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ALACHUA ‒ Two juveniles were arrested Wednesday after police said a firearm was displayed in the parking lot of Santa Fe High School during an after-hours event.

Around 4:40 p.m. on Feb. 26, 2025, officers with the Alachua Police Department responded to the school following a report that a female student had brandished a gun in the parking lot, according to APD.

The caller provided a description of the suspect vehicle, a black Jeep Grand Cherokee, as well as its license plate number and said both occupants had entered the school.

Officers arrived shortly after and located the vehicle leaving the campus. Police conducted a felony traffic stop at Northwest 171st Place and Northwest County Road 235A, where both juvenile occupants complied with commands and were taken into custody without incident, police said.

During the investigation, officers learned a loaded handgun was inside the locked glove compartment of the vehicle. According to police, one juvenile admitted unlocking the compartment so the other could retrieve and display the firearm before returning it. The second juvenile denied involvement.

The firearm, which belonged to a parent of one of the juveniles, was recovered and found to have six live rounds in the magazine, police said. The weapon was seized as evidence.

Both juveniles were arrested and charged with possession of a weapon on school property (F.S.S. 790.115.2b). They were transported to the Alachua County Juvenile Detention Center.

“The safety of the students and school campuses is a top priority for the Alachua Police Department,” APD Chief Jesse J. Sandusky said in a statement. “We have zero tolerance for weapons on school property and will take swift action to ensure a secure learning environment for everyone.”

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Fire Department, in partnership with Safe Kids North Central Florida, will host a free Car Seat Safety Check event on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to help families ensure their children are properly secured while traveling.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the High Springs Farmers Market Pavilion, located at 23517 N.W. 185^th Road in downtown High Springs.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-site to inspect car seats, assist with proper installation and answer any questions about car seat safety. The event is part of the department's ongoing efforts to promote community safety and prevent injuries.

“Our goal is to educate and assist families in keeping their children safe on the road,” said Captain Kevin Pearson of the High Springs Fire Department. “We encourage everyone who uses a car seat to take advantage of this free opportunity.”

According to Safe Kids Worldwide, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71%. However, research shows that roughly three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly nationwide.

“The most effective way to protect your child in the car is by using the correct car seat and installing it properly,” said Jordyn Zyngier, pediatric trauma outreach coordinator at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.  “However, research shows that, on average, three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly across the country. Our mission is to help families make informed choices to ensure their child's safety on the road.”

The event is open to all families in the community. Appointments are required, and attendees must bring their vehicles, car seats and child passengers for a full inspection.

To register for an appointment, visit highsprings.gov/fire.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Winter 2025 season officially came to a close for 399 Sports & Recreation this past Saturday with a community-wide celebration at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex in Alachua.

Players, coaches, families and volunteers gathered to mark the end of the season with a day filled with food, fun and festivities. Organizers credited the success of the season to the dedication of the volunteer staff, including 399 officials, coaches and players who contributed their time and effort throughout the winter months.

During the event, the president of 399 Sports & Recreation addressed the crowd, thanking parents, players and, most importantly, the volunteer coaches who helped make the season possible.

With the winter basketball season now wrapped up, 399 Sports & Recreation is shifting focus to its Spring Volleyball program. Official practices began this week, with the first games scheduled to take place on Monday, March 31.

Other local sports organizations are also gearing up for a busy spring season. The Alachua Soccer Alliance kicked off its Spring 2025 practices on Tuesday, with the season running through late May.

Meanwhile, Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball & Softball is preparing for its upcoming spring season by hosting a volunteer field day this Saturday, March 8. The event will take place at both Memorial Park in High Springs and the Hal Brady Recreation Complex in Alachua.

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Alachua County Today File Photo

ALACHUA – An amazing display of color is on tap as spring unfolds in North Central Florida. Few drives offer a more picturesque and peaceful escape than the stretch of U.S. Highway 441 between Gainesville and Alachua and into High Springs. Framed by towering oaks, rolling fields, and vibrant wildflowers, this is the perfect route for those looking to slow down and take in the beauty of nature.

A drive along this historic highway in early spring is nothing short of magical. Thanks to the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) Roadside Wildflower Program, the road’s shoulders transform into a natural masterpiece of golden Coreopsis, delicate violets, and soft pink rain lilies, painting the landscape with color. With mild temperatures, fresh spring air, and blue skies overhead, it’s an ideal time to step away from the city’s hustle and take a scenic weekend excursion. And, beyond their visual beauty, roadside wildflowers play a vital role in supporting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential to sustaining Florida’s agricultural industry. Leaving Gainesville, travelers begin their journey on U.S. Highway 441. Soon, the landscape opens up into the rolling countryside, where patches of wildflowers line the road with bursts of yellow, purple, and white.

Thanks to a carefully managed mowing schedule, wildflowers are preserved along this stretch, allowing nature to thrive. From February through May, only the first 10 feet from the road are trimmed, leaving the rest of the highway’s scenic beauty untouched.

