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Today File Photo / Priest Theater

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The Priest Theater has once again received a reprieve from an uncertain future. The High Springs City Commission on Nov. 28 unanimously agreed to move forward with the purchase and renovation of the historic structure.

Building contractor Joe Hoffman addressed the Commission about moving forward with the Priest Theater renovation to shore up the crumbling landmark. He submitted an estimate of $605,000 to shore up the roof and structure. The price doesn’t include paint, setting it up for ADA compliance or electrical work, but it would be enough to replace the roof and shore up the building. He estimated another $100,000 to do more to improve the building.

Hoffman urged the Commissioners to accept the $1.4 million grant through a State of Florida Legislative appropriation and move ahead with the project before it’s too late to save the building.

Several other citizens and some Commissioners voiced support to accept the grant. By unanimous vote, the Commission accepted the grant appropriation and directed staff to bring back a resolution to create an advisory board to oversee the project. During discussion, a member of the Heart of High Springs announced their interest in possibly acquiring the building as a cultural, as well as historic, property.

Search for New City Manager

The City has begun the search for a new city manager following receipt of a letter of resignation from current City Manager Ashley Stathatos. Due to illness, Stathatos was not in attendance at the meeting. City Clerk Angela Stone prepared an advertisement for review. Additions included a request to add that “experience in a small, historic town” would be preferable and a salary range of $100,000 - $120,000. The advertisement will stay open for 45 days. The ad will be placed in a Florida League of Cities publication.

In discussing interim city managers former High Springs City Commissioner Sue Weller suggested the addition of the stipulation that the applicant would have to move to High Springs and also informed the Commission about the Rangers Program that is part of the City Managers Association in which an experienced former city manager can be assigned to a town in the interim.

City Attorney

The Commission tackled issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new city attorney. Following discussion and comments for current City Attorney Scott Walker, the Commission tabled the discussion until a new city manager has been hired.

When Mayor Katherine Weitz said she was looking for ways to save money, Walker explained that when he joined the City 16 years ago, the City was in litigation on several fronts. He pointed out that the hidden saving of having an experienced city attorney is that his firm has been able to keep the City out of costly litigation.

Commissioner Tristan Grunder said this is not the right time to change attorneys. Commissioner Steven Tapanes agreed with Grunder, pointing out that the City was already having to find a new fire chief as well as a new city manager. The motion passed in a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Andrew Miller casting the dissenting vote.

Interlocal Agreement

Newberry Fire Chief Mike Vogel has been acting as High Springs’ fire chief since the departure of former fire chief Chief Bruce Gillingham. Vogel addressed the Commission about an interlocal agreement between Alachua County and High Springs for Fire Prevention services.

Previously, Gillingham filled that role for the City, but the agreement allows Chief Adler to work with Captain Pearson for plans reviews, inspections and to provide classes to train others to perform those duties. In the agreement, the County will provide free classes and advanced classes to High Springs fire personnel.

As plans reviews and inspections are paid for by the requesting company, there will be no cost to the City.

This matter will be presented to the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners on Dec. 12 for their approval. City Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.

Other City Business

Mayor Weitz was named as the delegate to the Metropolitan Transportation Planning Organization (MTPO). Their next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 8. The organization meets quarterly.

Finance Director Wilson made a presentation and answered questions on the FY 2022-23 budget amendment on first reading of the item. She said the numbers were based on the unaudited numbers. This item will be addressed on second reading on Dec. 14.

The last meeting of the High Springs City Commission for 2023 is scheduled for Dec. 14.

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. ‒ Alachua County Public Schools is seeking help from the local community to feed hungry children over the holidays.

The district is holding its annual Holiday Food Drive, which provided boxes of food for about 900 families last year. Organizers are seeking donations of food items or money so that the families of hundreds of children who receive free and reduced-price meals at school will have enough to eat during the Winter Break.

“Many families are dependent on school meals to feed their children every weekday,” said food drive organizer Kelley Kostamo. “Unfortunately, that means they have a hard time making up for the loss of those meals during school holidays and breaks.”

