Local

NEWBERRY – During the Jan. 13, 2025, meeting of the Newberry City Commission, Grant and Funding Manager Jane Sullivan proposed the creation of a municipal non-profit organization to enhance the city's ability to secure grants. The commission unanimously authorized Sullivan’s request to move forward with the initiative, paving the way for Newberry to access funding opportunities otherwise unavailable to government entities.

Sullivan explained that municipalities are permitted to create non-profit organizations under the Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3), provided the non-profit is separately incorporated and fulfills exempt purposes as outlined by the IRS.

To meet these requirements, the City of Newberry will need to file Non-Profit Articles of Incorporation with the State of Florida and submit Form 1023 to obtain a 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS.

Sullivan detailed how the non-profit would be structured, noting that the Newberry Mayor and City Commission would appoint Newberry career staff members to serve as the Board of Directors. The Commission may also, if desired, form an Executive Committee comprised of community members to oversee day-to-day management responsibilities.

Importantly, the City will retain ultimate oversight of the non-profit, reviewing all expenditures and requiring an annual report to the Commission to ensure accountability and transparency.

Sullivan highlighted the advantages of creating a municipal non-profit, emphasizing the ability to pursue funding sources unavailable to government entities.

“The benefits of a municipal non-profit allow the 501(c)(3) to secure funding that is not offered to government entities, such as some foundations, corporate foundations, and specific federal funds earmarked for 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations,” said Sullivan during her presentation.

By establishing a non-profit arm, Newberry positions itself to compete for grants from a broader range of sources, including private and corporate foundations, which often restrict funding to non-profits.

Following the Commission’s approval, Sullivan will begin the process of filing the necessary documents to establish the non-profit and secure 501(c)(3) status. Once operational, the non-profit will work closely with the city to identify and apply for funding opportunities that align with Newberry’s goals and priorities.

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ALACHUA ‒ The Santa Fe Raiders are hoping a familiar Florida football name can help turn their program around. Florida legend and former NFL running back Earnest Graham has been hired as the team’s head coach for the 2025 season, marking the Raiders' fourth coaching change since 2022.

Graham, who played nine seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is eager for the opportunity. As he shared with The Gainesville Sun, he believes Santa Fe provides the perfect environment to guide young athletes toward success. The school's football facilities and strong community support also factored into his decision.

Before joining Santa Fe, Graham was the offensive coordinator at Gainesville High School, where he worked alongside former Florida Gators teammate Ian Scott. Under their leadership, the team improved its win total over consecutive seasons, finishing with five victories last year.

The Raiders have struggled in recent years, managing just two wins since 2021. In the 2022-23 season, Santa Fe finished 1-9 under head coach Joe Szymanski, and two years later, Jason Wells led the team to the same record. Their last winning season came in 2015-16, when Bill Wiles coached them to an 8-4 finish. Historically, the Raiders have seen success, winning the Class 3A state championship in 1991 and the Class 4A title in 1994.

Graham’s deep ties to Florida football began at Mariner High School, where he was named the state’s Mr. Football in 1997. That season, he rushed for 5,710 yards and scored 86 touchdowns, earning Parade Magazine All-American honors. His high school career was so impactful that the Florida High School Athletic Association later included him on its “100 Greatest Players of the First 100 Years” list in 2007.

At the collegiate level, Graham continued to make a name for himself with the Florida Gators. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 1999 and earned Second-Team All-SEC honors in 2001. By the time he left Gainesville, he ranked among the program’s all-time leaders in rushing yards and touchdowns.

Despite going undrafted in 2003, Graham carved out a successful NFL career with the Buccaneers, rushing for over 2,000 yards and scoring 15 touchdowns across nine seasons. Known for his relentless work ethic, he became a fan favorite in Tampa Bay.

Following his playing days, Graham transitioned into coaching, quickly making an impact at the high school level. He took over a struggling North Fort Myers program and transformed it into a competitive team, going from a winless season to a .500 record within three years. In 2017, he led the Red Knights to an undefeated season.

His coaching career later took him to Oasis High School, Evangelical Christian, and Woodward Academy. At Woodward, he had the opportunity to coach his son, Myles Graham, who is now following in his father’s footsteps as a linebacker for the Florida Gators.

Now, Graham steps into a challenging role at Santa Fe High School, aiming to bring stability and success to a program that has been searching for a turnaround. With his experience, leadership, and deep Florida football roots, many Raiders are surely hopeful that Graham’s hire will mark the beginning of a new era.

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GAINESVILLE – An all-white jury handed down a more than $15 million verdict after a weeklong trial in which Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) Seargent Kevin Davis claimed racial discrimination.  

The jury awarded Davis, the plaintiff, $115,724 for lost earnings David Macpherson, Ph.D., an economic expert witness, claimed Davis would have realized had he been promoted.  The jury also awarded an astounding $15 million for emotional pain and mental anguish, although there were not any medical or psychological expert witnesses listed in the plaintiff’s witness list to testify to the extent of such pain and anguish.  Oddly, the jury passed on awarding $54,545 in lost pension benefits that the economic expert estimated Davis lost due to the non-promotion.

