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Nutcracker Classic Christmas Fantasy Brought to Life

ALACHUA/HIGH SPRINGS – Main Street in Alachua was a vibrant scene of holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024, as the annual Christmas Parade, hosted by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, took center stage with its Nutcracker theme. Families, friends, and community members turned out in large numbers to celebrate the magic of the season, marveling at elaborately decorated floats, festive performances, and, of course, Santa Claus himself.

Later that evening, the holiday spirit continued just down the road with the City of High Springs Twilight Christmas Parade, which also embraced the Nutcracker theme. The evening parade enchanted spectators with glowing lights, whimsical floats, and twinkling displays, bringing the Nutcracker wonderland to life under the stars and completing a day of magical holiday celebrations in both communities.

In Alachua, the air buzzed with anticipation as children eagerly lined the streets, their faces filled with excitement for the parade and the chance to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself. The crowd cheered as parade participants walked the parade route tossing sweet treats to spectators. Some children scrambled for candy while others gazed in awe at the dazzling holiday-themed creations.

The parade began along North Main Street and made its way across U.S. Highway 441, led by a police escort complete with sirens wailing and red and blue lights flashing. Alachua Police Chief Jesse Sandusky and High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard joined in the festivities greeting onlookers and waving.

Adding to the hometown charm was the parade’s grand marshal, longtime Alachua resident and City of Alachua employee Cap Wilson, who waved to the crowd from a vintage blue convertible Mustang, accompanied by his wife, Holly. Behind them, the City of Alachua’s official float showcased scenes from the Nutcracker ballet that included larger than life nutcrackers, the mouse king and ballerinas in sparkling tutus, earning smiles and cheers as Alachua city commissioners joined the fun.

The event showcased local businesses, civic organizations, religious groups and schools, all stepping up to deliver festive cheer. Among the participants were Santa Fe Ford, Mi Apa Restaurant, MatchMaker Realty, Momentum Dance Academy, the Mebane High School Alumni Association, the Alachua Business League, Alachua Senior Cha Chas, Horizon Realty, Capital City Bank and members of the Hare Krishna community, along with scores more.

The parade also featured spirited performances by the High Springs Community School band, Mebane Middle School band and the Santa Fe High School Raider Regiment Marching Band, a crowd favorite, whose holiday-themed melodies captivated spectators. Dressed in seasonal costumes, dancers from the high school joined the performance, adding flair and movement to the procession.

Twirling batons, members of the All Stars Twirling Academy dazzled onlookers, while young athletes from the Santa Fe Babe Ruth Baseball team, the Santa Fe Soccer Academy and the Raider cheerleaders proudly showcased their community spirit. Volunteers, dressed as Santa’s elves and Nutcracker-themed characters, walked alongside the floats, handing out treats and spreading smiles.

Serving as parade judges were Horace Jenkins, Carol Richardson, and Wendy Hewett. At stake for parade entries were three prizes valued at $500, $300 and $200. Momentum Dance took 1^st place, Alachua Business League came in 2^nd place and Canvas Church wrapped up 3^rd place.

As the floats approached the judge’s stage at the intersection of 148^th Place and Main Street, parade MCs Ben Boukari, Jr. and Damon Messina kept the excitement alive, introducing each float and engaging the crowd with lively commentary.

The parade also included the well-known Alachua Parade Pooper Scoopers, Don James and Jovante Hayes of the Alachua Lions Club, who cheerfully followed the festively decorated horse entries, keeping the streets clean for the participants who followed.

The highlight of the parade came at the grand finale, as Santa Claus made his highly anticipated appearance atop a firetruck, waving joyfully to the children who called his name and waved back with excitement. For the young spectators, this magical moment sparked dreams of Christmas morning and the treasures waiting under their trees.

“This event truly captures the spirit of the season,” said a local resident. “It’s a reminder of the close-knit community we’re lucky to have here in Alachua.”