A specific list of the food items needed for each box is available on the district’s website at www.sbac.edu/foodbox. The district’s goal is to provide all families with similar items, including enough food for regular meals during the break and a holiday meal.

Donations of food can be dropped off at Lincoln Middle School a 1001 S.E. 12^th Street between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Littlewood Elementary School at 812 N.W. 34^th Street between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and at the District Office at 620 E. University Avenue from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrangements can also be made for donations to be picked up by emailing Kostamo at kostamkb@gm.sbac.edu or calling 352-955-7250, ext. 6411.

The district is also using monetary donations to purchase food. Such donations can be made online at The Education Foundation of Alachua County website at edfoundationac.org. Just click on the Donate button and designate ‘Emergency Food/Food Baskets’ on the drop-drown menu.

The deadline for food donations is Dec. 14. The deadline for monetary contributions is Dec. 15. Food boxes will be delivered to schools Dec. 18 for distribution before the Winter Break.

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ALACHUA ‒ Taken from the novel, “A Christmas Carol,” the City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Department presents holiday events and other happenings of the past, present and future.

This past weekend, the City of Alachua Recreation and Culture Department participated in the City’s Christmas Parade on Main Street. There were nearly 80 floats that made their way down Main Street lined with spectators. Many of youth sport organizations joined in the fun as well.

Also, the Recreation and Culture Department hosted the Gainesville Sports Commission Table Tennis Tournament at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center Gym, as well as the Ronald McDonald “Build a House for the House” Fundraiser.

Presently, 399 Sports 2023 Winter Youth Basketball registration and evaluations have ended and practices begin on Monday, Dec. 11.

Coming up, the Recreation and Culture Department along with the City’s Senior Citizen Advisory Board will host Christmas Caroling and Bingo at the Hathcock Community Center on Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Light refreshments and bingo prizes will be provided.

If your child is interest in gardening or all things growing, Sprout Squad is looking for children ages 10-14 who want to learn to grow veggies! If your child is interested, email Vanessa@craftygemini.com

Visit the City of Alachua’s Recreation and Culture Departments Facebook page to stay up to date on all exciting, upcoming events.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry has announced the opening of the new Safe Haven Baby Box at Newberry Fire Station, located at 310 N.W. 250^th Street.

“This significant event underscores the Newberry community's dedication to the welfare and safety of our most vulnerable members,” said Mayor Jordan Marlowe.

In a press release, the City’s wrote that the Baby Box was due to “the profound generosity of our community, including a critical $10,000 donation from Jordan Fairfield and proceeds from ‘Newberry- Small Town, Big Heart’ T-shirt sales.”

The Baby Box installed in Newberry is Florida’s second and the 185th in the United States. This initiative offers a safe, anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their newborns in a secure, warm and medically-equipped setting. Equipped with three silent alarms, the Baby Box ensures that any surrendered infant will receive immediate attention and be promptly taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Families prepared for foster care with the intention to adopt will be able to provide a home for these infants within 30 - 45 days.

The concept of the Baby Box in Newberry was inspired by a similar instance in Ocala. Assistant Director of Finance & Administration Amanda Hagan, moved by the story of a baby girl surrendered at the Ocala Safe Haven Baby Box, proposed the idea to Fire Chief Vogel, who wholeheartedly supported adding the facility to the Newberry Fire Station. Vogel said, “We hope we never have to use it, but if we do, well done Newberry.”

Mayor Marlowe added, “The Safe Haven Baby Box installation is a testament to our citizens' collective goodwill and compassion. Newberry is a community that consistently comes together in times of need.”

For further information about Safe Haven Baby Boxes, visit https://shbb.org/.

In the event of a crisis or for 24/7 assistance, The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides a confidential hotline for pregnant and new moms at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). TTY users can dial 711 and then 1-833-852-6262 to access the service.

