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Mi Apa Latin Café’s new Alachua location is open and offers more space, parking, and a drive-thru at 14829 N.W. 157th Lane, just off U.S. Highway 441.\ Today Staff Photographer

ALACHUA ‒ For more than 13 years, Mi Apa Latin Café has served up authentic Cuban food and rich, aromatic coffee to residents of Alachua and its neighboring communities. Now, the beloved local restaurant is entering a new chapter with the opening of its new and expanded location fronting U.S. Highway 441.

The new Mi Apa restaurant, located at 14829 NW 157^th Lane, offers everything longtime customers love including fast, flavorful meals and affordable prices. And with the added benefits of a larger dining space, improved parking, and a convenient drive-thru window, customers can enjoy more options for their dining experience.

“You can find the same great Mi Apa food and coffee as you always have,” said a spokesperson for the restaurant, “now with a drive-thru, larger seating area, and more parking.”

Mi Apa Latin Café first opened in 2003 in Gainesville’s Westgate Shopping Center at the corner of 34^th Street and University Avenue. From those early days, the restaurant has grown steadily, fueled by word-of-mouth praise and community loyalty. Today, Mi Apa operates six locations across Alachua County, each offering the vibrant flavors and culture of traditional Cuban cuisine.

The relocation in Alachua marks a milestone for the business as it continues to expand its footprint while remaining rooted in the communities it serves. The new building reflects a growing demand for quick-service dining options that don’t sacrifice quality or heritage.

Popular menu items include pressed Cuban sandwiches, slow-roasted pork, black beans and rice, maduros (sweet plantains), and the café’s signature Cuban coffee — strong, sweet, and served just right. The restaurant has become a go-to stop for families, professionals on lunch break, and longtime locals alike.

In addition to food, Mi Apa offers something less tangible but equally important: cultural connection. From the music playing inside to the Spanish-language greetings and the scent of espresso in the air, the experience is as rooted in tradition as the recipes themselves.

“We’re proud to continue serving the city of Alachua, High Springs, and surrounding communities,” the spokesperson said. “Although the building is new, our mission is the same — offering a taste of our culture and making people feel at home.”

The restaurant’s leadership said the new location was designed with both customer comfort and efficiency in mind, especially for those looking to grab a quick meal or cafecito on the go. With the drive-thru now open and ample seating indoors, the team hopes to welcome even more guests in the coming months.

For more information, including hours, menu offerings, and other locations, visit www.miapalatincafe.com.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission voted on July 10,2025, to finalize the ballot language for proposed changes to the city’s alcohol sales regulations, which will be presented to voters during the Nov. 4, 2025, municipal election.

Although commissioners initially intended to hold a first reading of the ordinance at the July 10 meeting, substantive changes to the language prompted a delay. The first reading is now scheduled for July 22, with a second reading planned for a special meeting on July 31 at 6 p.m. Officials said they anticipate only minor revisions, if any, will be needed before the second reading.

Because of the complexity of the topic, city staff divided the proposal into three separate code amendments to simplify the ballot for voters. The first proposed amendment would remove distinctions between malt beverages and other types of alcohol for off-premises packaged sales, allowing all alcoholic beverages to be sold Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to midnight, and on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m. the following morning.

The second proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that businesses meet specific revenue thresholds from food or nonalcoholic beverage sales to qualify for alcohol service. If approved, this change would allow all restaurants and breweries that manufacture malt beverages on site and hold a beverage license to sell alcoholic drinks for on-premises consumption from 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday, and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

The third proposed amendment, which would have addressed the use of special permits for extending alcohol sale hours, was removed from consideration entirely.

In other business, commissioners voted unanimously to approve an ordinance granting Duke Energy Florida, LLC the right to use the city’s electric utility rights-of-way. This agreement formalizes Duke Energy’s access to city-owned corridors for service operations and infrastructure.

The Commission also held a discussion on a potential partnership with Alachua County to establish a community outreach center in High Springs. The proposed facility would serve as a centralized location offering a range of services, including veterans assistance, legal aid, food distribution, and family support programs. County officials expressed interest in creating a one-stop hub that could host various nonprofit and government services under one roof.