As the parade wrapped up and families began to disperse, the holiday spirit lingered. From the decorated floats to the costumed characters, the 2024 Christmas Parade was another resounding success, a true celebration of community and tradition.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

Key Role in Cracking Nationwide Fraud Scheme

ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department (APD) was recently honored in Washington, DC for critical contributions from Lieutenant Jason Moses and Detective Jacob Eady (then with the Alachua County Sheriff's Office), for their instrumental role in dismantling a nationwide fraud scheme. The operation, which spanned multiple agencies, resulted in the arrest and conviction of career criminal Korey Wise, who caused significant financial losses while exploiting vulnerable populations.

This extensive investigation was a collaborative effort involving Amtrak’s Office of Inspector General (OIG), Amtrak Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Secret Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Through advanced surveillance, undercover operations, and cross-state coordination, the team unraveled a scheme that targeted minority-owned businesses and exploited at-risk youth to commit fraud.

The investigation not only led to the safe arrests of Wise and Frazier but also to the recovery of stolen funds, amounting to over $500,000 in losses for Amtrak and Trailways.

According to the Amtrak OIG, Korey Wise, a 48-year-old from California, orchestrated the operation by targeting small businesses, particularly those owned by individuals who spoke English as a second language. According to court documents, Wise would call these businesses pretending to be a representative of a utility company calling to collect overdue bills, or posing as an official from a licensing board that oversaw nail salons.

He would tell the business owners that they owed an inspection fee, and if the fee was paid over the telephone with a credit card, the fee would be reduced. Wise would then use the credit card information he collected from his victims to purchase travel reservations on carriers including Amtrak and Trailways. From January 2014 through May 2017, Wise fraudulently purchased approximately $475,910 worth of tickets from Amtrak and Trailways.

In May 2023, Wise pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. In January, he was sentenced to 51 months in prison, followed by two years of probation, and was ordered to pay restitution of $475,910.

The Alachua Police Department’s contributions to the case were pivotal in ensuring its successful resolution. Their expertise, teamwork, and dedication to justice earned them recognition for their role in dismantling the fraud operation.

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Christmas on Main Brings Festive Excitement and Holiday Cheer

ALACHUA ‒ Downtown Alachua turned into a winter wonderland on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, as crowds gathered for the much-anticipated annual Christmas tree lighting event. The second edition of “Christmas on Main Street,” a collaboration between the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, the City of Alachua, local businesses and civic organizations, brought festive cheer to residents and visitors alike with an evening packed with activities, live music, and holiday treats.

The festivities officially kicked off at 4:30 p.m., as Main Street buzzed with excitement. Families strolled through streets adorned with twinkling lights and garlands, while children enjoyed a variety of free activities ranging from crafting ornaments to face painting and playing in snow. At 6 p.m., the centerpiece of the evening—a towering Christmas tree near Skinner Park—was lit up in a spectacular ceremony.

Adding a touch of magic to the event, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a grand entrance on a shiny sleigh accompanied by “reindeer”, escorted by the Alachua Police Department. Santa led a jubilant countdown to the tree lighting before heading to his workshop on Main Street, where eager children shared their Christmas wishes and posed for photos.

The merriment extended across Main Street, where local businesses stayed open late, inviting revelers to browse unique offerings. Live music from Music Junction resonated through the crowds, adding to the festive ambiance. For adults, horse-drawn carriage rides provided a scenic way to take in the sights and sounds of the decorated downtown.

Eventgoers were treated to an array of refreshments, including hot cocoa, popcorn, cider, and pastries. Costumed characters, face painting by the Santa Fe High School Cheerleaders, candy handouts, a miniature train ride and bounce house were among the highlights for children, while activity stations delighted youngsters with holiday crafts and games.

