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ALACHUA – The Alachua Police Department has announced Sergeant Carl Newsome as the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Officer of the Year Award, recognizing his nearly 27 years of exemplary service and dedication to the City of Alachua.

Sgt. Newsome began his career with the Alachua Police Department on Jan. 22, 1997, and currently serves as a shift supervisor in the Patrol Division. Over the years, he has taken on numerous vital roles within the department, demonstrating his versatility, leadership, and commitment to public safety.

His extensive contributions include serving as the Supervisor of the Traffic Unit, Supervisor of the K-9 Unit, and a member of the FDLE-sponsored Statewide Narcotics Task Force. He also represented the department in the Regional Domestic Security Task Force in the post-9/11 era and has served as the Event Commander for APD’s annual July 4th Celebration, a major city event.

In its announcement, the Alachua Police Department highlighted Sgt. Newsome’s professionalism, leadership, and dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of Alachua’s residents. His unwavering commitment to the community has made him a respected figure within the department and among the citizens he serves.

Beyond his remarkable career, Sgt. Newsome is known for his passion for cooking and cherishing time with family and friends, further showcasing the well-rounded qualities that define his character.

Sgt. Newsome will be formally honored at the 2025 Alachua Chamber of Commerce Gala on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Legacy Park, Alachua. This high-profile event will feature Danny Wuerffel, Heisman Trophy winner and celebrated keynote speaker, making the occasion even more memorable.

The gala will bring together community leaders, city officials, and residents to celebrate Sgt. Newsome’s achievements and his ongoing dedication to the City of Alachua.

On behalf of Alachua Police Department Chief Jesse Sandusky, the Alachua Police Department, and the City of Alachua, the department expressed its gratitude to Sgt. Newsome for his outstanding contributions and the positive impact he has made over nearly three decades of service.

The recognition of Sgt. Newsome as the 2024 Officer of the Year underscores the values of professionalism, leadership, and community dedication that the Alachua Police Department strives to uphold.

For more information about the 2025 Alachua Chamber of Commerce Gala or to join in celebrating Sgt. Newsome’s accomplishments, contact the Alachua Police Department or the Alachua Chamber of Commerce.

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NEWBERRY ‒ During the Jan. 13, 2025, City Commission meeting, Mayor Jordan Marlowe officially announced that the City of Newberry's 2025 Municipal Election will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The election will determine the mayor and two city commissioners, marking an important opportunity for residents to shape the city’s leadership.

The upcoming election will include three positions: Mayor, currently held by Jordan Marlowe, who will serve a two-year term; Group Four City Commissioner, currently held by Tim Marden, who will also serve a two-year term and Group Five City Commissioner, currently held by Tony Mazon, who will serve a two-year term as well.

The mayor and commissioners play critical roles in overseeing city operations, guiding policy, and representing the interests of the community.

The election will be held at the Mentholee Norfleet Municipal Building, Precinct 6, located at 25420 West Newberry Road. Residents will be able to cast their votes between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Mayor Marlowe also outlined the election team, including Election Clerks, Deputy, and Inspectors, who will manage the voting process and ensure smooth operations.

The qualifying period for candidates interested in running for office begins at noon on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, and ends at noon on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025.

Candidates must schedule an appointment with the City Clerk to qualify. Appointments can be made by calling 352-472-2446 or emailing CityClerk@NewberryFL.Gov.

The qualifying fees for Mayor are $155.38, while City Commissioner fees are $144.67

Newberry residents are encouraged to participate in the election process, whether as candidates, voters, or volunteers. For additional information about the election or to inquire about qualifying as a candidate, contact the City Clerk at 352-472-2446 or email CityClerk@NewberryFL.Gov.

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Officer Swearing in Ceremony, Jan. 19, 2025 / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA COUNTY – Just one day into his tenure after defeating incumbent Sheriff Emery Gainey in a November 2024 election, newly sworn-in Alachua County Sheriff Chad Scott has announced a series of leadership appointments and promotions within the Sheriff’s Office, ushering in a new chapter for the agency.

On Jan. 8, 2025, Sheriff Scott unveiled the names of personnel who have been elevated to positions of greater responsibility.

The promotions span various divisions within the Sheriff’s Office, showcasing a balance of experience and leadership.

Captain Joshua Crews was promoted to Undersheriff, becoming second-in-command and responsible for overseeing the agency’s overall operations and strategic initiatives.

