Local

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The City of High Springs is down one member of the City Commission as Commissioner Steve Tapanes resigned less than two months into his term. Elected on Nov 7, 2023, Tapanes cited a new law passed by the Florida Legislature in 2023 requiring elected officials to file what is known as Form 6–a financial disclosure document–by Dec. 31, 2023.

Prior to the new law, mayors and elected city or town council members were required to file Form 1. However, Form 6 requires a more in-depth report of the filer's finances, including disclosure of net worth, information not required by Form 1. Form 6 filers must also disclose assets over $1,000, while the Form 1 threshold is over $10,000. Form 6 also requires filers to disclose clients that make up more than 10 percent of the filer's income. Completed filings constitute public documents and are available online at https://disclosure.floridaethics.gov/PublicSearch/Filings.

Tapanes tendered his resignation as of Dec. 30, but he is not the only elected official in Alachua County to do so.

The Town of LaCrosse received two commissioner resignations for Seats 2 and 4, which were held by Sheila Dubberly and Barbara Thomas, respectively.

In the City of Waldo, “Commissioner Rick Pisano (Seat 4) resigned due to Form 6,” said City Manager Kim Worley.

Tapanes said he was unaware of Form 6 until about two weeks prior to the deadline. “I own my own business, Triple C Glass in High Springs. I have contracts with contractors that prohibit me from putting information out that is open to the public. I had some concern about honoring my commitments to those agreements,” said Tapanes. “In addition, I own properties in common with my wife. I didn’t want to put her information out there to the public either. Open disclosure doesn’t work with my situation,” he said.

“This would work better if the information was submitted to the Ethics Commission and kept private unless there is an ethics complaint. At that time the information could be useful, but just putting it out to the public seems like overreaching,” said Tapanes.

In an effort to handle these untimely resignations, municipalities have been left scrambling to fill the vacated positions.

On Thursday, Jan. 4, the High Springs City Commission will hold a Special Commission Meeting to address the issue of Tapanes’ resignation. At the 6:30 p.m. meeting commissioners can choose to “either appoint someone to fill the position temporarily or choose to leave the seat vacant until an election can be conducted,” said High Springs City Clerk Angela Stone.

If the High Springs City Commission chooses to appoint a temporary commissioner, the only qualifiers would be the same as those if they were running for the seat. They would need to reside in the city limits and be a registered voter.

With more than six months remaining before the next annual High Springs election, the City is required to have a mandatory special election to fill the remainder of the term of the vacant Commission seat. The High Springs Charter dictates that the election will be held “not sooner than sixty (60) days, nor more than ninety (90) days following the occurrence of the vacancy,” which would be between Feb. 28 – March 29, 2024.

In LaCrosse, “the upcoming election this March is for Seats 1, 2 and Mayor,” said Town Clerk Crystal Phillips. As Seat 2 is now open, that election will fill the empty seat and leave the town with only one missing council member. LaCrosse will hold another election for Seats 3, 4, and 5 in 2025.

Waldo’s elections are held in December each year. “As it is more than six months before our next election,” said City Manager Worley, “we will be required to hold a special election to fill the seat.” Worley has contacted their city attorney to discuss the matter more fully.

Although no commissioners resigned from the City of Newberry, the issue of Form 6 will be addressed at Newberry’s Regular City Commission meeting on Jan. 8. The Commission on Ethics has advised the Newberry City Clerk’s office and they are working with their city attorney to formulate a presentation which will include information provided by the Ethics Commission on this issue.

The cities of Alachua and Archer report they had no resignations due to Form 6. Attempts to reach the City of Hawthorne were unsuccessful.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ There is a crossroads in High Springs just south of downtown where Poe Springs Road and Highway 45 meet and serves as both the gateway to the many springs and parks as well as the route south to Newberry and other points south. This intersection is both a path to the to the previously mentioned attractions but also the location of a store that has become a hub of activity for both locals and travelers.

I frequent the combination fuel depot and general store often and it is rare that it is not bustling with activity. On any early morning visit you will discover High Springs residents fueling up, getting coffee and a donut or fellowshipping with friends and new acquaintances. Given the overall friendliness of small southern towns there are no strangers. Mixed with those heading to work or school there are the springers. SunStop number 348 is a very diverse culture of people.

