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ALACHUA ‒ With bursts of color illuminating the night sky and patriotic music echoing through Legacy Park, the City of Alachua welcomed thousands to its 25th Annual Fourth of July Celebration — an event that has earned its title as the “Largest Small-Town Fireworks Display in America.”

Held Friday evening, July 4, the celebration offered more than just a fireworks show. It was a full evening of food, live entertainment, and community pride, reflecting the spirit and hospitality that define the Good Life Community.

As the community gathered under darkening skies, city leaders took time to recognize the deeper meaning of Independence Day. In his public message, Mayor Walter Welch emphasized appreciation for the men and women of the Armed Forces who have made sacrifices to secure the freedoms Americans enjoy.

“Let’s also be vigilant of the sacrifices made by so many in our Armed Forces,” Welch said. “These brave men and women have served so that we can live freely, without fear of oppression and condemnation.”

City Manager Rodolfo Valladares echoed that message, urging guests to reflect on the values of unity and liberty. “Despite our differences in race, culture, background or political views, we can still stand united as one,” Valladares said.

The evening kicked off with high-energy live music from Gainesville-based band Crooked Counsel. Lead singer Shuri Pass and her powerhouse vocals, alongside longtime bandmates John Middleton, Donnie Ray Henley, Rick Hutton, and bassist Kenny, delivered a crowd-pleasing set of hits spanning from the 1960s to today.

Attendees enjoyed a wide array of food vendors, from barbecue and gelati to Cuban favorites and carnival-style snacks. Local businesses such as Bone of My Bone BBQ, Mi Apa Latin Café, Kona Ice, Lazy Days Lemonade, and Big Mills added flavor to the night.

Children and families explored the grounds, played games, and lined up at food trucks, while others settled on blankets and lawn chairs near the amphitheater for a prime view of the show.

The highlight of the evening came at 9:30 p.m. when the sky lit up in a dazzling fireworks display synchronized to patriotic music, including the National Anthem. The display drew applause, cheers, and cell phone flashes from a crowd that filled the park.

Planning and executing an event of this scale required months of preparation and the dedication of many. The city’s Fourth of July Committee, chaired by City Manager Valladares and co-chaired by Damon Messina and Jack Hansen, included a team of staff, volunteers, and public safety officials committed to delivering a safe, memorable experience.

For residents and visitors alike, Alachua’s Fourth of July celebration has become more than just an event—it’s a tradition.

Whether a long-time local or first-time visitor, guests were reminded why Alachua continues to be known as “The Good Life Community.”

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Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, left, serves up a hamburger to 1st Lt. Clint Whaley of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team. Whaley’s unit will soon deploy to help provide logistical support in the Middle East.\ Photo by MICHAEL P. MAUER special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – A Gainesville veterans service organization provided some hot hamburgers and hotdogs to help an Army Reserve unit Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Cynthia Chestnut Park.

Three members of Alachua County Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2811 participated in a sendoff picnic for more than 50 soldiers and family members of the 257th Transportation Battalion, 399th Movement Control Team.  The veterans provided refreshments and camaraderie to the unit that is on orders for deployment to the Middle East.

“Deployments can be stressful,” said VFW Post 2811 Quartermaster Avery Owen, a retired master sergeant with the 3rd Bn, 20th Special Forces Group of the Florida Army National Guard.  “Local reserve units tend to be made from communities and often families that you know.  This gives our VFW post a chance to show its grassroots support for those who are sacrificing for our freedoms.  Anything we can do to make things easier for the soldiers and families involved, we’re happy to do.”

Owen, who manned the grill and transported the post’s tables, chairs and refreshments to the event, said that this is the type of function that the VFW promotes.  He added that grant funds available through the VFW’s Military Assistance Program (MAP) can help offset his post’s costs.

“The prime mission of the VFW is to honor veterans by directly helping them and their families,” said the quartermaster.  “When our post took the position of helping sponsor the 257th Transportation Battalion, it did so knowing we have the full backing of every VFW member in the organization.”

Specifically designed by the VFW to help members of the local military community, the MAP grant program can help the Alachua County post recoup up to $5,000 annually for events such as the sendoff picnic.  The money is specifically earmarked for basic food items and nonalcoholic beverages for currently serving military and their family members.

“The program is a great fit for active posts like ours who want to spend more time helping and less time fundraising,” said Owen.  “That way, we can spend more time at the grill and less time worrying about the bill.”

Those interested in VFW Post 2811 and its activities can call 352-376-7660.

