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By RICK BURKE/Special to Alachua County Today

PENSACOLA, Fla. ‒ Seaman Raul Colon, a native of Fort White, Florida, is serving aboard one of the nation’s newest, most-versatile warships, the future San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock, USS Richard M. McCool, Jr. (LPD 29).

Colon is a 2012 Fort White High School graduate. According to Colon, the values required to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Fort White.

Richard M. McCool, Jr. was commissioned by the U.S. Navy on Sept. 7, 2024, in Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Ship commissioning is a naval tradition that places a ship in active service.

The naming of LPD 29 honors U.S. Navy Capt. (Ret.) Richard M. McCool, Jr., who received the Medal of Honor in 1945 for the heroism he displayed after his ship was attacked by kamikaze aircraft in the Battle of Okinawa. Despite suffering from shrapnel wounds and painful burns, he led efforts to battle a blazing fire on his ship and rescue injured sailors.

Today, Colon serves as a quartermaster responsible for the ship's navigation.

“I enjoy meeting new people from all over the world and finding out that you have a lot in common,” said Colon.

Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction within their command, community and career, Colon is most proud of getting through boot camp.

“Going through Navy boot camp was a pretty rough eight weeks,” said Colon. "It was a challenging experience but I learned a lot, and I am better for the things we were taught and trained for."

Serving in the Navy is a continuing tradition of military service for Colon, who has military ties with family members who have previously served. Colon is honored to carry on the family tradition.

“I joined the Navy because my grandfather served before me, and I wanted to follow in his footsteps and serve our country as well,” said Colon.

The Surface Force is focused on providing lethal, ready, well-trained, and logistically supported surface forces to fight today and in the future. “I am proud to be able to lead this impressive crew,” said Capt. Jeff Baker, Richard M. McCool, Jr.’s commanding officer.

“Richard M. McCool, Jr. has shown toughness in the face of adversity. As a crew, they have grown together, faced challenges and overcome them with each other, and have learned to trust in themselves, their shipmates, and their chain of command,” said Baker. “We will continue to live up to the high standards the Navy calls us to achieve by focusing on behaviors that lead to excellence and victory.”

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Colon, as well as other sailors, know they are part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs, and humanitarian assistance. Their efforts will have a lasting effect around the globe and for generations of sailors who will follow.

“Serving in the Navy means a great deal,” said Colon. “I just want to make my family proud of me.”

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ALACHUA ‒ This past Saturday, creativity took center stage at Legacy Park in Alachua as the local Music and Arts Program (M.A.P.) held an open house that introduced the community to a unique initiative for children. The program, which seeks to foster self-expression and individuality among young people, welcomed families to the multipurpose center from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees had the chance to meet Bill and Wilma Rogers, the enthusiastic local duo and founders of M.A.P., who have spent years bringing accessible creative programs to children of all ages. Their mission is to provide children, regardless of financial means, the opportunity to develop creative thinking skills and a sense of individuality. The program offers a wide range of activities, including music, creative writing, dance, playwriting, acting, literacy development, and even puppetry.

M.A.P. is committed to helping ensure that children grow into productive citizens who will one day pay it forward by creating a culture of creativity in the community.

For years, the Rogers have been deeply involved in the cultural and recreational life of Alachua, having served on the City of Alachua Parks & Recreation Board and performed at numerous community events, such as the City’s famed Fourth of July fireworks display and the annual MLK Jr. Day celebration as well as directors of the Annual Senior Fashion Show.

The longstanding partnership between M.A.P. and the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department has provided a meaningful alternative for families looking for more than just sports by offering kids a way to express themselves artistically.

M.A.P. will hold production and practice sessions at various City of Alachua facilities throughout the week, culminating in concert events at Legacy Park in March and April 2025.

For more information, contact the City of Alachua’s Recreation & Culture Department at recreation@cityofalachua.org or M.A.P. at emailmapnow@gmail.com. Further details are available on M.A.P.’s website at www.mapforyouth.com.

Creativity is alive and well in Alachua, and the future is looking brighter than ever for its youngest residents.

