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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs City Commissioners conducted a special presentation at the beginning of their June 13, 2024, City Commission meeting to recognize members of the High Springs Fire Department who recently performed an emergency delivery of a baby girl in fire department’s parking lot.

Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, June 7, the High Springs Fire Department first responders sprang into action to deliver the baby girl. The parents had been en route to UF Health Shands from the Live Oak area when they realized they wouldn't make it in time, and dialed 911 informing operators that they were moments away from the High Springs Fire Department.

Under the command of Captain Andy Burkhalter, the crew recognized the urgency of the situation and prepared for the imminent arrival. Firefighter (FF)/Paramedic Jon Friend, alongside FF/Paramedic Jake Rhoden, skillfully assisted in safely delivering the baby, who was born at approximately 33 weeks, into the world. FF/EMT Clinton Drake expertly applied cord clamps, while FF/Paramedic Doug Hope aided the new father in cutting the cord.

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NEWBERRY – On May 2, 2024, David and Gail Hodge of Hodge Farms received the Florida Farm Bureau “County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship” (CARES) award, presented at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Live Oak. The CARES award was granted to 12 farm families in the Suwannee River Basin. The Hodge Farm received this statewide award for their outstanding achievements in preserving land and water resources.

During the May 28 Newberry City Commission meeting, Commissioners honored Hodge Farms recognizing exemplary stewardship of their land with Best Management Practices (BMPs).

This is the second CARES award received by Hodge Farm, the first being in 2006. The award adds to the distinguished list of Newberry farms receiving the award over the last 20 years, including Tropic Traditions, McGehee and Sons Farm, Kennard Farm, Herb Marlowe, James Boyd, Trevor Bass and Don Green.

The CARES program was established by Florida Farm Bureau and the Suwannee River Partnership in 2001 to promote public recognition of outstanding agricultural conservation achievements by farm families. The program honors farmers and ranchers who have voluntarily implemented science-based and field-tested BMPs that conserve and protect Florida’s natural resources on their properties.

“Florida’s farmers and ranchers answer the call to protect our environment while also producing a safe, affordable and abundant food supply,” said Florida Farm Bureau President Jeb S. Smith. “Demonstrating outstanding efforts to implement conservation practices that reduce water and nutrient use and also improve water quality is the basis for a producer being awarded a, ‘This Farm CARES,’ designation and sign. The customized CARES sign is a farmer or rancher’s tool to demonstrate to the general public they are committed to protecting local natural resources.”

Hodge Farms has a rich history dating back to the 1800s. Growing tobacco, blueberries and raising cattle, David Hodge knows the importance of being a dedicated steward of the land. He has implemented technology like drip irrigation since 1989. Along with drip irrigation, Hodge also places an emphasis on enhancing soil health and reducing erosion through soil testing, cover crops and conservation tillage.

Hodge places an emphasis on best management practices on his farm because he wants to pass it on to his sons, and protecting the land is how he can ensure they will be able to farm the land for years to come.

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ALACHUA – A 55-year-old Alachua man, Jody Allen Meyer, was arrested on Thursday, June 13, 2024, after allegedly threatening to shoot workers at a neighboring property.

At about 8:40 a.m. an Alachua Police Department (APD) officer responded to the area of Northwest 133^rd Terrace and Northwest 153^rd Place in Alachua after a call was received about a possible assault.

According to the caller, several workers were confronted by Meyer, who was on his own property approximately 30 feet away. One worker reported that Meyer called them “illegals” and told them to return to their own country. The worker further stated that Meyer threatened to get a gun and shoot him, making a gun shape with his hand and saying, "Bang! Bang!" before rushing inside his house.

Fearing that Meyer was retrieving a gun, the worker retreated and contacted his boss, who then called law enforcement. Post Miranda, Meyer reportedly admitted that he had argued with a group of workers and called them “illegals,” but he denied making any threats.

Despite his denial, several workers provided sworn statements corroborating the initial worker’s account.

Meyer has been charged with simple assault. He has no criminal history.

He was released on his own recognizance by Judge Susan Miller-Jones.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Just before 5 a.m. on Friday, June 7, the High Springs Fire Department experienced a heartwarming and extraordinary event. Firefighters sprang into action to deliver a baby girl in the station parking lot, turning an ordinary morning into a memorable occasion.

The journey of this miraculous delivery began when mom, dad and their soon-to-be daughter were en route to UF Health Shands from the Live Oak area. Realizing that they wouldn't make it in time, they swiftly dialed 911, informing operators that they were moments away from the High Springs Fire Department.