Springers are those who are in need of supplies such as beverages, snacks, ice and more. Mixed in with the regulars there is a diverse crowd of travelers—it is a cultural melting pot in many respects.

All of these needs being met and interactions require a lot of coordinated effort by the team that make it all possible day-in and day-out.

I would like to introduce you to a lady who is integral in making it all possible. Lissette Hill has been the manager at this store for two years and employed with the parent company for nine. Her easy-going personality and wealth of experience is a combination that serves the store and those who shop there well.

It can be chaotic at times, but Lissette and the team there always remain calm and positive even when a customer is having a challenging day. However, in the midst of occasional turmoil you are always treated as a person and a sincere effort is made to accommodate you. You are always a priority.

Lissette was quick to point out that Jessica, Crystal, Larrisa and Bella, along with several others, are the greatest contributors to the ambience and seamless efficiency of this important depot of activity.

I can personally testify to this by my numerous visits.

Being authentic, personal and proficient is who Lissette is. Having a husband, three children and grandchildren and seeing to their needs makes her equipped to manage a people-oriented business. Thus, serenity and determination go together providing leadership.

Currently Lissette has quite a commute from her home in Perry but loves this community like home. Also, like many in our area, she shares a personal relationship with God.

Originally from Puerto Rico, she is of course bilingual and that makes an immediate connection with those from the local Latin community and the Spanish speaking tourists. She is very comfortable with a diverse clientele.

Recently, as I entered the parking lot on one of my frequent visits, I was met with the flashing lights of two emergency vehicles. Lissette was at the entrance and the door was open. As I peered inside it was evident that the first responders were attending someone in need of medical attention. Soon the patient was transported on a gurney to the ambulance and taken for treatment.

I mention this event because it is indicative of the empathy of the local citizens who comprise our area. Lissette, the other team members and patrons were genuinely concerned and it showed in their faces and demeanor.

Not only did God give me a glimpse of the character of Lissette and the others in the store but convicted me of my self-centered attitude when my routine or plans are disrupted because of someone else’s misfortune.

Not too long ago I found myself at a standstill on the interstate. As the time, past frustration and even anger invaded my spirit. While this reaction may be somewhat understandable, it was not the best reaction. Did I even consider the potential of severe injury or even death occurring as a result of the accident causing my inconvenience?

Taking a look at myself overall there has been a very noticeable shift in how I react to situations I find irritating. My peace has been increased, at least in part, by the far less stressful environment of our area.

Lissette and the small store / filling station are not big players in the overall scheme of things. Their contributions to the community are not newsworthy. The influence and impact are subtle and often unnoticed. However, that in no way diminishes their importance. Clearly, this community is comprised of many pieces. And in the final analysis, each is important and valuable. Lissette and others like her are valuable.

It is 4 a.m. as I am writing this. Lissette is probably arriving about now it prepare the store for opening at 5 a.m. Other team members will join her soon and throughout the day. The services and products provided here are an often an under appreciated but integral part of our community.

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ALACHUA ‒ A 34-year-old Gainesville man was arrested by Alachua Police Department (APD) officers on Thursday, Dec. 28, when they went to investigate a disabled vehicle on railroad tracks in Alachua.

The car, driven by Chad Ray July, was found on the railroad tracks near Rachael Boulevard where it crosses under U.S. Highway 441 along with July’s five-year-old daughter.

The investigating officer said in his report that July “had been involved in a single-vehicle traffic crash in which he left the roadway on a curve, lost control of his vehicle and drove onto a section of railroad tracks with sufficient force to rip the entire engine from the vehicle and remove it from the chassis.”

The officer found the driver’s five-year-old daughter sitting in the front right passenger seat unsecured by any kind of restraint, seatbelt or car seat.

July was seated in the driver’s seat in physical control of the vehicle. “The defendant appeared to initially not know where he was, and asked ‘What’s the problem?’” The officer said he immediately detected the odor of alcohol from the driver and vehicle and could see a handgun sitting on the floorboard of the vehicle near his feet.

The officer ordered the driver to step away from the vehicle while retrieving the driver’s daughter from the front seat. After instructing the two to move away from the tracks, the officer said he “observed the defendant sway, stumble, and almost completely collapse upon exiting the vehicle.” He said that July’s speech was slurred, his eyes were watery and bloodshot, and that he had difficulty understanding commands and questions.

