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ALACHUA – In a one-two punch, residents still reeling from the impacts of deadly Hurricane Helene braced for the anticipated devastating impact of Hurricane Milton.

Forecasted to strike land as a Category 3 hurricane, early in the week Milton intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, threatening coastal regions from Sarasota to the Big Bend area with severe winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Officials predicted that Milton would make landfall in the Tampa Bay area.

On Tuesday, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a statement that as of 11 a.m. eastern time, Hurricane Milton was located about 520 miles southwest of Tampa, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph. Milton will move across the eastern Gulf of Mexico and approach the west coast of Florida through Wednesday. The center is likely to make landfall along the west coast of Florida on Wednesday night and move east northeastward across central Florida through Thursday.

DeSantis expanded the state of emergency to 61 counties, urging evacuations in coastal areas most vulnerable to storm surges, such as the Big Bend and Panhandle regions. Watches and warnings are in effect along the Gulf Coast, as the National Hurricane Center continues to monitor the storm’s northward movement over the Gulf.

Evacuations from coastal areas began on Monda, Oct. 7, 2024. Tolls were suspended on facilities in West Florida and Central Florida as well as Alligator Alley and 595 Express to help facilitate traffic flow as Floridians evacuate.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Florida Highway Patrol implemented Emergency Shoulder Use (ESU) on eastbound I-4 from Tampa to S.R. 417 in Central Florida and on Northbound I-75 in Tampa from North of I-4 to south of I-10 in Columbia County. This operation allows motorists to use the left shoulder as an extra lane in designated areas as well as keeps travel available in both directions, which helps to get people out and get supplies and resources in. Thousands of evacuees heeding official warnings have passed through Alachua County, both along I-75 and U.S. Highway 441 fleeing the impending catastrophic storm.

Residents should be mindful that after Hurricane Milton passes through, the immediate aftermath can be both dangerous and overwhelming.

Residents should wait for official announcements from local authorities that it is safe to venture outside. Hazardous conditions, such as fallen trees, live power lines, and flooding, can still pose significant dangers.

Flooded streets or yards may seem navigable, but even shallow waters can be dangerous. Water may be contaminated with chemicals, sewage, or hidden debris. Additionally, floodwaters can conceal electrical hazards from downed power lines.

Before re-entering your home, check for visible damage such as structural instability, gas leaks, or electrical hazards. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, leave immediately and contact emergency services. Avoid using candles or any open flames until you are sure there are no gas leaks.

If you are using a generator, be sure to operate it outdoors and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s wiring unless a licensed electrician has installed a transfer switch.

Wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and masks while cleaning up debris. Sharp objects, nails, and hazardous materials may be hidden under rubble. Seek assistance from professionals for significant structural damage. For major repairs, hire only licensed contractors to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes. Be cautious of scammers who often appear after natural disasters offering low-cost repairs.

While the focus is on recovery, it's important to remember that hurricane season is still be ongoing. Once it's safe, begin restocking emergency supplies and updating your hurricane plan. Preparing early can make a significant difference in future storms.

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ALACHUA ‒ Following the disruption caused by Hurricane Helene, Alachua’s Criswell Park quickly became a central focus for the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture staff. Crews worked to restore a sense of normalcy in the Merrillwood area, which had been left without power. Prioritizing community well-being, city staff ensured the park was accessible for families to enjoy.

After crews cleared trees and debris, organizing them into piles, Criswell Park became a popular gathering spot for neighbors. And in a short time, locals began to gather at the park, taking advantage of the courts and pavilion for play and relaxation.

Despite the challenges the city faced during and after the storm, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. City staff expressed their gratitude to the residents, who, through their support and spirit, inspired the recovery efforts.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission, during its Sept. 23, 2024, meeting, approved three small-scale amendments to the city’s Future Land Use Map, alongside several zoning changes. These amendments, which pertain to properties of 50 acres or fewer, were unanimously approved on second reading after earlier annexation into the city.

Small-Scale Land Use Amendments

The first amendment came from a petition by Robert F. Phillips and Gena M. Phillips, Trustees of the Robert F. Phillips and Gena M. Phillips Revocable Living Trust. They requested a change in the land use designation of a 0.24-acre site at 25909 West Newberry Road. The property was reclassified from Residential Low Density to Commercial, and the Commission approved the amendment on second reading.

Another approved amendment involved a 9.85-acre property located at 17406 S.W. 46^th Avenue, Archer, owned by Daniel and Meghan Shore. This change reclassified the land from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture, maintaining the current density of one dwelling unit per five acres.

Similarly, Jamie Nelson, the owner of a 4.76-acre property, requested a land use amendment for his land, reclassifying it from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture. Like the Shore property, this amendment does not alter the allowed density of the land.

Zoning Changes

In addition to the land use amendments, the Commission approved several zoning changes. The first was for the Phillips' 0.24-acre property, which was rezoned from Residential Single-Family (RSF-2) to Commercial Central Business District (C-CBD). Located at the southwest corner of State Road 26 and Pearl Street, the property is currently undeveloped, and any future redevelopment will require a site and development plan.

The second zoning change, also for the Shore property, involved rezoning from Alachua County Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture, aligning with the property's recent annexation.

A similar zoning change was approved for Jamie Nelson’s 4.76-acre property, which was also rezoned from Alachua County Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture following its annexation into the city.

