ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua has been awarded a Safety Award by the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) in recognition of its outstanding record of safe operations within its electric utility department.

The award, presented in March 2025, honors public power utilities across the state that demonstrate a consistent commitment to employee safety and workplace best practices.

The City of Alachua earned the recognition for achieving a perfect safety record in Category A, which includes utilities reporting zero to 59,999 total worker hours.

“Each of these winners embodies the safety culture deeply inherent in public power,” said FMEA Executive Director Amy Zubaly. “Their continuous efforts throughout the year to maintain safe workplaces and cultivate a culture of safety ensure employees can work both securely and efficiently.”

Utilities are evaluated and placed into categories based on total worker hours. Awards are given to those with the most incident-free records in each group.

City Manager Mike DaRoza said the recognition reflects the City’s commitment to employee well-being.

“As a city administrator, safety for each of our coworkers is of utmost importance,” DaRoza said. “I am proud to see that, not only is our Electric Department operating safely, but they have also fostered an environment where safety isn’t a goal, it’s a non-negotiable standard.”

The FMEA Safety Award serves to recognize municipalities that not only avoid workplace injuries but also establish and maintain long-term safety-focused cultures within their operations.

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GAINESVILLE – The 53rd Annual Santa Fe College Spring Arts Festival is set to return to the college’s Northwest Campus this weekend, April 12–13, 2025, bringing a weekend of art, music and family-friendly experiences to the community.

Held at 3000 N.W. 83^rd Street, the festival is free and open to the public, featuring a wide array of visual art displays, live performances and interactive activities for all ages.

New to this year’s festival is the introduction of its first-ever Artist in Residence. Street artist Birdcap will create a live mural over the course of the weekend, giving visitors the chance to watch an original work take shape in real time. Folk artist Alyne Harris, known for her vibrant depictions of Southern life and heritage, was selected as this year’s official poster artist.

Festivalgoers will also be able to attend artist talks in the Fine Arts Hall, where participating artists will offer behind-the-scenes insights into their creative process. Other on-campus attractions will include the Kika Silva Pla Planetarium, the Teaching Zoo, and the Museum of Earth Sciences. Train rides will be available to transport visitors to the zoo.

In partnership with MusicGNV, the festival will spotlight local talent from Gainesville’s thriving music scene. Scheduled performers include Noah Moses & The Flood, Haylin Watkins, Purple Kloud, Sooza, Trustfall and The Nancys.

“It’s such an honor to host so many incredible artists and members of the community on our campus,” said Kyle Novak, Santa Fe College’s director of cultural affairs. “In addition to our remarkable visiting artists, we’re excited to continue to showcase the unbelievable talents of our Santa Fe College student artists and performers.”

Free parking will be available throughout the weekend, and Gainesville’s Regional Transit System will offer extended free routes to improve accessibility for attendees.

First launched in 1970, the Spring Arts Festival has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated cultural events, known for celebrating both established and emerging artists while fostering community engagement through the arts.

The event is presented by the Santa Fe College Fine Arts and Entertainment Technology Department.

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GAINESVILLE – A 34-year-old High Springs man has been sentenced to 42 months in federal prison for wire fraud related to COVID-19 pandemic relief, federal prosecutors announced.

Sean Walker was sentenced in U.S. District Court following his conviction for fraudulently obtaining more than $20,000 in unemployment insurance benefits from the State of California, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michelle Spaven of the Northern District of Florida.

“Our office will continue to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money, including holding those accountable who conspired to falsely obtain government funds during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Spaven said in a statement.

Court records show Walker submitted a benefits application containing false and fraudulent statements. He claimed unemployment benefits from California despite never having lived or worked in the state. The payments were funded in part by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was created to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans impacted by the pandemic.

In addition to his prison term, Walker was ordered to pay $21,690 in restitution to California’s Employment Development Department. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his imprisonment.

Walker is one of nine defendants convicted of similar fraud schemes as a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation.