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Michael P. Mauer is a life member of VFW Post 2811. He served as an Army photojournalist during Operation Desert Storm, and was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal by Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his actions during the war. This past year, Mauer won the Silver Award for top feature article in the VFW National Publications Contest.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Lanza Gallery & Art Supplies is marking a decade of creativity, community engagement, and artistic inspiration with a three-day celebration in Downtown High Springs.

The locally owned gallery and supply shop, located in the heart of the city’s walkable historic district, is hosting a weekend of free events, artist demonstrations, and activities from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, as a way to thank the customers and community that have supported the business over the past 10 years.

“We’re so grateful to our customers and the community who’ve supported us every step of the way,” said Tina Corbett said in a release. “This celebration is our way of saying thank you—and inviting everyone to come create with us.”

The event will kick off Friday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a “Ted Talk”-style program called Get to Know the Artists, featuring informal talks from local artists and light refreshments.

On Saturday, July 19, the gallery will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering storewide sales, door prizes, and hands-on supply testing stations. Scheduled activities include Art Bingo at 3 p.m., followed by Art Trivia at 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy birthday cake, wine, and refreshments served throughout the day.

Sunday, July 20, will feature live artist demonstrations from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees can watch local artists showcase their skills in a variety of mediums:

• 1 p.m. – Oil painting with Karen LeMonnier
• 2 p.m. – Acrylic painting with Patrice Boyes
• 3 p.m. – Watercolor painting with Jerilyn Guiss
• 4 p.m. – Pastel painting with Tina Corbett

Children will also have a chance to get creative with Clay Fun for Kids, led by potter Diane Hornby from 2 to 4 p.m. Complimentary cookies and drinks will be available.

Situated among High Springs’ unique shops and restaurants, Lanza Gallery has become a staple in the town’s vibrant arts community, known for its eclectic collection and welcoming atmosphere

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GAINESVILLE ‒ Shane Andrew, a longtime Alachua County educator and former superintendent of Alachua County Public Schools (ACPS), has been named principal of the Academy of Science and Technology at Santa Fe College. He will assume the role Aug. 1 as the academy prepares to welcome its third freshman class and advance its inaugural class of juniors.

Andrew brings more than 34 years of experience in public education to the position. Most recently, he served as superintendent of ACPS where he led elementary school turnaround efforts and helped launch the 3DE program at Eastside High School in partnership with Junior Achievement. He also worked to expand student support services across the district.

Prior to serving as superintendent, Andrew was the district’s chief of operations, overseeing human resources, professional development, facilities, construction, maintenance, planning, and transportation.

A graduate of Santa Fe College, Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

“The SF Academy is fortunate to have a leader joining us with such a strong background and a heavy focus on student success,” said Jen Homard, executive director of secondary programs at Santa Fe. “We are excited to watch the school continue to excel and help students reach their potential under his guidance.”

The Academy of Science and Technology opened in fall 2023 on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus. It offers students the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science degree and industry certifications while completing their high school graduation requirements—at no cost to students or their families.

Andrew succeeds founding principal William McElroy, who retired.

His previous roles include five years as principal of Eastside High School, where he implemented the College Board AP Capstone Program to strengthen student research, communication and collaboration skills. He also helped establish the school’s Medical Skills Career and Technical Education program, designed to prepare students for careers and further education in healthcare.

Andrew also served as principal of Newberry High School, which earned its first “A” grade from the Florida Department of Education during his tenure.

In addition to his work in education, Andrew has served in leadership roles with the Florida Educational Facilities Planners’ Association and the Florida League of Middle Schools. He has also served on the boards of the Alachua County Children’s Trust and the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce.

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NWBERRY ‒ During a recent City Commission meeting, Newberry officials issued a proclamation recognizing Building Safety Month, part of an international campaign to raise awareness about building safety and the importance of up-to-date construction standards.

Following the proclamation, Building Official David Meyer delivered an update on recent improvements within the city’s Building Department.

“The Building Department has been completely replaced since February because of issues from before I got here,” Meyer told commissioners. He credited Building Inspector Tony Carpenter and Permit Technicians Michael Booth and Ashley Monk for their efforts to improve operations and streamline permitting.

According to Meyer, the department introduced several key upgrades in the first quarter of 2025, including real-time inspection results made possible through the use of tablets in the field. The department also took on responsibility for Business Tax Receipts (BTRs) and significantly improved turnaround time for reviewing building plans — reducing the average number of pending days from 13 to just two.

Booth and Monk were also recognized for successfully closing and collecting $82,310 in outstanding permit fees.

During the first quarter, the department issued 234 permits — an average of 15 per week — and reported an 83 percent inspection pass rate. Meyer projected that the city will issue approximately 780 permits this year, covering both new construction and renovations.

