Local

NEWBERRY ‒ Some three dozen Newberry property owners are being asked to donate property to the City of Newberry to bring a 2.6-mile segment of Southwest 30^th Avenue into compliance with the City’ Land Development Regulations (LDRs).

At the Oct. 23 Newberry City Commission meeting, Assistant City Manager/Public Works and Utilities Director Jamie Jones reported that a survey had been conducted on a 2.6-mile segment of Southwest 30^th Avenue between U.S. 27/41 and Southwest 202^nd Street. Although Jones earlier told the Commission that the road must be a minimum of 60 feet wide to pave it and transition it into a collector street, the City’s Land Development Regulations require that roads constructed on a section line must have a minimum of 80 feet of right of way.

Jones said the survey identifies 40 feet north/40 feet south of the section line, as well as the existing area maintained/used as a driving surface within this 80-ft. path. The existing area maintained/used as a driving surface is not centered on the section line consistently, and in some cases, the existing area maintained/used as a driving surface is totally north of the section line and in some cases, it is totally south of the section line.

The surveyor identified this on a map and also prepared a list of property owners and acreage necessary to establish a consistent 40-foot right-of-way both north and south of the section line.

Jones said there are 36 property owners along that right-of-way, some of which are willing to provide part of their land in exchange for the City eventually paving the roadway. However, some property owners are not willing to provide the City with a right-of-way in exchange for a paved road.

Jones said the next step is to create a legal description of the properties people are willing to donate to the project so that the property can eventually be conveyed to the City. The total property that needs to be obtained is 17.63 acres. Several of those properties have less than one acre they will be donating. Jones said the City could initially chip seal the road and eventually pave the road when funds are available to do so.

Barrington Replat

In other business, the Newberry City Commission unanimously approved a replat on agriculturally zones property known as Barrington subdivision. The replat was for 39.8 +/- acres of non-contiguous land located at the northwest corner of Southwest 15^th Avenue and Southwest 170^th Street. The Barrington plat was originally approved on June 27, 2022.

The replat of Lots 8 - 11 addresses changes in the interior access road which were the result of a review by the Suwannee River Water Management District. The lots remain relatively in the same area. Lot 11 is reduced to 1.995 acres, which is below the minimum required lot area of two acres. However, the difference in area proposed and required is minor and causes no negative impacts to property in the immediate area.

Lot 23, approximately 29 acres in area, is being subdivided to create two new lots for a total of 25 total lots within the Barrington subdivision. Resolution 2022-35 permits the division of Lot 23 up to two times. The proposed Lots 23 - 25 all meet the minimum area requirements established in the original resolution.

Although the replat was approved, the approval carried a condition. CHW is to work with the City Fire Chief and Planning Department to work out a satisfactory way for fire trucks to be turned around now that the circular drive, which was part of the original access road, has been modified.

Contract with ASO

The Commission also unanimously authorized City Manager Mike New to continue an agreement with Alachua County Sheriff Emery Gainey for enhanced law enforcement services to the City. The original contract with Sheriff Clovis Watson, Jr., expired when Watson resigned. New and Gainey agreed to continue the contract negotiated with Watson on June 14, 2021, until the original end date of Sept. 30, 2025.

Lease Agreement for Cell Service

The Commission unanimously authorized New to execute a lease agreement with Cellco Partnership (d/b/a Verizon Wireless) for cellular antenna array space on elevated water tower two, located at 24815 N.W. 16^th Avenue, Newberry Easton Sports Complex.

Assistant City Manager/Public Works and Utilities Director Jamie Jones said the agreement addresses items such as term, insurance, permitting, and maintenance. The yearly compensation for the use of the water tower for the antenna array is $33,000, with an annual increase of two percent every year for the term of the lease, which is for a five-year period with the possibility of lease extensions.

The installation of the antenna is expected to extend cell service to dead spots in the area while also diversifying the City’s revenue stream.