“While many were facing hardship and uncertainty, these defendants sought to exploit government programs intended to help those in need,” said Ron Loecker, special agent in charge of the IRS-CI Tampa Field Office. “Their actions were driven by greed and a blatant disregard for the law, undermining the purpose of critical relief efforts. We remain committed to holding accountable those who abuse these programs for personal gain and ensuring that justice is served.”

Kristin Rehler, special agent in charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division, added: “The sentencing of Sean Walker conveys the important message that you cannot steal money from Americans without consequence. The funds stolen by this defendant and other co-conspirators add to the massive amount of COVID-19 relief fraud that will ultimately be paid for by taxpayers. The FBI’s investigation into these schemes exemplifies our commitment to hold thieves accountable, and we will continue to work in coordination with our partners to protect the pocketbooks of hard-working Americans.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hapner and David P. Byron.

The COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force continues to coordinate investigations and enforcement actions against pandemic-related fraud. More information is available at Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud.

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ALACHUA ‒ With laughter echoing across the rolling pastures of Valley View, the Alachua Lions Club marked a major milestone on March 25, 2025, with its 85th annual Cattlemen’s Banquet — the longest-running Lions Club fundraising event in Florida.

The signature event, now held at Valley View at Santa Fe River Ranch, drew more than 400 attendees for an evening of celebration, charity, and camaraderie. From its humble beginnings in 1940, the banquet has grown into a cornerstone of community support, channeling all proceeds into local sight, hearing, youth, and service initiatives.

This year’s crowd enjoyed a festive cocktail hour on the veranda, where scenic views of oak-dotted fields set the tone for the night ahead. Inside the main hall, Alachua Lions Club President Jack Zuidema opened the formal program, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lions District Governor Greg Seltzer. Longtime member Bill Johnson led a heartfelt rendition of “God Bless America,” and Seltzer returned to deliver the invocation.

The evening’s host, real estate broker and former Alachua City Commissioner Ben Boukari, Jr., served as Master of Ceremonies. Boukari’s lighthearted jabs and well-timed jokes kept the audience in good spirits, earning chuckles throughout the room.

Headlining the night was award-winning Nashville comedian and musician Jonnie W., whose guitar-infused comedy had the crowd roaring with laughter. His blend of storytelling and stand-up added a fresh twist to the evening’s entertainment lineup.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Cattleman of the Year award to Bob Crane, a respected figure in Alachua County’s ranching community. Surrounded by family and members of First Baptist Church of Alachua, Crane accepted the honor for his longstanding contributions to Florida’s cattle industry.

The night also included a silent auction, once again sponsored by the Alachua Woman’s Club, a dedicated partner of the Lions Club. Guests feasted on a hearty spread featuring aged, flavor-packed steaks, loaded potato casserole, fresh salad, and decadent desserts — all with assistance from the Santa Fe High School FFA Chapter, honoring the banquet’s agricultural roots.

The origins of the Cattlemen’s Banquet trace back to a small but impactful gesture in 1940, when Alachua Lions members rallied to support the Alachua High School FFA by bidding on a student-raised steer. That simple act of generosity sparked a tradition that now attracts dignitaries, ranchers, and residents alike. Past events have featured notable speakers such as President Jimmy Carter and Florida Governors Lawton Chiles, Bob Graham, and Buddy MacKay.

As the curtain closes on its 85th year, the Cattlemen’s Banquet remains a beloved celebration of community, heritage, and philanthropy — and plans are undoubtedly underway for its 86th return, promising more laughter, good food, and goodwill.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry has been recognized for its dedication to workplace safety, earning a 2024 Safety Award from the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA). The award was presented during the Florida Lineman Competition awards banquet held in Ocala.

Newberry was one of 17 public power utilities across the state to receive the honor, which highlights utilities that prioritize employee safety while delivering reliable electric service. The city achieved a perfect safety record in its category, with zero lost work hours due to workplace accidents in 2024.

Linework is consistently ranked among the top 10 most dangerous professions. Florida’s lineworkers and utility crews regularly perform high-risk tasks that are essential to maintaining power for their communities. Due to these hazards, public power utilities focus heavily on safety practices and ongoing training to protect their teams from serious or fatal injuries.

