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GAINESVILLE – Local and federal authorities seized firearms, cash and large amounts of illegal narcotics in a months-long investigation that culminated in the arrest of a convicted felon last week.

The Gainesville Alachua County Drug Task Force, made up of the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Gainesville Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, executed search warrants at a residence and several storage units tied to Donray Byrd, investigators said.

Inside, detectives recovered seven firearms, $120,700 in cash and substantial quantities of drugs. Seized items included approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, 5.5 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly three kilograms of cocaine, 1.7 kilograms of substituted cathinone (known as “Molly”), 23 pounds of cannabis, and a smaller amount of oxycodone. A cocaine press and other drug-processing equipment were also confiscated.

Authorities underscored the danger represented by the haul, noting that even small amounts of fentanyl can cause fatal overdoses. Sheriff Chad Scott said the amount of drugs seized could have destroyed countless lives in the community and vowed that his office, along with local and federal partners, will continue targeting traffickers. He added that the “peddling of deadly poison in Alachua County will not be tolerated.”

Byrd was arrested Aug. 22, 2025, and charged with 10 felony counts. The charges include trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone and phenethylamines; multiple counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and possession with intent to sell controlled substances near schools or parks. His bond was set at $1.6 million, and he remains in the Alachua County Jail.

Investigators said the bust was the result of extensive surveillance and multiple investigative techniques. They credited interagency cooperation with the success of the operation.

Officials added that the task force will continue targeting large-scale traffickers in an effort to disrupt networks that distribute narcotics throughout Alachua County and beyond.

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ALACHUA – A Raiford woman was arrested early Aug. 29, 2025, after Alachua Police Department (APD) officers said she drove northbound in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 441 and led officers on a high-speed pursuit before being stopped with a precision maneuver.

APD responded to reports of a wrong-way driver at 1:49 a.m. and located the vehicle near Northwest U.S. 441 and Northwest 125th Street. Police said the driver ignored commands to stop and continued traveling in the opposite lanes, displaying signs of impairment.

The chase reached speeds of 70 mph in a 30-mph zone and included additional wrong-way driving, according to police. Officers used a Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT maneuver, near Northwest State Road 235 and Northwest County Road 239 to end the pursuit without injuries.

The driver was identified as 35-year-old Christina Anne Thomas of Raiford. Officers said methamphetamine and multiple hypodermic needles were recovered from the vehicle. Police confirmed Thomas is a convicted felon.

Thomas faces the following charges:

• CHRG0001 — 316.1935.2: Fleeing or eluding law enforcement with lights and sirens active (felony).
• CHRG0002 — 316.192.1a: Reckless driving, first offense (misdemeanor).
• CHRG0003 — 316.193.1a: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (misdemeanor).
• CHRG0004 — 893.13.6a: Possession of a controlled substance without a prescription (felony).
• CHRG0005 — 893.147.1: Possession or use of drug equipment (misdemeanor).

Thomas was medically cleared before being booked into the Alachua County Jail, where her bond was set at $155,000.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission has formally recognized Sept. 17–23, 2025, as Constitution Week, joining a national observance that highlights the enduring importance of the United States Constitution.

Mayor Tristan Grunder issued the proclamation during the Sept. 8 commission meeting, noting that Sept. 17 marks the 238th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution by delegates of the Constitutional Convention in 1787.

The observance is supported by federal law. Public Law 915, passed by Congress in 1956, requires the President of the United States to issue a proclamation each year designating Sept. 17–23 as Constitution Week. Communities across the country participate by encouraging civic education and public awareness of the nation’s founding principles.

By issuing its proclamation, High Springs joins municipalities nationwide in emphasizing the relevance of the Constitution to modern life. The city’s proclamation encourages citizens to reflect on the liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, including the freedoms of speech, press, religion and assembly, as well as the system of checks and balances designed to protect those rights.

While High Springs has not scheduled additional events, city leaders expressed hope that the proclamation itself will encourage residents to pause and consider the significance of the nation’s founding charter.

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ALACHUA ‒ High school volleyball fans will have plenty to cheer about when the Rising Stars Classic junior varsity girls’ volleyball tournament arrives at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center on Saturday, Sept. 20.

The event is hosted by Crafty Gemini Youth Development, Inc., a nonprofit focused on providing opportunities for young athletes. The all-day tournament will bring together 12 JV teams from across North Florida for a showcase of competition, skill and community spirit.

Participating schools include Branford, Cedar Key, Columbia, Gainesville High, Gainesville 9th Grade, Keystone Heights, Newberry, Oak Hall, The Rock, Suwannee, Union County and Williston. Each team is guaranteed four games, giving athletes multiple opportunities to compete and grow in the game.

