime weather complete with picture perfect clear blue skies, and adding to the art lover’s scene, were the hospitable restaurants and vibrant shops showcasing High Springs’ walkable, charming small-town hospitality.

The event showcased a number of local artists and makers who set up shop along the sidewalks. Against the backdrop of High Springs' picturesque streets, attendees strolled between artist areas, admiring a diverse array of artwork ranging from paintings and ceramics to intricate handcrafted jewelry and woven crafts such as crocheted tote bags and whimsical animals—something to captivate every imagination and cater to every taste.

ArtWalk is a visual cornucopia that reflects the diversity and creativity of the local artistic community. Supported by the City of High Springs, Art Walk, a series of seasonal gatherings, serves as a platform for local artisans to exhibit their talents and connect with the community. It not only provides artists with an opportunity to showcase and sell their work but also fosters a connection among creators and art enthusiasts alike.

Buoyed by the success of Art Walk, organizers have already set their sights on future events, with the next one happening on Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Additional Art Walks are scheduled throughout the year, with later dates set for the third Saturday in October, November, and December, promising additional afternoons of artistic discovery

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission at its April 25, 2024, meeting unanimously approved construction documents for Saddle Ridge Estates, a rural 30-lot subdivision project on 154.06 +/- acres, located off of 142^nd Avenue in the southern part of the High Springs. The subdivision will include a path around the property for horseback riding, a minimum lot size of two acres and the property will not be gated and will not have curbs and gutters. The lots will be serviced by well and septic tanks and the subdivision will have a Homeowners Association (HOA).

Addressing concerns raised by the community, Christopher Potts, JBPro’s Civil Engineering Director, assured the Commission that the Homeowners Association (HOA) would oversee the maintenance of roadways and the implementation of measures to preserve the rural character of the area, including the paths for horseback riding.

Rick Tesla, a member of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board, expressed concern that the trail around the property will be used for ATV and motorcycle riding. Potts said that the path will be rural and not as attractive as a graded path for ATV use, but that the HOA will be responsible for keeping the path for horseback riders.

Prohibition Pizza Urges

Expanded Permits

In other business, a High Springs business is advocating for expanded special permits to address the closure of a local brewery on their operations. The owner of Prohibition Pizza brought attention to the significant impact of the High Springs Brewing Company's closure on their business operations, sparking discussions about the need for expanded permits to support local businesses.

The owner of Prohibition Pizza emphasized that Sunday is one of their busiest days, with an average of 270 pizzas sold both on Saturday and Sunday. However, the closure of the High Springs Brewing Company on a recent Sunday due to a lack of a special permit had a detrimental effect on their ability to accommodate customers.

Expressing their reliance on being able to seat their patrons at the brewery, the owners of Prohibition Pizza urged the Commission to consider expanding permits to find a solution that would benefit all local businesses. They emphasized the potential of extending operating hours to make High Springs a two-day destination for tourists, rather than solely relying on Saturdays.

BMX Camping

In another permit matter, the Commission unanimously approved a Special Event Permit application by High Springs BMX Gold Cut Regional Qualifier, allowing camping on City property. High Springs BMX will be collecting and paying the Alachua County Bed Tax on all fees collected.

The event will begin on Friday evening, June 28, with tent set-up and a small practice. The main event will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30. An agreement has been drawn up to allow for proper tent set up, sound equipment to be within the City’s noise ordinance.

Saddle Ridge Estates

Swoyer Replat

In other business, a minor replat for two tax parcels known as Swoyer was unanimously approved, aiming to transform the area into a usable commercial parcel. The property currently still has lot lines from the original ‘Columbia Heights’ plat from 1925. The project is located off of U.S. Highway 441, just north of Tractor Supply and south of Boat Ramp Road. Previously the Commission approved the closure of the internal alleyways and roads to accommodate this change, said High Springs Planning Technician Kristyn Adkins.

Joint Resolution

In another property related matter, the Commission resolved property ownership discrepancies with a Joint Resolution. The Commission passed the resolution affirming the City of High Springs as the rightful owner of two tax parcels (00634-000-000 and 00634-001-000), resolving discrepancies in property ownership records and requesting that the Alachua County Property Appraiser adjust their records to show the same.

At some unknown time, the property appraiser’s records indicated the property was owned by the Alachua County Library District. The City of High Springs and Alachua County Library District have been unable to locate any records or documents to support that the Library District has any interest in the parcels.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Great entertainment, food and fun were a winning combination at Newberry’s sixth annual Westfest this past Saturday. From 4 – 9 p.m., the event at Lois Forte Park lived up to its advanced billing of a hometown family friendly celebration of music.

Sponsored by the Newberry Main Street Organization, Westfest has become a staple in the community, offering a platform for local and not-so-local talents and a chance for residents to come together and revel in the spirit of music and entertainment.

Performances by Cam Wheaton, Houston Keen, The Ben Carter Band and Logan Ryan Band offered something to suit every musical taste.

Wheaton hails from Trenton and is a singer-songwriter who was a favorite Saturday evening along with Houston Keen, another North Florida artist based out of Chiefland.

Crowds were also treated to the dynamic sounds of The Ben Carter Band, whose energetic performance had attendees on their feet, dancing and singing along. Closing out the evening was the Logan Ryan Band, bringing a taste of Texas with their blend of country and southern rock, rounding off the night on a high note.

The excitement of the evening was further heightened by the announcement of the music festival shirt winners. Among the lucky recipients were Willie Watson, Rebecca Campos, Hailee Ford, Dawna Summers, and Danny Herrington, who walked away with memorabilia to commemorate the event.

Sponsors of the event were Visit Gainesville Alachua County, George F. Young Engineering and Surveying, Scorpio Construction, OEC Business Interiors, Purvis Gray Certified Public Accountants, CHW Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Consultants, EDA Consultants, Holiday Inn University Center, Greenfield Preschool, Oelrich Construction, Gator Fire Equipment Company, and Woodard & Curran.

As the last notes of music faded into the night, it was evident that Newberry's sixth annual Westfest had delivered an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

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