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HIGH SPRINGS – Fire crews from across western Alachua County rushed to a fast-moving brush fire Sunday afternoon after reports that flames were threatening homes, vehicles and other property near Northwest 94^th Avenue.

Firefighters from High Springs, Newberry, Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded at 2:09 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2025, along with deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The fire was reported at 24715 N.W. 94^th Avenue in unincorporated Alachua County.

High Springs firefighters arrived at 2:18 p.m. to find an active grass fire with multiple structures at risk. Brush trucks immediately began knocking down the fast-moving flames while engine crews focused on protecting nearby homes.

“Fast, inter-departmental communication and coordination saved this fire from spreading to nearby structures and vehicles,” said Alachua County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Drew Dabney.

With a large number of response units committed to the scene, additional steps were taken to ensure emergency coverage throughout the region. Off-duty High Springs firefighters and units from LaCrosse were moved to cover the High Springs area, while Archer firefighters relocated to Newberry. Alachua County Fire Rescue also reassigned crews from its Fort Clarke Boulevard station to the Jonesville area to maintain adequate protection for residents across western Alachua County.

By 2:39 p.m., firefighters had contained the blaze to 3.7 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. Responding crews saved 14 exposures, including five boats, five structures and four vehicles.

No injuries were reported. Fire officials believe the fire was sparked by an escaped pile burn from the previous night.

The High Springs Fire Department is reminding residents to use caution when burning outdoors. The department advises property owners to avoid burning on windy days and to ensure a fire is fully extinguished before walking away, noting: “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

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ALACHUA – Nearly 400 families received fresh produce and essential items during a one-day farm share event held Nov. 6 at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex, an effort organized to support residents facing economic challenges in recent weeks.

The event brought together community leaders, volunteers and neighbors for a morning of distribution and connection. Organizers said the initiative was designed to respond directly to rising food insecurity affecting households across the region. Long lines formed early, and steady participation throughout the day reflected both the demand for assistance and the community’s willingness to help.

Tables filled with produce and donated goods were available, giving families access to fresh, healthy items. Volunteers from across the community — including local leaders and students — worked alongside one another to load food into vehicles and help keep the flow of traffic moving efficiently.

The success of the event relied heavily on the teamwork of numerous individuals and organizations, who donated time, resources and labor to ensure the farm share ran smoothly. Organizers expressed appreciation for those efforts, noting the involvement of local youth and school groups, including the Santa Fe High School Football Raiders led by Head Coach Ernest Graham.

With strong turnout and positive community response, city officials and local organizers are now exploring opportunities to host additional farm share events in the future. Plans may include expanding distribution sites, increasing volunteer recruitment and coordinating with partner agencies to sustain ongoing support for families in need.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Gainesville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is inviting area high school students to participate in the George and Stella Knight Essay Contest, an annual writing competition designed to encourage young people to explore the history and ideals of America’s founding.

Entries for the 2025–2026 contest are now being accepted through Dec. 19, 2025. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12, including those enrolled in public, private, and homeschool programs.

Participants are asked to submit an original essay of 800 to 1,200 words — without the use of artificial intelligence tools — focused on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution.

Essays are judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and proper documentation, ensuring students combine thoughtful research with strong writing skills.

“The first level of the contest is the Local level, which has a small cash award for our winner, a medal, and a certificate,” the chapter announcement stated. “The Gainesville Chapter contest winner will go on to a State, and perhaps, National. Each level has its own awards.”

The competition provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the founding principles of the United States while competing for recognition and scholarship opportunities.

Local winners will advance to the Florida State competition, and top state submissions are then entered into the national level, where students can earn additional honors and awards.

Students are encouraged to enter through their nearest SAR chapter, as only one essay per student per year may be submitted. Contest organizers emphasize that prior experience or affiliation with the organization is not required to participate.

“Don’t think you can’t win!” the chapter noted. “Recently, the Gainesville Chapter had a third-place winner in the State contest. We hope to present another worthy student with an award at one of our meetings.”

For questions or to submit an entry, students should contact Chapter President Randal Highsmith at Randal.Highsmith@gmail.com. Additional information and updates are available on the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SARGainesville/.