Captain Dorian Keith was promoted to Major and assigned as Jail Director

Lieutenant Christopher Sims rose to the rank of Captain and was assigned to the Public Information and Community Services Division

Captain Jonathan Schabruch was elevated to Major, taking the helm of the Department of Support Services.

Lieutenant Edward Bennett was promoted to Captain and now leads the Patrol Operations Division.

Lieutenant Kenneth “Jason” Cruse advanced to Captain with the assignment of Deputy Director of the Department of the Jail, working closely with Major Keith.

Several promotions were made within the Department of Operations to bolster the Sheriff’s Office's ability to respond to community needs.

Sergeant Michael Hurlocker was promoted to Lieutenant, joining the Patrol Operations Division.

Sergeant Fred “Todd” Thomas III was also promoted to Lieutenant, serving in the Patrol Operations Division.

Deputy Maddison Telle was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Department of Operations Patrol Operation Division.

Deputy Christopher Dasher was promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the Department of Operations Patrol Operation Division.

The Sheriff’s Office also recognized the contributions of staff in administrative and jail operations.

Classification Caseworker Reshone Flanders was promoted to Contract Monitor in the Department of the Jail

Senior Executive Assistant to the Sheriff Courtney Barreca was promoted to Deputy Director in the Department of Administrative Services

Scott was sworn into office on Jan. 7, 2025, continuing the law enforcement career he began in 1990 at the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, later serving as Chief of Police in the City of Alachua from 2014 to 2022. Scott later returned to the Sheriff’s Office as the Major of Operations and was promoted to Colonel, overseeing areas such as patrol, investigations and community outreach.

In a news release about staff promotions and assignments, the Sheriff’s Office stated, “We know you will continue to make us proud, and serve the citizens of Alachua County and our agency with dignity and grace.”

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Photo special to Alachua County Today

WALDO ‒ Units from Alachua County Fire Rescue, with assistance from the Windsor and Melrose Fire Departments, responded to a significant residential fire on Kennard Street at approximately 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The fire, which fully engulfed a two-story house, caused road closures and prompted a swift, coordinated firefighting effort.

Upon arrival, the first fire unit encountered a severe blaze, with the second floor of the residence consumed by flames and fire spreading rapidly to the structure's exterior. Power lines near the home also caught fire, further complicating the situation and adding to the hazards faced by firefighters.

Fire crews immediately deployed an offensive strategy while maintaining a defensive approach to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby properties. Their efforts were focused on the front side of the structure, where flames were most intense.

Fortunately, all occupants of the home were able to exit the building safely before firefighters arrived. No injuries were reported among residents or first responders.

By 4 p.m., the fire was fully extinguished. Following an investigation by the Fire Marshal, the cause of the fire was determined to be a space heater, a common fire hazard during colder months. The incident serves as a reminder for residents to exercise caution when using heating devices, ensuring they are properly maintained and positioned away from flammable materials.

Due to the fire and related safety concerns, Waldo Road experienced significant traffic disruption throughout the day. Power lines damaged in the fire further complicated the situation. By 4:30 p.m., one southbound lane of Waldo Road had reopened, though crews continued to monitor the area and work to restore normal traffic flow.

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WALDO ‒ A 41-year-old man was arrested on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, after allegedly assaulting and threatening a woman who had given him temporary shelter in her home. The suspect, identified as Michael Donell Thomas, Jr., faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.

The victim reportedly allowed Thomas to stay at her house in December 2024, as he claimed to have no place to go. According to the arrest report, tensions escalated after a few days, culminating in a series of violent acts.

The conflict began when the victim returned home with pizza for dinner, and Thomas allegedly accused her of taking too long. He reportedly physically attacked her during the confrontation.

The situation worsened when Thomas became angry over the victim’s plans to go out and a trip he overheard her discussing. At one point, Thomas allegedly punched the victim in the face when she didn’t answer a question to his satisfaction. He also reportedly choked her to the point of cutting off her breath and kicked her in the face.

During the same incident, Thomas allegedly threatened the victim with a box cutter, at one point touching the blade to her face without cutting her. The victim later stated that this threat made her fear for her life and that Thomas could harm her at any time.

Thomas also reportedly told the victim that he would kill her if she called the police.

After a night and day of this, the victim took advantage of a moment of inattention to run and hide in a neighbor’s yard and call 911. Thomas reportedly left in his vehicle before a deputy arrived.