Finally, a zoning change was approved for a 1.34-acre property located at 311 N.W. 250^th Street. Owned by Thamina Kadery and Mohammed Abul Chowdury, the property’s zoning was changed from Commercial Intensive (CI) to Commercial Central Business District (C-CBD).

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Cont: Zoning changes

NEWBERRY ‒ A 22-year-old man from Newberry, Kobe Deon Delima, was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, at 9:50 a.m., and charged with burglary of an unoccupied vehicle during a state of emergency following Hurricane Helene. He was also booked for an outstanding warrant related to the grand theft of a motor vehicle.

The arrest came after a Newberry woman reported seeing a man inside her car, which was parked in her driveway, around 9:15 a.m. The woman stated that the man did not have permission to be in the vehicle and appeared to be “sneaking around.” When she saw him, the man fled. The woman called out to a family member, who chased after the suspect.

The family member told Alachua County Sheriff's Deputies that he saw the man's face and believed he could identify him. The suspect was last seen running from the property, and later, authorities located Delima at his residence a few blocks away. The family member reportedly identified Delima as the individual inside the vehicle.

In addition to the burglary charge, Delima was booked on a warrant for the grand theft of a vehicle, which stemmed from an incident on Aug. 23, 2023. A body shop owner reported that someone broke into the business, stole several thousand dollars in cash, and took a red Volkswagen Jetta. Two days later, on Aug. 25, deputies found the Jetta parked behind a church in Newberry. Fingerprints recovered from the vehicle reportedly matched Delima’s, leading to the warrant for his arrest.

Delima has a criminal history that includes two felony convictions, one of which was violent, and two misdemeanor convictions, also including a violent offense. In 2022, Delima was arrested for fleeing law enforcement and a hit-and-run with property damage, though those charges were later dropped. While on pre-trial release in that case, he was arrested again in 2023 for smashing multiple car windows with a brick. He was placed on probation for 18 months after adjudication was withheld. However, after violating his probation by contacting the victim, he was sentenced to 21 days in jail, with credit for time served, and the terms of his probation were reinstated.

Six months later, Delima was arrested for battery, trespassing, and battery on a law enforcement officer. His probation was converted to house arrest, which he violated twice. As a result, in January 2024, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail, with credit for 159 days already served.

Delima is also facing a sworn complaint for voyeurism but has not yet been booked on that charge. Judge Meshon T. Rawls set bail at $60,000 for the current charges.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ For two decades, the Florida Bat Festival has been a much-anticipated family friendly fall event and is a beacon of education, conservation, and excitement. Join Lubee Bat Conservancy for the 20^th Anniversary on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. for a day filled with fun activities, captivating exhibits, and unforgettable experiences for the whole family. And of course, come see the world's largest bats with six-foot wingspans.

Lubee is home to over 200 bats from 10 species, including the world’s largest bat, the Malayan Flying Fox, with a wingspan of six feet. Meet seven adorable baby bats born earlier this year and watch them play and explore their habitats, while not straying too far from mom. Guests will also have an opportunity to say hello to the nearly 60 bats that found their forever homes at Lubee this year. Some look like rabbits with their big ears, others like a cross between a teddy bear and Pomeranian.

From the tiny pipistrelles to majestic flying foxes, visitors can immerse themselves in the diversity of bat species through engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and educational presentations. Learn about their vital contributions to the environment and the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures.

From face painting to bat-themed crafts to visiting 140-plus vendors, there's something for everyone. Get creative, unleash your imagination, and take home unique souvenirs to commemorate your day.

Refuel and recharge with an array of mouthwatering food options available throughout the festival grounds. The festival Beer Garden is the perfect shaded place to embrace the great outdoors on Lubee property. Sit under 250-plus year-old Live Oaks while enjoying brews from over 15 Florida breweries, live music, or marveling and admiring the beauty of oak trees that have been around since the 1700s. Ticket required to enjoy the beers, not the shade, food, or music.

Attendance at the Florida Bat Festival directly impacts and contributes to the bats at Lubee and vital global conservation initiatives aimed at preserving bats and their habitats.

This is an incredible opportunity to celebrate 20 years of bat conservation and education at the Florida Bat Festival. Mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, for the 20th Annual Bat Festival.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit lubee.org/flbatfestival or follow on social media.

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ARCHER ‒ A 26-year-old man from Archer, Zachary William Emino, was arrested on Wednesday morning after allegedly attempting to run over a landscaper with his pickup truck, narrowly missing the man and destroying an expensive lawnmower.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a home in the Turnberry Lake subdivision on Sept. 18, 2024, where the victim, who works for a landscaping company, was mowing a lawn. The victim said that he and Zachary William Emino had a brief conversation, which he ended because he was at work.

Emino backed his pickup truck toward the lawnmower at about 25-30 mph. The victim said he jumped off the lawnmower just before the truck hit it. The owner of the business informed the deputy that the lawnmower, valued at $27,000, was a total loss.

Emino has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and felony property damage. While he has no prior criminal record, this is not the first time he has faced legal trouble. In July 2024, Emino was arrested in Levy County after allegedly pointing a shotgun at another man and pinning him against a gate with his truck. However, those charges were later dropped.

Bail for Emino was set at $75,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

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