The George and Stella Knight Essay Contest is one of the national youth outreach programs of the Sons of the American Revolution, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence.

In addition to promoting historical literacy, the SAR encourages descendants of Revolutionary War patriots to explore their lineage and consider joining the organization.

“Anyone who has an ancestor who fought for the freedom of this country in the Revolution against Britain is invited to contact us,” the chapter said. “We can help with the needed lineage information from your Patriot to the present day and get you into this great organization.”

Through educational initiatives like the Knight Essay Contest, the Gainesville Chapter continues to honor the legacy of the nation’s founders while inspiring a new generation to engage with the enduring ideals of liberty and democracy.

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NEWBERRY – Newberry City Commissioners addressed a full agenda Monday night, Nov. 10, 2025, turning their focus to economic development initiatives including a proposed ad valorem tax exemption and an impact fee mitigation agreement tied to Project Hydro. The actions advance a multilayered incentive package designed to support investment, job creation and long-term growth within the city.

Project Hydro Ad Valorem Tax Exemption

Commissioners voted unanimously to approve Ordinance No. 2025-73, authorizing a structured ad valorem tax exemption for Project Hydro based on improvements and tangible personal property associated with its planned facility. The exemption applies only to City of Newberry taxes and does not affect taxes levied by the county, school district or other authorities.

The approved schedule spans nine years and provides the following phased reductions:

• Years 1–2: 100% exemption
• Years 3–4: 80% exemption
• Years 5–6: 60% exemption
• Years 7–8: 40% exemption
• Year 9+: 0% exemption

The exemption period is set to begin Jan. 1, 2027, and conclude Dec. 31, 2034, contingent on Project Hydro’s continued compliance with employment and wage commitments. If those requirements are not met, the City may revoke the exemption and recover taxes that were abated.

The ordinance notes that the incentives are intended to support significant private-sector investment and job creation within Newberry, consistent with established economic development goals. Assistant City Manager and CFO Dallas Lee confirmed that all applicable statutory requirements and existing city ordinance provisions have been met.

Although specific business details remain exempt from public disclosure at this stage, Project Hydro has represented that the new operation will employ at least 50 full-time equivalent workers, provide average annual wages at or above 115 percent of the regional average and make major capital investments in its new facility.

Impact Fee Mitigation Agreement

The Commission’s approval of the tax exemption transitioned into the second part of the Project Hydro discussion: impact fee mitigation. This related measure expands on the City’s economic development policy framework and is designed to complement the goals established in the ordinance.

In 2023, the City Commission adopted a resolution creating the Economic Development Impact Fee Mitigation Program. The program allows the City to reduce or waive portions of impact fees for new or expanding businesses that generate substantial economic benefits through job creation, investment and above-average wages.

Harvest Singularity Newberry Farm I, LLC, developer of Project Hydro, submitted an application seeking impact fee mitigation under this program. The proposal involves construction of a state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse facility within City limits. According to staff review, the project meets eligibility requirements outlined in Resolution 2023-48.

Under the proposed Impact Fee Mitigation Agreement, Project Hydro may receive up to $73,000 in impact fee credits based on verified hiring and wage achievements:

• 10 new jobs paying at least 115% of the average annual wage
• 7 new jobs paying at least 150% of the average annual wage
• 3 new jobs paying at least 200% of the average annual wage

Any remaining impact fees beyond the credit amount will be paid directly by the developer.

To remain eligible for the credits, the developer must complete the planned capital investment and create the 20 new jobs within three years of receiving the first Certificate of Occupancy. Annual documentation—including payroll summaries and RT-6 wage reports—must be submitted to verify compliance.

The agreement remains in effect for four years following issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Should the developer fall short of performance obligations, the City may recapture fees on a pro rata basis. Enforcement measures, including lien foreclosure, remain available to the City if needed.

Commissioner Tony Mazon moved to approve the agreement, with Commissioner Farnsworth seconding the motion. The measure passed as recommended by staff.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The sidewalks of historic downtown High Springs will turn into an open-air gallery on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, as the seasonal Art Walk returns from noon to 5 p.m. with 18 – 20 local artists and makers setting up along Main Street storefronts. The recurring event, a favorite on the community calendar, blends art, small-business specials and the easy, walkable charm that has come to define the city’s downtown.