Davis, a white man who has been employed with ACSO off and on since 1999, filed his lawsuit in February 2023 alleging discrimination by then Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr.’s administration.  The crux of Davis’ complaint is that less qualified black candidates at the sheriff’s office were promoted into lieutenant positions instead him.  Davis claimed that although he was ranked in the top five candidates for a slate of positions, he was intentionally passed over based on his race.  The defense, however, stated that at the time of Davis’ lawsuit, there had been some 150 promotions, 120 of which were filled with white candidates and approximately 30 were filled with black candidates.

Witnesses for the sheriff’s office, however, testified that Davis has specifically not been recommended for promotion.  Notably, Davis had been seen as problematic, filing multiple Equal Employment Opportunity and other complaints against multiple sheriffs, both black and white.  And despite Davis’ many years on the force, under several sheriffs he had not been highly promoted by any of them.

Davis also claimed that he was retaliated against when he was placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation into Davis’ potential violation of ACSO’s social media policy.  Davis said this paid administrative leave was retaliation for his filing of an Equal Employment Opportunity Complaint.

Former Sheriff Watson testified that he was greatly bothered by assertions that he or his administration acted in a racially biased manner against any of his officers.  Watson harkened back to his time as a former city manager in the City of Alachua where he oversaw the promotion of numerous white employees, including white men and women, who ultimately became city managers in Alachua and elsewhere around the state.

The trial began Monday, Jan. 3, 2025, with jury selection and opening statements.  The plaintiff was scheduled to conclude its case by Wednesday at noon, but by Thursday at noon, it appeared that plaintiff would not rest until Thursday at 3 p.m., leaving little time for the defense, who would need to rush its case or hold the jury late into the evening and possibly through the weekend.  Apparently, the court broke for lunch Friday and sent jurors out to begin deliberations.  By early afternoon, the jurors returned with their surprising verdict.  

The $15 million award seems unlikely to be paid out of public coffers anytime soon.  It’s possible that presiding Judge Gloria Walker could reduce the award, especially if the jury had no evidentiary basis for arriving at the number.  It also seems likely ACSO will appeal the decision based on numerous objections and motions raised before and during trial.

Representing ACSO, Attorney R. Wayne Evans of Allen, Norton, and Blue, P.A. in Tallahassee, Fla., was tight-lipped about the defense’s plans going forward, saying, “They put on their case-in-chief, and we put on our case-in-chief.  We are considering all of our options.”

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ALACHUA – A new Chick-fil-A restaurant is slated for construction in the City of Alachua.  The news was first shared in a neighborhood meeting notice shared in the Oct. 31, 2024 edition of Alachua County Today.  The new fast-food restaurant is to be located in the new Santa Fe Crossings Plaza, a few parcels west of the recently-opened Wawa convenience store.  Between the Chick-fil-A and Wawa is expected to be a Firestone Tires shop and a car wash.

Chick-fil-A has more than 3,000 locations across 48 states.  Six other Chick-fil-A restaurants already exist in Alachua County, but all are within Gainesville.  Chick-fil-A would be yet another chicken-based fast-food restaurant on Alachua’s 441 corridor, which is already home to Popeye’s, KFC, and Zaxby’s.

The intersection of County Road 235A and U.S. Highway 441 is fast becoming a hotbed of development.  The Alachua County Fire Station 21 in Alachua will soon be relocated from its current facility across from Alachua Elementary School to a newly constructed station on County Road 235A, a short distance south of Ellianos Coffee.

Also, under construction on the southside of U.S. 441 is the headquarters of Tower Hill Insurance, which first broke ground Nov. 28, 2023.  The state-of-the art 65,000 sq-ft two-story building will feature more than 25,000 sq-ft of energy efficient glass and was designed by local architectural firm Paul Stresing Associates. When completed, the facility will house 300 of the company’s 500-plus employees. Tower Hill currently has offices in Gainesville, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Lexington, Ky, and operates in 17 states in the U.S. Anticipated construction completion is planned for spring 2025.  

The soon-to-be Tower Hill Insurance headquarters for the 50-year-old firm will be accessed from U.S. Highway 441 at Northwest 167th Boulevard traffic signal, the same signal used from primary access to Alachua’s Publix.

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Event to honor all branches of the military, featuring a celebration of "Gators in Space"; static military and civilian aircraft displays; classic cars; children’s activities; live music; food trucks, aircraft rides over “The Swamp”

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Feb. 12, 2025 – Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) and its FBO, the University Air Center (UAC) will once again host the popular Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day Saturday, March 22, 2025.

A fly-in is a gathering for pilots who arrive by air. The event takes place from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (pre-event pancake breakfast at 8:30 a.m.) at University Air Center, 4701 NE 40th Terrace, Gainesville, Fla. (Enter at General Aviation Entrance, Waldo Road) and is open to the public. Admission and parking are free, and a complimentary shuttle will be provided.