Local Business Impact

In other business, the Commission approved Ordinance 2023-31 on second reading, creating a local business impact estimate ordinance in compliance with Florida Statutes.

This ordinance will become effective retroactively as of Oct. 1 of this year and is intended to make local government more transparent. It requires local governments to prepare and publish impact statements on ordinances prior to their adoption.

The law also provides a procedure to challenge ordinances that are adopted by local government, while also setting challenge and waiting periods.

Other City Business

City Manager New declared Oct. 31, 2023 as Halloween in Newberry beginning at sunset. He also said that City Hall would be closed on Thursday, Nov. 9, in honor of Veterans Day.

Mayor Jordan Marlowe reported that Kathy Thomas was named Citizen of the Year during the Annual Awards Banquet held by the Newberry Chamber of Commerce.

The next Newberry City Commission meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 13.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs residents soon will be voting for their choice of candidates for High Springs City Commission Seats #1 and # 2. Candidates are incumbents Mayor Gloria James facing off against Steven Tapanes for Seat 2 and Commissioner Ross Ambrose vying for Seat 1 against Andrew Miller.

As the Nov. 7 election is the only election being held in Alachua County on this date, High Springs City Clerk Angela Stone will serve as the Supervisor of Elections.

For Vote-By-Mail ballots, the deadline to request a ballot to be mailed to voters is 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26, and Vote-By-Mail ballots must be obtained directly from Stone for citizens who wish to vote by mail. Vote-By-Mail requests on file with the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections’ office will not automatically qualify citizens to receive vote-by-mail ballots in this election.

Voters who live in High Springs may request a Vote-By-Mail ballot in three ways: online, by email or by phone.

Voters may access the Vote-By-Mail Ballot Request Form online at highsprings.gov/elections/webform/ballot-request-form.

Voters may also email the City Clerk's Office at cityclerk@highsprings.gov or call 386-454-1416 option 6 to request the Vote-By-Mail Ballot Request Form.

Voters must sign the ballot request, and no electronic signatures will be allowed.

Voted ballots may be returned by mail or in person but must be received by 7 p.m. on election night, Nov. 7. Ballots may be returned in person to City Hall during normal business hours, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. and on election day, Nov. 7 until 7 p.m.

City Clerk Stone urges voters to read and follow the instructions included with Vote-By-Mail ballots to ensure their ballots will be counted. Voters should complete and sign the ballot certificate envelope and the voter’s signature should match the signature on record.

Voters may vote in person on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Poll locations are Precinct 20, High Springs Civic Center, 330 NW Santa Fe Boulevard, and Precinct 60, First United Methodist Church, 17405 N.W. U.S. Highway 441.

For questions about voting, contact High Springs City Clerk Angela Stone at 386-454-1416 option 6.

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BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Alachua resident and student Rebecca De La Cruz won a $5,000 scholarship from Tractor Supply Company. The firm announced on Wednesday, Sept. 20, the 146 recipients of the inaugural FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by Tractor Supply. In partnership with the National FFA Organization, The Tractor Supply Foundation established the scholarship in 2022 with a $5 million commitment over the next five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind.

“Our first class of FFA Future Leaders is a remarkably impressive and diverse group of young men and women who are passionate about achieving their goals. It is a privilege to work with FFA to support them,” said Marti Skold-Jordan, manager of the Tractor Supply Company Foundation and National FFA Foundation Sponsors’ board member. “We established the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship as a way to secure the future of Life Out Here. If this group is any indication, I can confidently say that future is very bright.”

The 146 FFA Future Leaders scholars represent 38 states and a wide range of backgrounds and academic interests. Ninety-two $5,000 scholarships were awarded to students attending trade schools or two-year colleges, and 54 $10,000 scholarships were awarded to members pursuing agriculture-related four-year majors.

Alachua’s Rebecca De La Cruz will use her $5,000 scholarship to study Earth and Space Sciences at Santa Fe College.

Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to interview for career opportunities at Tractor Supply stores or distribution centers while pursuing their education. Additionally, Tractor Supply has earmarked internships at its Store Support Center in Brentwood, Tenn. for scholarship recipients.