The Art Walk is designed as a showcase for North Central Florida talent: painters, printmakers, potters, jewelry designers, woodworkers and other creatives demonstrating methods and selling finished work just a few steps from cafés and boutiques. Visitors can browse handmade goods, then pop into one of downtown’s eclectic restaurants for a late lunch or grab a pick-me-up from a coffee counter before circling back for a second look.

What sets the High Springs version apart is the setting. The compact downtown makes it simple to cover the entire route at a leisurely pace, turning the afternoon into a choose-your-own itinerary: start at one end of the district and stroll past easels and display racks, detour into a vintage shop, or linger where a maker is explaining process. Participating merchants plan event-day specials and sales, adding a second layer of discovery for shoppers who want to support local businesses while taking in the art.

The format also gives emerging artists a low-barrier way to meet customers. Sidewalk booths create natural conversations about technique and materials, and return visitors often look for familiar names from past Art Walks. For residents, it’s a chance to connect faces to the work they’ve spotted around town—on café walls, in gift shops, or at previous installments of the event.

Families typically find plenty to engage younger browsers — bright color studies, whimsical ceramics, nature-inspired prints — while seasoned collectors can scout original pieces or small, affordable editions. With the holidays approaching, the November date tends to spark early gift buying; shoppers often leave with something wearable, something for a wall and a few stocking stuffers tucked into a reusable tote.

Plan on comfortable shoes and unhurried timing; the Art Walk rewards meandering. Many visitors make a loop, take a break for a bite, then return to favorite booths for a final decision. Payment options vary by vendor, so having both a card and some cash on hand can help move purchases along.

Downtown’s hospitality is part of the draw. Restaurants and bakeries add to the festive vibe, and shopkeepers frequently set out sidewalk displays that complement the artists stationed nearby. The result is a small-town streetscape animated by easels, stands and friendly conversation — an afternoon that feels as much like a neighborhood gathering as an arts market.

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HIGH SPRINGS – Voters in High Springs delivered decisive results in the Nov. 4, 2025, municipal election, returning an incumbent to the City Commission and approving a broad slate of charter amendments aimed at updating governance procedures, term limits and administrative structure.

Commission Seat 3

Incumbent Tristan Grunder secured a commanding victory in the City Commission Seat 3 race, earning 587 votes. Challenger Julie Ann Tapia-Ruano received 279 votes. The results reaffirm Grunder’s position on the Commission for another term.

Charter Amendments Approved

High Springs voters also weighed in on five separate charter amendments, approving each one by strong margins.

Charter Amendment No. 1: Voters approved an update to commission seat information, removing outdated references to past commissioners and clarifying when each current term ends. Results: Yes 615, No 182:

Charter Amendment No. 2: Voters agreed to allow commissioner salaries to continue at the same rate into the next fiscal year if the commission does not act to change or affirm them.: Results: Yes 647, No 172

Charter Amendment No. 3: Residents approved limiting the mayor’s term to one year or until a successor is elected. The measure also prohibits commissioners from serving consecutive mayoral terms unless approved by a supermajority of the sitting commission.: Results: Yes 576, No 244

Charter Amendment No. 4: Voters supported requiring at least three days’ public notice for special-called meetings and formally defining the distinction between special and emergency meetings.: Results: Yes 717, No 101

Charter Amendment No. 5: Residents voted to update the charter to prevent a single individual from holding both the City Manager and City Clerk positions simultaneously.: Results: Yes 659, No 154

Code Amendment on Alcohol Sales: In addition to charter items, voters approved a code amendment affecting on-premises alcohol sales and operating hours for qualifying businesses. The measure allows establishments deriving at least 51 percent of gross revenue from the sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages—and breweries producing malt beverages on site—to sell alcoholic beverages: Monday through Saturday: 7 a.m. to midnight and Sunday: 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.: Results: Yes 622

The approval updates business classifications and provides expanded flexibility for restaurants and breweries operating within city limits.

This year’s ballot featured a variety of structural changes to city operations, giving residents an opportunity to shape both administrative practices and local business regulations. Strong margins across all ballot items indicate broad support for the updates.

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