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ALACHUA ‒ A standing room only crowd packed the Alachua Woman’s Club on Sept. 10, 2024, for the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s monthly networking luncheon. Known for bringing together local professionals, entrepreneurs, and community members, the event is a hub for sharing ideas and fostering business connections.

The featured speaker was Freddie Wehbe, a well-known entrepreneur behind Wehbe Marketing and Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille. Wehbe delivered an engaging and often entertaining talk, detailing his inspiring journey from Ghana, his birth country, to his present-day success as a thriving businessman in the U.S. Wehbe is no stranger to the Alachua community, having previously owned the local Domino’s Pizza, among other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Wehbe captivated the audience with his insights on entrepreneurship, the power of data-driven decision-making, and strategies for success. Attendees eagerly jotted down notes as Wehbe shared lessons from influential leaders and recommended several books and figures that have shaped his professional growth.

“The diversity of our speakers reflects the dynamic and evolving landscape of our region’s business community,” said Alachua Chamber President Adam Boukari. “We are always excited to host these luncheons, which offer a venue for learning, connection, and community building.”

The Chamber’s monthly gatherings aim to inform and strengthen the Alachua business community, providing opportunities for networking and professional development. Upcoming community events include Scarecrow Row and Trick or Treat on Main Street.

For more information on additional future luncheons and events, visit the Alachua Chamber of Commerce website at alachuachamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 386-462-3333.

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HIGH SPRINGS – At their Sept. 12, 2024, meeting, the High Springs City Commission took significant steps for the upcoming fiscal year, approving the first readings of the City budget and property tax millage rate.

The tentative millage rate of 6.7400 is a 5.64 percent higher than the rolled-back rate of 6.3802 but is 3.6 percent lower than last year’s 6.9900 rate.

High Springs Finance Director Diane Wilson noted that while the rate decrease appears beneficial, it still results in higher revenue, making it a tax increase. The City Attorney announced that the final public hearing to consider the budget and millage rate will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024.

Wilson also discussed the $27.2 million City budget, highlighting upcoming increases for water and solid waste customers, with water bills rising by $3.99 per month and residential solid waste services by $3.

Mayor Katherine Weitz expressed frustration over the doubled costs, recalling earlier promises of price consistency. “And now we are at double,” said Weitz. “I have a hard time explaining that to people when they ask, but I mean this is contractually what we’re obligated to.”

Weitz asked whether the new AMI meters are saving the City money by billing more accurately for water usage. Wilson said it will take a full calendar year to determine that, but the AMI meters should be able to determine leaks in the system more quickly and save resources that way.

City Manager Jeremy Marshall outlined his plan to cut costs in the current year and focus on increasing non-tax revenue sources like user fees in the next. He said he does not want to raise taxes and that extra revenue can come from user fees, leases and other non-tax sources such as renting out the new Douglass Community Center. Marshall said his budget for next year should “help slow the spending, get it under control.”

The motion to approve the property tax millage rate was unanimously approved 4-0 in a roll call vote. The budget was also unanimously approved 4-0 on first reading in a roll call vote. Commissioner Tristan Grunder was absent from the meeting.

In other business, the Commission also approved a five-year lease renewal with High Springs BMX, continuing their $1 per year agreement. The BMX facility, which has been operating for 20 years, has attracted visitors from 38 states and 16 countries. Additionally, the Commission selected Wildan Engineering for code enforcement services and Dukes Legal for special magistrate services, approving both contracts unanimously.

In a special presentation, Tia Paul, executive director of the Education Foundation of Alachua County, highlighted the nonprofit's ongoing efforts to support local education through grants, scholarships, and mentorship programs. Founded in 1986, the Foundation has been a key player in providing financial assistance to both teachers and students.

Paul discussed the teacher grant program, which provides grants ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, partially funded by the state’s “Catalyst for Change” initiative. The Foundation also recognizes excellence in teaching with 39 Teacher of the Year awards.

One of the standout programs is the Foundation’s post-secondary pathways initiative, which awarded $539,000 in scholarships to 117 graduating seniors this past year. These scholarships ranged from $1,000 to $5,000 and are designed to help students with college and career readiness.