Under the command of Captain Andy Burkhalter, the crew recognized the urgency of the situation and prepared for the imminent arrival. Firefighter (FF)/Paramedic Jon Friend, alongside FF/Paramedic Jake Rhoden, skillfully assisted in safely delivering the baby, who was born at approximately 33 weeks, into the world. FF/EMT Clinton Drake expertly applied cord clamps, while FF/Paramedic Doug Hope aided the new father in cutting the cord. The joy and relief on the faces of the parents were palpable as they welcomed their newborn daughter.

Following the delivery, mother and baby were transported to the hospital by Alachua County Fire Rescue to ensure they received further medical care.

“After the baby was born, I was speechless,” FF/Paramedic Jon Friend expressed while reflecting on the extraordinary event. “It was an emotion you rarely feel with the job,” said Friend. “It's not every day you get to deliver a baby.” Friend's sentiment echoed that of the entire crew, who found immense fulfillment in making a positive impact on the lives of others.

The High Springs Fire Department has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the new parents and wishes them a lifetime of joy and happiness with their newest family member.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission addressed several significant agenda items during their meeting on June 13, 2024, with Ordinance 2024-03 taking center stage. The ordinance, which concerns alcohol sales, has been a topic of extensive discussion in prior meetings and was passed on second reading with a vote of 3-1. Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth cast the sole vote against the measure. Bloodsworth also opposed the measure at an earlier City Commission meeting.

Ordinance 2024-03 allows businesses that derive less than 51 percent of their revenue from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages to apply for special permits to operate outside the hours established in the City’s original alcohol ordinance. The Special Permit Process enables business owners to petition the City Commission to operate outside the hours described in Paragraph (d) of the original ordinance, which prohibits businesses from operating on Sundays to sell alcohol unless they also sell food.

The ordinance change was largely driven by local support for the High Springs Brewing Company and Prohibition Pizza, both family-friendly establishments. At the May 9, 2024, City Commission meeting, approximately 15 people spoke in favor of allowing the Brewing Company to open on Sundays, while four audience members opposed the approval. However, the new ordinance will apply to any business meeting its specifications, allowing them to petition for permits as well.

Under the new ordinance, businesses must adhere to specific requirements and restrictions to obtain a Special Permit. They must provide proof of food service or have food trucks on premises during the scheduled event. Special Permits must be applied for in connection with a special event, such as a City-sponsored event or Federal Holiday, and are subject to administrative approval. If a Special Permit is not connected to a special event, it requires City Commission approval and cannot be issued for a period exceeding 48 hours.

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WALDO ‒ On Sunday, June 9, 2024, a 21-year-old man from Waldo was arrested and charged with fleeing, resisting an officer without violence, and drug possession following a high-speed chase on Waldo Road. The suspect, identified as Mitchell Craig Griffin, Jr., allegedly drove at speeds of 130 mph and cut through residential yards while attempting to evade a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper.

The trooper reportedly saw a Toyota traveling southbound on State Road 24 just after 8 p.m. and estimated it was traveling at about 90 mph in a 65-mph zone.

The incident began just after 8 p.m. when an FHP trooper spotted a Toyota traveling southbound on State Road 24 at approximately 90 mph in a 65-mph zone. As the trooper moved behind the Toyota and activated lights and sirens, the driver made a U-turn and began heading northbound toward Waldo, accelerating to over 130 mph.

The Toyota reportedly entered the city limits of Waldo and drove into a residential neighborhood to the northeast of County Road 1475 and Northeast 148^th Avenue. The trooper reported that the Toyota ran stop signs and almost crashed into several vehicles and then cut through multiple residential yards. The trooper tried to conduct a PIT maneuver twice, but both attempts were unsuccessful.

The Toyota reportedly stopped at the intersection of Northeast 150^th Avenue and Northeast 139^th Terrace. The driver got out of the vehicle and lay down on the ground, where he was taken into custody. The driver was Mitchell Craig Griffin, Jr. A search of Griffin reportedly produced a small bag of marijuana. A search of the vehicle reportedly produced an open bottle of liquor and two digital scales.

Griffin has four non-violent felony convictions and is currently on probation in Marion County for grand theft of a motor vehicle. He was arrested in Gainesville in 2021 and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell and illegally carrying a concealed firearm. The charges were later dropped.

Bail was set at $75,000 by Judge Kristine Van Vorst, who also set a curfew of between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

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