During this drive, keep an eye out for, Coreopsis, Florida’s official state wildflower, blooming in vibrant yellow clusters, Native Violets and Innocence, small, delicate purple and white blossoms, peaking in January and February, and Rain Lilies emerging after spring rains with soft pink and white blooms.

With clear skies and golden sunlight filtering through the trees, this drive offers a serene retreat from the everyday rush, making it the perfect start to a relaxing weekend.

A scenic drive isn’t complete without a few stops to soak in the surroundings, and U.S. Highway 441 offers plenty of opportunities to explore.

Just a short detour from Highway 441, San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park is a hidden gem for nature lovers. Whether you choose to hike beneath towering live oaks, bike through shaded trails, or simply relax in the peaceful surroundings, this park is the perfect way to complete your day of scenic exploration.

After a leisurely drive, downtown Alachua provides the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a bite to eat, and browse charming local shops. The historic Main Street is lined with brick storefronts, cozy cafés, and antique shops, offering a delightful blend of history and hospitality.

The stretch of U.S. Highway 441 between Gainesville and Alachua is more than just a road—it’s a journey through Florida’s natural beauty, small-town charm, and peaceful countryside. Whether you’re looking for a solo retreat, a romantic weekend drive, or a family-friendly outing, this scenic route provides the ideal backdrop for relaxation and adventure.

For those looking to extend their scenic drive, High Springs—just a short journey beyond Alachua on U.S. Highway 441—offers even more opportunities to relax and explore. Known for its historic downtown, antique shops, and proximity to natural springs, this charming town is the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon stroll or a meal at a local café. Visitors can also take a short detour to Ichetucknee Springs State Park where crystal-clear waters provide a refreshing way to experience Florida’s natural beauty up close.

As spring progresses and wildflowers continue to bloom, take the opportunity to step away from the rush of daily life and experience one of North Central Florida’s most beautiful and underrated drives. With sunlight filtering through moss-draped oaks and wildflowers lining the roadside, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than by taking a slow, scenic drive through the heart of Alachua County

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A house fire Thursday afternoon in unincorporated Alachua County sent one woman to the hospital with minor injuries and claimed the lives of two cats, according to fire officials.

Firefighters from the High Springs Fire Department, Alachua County Fire Rescue and Newberry Fire Department were dispatched at 3:28 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2025, to a residence at 16528 N.W. State Road 45 following reports of a structure fire.

First crews arrived on scene at 3:33 p.m. and found heavy smoke and flames coming from the side and rear of a single-story, wood-frame home, estimated to be about 800 square feet. Firefighters quickly began attacking the fire, getting water on the flames within three minutes of arrival, officials said.

The fire was brought under control by 3:48 p.m., and crews remained on scene to conduct overhaul operations, a standard procedure that involves searching for and extinguishing any hidden pockets of fire to prevent rekindling.

According to fire officials, the blaze is believed to have started in the kitchen while the homeowner was cooking. The woman inside the home at the time of the fire was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.

Two cats were killed in the fire, officials said.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Highland Park Community Development District (CDD) took a major step forward as the Newberry City Commission ON Feb. 24, 2025, approved the second reading of Ordinance 2025-01/LDR 24-27. This ordinance officially establishes a special taxing district to finance infrastructure and site development for the Highland Park Planned Development, a 104-acre residential community located at the southeast corner of State Road 26 and Southwest 242^nd Street.

The petition to establish the Highland Park CDD was submitted by Kilinski | Van Wyk, PLLC, on behalf of Newberry Plaza, LLC, the property owner. City of Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul W. Perez presented the ordinance at the commission meeting, noting that while some minor revisions were needed, they did not substantively alter the ordinance’s content.

A Community Development District (CDD) is a special-purpose government entity that allows developers to finance and manage infrastructure and amenities within a planned community. CDDs can issue tax-exempt bonds to fund roads, utilities, stormwater systems, recreational facilities, and other essential infrastructure. Once homes are sold, property owners within the district repay these costs through assessments on their annual property tax bills.

CDDs are commonly used in master-planned communities across Florida, providing a structured way to finance development without placing the financial burden on the local government.

The Highland Park Planned Development was approved in 2023 and has an estimated completion date of 2030. The Highland Park CDD will be responsible for funding and maintaining the infrastructure necessary to support the 350 single-family homes planned for the development. The creation of the Highland Park CDD ensures that essential services and infrastructure—such as roads, stormwater management, and utilities—are in place before residents move in.

During the meeting, five board members for the CCD were identified. Following discussions, Commissioner Mark Clark moved to adopt the ordinance, and Commissioner Tony Mazon seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, the ordinance was approved 4-1, with Commissioner Timothy Marden dissenting.

With the approval of the Highland Park CDD, developers can move forward with securing financing and beginning infrastructure construction.

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