At Main Street Theatre Park, the stage came alive with vibrant performances that enchanted the gathering crowds. The Alachua Elementary School Chorus filled the air with heartwarming melodies as proud parents and spectators watched with delight. Adding a theatrical flair, the Children’s Theater captivated the audience and left spectators smiling and applauding. The evening’s musical elegance was elevated by the spellbinding performance of violinist Shelby Adams, leaving listeners mesmerized.

Further down Main Street, a magical favorite was the sight of snowflakes swirling high in the air over Main Street in front of the Chamber of Commerce building, delighting giggling children who leapt and twirled beneath the snowy cascade. Behind the building, a bustling snow play yard became a winter wonderland, where youngsters tossed handfuls of snow and reveled in the rare, festive treat.

Sponsors such as the Alachua Chamber, Dollar General Distribution, Walmart Distribution, Visit Gainesville, City of Alachua, and Florida Portable Services, alongside numerous local businesses and organizations, contributed to the evening's success. Activity sponsors included Good Life Station, Mi Apa, Alachua Flowers, the Santa Fe High School Cheerleaders and the Alachua Police Department, among many others.

The night was an undeniable triumph, transforming downtown Alachua into a scene straight out of a storybook and leaving families with cherished memories that will be treasured for years to come. The joyous atmosphere, filled with laughter, music, and the twinkling glow of festive lights, ignited the holiday spirit.

Summing up the magic of the evening, one awe-struck youngster exclaimed with wide-eyed wonder, “This is the most fun, ever!” Their words echoed the sentiments of countless children and adults alike, who found themselves swept up in the enchantment of the season and the heartfelt charm of Alachua’s celebration.

“This tradition is truly the heart of our Christmas season,” said Alachua Chamber of Commerce President Adam Boukari. “It’s about bringing our community together, creating magical moments, and giving families—especially children—experiences they’ll cherish for a lifetime.” Boukari continued, “Many thanks are due to the hard work and dedication of Alachua Chamber of Commerce members, our local businesses and the City of Alachua.”

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ALACHUA ‒ While other parts of the county buzzed with festivities over the weekend, downtown Alachua was alive with its own vibrant celebration on Sunday as the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival took center stage. A community staple since 2003, the festival drew a record crowd to enjoy food, live music, and activities for all ages along the city’s historic Main Street.

Organized by the Alachua Business League (ABL) with support from the City of Alachua and local businesses, the festival is a cornerstone event for the community. Beyond providing entertainment, it serves a meaningful purpose: proceeds from the festival help fund scholarships for local students planning to attend Santa Fe College.

Visitors were greeted by the delicious aroma of kettle corn, BBQ, and other festival favorites as they strolled down Main Street, which was closed to traffic for the occasion. Over 200 vendor booths lined the street, offering everything from handmade crafts and local art to unique services and tasty treats.

Live music echoed through downtown, with local bands providing a dynamic soundtrack for the day. Children giggled and played at activity stations, while adults browsed vendor stalls or enjoyed the many food options.

With parking in high demand, festival-goers took advantage of nearby lots, including downtown’s designated parking areas and spots near Alachua City Hall and Skinner Park. Many walked a few blocks to join the festivities, adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Vendor participation was robust, with spaces filled by local businesses and artisans. The festival’s vendor fees—set at $85 for general vendors, $125 for ride areas, and $150 for food vendors—are kept intentionally low to encourage widespread participation. These fees help cover festival expenses and ensure the event remains free for the public.

The festival’s impact extends well beyond a day of fun. Proceeds go directly to scholarships for local students, easing their path to higher education. Over the years, ABL has awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships, emphasizing its commitment to investing in the future of the community.

With its mix of fun, community spirit, and philanthropic purpose, the Alachua Main Street Fall Festival continues to be a beloved tradition that captures the essence of Alachua’s small-town charm. For those who missed this year’s event, organizers encourage early planning for next year’s festival, promising even more entertainment and opportunities to support the community.