The victim told the responding Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy that when she returned to her house, she found her purse open and keys to her vehicle and house missing, valued at $310. She also reported that Thomas yelled that he would be back before leaving.

When deputies responded, they observed significant facial injuries on the victim and evidence of physical altercations in multiple rooms of the house.

Thomas allegedly caused significant damage to the victim’s property, smashing the screens of every television in her house. The damage was estimated at approximately $1,700.

A sworn complaint was filed following the incident, and a warrant for Thomas’ arrest was issued on Dec. 26, 2024. He was apprehended in Alachua County on Jan. 9, 2025.

Thomas has been charged with Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, Battery by strangulation, False imprisonment, Property damage over $1,000, Battery and Petit theft

According to the arrest report, Thomas has an extensive criminal history, including 10 felony convictions, one of which was violent, and 16 misdemeanor convictions, two of which were violent. He has served four state prison sentences, with his most recent release in June 2023.

Judge Kristine Van Vorst has ordered Thomas to be held without bail pending a hearing on a motion by the State Attorney’s Office to deny bail until trial.

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HIGH SPRINGS - The High Springs Fire Department, in partnership with UF Health Shands Pediatric Trauma Services, is proud to announce a free Car Seat Safety Check event on Saturday, January 18th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the High Springs Farmers' Market Pavilion.

“The most effective way to protect your child in the car is by using the correct car seat and installing it properly. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by up to 71%.” Said Jordyn Zyngier, Pediatric Trauma Outreach Coordinator, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. “However, research shows that, on average, three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly across the country. Our mission is to help families make informed choices to ensure their child's safety on the road.”

This event is part of the department’s ongoing commitment to community safety and aims to help parents and caregivers ensure their car seats are installed correctly. Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on-site to inspect car seats, provide hands-on guidance, and answer any questions about car seat safety.

“Our goal is to educate and assist families in keeping their children safe on the road,” said Captain Kevin Pearson “We encourage everyone who uses a car seat to take advantage of this free opportunity.”

The event is open to all families in the community, and appointments are required. Attendees must bring their vehicles, car seats, and child passengers for a comprehensive check. To register, please visit highsprings.gov/fire.

Event Details:

·                What: Free Car Seat Safety Check (Appointment Required!)

·                When: Saturday, January 18th, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

·                Where: High Springs Farmers' Market Pavilion, 23517 NW 185^th Road High Springs, FL Don’t miss this chance to ensure your child’s safety and gain peace of mind on the road.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan at 352-681-1907 or

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ASES

Santa Rosa County

• Officer Brown conducted a resource inspection after sunset on a vessel without the proper navigation lights. During the vessel stop, the subject admitted to catching striped bass. Officer Brown observed undersized striped bass in the subject's cooler. The subject was cited appropriately.

Wakulla County

• Officer M. Fernbach observed a group of subjects hunting ducks inside the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Officer M. Fernbach contacted the subjects and issued the appropriate citations

CASES

Baker County

• Master Officer Burnsed located a pickup truck in the Osceola National Forest with its dogbox recently washed possibly to conceal an illegally taken deer. He contacted the driver and they denied harvesting a deer but through his investigation, Officer Burnsed located a recently killed antlered deer in the subject’s camp. Officer Burnsed again contacted the owner of the truck and he admitted to killing the illegal antlered deer. Charges were filed with the State Attorney's Office.
• While patrolling Osceola National Forest Lieutenant Douglas heard a deer running followed by several shots in front of hunting dogs. During his investigation, none of the eight subjects in the group would admit to shooting. K-9 Officers Gill and Yates arrived to assist in locating evidence. Officer Gill and K-9 Camo located a recently killed antlerless deer. Officer Yates deployed K-9 Harlow and located freshly fired shotgun casings.  Master Officer Burnsed interviewed the subjects again and two of the subjects admitted to shooting the antlerless deer. Charges were filed with the State Attorney's Office.  
• Officer Hauge responded to a call about someone hunting in a local hunting club with a gun and light.  A club member received a video from his cell game camera of a person shining a light while in possession of a rifle. The subject was identified as a convicted felon. The subject was picked up on other warrants and confessed to the violations. Charges of hunting with a gun and light, armed trespass and possession of firearm by convicted felon will be charged with the State Attorney's Office.  