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ALACHUA ‒ With City of Alachua approval, 246 residential homes east of Northwest 188^th Street are closer to reality. The Alachua City Commission on Dec. 11, 2023 approved a preliminary plat/final Planned Development (PD) plan for Farmlands Subdivision. The 172-acre property is proposed to be developed in three phases into 246 single-family lots with associated common areas and road right-of-way.

The property is located south of U.S. Highway 441, east of Northwest 188^th Street, and west of the Santa Fe Ford dealership. There will be two vehicular access points off U.S. Highway 441 and one gated emergency access on Northwest 188^th Street. The Planning and Zoning Board at its November meeting recommended approval to the City Commission.

In other business, the Alachua City Commission pronounced Dec. 18 as Matthew Lewey Day. Born in Alachua/Newnansville on Dec. 18, 1848, Lewey served as a mayor, editor, postmaster, Justice of the Peace, and State legislator. This year marks the 175th anniversary of his birth. Alachua County Commissioner Chuck Chestnut, an ancestor of Lewey, was present to receive the proclamation from the Alachua City Commission recognizing Lewey for his many accomplishments.

The Alachua Commission chamber was standing room only as parents and friends of Alachua Learning Academy students came to witness gayly dressed younger students from the school present a rousing musical presentation featuring “Stand by Me” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”. With a nod to the holiday season, lines from familiar Christmas songs were incorporated into their performance. Each youngster received a certificate from the Alachua City Commission to commemorate their performance at City Hall.”

In a related matter, students from the Bhaktivedanta Academy were presented art certificates for their artwork which is on display in the foyer of City Hall.

In other business, the Commission approved amending the City of Alachua Land Development Regulations regarding infrastructure plan standards; subdivision standards; specific purposes of residential districts; use-specific standards for residential uses; purpose of tree mitigation standards; tree planting, relocation, replacement, credit, and banking standards; permanent signage within residential and agricultural districts; posting of surety devices for public improvements; and subdivider responsibility for maintenance of improvements. The Planning and Zoning Board at its November meeting recommended approval to the City Commission.

The Commission also approved the purchase of a new vacuum/industrial tank trunk from National Truck Center at a cost of $144,400 with a transport option of $1,200. The Public Services Department, Wastewater Division approved budget included the purchase of a vacuum/industrial tank truck not to exceed $150,000. National Truck Center was the low bidder on the purchase.

The Commission also approved an agreement with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office for proposed Mutual Aid Agreement - Combined Operational Assistance and Voluntary Cooperation between the Alachua County Sheriff and the City of Alachua. The term for the agreement extends to Jan. 7, 2025, and permits voluntary cooperation and assistance of a routine law enforcement nature across jurisdictional lines and rendering of assistance in a law enforcement emergency. The Commission approved a Voluntary Cooperation Mutual Aid Agreement for Traffic Control between the Alachua County Sheriff and the City of Alachua. The term for this proposed agreement will extend through Jan. 27, 2025, and provides for Alachua Police Department officers to enforce Florida traffic laws and conduct crash investigations on specified roadways located outside the City's corporate boundaries, but still within Alachua County

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Chamber of Commerce held their 2023 Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9 in downtown High Springs. Not only did High Springs businesses and organizations join in the fun, but also parade participants from the City of Alachua’s Christmas Parade, held earlier in the day, joined in with High Springs to help them celebrate.

As is tradition, the High Springs Fire Department was happy to have Santa ride in the parade aboard a fire truck. This year, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the Happy Elf rode atop the High Springs Fire Department’s (HSFD’s) new Heavy Rescue truck.

For those residents unable to make the parade, the City fire department utilized its Facebook page to live stream the parade with “Santa Cam” from the top of Heavy Rescue (HR) 29, the Fire Department’s newest apparatus. Placed into service in March of this year, HR29 is the most advanced and capable unit the department has ever had. “The investment in this truck further demonstrates the City of High Springs’ commitment to public safety,” said High Springs Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan.

Hundreds of families lined the streets to watch this year’s parade and enjoy a visit with Santa Claus at the end of the parade.

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