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A.L. Mebane High School 2024 Homecoming Reunion

ALACHUA ‒ While many Americans spent the day after Thanksgiving recovering from hearty meals or braving the Black Friday shopping crowds, a vibrant tradition was unfolding in Alachua. Alumni of A.L. Mebane High School, proudly wearing their green and gold, came together for the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion. This cherished event has grown into a cornerstone celebration of community, history, and school spirit.

Since its inaugural Homecoming event in 1996, the A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association has worked tirelessly to preserve the school’s rich legacy. This year’s celebration, held from Friday, Nov. 29, through the weekend, featured a variety of events aimed at honoring the past while fostering connections within the present community.

The reunion brought together alumni from graduating classes in a friendly rivalry to showcase their pride and preeminence. This year’s special recognition was for the classes of 1957, 1959, 1964, 1969 and 1974. Beyond nostalgia, the gathering underscores a broader mission: to instill community pride, maintain connections, and support future generations through scholarships and community projects.

On Saturday, Nov. 30, the streets of downtown Alachua buzzed with excitement as spectators gathered along Main Street for the annual Homecoming parade. Festivities began with a police escort, complete with flashing lights and wailing sirens, as floats and decorated cars rolled down the street to the cheers of onlookers.

Alumni classes showcased creative floats or festively adorned vehicles, many tossing candy to thrilled children. Community organizations and local churches joined the parade, adding to the celebration’s inclusive spirit. Dignitaries and homecoming queens waved to the crowd, embodying the pride and unity that define this yearly tradition.

But the annual A.L. Mebane High School Homecoming Reunion was more than just a parade—it was a weekend-long celebration brimming with activities that united alumni, families, and the community in a shared spirit of pride and camaraderie. In addition to Saturday’s parade, attendees were treated to a variety of events, including the Mr. and Ms. Alumni Pageant, a Live Auction, and the highly anticipated Green and Gold Social.

The A.L. Mebane High School Alumni Association goes beyond reunion celebrations, engaging in year-round fundraisers and community projects across Alachua and surrounding areas. Funds raised during the Homecoming weekend directly contribute to the association’s scholarship program, which supports local students in pursuing higher education.

The Homecoming Reunion has become a vital tradition, weaving together alumni, families, and community members in a celebration of shared history and pride. For those who donned green and gold, the weekend is a testament to enduring bonds and the unshakable spirit of the Hornets.

As the final notes of the parade faded and the weekend’s events came to a close, the alumni association reflected on another successful year of honoring their alma mater’s legacy and strengthening the community. With an eye toward the future, the Hornets are already planning next year’s celebration, ensuring the legacy of A.L. Mebane High School continues to thrive.

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ALACHUA – On Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, students at Alachua’s W.W. Irby Elementary School and A.L. Mebane Middle School had a unique opportunity to learn about democracy through a hands-on experience. City of Alachua officials and staff hosted a mock election, allowing students to vote on a lighthearted issue: cupcakes vs. brownies.

The event began with city staff providing an overview of the election process. Students then watched as City officials engaged in a spirited debate, presenting arguments for their preferred dessert. Once the debate concluded, it was time to vote.

As City staff tallied the results, students participated in a lively Q&A session with City officials. They posed insightful questions such as, “What inspired you to pursue a role in local government?” and “What are the functions of the various city trucks we see around town?”

City Manager Mike DaRoza took a moment to emphasize the significance of voting. “Don’t let anyone tell you how to vote, that is your choice alone,” DaRoza said. “But, above all else, remember that you can disagree on a topic and still get along with your friends.”

When the results were announced, Irby Elementary students had chosen cupcakes as their favorite, while Mebane Middle School students overwhelmingly voted for brownies.

“It is the most heartwarming thing to help these students understand the importance of voting, and then being able to watch them participate,” said Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper. “We are really trying to instill confidence in the next generation of citizens.”

This hands-on event underscored the value of civic engagement, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the democratic process—and a likely craving for cupcakes and brownies.

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