Duval County

• Officer Moran and Senior Officer Stuhr conducted a fisheries inspection of two subjects who were found to be in possession of multiple undersized red drum and seatrout. Additionally, neither subject had a fishing license. The subjects were charged for the violations. 

CASES

Flagler County

• Officer Specialist Christmas conducted a freshwater fisheries inspection on a subject fishing at a local bridge. The inspection revealed the subject did not have a freshwater fishing license and his fishing privileges had been suspended. The subject received a citation for fishing while privileges were suspended.

Indian River County

• Officer Hopkins observed a subject trespassing on private property. He reached out to the landowner who informed him where the subject’s vehicle was parked. K-9 Senior Officer Platt and K-9 Bolo were called to the area. K-9 Bolo ran a track and was able to locate the subject, who was pursuing game illegally on the property. 

Lake County

• Officer Tuckfield observed a commercial fishing vessel along the north side of Lake Apopka with one person on board who was pulling fish from a gillnet. Officer Tuckfield recognized the vessel as one of the permitted vessels to catch gizzard shad on the lake. He watched the subject begin throwing dead Florida bass and crappie into the water. Officer Tuckfield conducted a boating safety and resource inspection. During the inspection, he observed numerous dead gizzard shad, crappie, and Florida bass entangled in a gillnet. The subject stated the lake was too windy and made it a hassle to sort the fish, so they came to the canal to sort them there. Officer Tuckfield informed the subject they must sort their catch and release any gamefish immediately. He issued the subject notice to appear citations for taking gamefish by illegal method and wanton or willful waste of freshwater fish.
• Officer Stamp responded to information about subjects hunting in a closed area of Emeralda Marsh Public Small Game Hunting Area. Upon arrival, he observed one subject sitting on the levee holding a shotgun. A second subject was observed retrieving a duck just harvested from the levee. Officer Stamp made contact with the subjects and conducted a resource and license inspection. The investigation revealed the subjects harvested four ducks from the levee, which is prohibited to hunt from. Appropriate citations and warnings were issued for hunting from a closed area.
• Senior Officer Phillips observed a vehicle pull off the side of the road at Richloam Wildlife Management Area. He watched a subject exit the vehicle wearing a blaze orange vest and holding a shotgun. The subject walked to the middle of the roadway and stood there looking toward the woods on both sides of the road. A short time later, multiple hunting dogs exited the woods to the location where the subject was standing in the roadway. Officer Phillips contacted the subject to conduct a license and resource inspection. During the inspection, the subject admitted to hunting and stated they knew they weren’t supposed to be hunting from the roadway. Officer Phillips issued the subject a notice to appear citation for hunting from a prohibited roadway in the WMA.

Marion County

• Officers Constance and Brooks contacted subjects who were returning to a boat ramp after hunting ducks at a local wildlife management area. During a resource inspection the subjects were found to be in possession of a juvenile common gallinule (moorhen) out of season. During a license check, the subjects were found without a federal duck stamp. Appropriate citations were issued.
• While checking subjects hunting ducks at a wildlife management area, Officers Constance, Aultman, and Brooks heard three gunshots from nearby woods. They responded to the area and located several vehicles with subjects dressed in camouflage on foot in the area. An investigation revealed three freshly spent shotgun shells and a recently killed antlered deer nearby. Upon inspection, the deer did not meet legal antler point regulations. After conducting a thorough investigation, officers were able to identify and locate a subject. The subject admitted to shooting the deer and leaving it behind. The subject was cited for taking an antlered deer that did not meet antler point regulations and willful and wanton waste of wildlife.

St. Johns County

• While on water patrol, Officer Specialist Lawrence and Senior Officer Thomas stopped a vessel inside the St. Augustine Inlet that was returning from offshore fishing. The operator stated he had a mutton snapper onboard. Upon boarding and inspection, Officer Thomas located a graysby grouper. Grouper season closes every year from January through April. Officer Thomas issued the operator a citation for possession of graysby grouper during closed season.

CASES

Lee County

• Officer Lejarzar observed a commercial fishing vessel strike out multiple nets from one vessel. He conducted a fisheries inspection and determined some of the nets were illegally tied together and that the subject had struck out more nets than they were allowed to deploy from a single boat. A check of the subject’s history revealed he had been issued citations for the same violation in the past. The subject was issued citations. Officer Lejarzar also determined the nets were not properly marked and so additional charges will be filed with the State Attorney’s Office.  