Local faith-based organizations, including St. Madeleine’s Catholic Church and representatives of Reverend Adam Joy’s ministry, described their current outreach efforts and expressed willingness to collaborate. Children’s Trust of Alachua County also indicated interest in supporting the initiative. The Commission agreed that a workshop should be scheduled to bring together churches, nonprofits, and public agencies to explore the possibility of unified service delivery, though no date was set for that workshop.

Also on the agenda was a review of responses to the city’s Request for Proposal to update the Land Development Code. Three firms submitted bids, with Calvin Geodono & Associates offering the most budget-friendly option. Representatives from two of the firms were present at the meeting to explain their pricing structures. The Commission voted unanimously to table the item until the next meeting.

The next regular High Springs City Commission meeting is scheduled for July 22. A special meeting will be held July 31 at 6 p.m. for the second reading of the alcohol ordinance, pending adoption on first reading.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Police Department will join thousands of law enforcement agencies across the country on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, to celebrate National Night Out, an annual event that promotes community partnerships and public safety awareness. The free, family-friendly event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at the High Springs Civic Center, located at 19107 N.W. 240^th Street.

National Night Out is a nationwide community-building campaign that fosters relationships between law enforcement and residents, with the goal of creating safer, more connected neighborhoods. The event is designed to strengthen the bond between neighbors and police officers by bringing them together under positive and relaxed circumstances.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together, meet their local officers, and have some fun in the process,” the High Springs Police Department said in a release. “It’s about building trust and showing that we’re all working toward the same goal — a safer, more caring community.”

New this year, Safe Kids North Central Florida and State Farm will host a Child Passenger Safety Station at the event from 5 to 8 p.m. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to install car seats at no charge and provide guidance on proper installation and usage. The car seat checkup station is part of a national initiative focused on improving access to safety education and resources, encouraging safer behaviors, and fostering a safety-conscious culture among families.

The evening will feature a variety of attractions and activities, including a DJ, free food, a balloon toss, a bounce house, a water slide, and more. Bicycle and helmet giveaways will also be offered while supplies last.

Organizers encourage all residents to attend and help promote neighborhood unity and crime prevention.

“National Night Out reminds us that by working together and looking out for one another, we can make a real difference,” the department’s statement said.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry has taken a step toward expanding commercial activity along its growing western corridor. On July 14, 2025, the City Commission voted to approve both a Small-Scale Future Land Use Map Amendment and a zoning change for a 50-acre property located just west of Destiny Community Church on West Newberry Road.

The approvals pave the way for a potential large-scale commercial development known as Crystal Lake, though city officials emphasized that no development will proceed until detailed site plans are submitted and approved.

The property, located at 21236 W. Newberry Road, had been classified as Agricultural on the city’s Future Land Use Map and zoned Agricultural (A). Commissioners voted unanimously to change the land use designation to Commercial and rezone the site to Commercial, Intensive (CI) — a designation that allows for a wide range of retail, service, and business uses.

Newberry Principal Planner Jean-Paul W. Perez presented the application on behalf of NV5 Global, Inc., which represents property owner HCNB Sapp LLC. The applicant requested both land use and zoning changes to enable future commercial development, although no specific project or site plan has been submitted to date.

“This is a land use and zoning change only. A separate process will govern what is ultimately built,” said Perez.

Under Newberry’s development regulations, all new commercial construction must undergo a site and development plan review, including traffic, stormwater, architectural, and landscaping standards. The city also evaluates potential impacts on utilities, transportation corridors, and adjacent land uses before issuing permits.

City officials noted that the approval does not guarantee any specific type of business, shopping center, or other use will be developed. However, the Commercial, Intensive zoning allows for uses including retail centers, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, grocery stores, and other service-oriented businesses.

The Crystal Lake site sits along State Road 26, a key east-west artery that connects Newberry to Gainesville. In recent years, Newberry has seen steady growth along this corridor, with new housing developments, expanded infrastructure, and increased interest from commercial developers seeking to serve the western Alachua County population.

The next step for Crystal Lake would be for the property owner or developer to submit a formal site and development plan, which would be reviewed by city planning staff, the Development Review Committee, and, if necessary, the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission.

As of July 14, no timeline for submission has been announced.