FMEA’s annual Safety Awards evaluate utilities based on total worker hours and incidence rates, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The incidence rate measures work-related injuries and illnesses in relation to the total number of hours worked throughout the year.

“Each of these winners, including Newberry, embodies the safety culture deeply inherent in public power. Their continuous efforts throughout the year to maintain safe workplaces and cultivate a culture of safety ensure employees can work both securely and efficiently,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “We applaud these utilities for their commitment to safety.”

Florida’s public power utilities are locally owned and operated, allowing them to provide quick, reliable service and respond directly to the needs of their communities.

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ALACHUA ‒ The City of Alachua welcomed dozens of local residents and business owners to Alachua’s Theatre Park on Main Street March 27, 2025, to celebrate the receipt of a $50,000 grant from T-Mobile. Alachua was one of just 25 municipalities to receive the Mobile Hometown Grant this year. According to a T-Mobile representative who presented the ceremonial check, the City of Alachua is the only in the greater central Florida area to receive one of these grants from T-Mobile.

Alachua’s Community Redevelopment Agency Coordinator Susan King has been applying on behalf of the City for the grant for three years. The grant will add funds to help fulfill a growing list of plans for renovations in Theatre Park.

A plan to refresh and reimagine the City of Alachua’s iconic park has been underway for more than a year. On Alachua’s picturesque Main Street, the hidden gem known best as “Theatre Park” has seen better years. An overgrowth of vines, a dilapidated arbor, and structural uncertainty have left the park in a less attractive condition.

A variety of designs for the park’s renovations were presented in May 2024 by Monarch Design Group. Among the plans were two overall design themes for the entryway to the park. The City settled on a black powder coated façade for a wrought iron appearance in the gap above the front wall and the archways.

In addition to entryway designs, Monarch Design Group also presented a variety of accompanying interior elements for the park, such as brick pavers, new lighting, a stage, seating, and Florida friendly landscaping.

As a result of the deteriorating conditions within the park, the initial priority in the redesign are the structural elements. Without a roof over the park, rainfall can become trapped and potentially seep through into adjoining buildings. Use of landscaping requiring irrigation in the park exacerbates flooding concerns. Vines posed a risk of damage to the historic brick walls. The arbor, which once served as a tranquil and picturesque backdrop appears to be on the verge of collapse. Hosting live music in the park is untenable without sufficient shade and protection from the elements.

The multiphase renovations will include a small stage with handicap access and the flexibility to install a temporary overhead screen or shield to protect performers from the elements. To increase the viability as study, lunch, relaxation, and gathering space, additional but limited seating is also planned.

When initially assessed in 2024, Assistant City Manager Rodolfo Valladares, who is a Professional Engineer, said the City was planning to develop solutions to divert or dispose of rainwater, possibly using a French drain system. Valladares commented that the projected cost of dealing with the structural concerns together with needed renovations to other elements of the park vastly exceed the CRA’s budgeted $150,000, noting that it would likely become a multiphase project, with solutions starting from “the ground up.”

Located at 14900 Main Street in the heart of downtown, what is now an openair park was once a drycleaner and then a movie house, according to a walking tour developed in 1986 by Alachua County Historical Commission and the Alachua County Tour Service.

In March 2011, the Alachua City Commission authorized structural modifications to Theatre Park in order to make the structure safer. For several months, the park remained closed as a scaffolding system was installed over the brick archways on the streetside opening where there were structural concerns over the ability of the entry to withstand high wind loads.

The 2011 project included removing the top portion of the walls to reduce the wind load on the structure as a whole. The removal included the top 12 feet from the front wall and up to six feet from the side walls.

A report from Driscoll Engineering at the time stated that the outer walls of the theatre park constituted an “immediate safety hazard” because of the lack of support and risk of falling debris. The scaffolding system was a temporary measure to protect pedestrian traffic until more lasting repairs could be completed.

Costing in excess of $40,000, the renovations, which included repairs to the east wall of the park, construction of two new columns and reinforced fiberglass rods, were paid for by the Downtown Redevelopment Trust board (DRTB), which was the City’s Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) at the time.

The park, which is frequently used for special occasions and is one of the most photographed spots in Alachua was reopened in June 2011.

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