Paul also spoke about the Take Stock in Children program, which currently serves 314 students. The program begins in grades 6 through 9, pairing students with mentors who meet with them weekly at school. Students in the program receive college readiness services, and upon high school graduation, are awarded a two-year Florida Prepaid scholarship that covers tuition at a state college.

Paul said that 97 percent of participants graduate high school on time, 80 percent go on to college or Career and Technical Education programs, and 70 percent successfully graduate,” Paul shared. The program is also working to increase its percentage of male participants, currently at 38 percent.

Wrapping up the meeting, during final comments City Manager Marshall suggested canceling the proposed Community Development District (CDD) workshop since the Bridlewood developers have opted out of a CDD-based plan.

Marshall said that the mold remediation at the High Springs fire station will begin in two weeks and Camp Kulaqua may let the firefighters stay there during the remediation process.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 23, 2024, at which time the Commission will finalize their millage rate and budget for FY 2024-25.

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NEWBERRY ‒ Two men were arrested early Thursday morning, Sept. 12, 2024, after an Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a vehicle connected to an attempted homicide in Gilchrist County. Jesse Wayne Richards, 48, the driver, and Scotty Jacob Davidson, 37, were taken into custody following a chase that ended with Richards ramming a gate on private property, causing approximately $3,500 in damage.

The chase began when an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputy stationed on West Newberry Road spotted a light blue Ford Escape matching the description of a vehicle involved in a shooting that took place in the Bell area of Gilchrist County on Sept. 11, 2024. The vehicle’s tag matched the alert tied to the crime, and the deputy followed it until backup arrived.

When deputies attempted to stop the vehicle with stop sticks near 170^th Street, Richards allegedly fled, turning north onto Northwest 180^th Street. The chase ended when Richards rammed a gate and was disabled by a sheriff’s vehicle on private property. Both Richards and Davidson were arrested at the scene.

Richards, who is described as homeless in the arrest report, has a lengthy criminal record, including four felony convictions and eight misdemeanor convictions. He has served two state prison sentences out of Marion and Citrus counties, with his most recent release in January 2024.

Additionally, Richards has a history of criminal activity in several states, including South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, and Oklahoma. He also has three active out-of-state warrants.

Richards has been charged with property damage and attempting to elude law enforcement. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set his bail at $350,000.

Davidson, who had an outstanding warrant for two counts of attempted homicide, one count of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, was also booked. His bail was set at $1.5 million, the amount specified in the warrant issued by Gilchrist County.

The events leading to the arrests stem from a shooting on Sept. 11, 2024, in the Gilchrist County Bell area, where a man was shot in the leg and transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Davidson, along with two unidentified men and a woman, is believed to have been involved in the shooting.

Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz praised the quick response and investigation conducted by Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators and thanked Alachua County Sheriff’s Office deputies for their work in apprehending Richards and Davidson.

The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges and arrests expected as the case unfolds. A video of Richards’ apprehension has been posted on social media and can be viewed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/reel/1352371422395223.

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HIGH SPRINGS – A 22-year-old man from High Springs, Adam Joseph Webb, was arrested early Friday morning, Sept. 13, 2024, following an alleged confrontation that escalated into gunfire. Webb faces two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

The incident began after an argument between Webb and a woman in Alachua. The woman reportedly ended their romantic relationship, prompting Webb to chase her in his vehicle from Alachua to High Springs. Once they arrived at her residence, the woman's father confronted Webb. According to reports, Webb responded by exiting his vehicle and firing a gun into the air before speeding away from the scene.

Law enforcement officers arrested Webb at his residence approximately an hour after the incident. No injuries were reported.

This is not Webb's first encounter with the law. He has a history of criminal activity, including one felony conviction and six misdemeanor convictions in the local area. In 2020, Webb was arrested for aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, and later that same year, he faced charges of sexual assault and domestic battery, though these charges were ultimately dropped. However, Webb was convicted on five counts of violating pre-trial release conditions.

In another 2020 incident, he was convicted of property damage after kicking in the door of his ex-girlfriend’s house, though a burglary charge in that case was dropped. In 2021, Webb was arrested for allegedly shooting at an apartment building, but those charges were also dropped.

Webb is currently being held on a $150,000 bond set by Judge Kristine Van Vorst.

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