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NEWBERRY ‒ The Newberry City Commission has adopted the Newberry Stormwater Facilities Plan, a comprehensive blueprint aimed at improving flood protection and water infrastructure throughout the city.

During its July 14, 2025, meeting, the Commission heard a presentation by Newberry Assistant City Manager and Public Works Director Jamie Jones, with supporting analysis from Amanda Boone, senior project manager at engineering firm Woodard & Curran.

The plan outlines critical system improvements designed to enhance the city’s resilience to extreme weather events. It was developed as part of a $60,000 contract awarded in early 2024 and is aligned with Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) standards for State Revolving Fund planning requirements.

“The Stormwater Facilities Plan is a planning-level document that defines project needs and costs to allow the City to secure a grant and low-interest funds for the design and construction of stormwater infrastructure,” Jones said.

Boone walked commissioners through three alternatives for managing stormwater in the city’s Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) District. The recommended option, at an estimated cost of $17.9 million, was selected for having the lowest financial impact on ratepayers.

The Newberry CRA covers approximately 640 acres in the city’s urban core, primarily focused on the historic downtown district. Established in 2020 via an interlocal agreement between the City of Newberry and Alachua County, this redevelopment district leverages tax increment financing (TIF) to fund public improvements and combat blight.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. on July 28.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

LACROSSE ‒ Former City of Alachua Mayor Gilbert “Gib” Coerper was recognized once again for his lifelong dedication to public service on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, as Waldo Mayor Louie Davis presented him with a plaque honoring his years of service to the Alachua County League of Cities (ACLC).

The presentation took place during the League’s regular meeting, hosted by the Town of LaCrosse as local elected officials or designees from each municipality in the county gathered to collaborate on regional issues.

The award from the ACLC adds to a long list of accolades Coerper has received for his unwavering service to the community and local government.

Earlier this year, on May 5, the Alachua City Commission memorialized Coerper’s contributions with an official proclamation naming the date “Gib Coerper Day.” At that meeting, current city leaders and staff delivered heartfelt tributes to the longtime mayor and commissioner, recognizing not only his accomplishments in office but also his mentorship and steady presence in civic life.

“Even though he won’t be sitting behind the dais, he’ll always be part of this city,” Commissioner Dayna Williams said at the time. “To me, he’ll always be ‘Ambassador Coerper.’”

Coerper, who moved to Alachua in 1974, first joined the City Commission in 1999 and went on to serve as mayor for multiple terms. Under his leadership, Alachua saw major infrastructure investments, increased economic development, and the successful recruitment of bioscience and tech companies. One of the city’s most transformative initiatives under his guidance was securing a multimillion-dollar Florida Job Growth Grant to build a parkway that could double the region’s bioscience capacity.

“It was never, ever a job for me,” Coerper said during the May 5 ceremony. “The best thing that’s ever happened to me is moving here.”

That passion and dedication to service have earned Coerper recognition not only locally but also at the state level. In August 2024, the Florida League of Cities presented him with its highest honor—the E. Harris Drew Municipal Lifetime Achievement Award—at its annual conference.

“Throughout my life, I’ve always volunteered and I’ve always wanted to help,” Coerper said at the time. “It’s such an honor to be involved in this wonderful community.”

The award, named after former Florida Supreme Court Justice E. Harris Drew, is presented to municipal leaders who have made significant, lasting impacts on their cities and the state. Coerper’s résumé is a testament to that legacy: Vice Chair of the Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee, President of the ACLC, two-time recipient of the Home Rule Hero Award, and active member of the Florida League of Mayors and Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

His service also extends well beyond the world of governance. He has been a youth liaison with Boy Scouts Troop 88, a tutor at local schools, and a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, Alachua Lions Club, and Keep Alachua County Beautiful. In 2013, he was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship by Lions Club International and named Volunteer of the Year by the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

Alachua City Commissioner Dayna Miller said it best: “The E. Harris Drew Achievement Award that Mayor Coerper recently received was certainly well deserved; he’s accomplished great things as our mayor. His heart for Alachua shines bright.”

Now affectionately referred to by some as “Ambassador Coerper,” his name continues to be synonymous with the values of service, humility, and community.

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