He also expressed interest in hosting a public workshop to inform residents and business owners about the streamlined permitting process, though no date has yet been scheduled.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission met for a regular session on Thursday, June 26, 2025, addressing a range of issues including road paving, utility agreements, and fire assessment fees. However, a significant portion of the 2.5-hour meeting was dedicated to public comments and commission discussion on a proposed alcohol ordinance related to Sunday sales.

Alcohol Ordinance

Commissioner Chad Howell noted that citizens were continuing to gather petition signatures to reinstate an ordinance allowing for on-site manufacture and sale of alcohol on Sundays.

Mayor Tristan Grunder expressed support for putting the issue before voters.

“I want the public to be able to decide,” Grunder said, asking the city attorney to draft the necessary documentation to place the proposed ordinance on an upcoming election ballot.

City Attorney Danielle Adams explained the legal requirements, noting that proposed changes to the City Code must be clearly outlined. Exhibit A would contain the current ordinance, and Exhibit B would include the proposed amendments.

“This way,” Adams said, “everything comes as one amended motion to align with what the petition is requesting.”

Some residents urged the Commission to act without waiting on the petition.

“We’re just wasting time. You’re wasting our tax dollars,” said Dana Pascarella. “Everybody in the city of High Springs has a vote. If you’re not representing everybody in the city, then you should not be on the council.”

Pascarella cited earlier comments by City Manager Jeremy Marshall that local law enforcement had not observed an increase in DUIs or other incidents on Sundays when the brewery was open.

“This is not about your personal beliefs,” she told the Commission. “This is about our community.”

Others expressed concerns about the tone of the public debate.

Resident Janet Evans said, “I’m really uncomfortable with the atmosphere that’s been created in our community where people who oppose having the Brewery open on Sundays are being shamed, dismissed and potentially targeted with beliefs and slanderous comments.”

Commissioners initially hesitated to act, prompting Mayor Grunder to hand his gavel to Vice Mayor Andrew Miller so he could make a motion. Grunder moved to place the issue on the ballot. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Howell and approved in a 4–1 vote, with Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth dissenting.

Commission Meeting Date Changes

Commissioners agreed to reschedule the Aug. 14 meeting to Aug. 21 to accommodate Commissioner Bloodsworth’s travel plans. The Commission also moved the July 24 meeting to July 22. The August meetings will now be held on Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.

Road Paving Contract Awarded

Public Works Director Jason Kytle presented the City’s paving project bid results. Four companies submitted bids for Project #ITB:2025-01, and the evaluation committee recommended awarding the contract to Hicks Asphalt, Paving and Concrete of Trenton for $199,100.

An additional contract for paving 199^th Lane, in front of the school, was proposed at $26,050. Remaining funds may be used for road safety enhancements, including stop sign and yellow striping.

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve both contracts.

Commission Board Appointment

Commissioner Katherine Weitz was unanimously appointed as the City’s representative to the Joint Water and Climate Policy Board, which reviews policies on water resources protection and climate resiliency.

General Government Impact Fees

Finance Director Diane Wilson reviewed the current balances of the city’s impact fee accounts during a discussion-only item. The General Government account balance is $160,477, the Parks & Recreation balance is $67,050 and the Transportation balance is $156,860. The fees were adopted Nov. 19, 2022, and took effect Jan. 1, 2023. No action was taken following the presentation.

Duke Energy Franchise Agreement

The Commission unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-03, formalizing an agreement with Duke Energy to occupy city rights of way for electric service. Under the agreement, Duke Energy will pay a 6 percent franchise fee to the City by the 20th of each month, with provisions for late fees and service coordination.

Fire Assessment Fees

Commissioners approved a resolution setting the proposed fire assessment fees for fiscal year 2025–26. A study presented on June 12 estimated assessed fire service costs at $1,067,160, with a maximum future cap of $1,431,058.

The new residential rate will rise from $223 to $250 per year. Fees for non-residential properties are based on square footage, capped at 66,000 square feet. The Commercial rate was set at $0.24 per sq. ft., while the Industrial Warehouse rate was set at $0.07 per sq. ft. and the Institutional rate was set at $0.16 per sq. ft.

A public hearing on the proposed assessment is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 21 (previously Aug. 14) at High Springs City Hall, 23718 W. U.S. Highway 27.

As in past years, a procedure will be available for property owners unable to pay. Funds are designated solely for the High Springs Fire Department and do not apply to EMS services.

Christmas Parade Theme

Commissioners announced that the 2025 High Springs Christmas Parade, scheduled for Dec. 13, will carry the theme “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

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