“Our annual Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day is our way of honoring all branches of the military, including some great dignitaries, military and civil aviators who will be flying in many different types of aircraft to the UAC for the event,” says Allan Penksa, CEO, Gainesville Regional Airport. “It’s an exciting day for our community — especially anyone who is curious about flight — to learn more about aviation. This year we are especially focused on celebrating 'Gators in Space'. And as always, we look forward to sharing this incredibly special celebration at our airport with the community.”

Celebrating Gators in Space and our Military

Planned events include opening ceremonies with a color guard and flyovers, most notably the “Flown West” ceremony for those who have gone before us. The pre-event fun begins with a continuation of our celebration of the late Col. Joe Kittinger, the first Gator in Space, with the third annual “Col. Joe ‘Pamcake’ Breakfast” at 8:30 a.m., with donations going to Col. Joe’s favorite charity, the International Sky Diving Museum & Hall of Fame (www.skydivingmuseum.org). In addition, Col. Joe’s autobiography, “Come Up and Get Me,” will be available for purchase at the event for $25. At 10 a.m., the gates will open to the public, with all participating aircraft in place. Opening ceremonies begin promptly at 11 a.m., with the National Anthem, sung by Mary Jo Wheeler, (USAF, ret.). At 11:15 a.m. a “Flown West” ceremony will commence, planned to include T34 Mentor and T6 Texan aircraft. In addition, invited dignitaries will make speeches. (Invited Distinguished Aviators include Dr. Robert Ferl, distinguished UF molecular biology professor and director of the new UF Astraeus Space Institute; Mike Ginter, Head of Airline Owner and Pilot’s Association’s [AOPA’s] Air Safety Institute, and U.S. National Aerobatic Champion Patty Wagstaff.) Veterans’ groups from the North Central Florida region have been invited to participate.

 Static Display:

All branches of the military have been invited to fly in and participate in the event’s aircraft static displays. We also expect aircraft manufacturers, privately owned aircraft and law enforcement aircraft to be on display. In addition, the Swamp Launch Rocket Team plans to display rocketry at the event.

 Best Aircraft Contest and People’s Choice Awards

A “Best Civilian Aircraft” and “People’s Choice: Best Aircraft” contest will be held, allowing event attendees to vote for their favorite aircraft at the Gator Fly-In. The two winners will be announced and presented with awards at 2:00 p.m.

 Live Music, Classic Cars, Kids’ Activities and All-Day Food Trucks

Activities include touring static aircraft and car displays by ALR Imports and Gainesville Street Rods, military trucks, a kid’s corner with face painting, toy airplanes and coloring, arts and crafts vendors, and food trucks. Live Music by The Treetop Flyers will take place throughout the event. In addition to the “Col. Joe ‘Pamcake’ Breakfast” from 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., food trucks and a variety of food vendors will operate throughout the event.

 Aircraft Rides for purchase – Commemorative Air Force - Tampa Wing, Robinson 44 Helicopter, Bell 47-G and Cessna 172; “Swamp Tours”

For a fee, attendees can purchase rides in a variety of aircraft. Commemorative Air Force, Airbase Tampa will provide rides in several different aircraft, with specific information on how to sign up to be posted closer to the event. 

Walk-up tickets can also be purchased at the event. In addition, UAC is offering “Swamp Tours” lasting about 15 minutes, in which passengers can fly over the UF Football Stadium in a Cessna 172 ($50) or a Bell 47-G or Robinson R-44 helicopter ($50).

A wide variety of general aviation, corporate, aerobatic, glider and homebuilt aircraft are expected at the Gator Fly-In.

All branches of the military have been invited to fly in and participate in the event’s static display. As of this news release, possible military aircraft include MH-60 Blackhawk, Boeing P-8 Poseidon, Lockheed P-3 Orion, North American T-6 Texan, Lockheed 26-B and T-34B Mentor, as well as Shandscair Helicopter and Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter, and Life South Bloodplane aircraft. Confirmed military aircraft will be updated as they are scheduled. We also expect aircraft manufacturers, privately owned aircraft and law enforcement aircraft to be on display. All aircraft and pilots are subject to change due to weather, mechanicals and availability.

 A schedule for the day follows:

1. 7 a.m. Vendors arrive for set up
2. Pre-Event: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. Third Annual Col. Joe “Pamcake” Breakfast
3. 9 a.m. – aircraft arrive and park; all aircraft parked by 9:30 a.m.
4. 10 a.m. – Public Arrive; helicopter and airplane rides begin
5. 11 a.m. Opening Ceremony
6. 11:15 a.m. Flown West Ceremony
7. 11:20 p.m. Speakers begin
8. 12 noon Live Music, food trucks
9. 2:00 p.m. People’s choice and Best of Show Airplane Contest Announced
10. 3 p.m. Final thank you and prep for departures

Please tell your flying friends and anyone who enjoys aviation. For more information on the Gator Fly-In and Armed Services Appreciation Day, please contact  paml@universityaircenter.com or phone (352) 416-0787, visit the Gator Fly-In Facebook page  or visit https://www.flygainesville.com.

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