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ALACHUA – Voters in the City of Alachua elected a new mayor and a new city commissioner on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, shaking up the leadership in both contested races.

Walter Welch defeated incumbent Mayor Gib Coerper for Seat 1, receiving 639 votes (50.8%) to Coerper’s 618 votes (49.2%). Coerper, retired, had served as mayor since 2005, when he first assumed the commission seat later designated as the mayoral post in 2010. He ran unopposed in 2022, but this cycle faced a challenge from Welch, a newcomer to elected office who had previously served on a local advisory task force board.

In the Seat 2 City Commission race, Jacob Fletcher beat incumbent Edward Potts by a significant margin. Fletcher secured 785 votes (60.4%) to Potts’ 513 votes (39.6%). Potts, also retired and formerly a member of the Alachua Planning & Zoning Board, had first been elected to the commission in 2022. Fletcher is employed by the University of Florida and entered the race as a first-time candidate.

Both Welch and Fletcher will be sworn into office during the regular City Commission meeting on April 21, 2025, at 6 p.m.

Polls were open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, Cleather Hathcock, Sr. Community Center, and the Clubhouse at Turkey Creek.

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ALACHUA ‒ The vacant northwest corner of U.S. Highway 441 and County Road 235A received the initial nod for commercial development following unanimous approval by city commissioners Monday night.

In a 4-0 vote, the Alachua City Commission on April 7, 2025, approved on first reading two related ordinances — Ordinance 25-06 and Ordinance 25-07 — that amend both the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and the Official Zoning Atlas for approximately 5.07 acres located at 16313 N.W. U.S. Highway 441.

Ordinance 25-06 changes the land use designation of the property from Agriculture and Rural/Agriculture (County) to Commercial, aligning it with the City of Alachua’s future land use planning and allowing for business-related development on the site.

Ordinance 25-07, approved in a quasi-judicial hearing, rezones the property from Agricultural (A)(County) and Administrative and Professional (AP)(County) to Community Commercial (CC). This zoning category permits a wide range of commercial uses intended to serve the broader community and is typically designated for properties located along major roadways like U.S. 441.

Commissioners heard from one resident who lives in the neighborhood immediately north of the site being rezoned. She asked the commission to keep that neighborhood, although not located within the City of Alachua, in mind as projects on the site move forward. Adequate buffering between the neighborhood and the commercial parcel was of particular concern.

The site includes two parcels — tax numbers 03044-001-002 and 03044-002-000 — and was recently annexed into the city. Under Alachua’s Land Development Regulations, annexed land must be assigned a city zoning designation before development can proceed. The zoning change satisfies that requirement and opens the door to future commercial projects.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission met Monday, April 14, to address several planning and development matters, including a utility element update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a 30-year electrical franchise agreement, and neighborhood revitalization efforts.

Commissioners unanimously approved the first reading and transmittal of updates to the Wastewater, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Potable Water, and Capital Improvement elements of the city’s Comprehensive Plan. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to align utility and infrastructure planning with Newberry’s long-term growth strategy.

On second reading, the Commission also unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-03, granting Central Florida Electric Cooperative (CFEC) a franchise agreement to operate within city limits for up to 30 years.

A public hearing was held for the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization application. The application was also approved unanimously.

A request from NVS, acting as agent for NC Ranch #1, to extend the deadline for adoption of a final development plan for the NC Ranch Planned Development was granted by unanimous vote. The property is located at the southwest corner of U.S. Highway 27/41 and Northwest 46th Avenue. Originally listed on the consent agenda, the item was moved to be considered after public hearings and ordinances.

A separate agenda item regarding construction plans for Residential Phases 1–3 of the Highland Park Planned Development was deferred and will be heard at the April 28 City Commission meeting.

Municipal Election Results

Results from the April 8 municipal election were also announced. Commissioner Tim Marden won the mayoral race with 886 votes, defeating former Commissioner Joy Glanzer, who received 788 votes. Outgoing Mayor Jordan Marlowe is stepping down to assume the role of former city manager Mike New.

In the Group IV Commission race, Donald Lewis Long won with 1,019 votes over Steve Panaghi’s 610. In Group V, incumbent Commissioner Tony Mazon retained his seat with 1,145 votes, defeating Rosa Marie Campbell, who garnered 510 votes.

Elected officials will participate in orientation on April 21 at 6 p.m., followed by a swearing-in ceremony on April 28 at 6 p.m., prior to the next City Commission meeting at 7 p.m.

Upcoming Events

WestFest, a free, family-friendly event, will be held April 26 from 3:30 to 9 p.m. at Lois Forte Park, 120 N.W. 260th St., Newberry. The event features live performances by T.J. Brown, Harber Wynn, Emma Forgette, and Andrea Kay, with a “Kids Corner” sponsored by Greenfield Preschool.

An Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 19 at the MLK Community Center, 25515 N.W. 6th Ave., beginning at noon. For more information, email lgriffin@newberryfl.gov.

The annual Senior Citizen Prom will be held July 5 at 25420 W. Newberry Road. Tickets, priced at $30, go on sale April 26. Hosted by the Newberry Parks and Recreation Department, this year’s theme is “Garden Party.” For details, call 352-474-6078.

Elected Officials Orientation will take place on April 21 at 6 p.m.  Swearing in of elected officials will take place on April 28 at 6 p.m.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Palms Medical Group welcomed local families and residents on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for a community health fair at its High Springs location, offering free health services, family activities, and a chance to connect with local organizations.

Held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event featured over 25 vendors, complimentary health screenings for all ages, and a visit from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office helicopter, which was a highlight for many attendees.

Over the course of the day, Palms facilitated 35 mammograms and numerous other health screenings, providing many attendees with services they might not have otherwise received.

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to host this health fair,” said Anita Rembert, CEO of Palms Medical Group. “We jump at any opportunity to get together as a healthcare organization and rally around our friends and neighbors. It’s in our mission: to enhance the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

In addition to medical services, the event offered family-friendly activities and opportunities for residents to engage with healthcare and wellness providers in a relaxed setting. Organizers say the health fair will become an annual tradition.

Palms Medical Group is a not-for-profit healthcare provider serving North Florida for more than 50 years. With 13 locations, same-day appointments, flexible hours, and bilingual staff, Palms focuses on providing quality, affordable care. The High Springs location is at 16916 NW US Highway 441.

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ALACHUA — A touch of New Orleans magic filled the Alachua Woman’s Club on Saturday, April 12, 2025, as the community came together for “A Night of Mystery & Elegance” — a Mardi Gras-inspired gala that blended celebration with purpose.

Guests enjoyed an evening of dinner, dancing, refreshments, and a silent auction, all in support of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The venue was transformed into a vibrant scene of color and intrigue, where masks were mandatory and creativity in attire was encouraged — from elegant gowns to casual outfits with a festive flair.

The event not only delivered on its promise of mystery and merriment, but also raised critical funds for cancer research, patient services, and educational programs through the American Cancer Society. Organizers called the evening a resounding success, celebrating both the spirit of Mardi Gras and the strength of a community united in the fight against cancer.

Relay for Life, the event’s beneficiary, has a rich history rooted in compassion and perseverance. Founded in 1985 by Dr. Gordy Klatt in Tacoma, Washington, the first Relay for Life began as a solo 24-hour walk around a track, during which Klatt raised $27,000 for the American Cancer Society. Since then, the grassroots movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising over $6.5 billion to date.

Relay for Life events honor cancer survivors, remember those lost, and empower participants to take action. Funds raised support groundbreaking cancer research, advocacy, prevention efforts, and services like free rides to treatment and lodging for patients and their families.

With strong community participation and heartfelt support, A Night of Mystery & Elegance echoed the mission of Relay for Life — to celebrate lives, save lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer

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HAWTHORNE ‒ A 34-year-old Hawthorne man is facing a lengthy list of felony charges after deputies found him lying in the road with a loaded short-barreled rifle on Sunday morning.

Deputies and Alachua County Fire Rescue responded around 6:30 a.m. on April 6, 2025, to a report of a man lying in the 18100 block of Southwest 243^rd Street. When they arrived, they found Jonathan James Russel Sweat on his back with a rifle resting on his chest.

Deputies removed the firearm so paramedics could render aid. The weapon was found to be a short-barreled rifle with a barrel measuring just three inches—well below the legal minimum of 16 inches—and its serial number had been removed. The gun was loaded with nine 9 mm rounds.

During a search incident to arrest, deputies also reported finding a glass pipe commonly used to smoke illegal drugs.

Sweat was transported to a hospital for treatment and admitted. He has since been charged with possession of a short-barreled rifle, ten counts of possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also booked on outstanding warrants for driving without a valid license and violating probation.

According to court records, Sweat has a criminal history that includes six felony convictions and nine misdemeanors, including one for a violent offense. He previously served a state prison sentence and was released in 2013. He is currently on probation for driving without a valid license and was fined in a 2024 case involving battery and drug paraphernalia. Court records show he has not paid any of those fines.

The probation violation warrant requires Sweat be held without bond. Bail was set at $10,000 for the license charge, and Judge Meshon Rawls set an additional $177,000 bail for the new charges.

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