FFA Future Leaders Scholarships are facilitated by customer donations made at checkout, either in Tractor Supply stores or online at TractorSupply.com. The fundraiser for the next class of FFA Future Leaders will run from Nov. 1-12, 2023.

Applications for the 2024 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship by Tractor Supply will open on November 1, 2023. Eligibility is limited to FFA members. For more information or to apply for the scholarship, visit www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Drivers who speed through school zones in High Springs may soon be on the receiving end of a ticket. The City of High Springs is considering the installation of a program called Redspeed to detect speeders, provide visual evidence and aid in enforcement of speed limits.

Randal Rhimes of Redspeed, a company that provides photo evidence for police departments, addressed the Commission on Oct. 12 about how Redspeed works to help enforce speed limits in school zones.

System cameras capture photos of license plates, the make and model of a speeding vehicle and mile-per-hour speed of the vehicle. Rhimes said the cameras work in the rain and wind and can also help identify vehicles that may be involved in amber or silver alerts. He said there would be no cost to the City to install this system and the program is “violator funded.” A percentage of the violators’ fees will go to the City.

The City attorney will be preparing an ordinance/agreement for the Commission’s consideration at a later meeting.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved an agreement with Duke Energy for two electric vehicle charging stations in High Springs. The agreement is for 10 years with an option to extend for a longer period of time. The company will design, install, own, operate, maintain and support the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

There is no cost to the City, however “the City would receive a small amount of franchise fees,” said City Manager Ashley Stathatos. The location has not been finalized, but two parking spaces on City Hall property near the caboose is the location under consideration.

Both parties may terminate the agreement with 30-days notice. If the City decides to terminate the agreement, before the end date, the cost of equipment depreciation will be charged to the City. “Upon expiration of the agreement, Duke, at its discretion, may transfer title to the City,” said Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham.

Currently, two electric charging stations on Main Street are not being used extensively, but Stathatos said they haven’t been there very long and people are just finding out about them. Google Maps will be listing electric vehicle charging locations on maps soon, so people traveling through High Springs will be aware of electric vehicle charging station locations.

Vacating Right-of-Way

Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 2023-13 on first reading to vacate the southern half of Whitlock Street and internal alleys within Columbia Heights subdivision. The two applicant-owned parcels are located just north of Tractor Supply and south of 210^th Lane, Boat Ramp Road.

Should the ordinance be approved on second reading, the applicant can submit a replat for their property to remove the old lot lines and create one usable commercial parcel. Once the replat process is complete, the applicant can submit a site plan for Plan Board and City Commission review.

Business Impact Estimates

In other business, the Commission approved Ordinance 2023-12 on first reading, which creates a local business impact estimate ordinance in compliance with Florida Statutes that requires municipalities to prepare business impact estimates prior to adopting ordinances that impact business owners. The law also provides a procedure to challenge ordinances that are adopted by local government, while also setting challenge and waiting periods.

Fee Schedule for Services

City staff recently conducted a survey of fees charged by other area cities for services provided by their Police, Fire and Public Works departments. A list of proposed fees was presented by Stathatos, which will be voted on by the Commission at a later date. Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham said that the fees for the Fire Department were based on Alachua County’s fees for the same services.

In other City business, Gillingham said that the reimbursement for Hurricane Ian would be nearly $44,000 and should be received in the next couple of weeks. “The cost for Hurricane Idalia was in the vicinity of $63,000,” Gillingham said. He said he expected reimbursement from FEMA to be $43,000 - $53,000.

Sally Milner, President of the GFWC High Springs Womans Club, presented a $550 check to High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard to help pay for a police dog. The cost for a trained police dog is usually in the range of $8,000 - $10,000. Milner said while they couldn’t pay the entire fee for a police dog, she hoped the amount donated would go toward that cost.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 26.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Brewing Company was home base for robotics, art and music on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Dozens of families took advantage of the sunny and windy afternoon to watch children and youth compete in robotics competition and enjoy the upbeat sounds of local teen music phenom Trevor Ellis. Adding to the eclectic mood of robotics and music, the nonprofit Good News Arts was on hand offering both children and adults opportunities to try their hand in arts and crafts activities.