July allegedly became verbally aggressive and disobeyed repeated commands to step away from the busy roadway. He allegedly approached officers aggressively and kept trying to return to his vehicle. He said he would “Beat [an officer’s] *ss” and would “slap the sh*t out of [an officer].” He allegedly pointed to each officer, threatening to slap each one and making specific and individualized comments about physical features of each officer. The arresting officer reported that July is 6’10” and weighs 300 pounds, making the threats plausible and “extremely dangerous.”

When EMS arrived, July reportedly told them to stay away from him and his daughter, preventing medical personnel from evaluating his daughter for injuries. He also allegedly held his daughter in front of him, using her as a shield to prevent officers from using less-lethal force options to detain him.

July reportedly said he had been tased before and if officers tased him that he would simply “pull them [Taser probes] out.” The officer reported that his aggression and non-compliance “significantly delayed, obstructed, and impeded the investigation of the traffic crash, the removal of the vehicle from the tracks, and the rendering of care to his daughter.”

July eventually relinquished his daughter to a family member who arrived at the scene of the crash and initially refused to perform field sobriety exercises but later agreed. The officer reported that July performed poorly on the field sobriety exercises and was arrested for DUI.

A search of the vehicle reportedly produced the firearm previously noted by the officer and three grams of marijuana.

July has been charged with DUI with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher with a minor in the vehicle, child neglect without great bodily harm, three counts of threatening officers, three counts of simple assault on officers, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana.

July has four misdemeanor convictions (none violent), along with a case where adjudication of guilt was withheld on a charge of video voyeurism, a felony. Bail was set at $286,500 by Judge Susan Miller-Jones.

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA ‒ It was smiles galore at the Alachua Police Department’s (APD) annual Shop with a Cop event as local children experienced some special holiday cheer courtesy of local law enforcement.

The event has become a holiday tradition for APD, City of Alachua staff, and volunteers. APD reported that this year 50 children from local schools were treated with a shopping spree at Walmart. Each child was given a $100 gift card to spend on any items they wished, which for many included gifts for family members.

Excitement began to build early with a police escort to and from a local Walmart where the shopping spree took place. And as children, armed with their $100 in purchasing power, browsed the store aisles, their joy was evident in their smiling faces. Today was their day to do more than just window shop, but instead to peruse their options and buy that special item.

About the event, APD noted, “The success of Shop with a Cop relies heavily on the kindness and dedication of sponsors and volunteers like you. Your contribution has not only brought joy to the children involved but has also strengthened the bond between our officers and the community we serve.”

Shop with a Cop will undoubtedly be a day to remember in the lives of the children who had the opportunity to not only make their Christmas a happy one, but also a joyous occasion for their families as well.

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Photo Special to Aalachua County Today/ Newly appointed members of the High Springs Mayor’s Youth Council are pictured along with High Springs City Commissioners. L-R: High Springs Vice-Mayor Tristan Grunder, Youth Council members Leila Ceilley and Camden Treese, High Springs Mayor Katherine Weitz, Youth Council member Anna Weitz, City Commissioner Andrew Miller, Youth Council members Samuel Nichol and Aiden Bloodsworth and City Commissioners Steven Tapanes and Byran Williams. Not pictured is Youth Council member Elijah Kellum.

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Leila Ceilley, Camden Treese, Aiden Bloodworth, Anna Weitz, Sam Nichol and Elijah Kellum have been appointed to the High Springs Mayor’s Youth Council. The Youth Council was established by the High Springs City Commission to promoted youth involvement in local government.

At the Dec. 14 High Springs City Commission, the Commission unanimously appointed five members and one alternative member to the Mayor’s Youth Council.

The City Commission modified the original Ordinance for the Mayor's Youth Council in July to consist of five members rather than the previous seven with two alternates.

One the City received enough applications to create the board, the Commission agreed that two of the members should be appointed to one-year terms and the other three appointed to two-year terms to preserve Board continuity.

Based on their remaining time in high school Leila Ceilley and Camden Treese were named to one-year terms, Aiden Bloodworth, Anna Weitz and Sam Nichol were named to two-year terms. Elijah Kellum was named as alternate as he is a senior. Kellum will be able to vote along with the rest of the Council members.

Council members will work with the City to set a date for their first meeting when they will elect their own chair and vice chair.

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