Play begins at 8:30 a.m., with doors opening at 7:30 a.m. for teams and 7:50 a.m. for spectators. With the format ensuring a full schedule of games, fans can expect a steady stream of volleyball action from morning through evening.

Admission is $7 for students and $10 for adults. To encourage student support, each student with a paid ticket will receive a free slice of pizza and a drink. Organizers say the goal is to create not just a tournament, but a community event where families, schools and athletes come together.

Organizers emphasize that the Rising Stars Classic is designed as more than just a competition. The event highlights teamwork, sportsmanship and player development, while offering junior varsity athletes the chance to perform on a larger stage. Fans can expect enthusiastic crowds, spirited rallies and an atmosphere that reflects the passion and energy of high school volleyball.

Crafty Gemini Youth Development has hosted similar events aimed at fostering growth and opportunity in youth sports. By focusing on junior varsity athletes, the tournament helps shine a spotlight on younger players who represent the future of their high school programs.

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
• Location: Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua
• Time: Games start at 8:30 a.m.
• Admission: $7 for students, $10 for adults; free pizza slice and drink for each student with a paid entry

For more information, contact Brandon Wilson at Brandon@craftygeminiyouth.org.

The tournament marks another major youth sports event hosted in the city of Alachua, reinforcing the role of Legacy Park as a hub for regional competition and community gatherings.

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NEWBERRY ‒ A 34-year-old Newberry man has been arrested on felony charges of sexual battery and lewd or lascivious battery after authorities say he inappropriately touched a girl beginning when she was 12 years old.

The Alachua County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victim recently disclosed the incidents to family members, who then contacted law enforcement. She told investigators that the inappropriate contact occurred on multiple occasions over a period of years. She explained that she had not spoken up earlier because, as a child, she did not realize the behavior was improper. She also described one incident in which she immediately pulled away after he touched her genitals.

Following the disclosure, deputies opened an investigation and identified Michael D’artagnon Kesselring as the suspect. He was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025.

Kesselring has been formally charged with sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18 and lewd or lascivious battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 16. Both are serious felony offenses under Florida law that carry the possibility of lengthy prison terms, mandatory registration as a sex offender, and long-term restrictions on employment and residency if convicted.

Deputies said that after being read his Miranda rights, Kesselring declined to answer questions.

At his first appearance, Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered Kesselring held without bail while the State Attorney’s Office pursues a motion to keep him detained until trial. If the motion is denied, the court will consider bail at a later hearing.

Court records show Kesselring has one prior case in Alachua County. In 2017, he was charged with driving under the influence and reckless driving with alcohol. The DUI charge was later dropped after he completed a deferred prosecution agreement. Adjudication of guilt was withheld on the reckless driving charge.

Kesselring remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail pending the outcome of the State Attorney’s motion and future court proceedings.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Residents and businesses in High Springs will see changes to their utility bills after the City Commission voted Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, to adopt updated water and sewer rates as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

The new rates, approved unanimously by commissioners, keep monthly water service charges steady for most customers but raise sewer base charges significantly and increase costs associated with hydrant meters and new water connections.

Sewer Rates See Largest Jump

The most significant adjustments affect sewer service. Residential customers will see the base monthly charge—including up to 5,000 gallons—rise from $44.05 to $68.30. Commercial and multi-family customers will see their charge increase from $57.29 to $81.54.

Despite the base rate increases, the usage fee for water over 5,000 gallons remains unchanged at $7.96 per 1,000 gallons.

Water Rates Remain Stable for Daily Users

For households and businesses, the structure of tiered water usage charges will remain the same in FY26. The monthly customer charge stays at $15.55, and the four-tier usage schedule—ranging from $3.12 per 1,000 gallons for the first 3,000 gallons to $4.15 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 15,000 gallons—will not change.

Hydrant Meter Costs Increase

Contractors and others who rely on temporary hydrant meters will face steep increases. The city will begin charging $125 for installation and removal, a service that was previously free. Deposits will jump from $100 to $500, and the monthly base charge will rise from $15.55 to $40.00. The per-gallon usage rate for hydrant meter water will also increase, from $3.25 to $3.80 per 1,000 gallons.

Impact Fees Adjusted

New connection fees were also restructured. Water connection impact fees will double from $250 to $500, while sewer connection fees will be reduced sharply, from $2,120 to $240.

The city’s disconnect/reconnect fee for nonpayment or tampering remains at $50.

Next Steps

The new rates will take effect with the start of the 2026 fiscal year on Oct. 1, 2025. Commissioners said the adjustments reflect the rising costs of maintaining water and sewer systems while ensuring long-term stability for the city’s utilities.

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