Tucked a block off Main Street in beautiful High Springs, the High Springs Brewing Company provided an open-air setting and drinks for the day’s events. Pizza, wings, and more were scuttled from Prohibition Pizza located across the street by eventgoers throughout the afternoon.

Billed as a demonstration event, the robotics competition was organized by the local Swampbots Robotics Team. The Swampbots is a FIRST Tech Challenge Team (FTC) centered in Alachua County. Their middle/elementary team, the Frogmen coached by Jason Sweat, is part of the FIRST LEGO League.

The sole competition of the day was in the middle/elementary school division involving three teams: Frogmen, Inno Gators and Byte Force. After winning the first of three heats, the Inno Gators won the third heat to win First Place for the competition. The Frogmen scored Second Place and Byte Force finished in Third.

The Swampbots high school team put on several demonstrations showcasing robot building and agility exercises. And the pre-school team offered building activities to all competition visitors. All team coaches and team members were open to answer questions about robotics and team activities.

Throughout the afternoon, 15-year-old Trevor Ellis took to the stage to ply the crowd with a variety of music. Ellis has been playing musical instruments since he was a toddler. He was inspired by his family of musicians and began on the drums at the age of four. Singing both originals and covers while playing the acoustic guitar, Ellis was a crowd favorite between the breaks in competition. hiss parents and grandparents were present cheering him along.

Attendees also took the opportunity to visit the Good News Arts tables throughout the day. The local nonprofit had several arts and crafts activities set up throughout the venue and also hosted a silent auction of six handmade quilts crafted by regular attendees of Good News Arts. The proceeds of the silent quilt auction will benefit the upcoming 2024 Good News Arts Summer Camp. Located on Main Street downtown, High Springs, Good News Arts meets from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Visit them online at goodnewsarts.com for more information about getting involved.

Sunday’s robotics event made for an entertaining and informative afternoon, bringing together music and arts with the world of science and engineering in a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today / Alachua Recreation offers Dance About every Monday.

ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua Parks and Recreation Department has geared up for months of activities citywide. In their own words, check out what exciting events are in store for area residents.

The Alachua Parks and Recreation Department has tons of activities and events for everyone. The premier event in October is the going Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Alachua Parks and Recreation Department is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness month by painting field lines and goal posts with pink decorations inside Legacy Park, supporting those diagnosed with breast cancer.

These past few weeks Parks and Rec has hosted several events and games at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center. Our most recent exciting event held was in honor of breast cancer awareness. Welcoming Blossoming Butterfly, a non-profit organization devoted to helping those diagnosed with breast, ovarian or uterine cancer, held their first annual Alachua County Alumni basketball tournament.

Blossoming Butterfly is also holding future fundraising events such as the Blossoming Shades of Pink fundraiser scheduled for Jan. 20, 2024 and Pink Fest on June 1, 2024. More information can be found on the organization's website for donations and locations of event. Visit https://www.blossomingbutterflyinc.org/  

And there’s always more exciting fun held at Legacy. Every Monday, Dance About goes from 4-6 p.m. for any kids grades K-8 interested in dance. Coupled with an open gym, volleyball tournaments begin soon, too.

Additionally, there are some thrilling events coming up as well. As usual, the monthly Crafty Gemini will be sharing her creative skills, hosting a senior craft day at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center in Room 1 on Oct. 26 at 12:30 p.m.

Later next month, Just Between Friends, Florida’s largest children’s sale, comes back from Nov. 9-12. Additional information about the sale can be found on their website at https://gainesville.jbfsale.com/

Don’t forget, around the same time from Nov. 11-12 there's the Music Festival on Main.

Come and enjoy fall with us!

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