Manatee County

• Senior Officer Hinds and Officer Specialist Miller were observing two individuals who were duck hunting around Robison Preserve. One of the individuals shot at ducks past legal shooting hours. The individual was stopped and an inspection revealed the individual was missing a plug in their shotgun. The individual will have to appear in Manatee County Court for the violations.
• Officer Specialist Miller observed an individual fishing along the shore around Bayshore Gardens. As the individual was packing up to leave, a resource inspection revealed the individual had kept five seatrout over the bag limit. The individual will have to appear in Manatee County Court for the violations.

Sarasota County

• Officer Specialist Morrow was patrolling in the Manasota Key area when a vessel with fishing rods came into the boat ramp. Officer Specialist Morrow conducted a resource inspection on the vessel and found the individual had caught and kept an undersized, out-of-season snook. The subject will have to appear in Sarasota County Court for the violation.

CASES

Broward County

• While assisting federal partners on a case, Captain Hart and Officers Willis and Dudas conducted a fisheries inspection during the vessel stop at Port Everglades Inlet and 15th Street and discovered 51 wrung lobster tails and nine pieces of conch on board. Willis issued the vessel operator multiple citations including harvesting or possessing undersized spiny lobster, spiny lobsters not in whole condition, the harvest of more than six spiny lobsters per recreational harvester per day, and the take and possession of queen conch.
• Officers Cusick, Davis, and Officer Specialist Bruder conducted a resource inspection at the Port Everglades Inlet. Their inspection revealed the vessel was returning from the Bahamas with 25 demersal fish and 36 wrung spiny lobster tails onboard. The officers issued the operator three federal citations for Lacy Act violations. 
• Officers Hammad and Olivera conducted water patrol near the Port Everglades Inlet, where they observed five personal watercrafts operating at high speeds in a slow-speed zone. They also noted several registration violations. The officers stopped the PWCs to address these issues and upon contacting the operators, they discovered the PWCs were rented, prompting an investigation into the rental operation. Their investigation revealed the individuals who had rented the PWCs were in violation of several regulations including they lacked an FWC livery permit, did not have the required insurance, knowingly rented the PWCs to five individuals who did not possess a boating safety education identification card, failed to provide written rental agreements, did not conduct pre-rental or pre-ride instruction, and did not have records available for inspection. Additionally, two of the renters were charged with renting a PWC that lacked the required safety equipment on board. The officers issued 26 notice to appear citations to the four individuals who rented the PWCs.
• Officer Willis conducted land patrol at Stormwater Treatment Area 3/4 where he stopped a vehicle to perform a resource inspection and a license check related to duck hunting. During the inspection, Willis discovered one of the occupants of the vehicle did not possess a migratory bird permit. As a result, Willis issued a notice to appear citation for the violation.
• Officers Hammad and Olivera conducted land patrol near U.S. 27 and South Florida Water Management District lands when they observed a vehicle driving past them at a high rate of speed. The officers noticed the vehicle was recklessly weaving between other cars, forcing other drivers to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision. Hammad and Olivera initiated a traffic stop to address this violation. They issued a citation for reckless driving. 

Palm Beach County

•  Lieutenant Brodbeck was on vessel patrol in Boynton Beach and observed a rental vessel on plane passing through a bridge posted as a slow speed zone. While speaking with the operator, Lt. Brodbeck observed the fire extinguisher gauge displaying empty.  Due to the safety gear deficiency on board a livery vessel, the vessel returned to the rental dock, where Lt. Brodbeck issued the owner of the business a uniform boating citation for renting a vessel with improper safety equipment. 
• Officers Lardakis, Yetter, and Moss conducted a fisheries inspection on a vessel coming from offshore to Jupiter Inlet. Officer Lardakis inspected their live well and found they were in possession of an egg bearing spiny lobster. The boat captain was issued a misdemeanor summons for the violation. Later the team conducted a resource inspection on an inbound charter fishing vessel and found several undersized mutton and yellowtail snapper among their catch. The charter captain was issued a notice to appear for possession of less than legal sized mutton snapper and a warning for less than legal sized yellowtail.

CASES

Collier County

• Officer Parlapiano responded to a complaint regarding an individual keeping three snook on Tigertail Beach. Officer Parlapiano observed an individual who matched the description setting down a stringer of fish on the beach. Officer Parlapiano conducted a resource inspection and located three undersized snook on the stringer and two sheepshead, one of which was undersized. Officer Parlapiano issued the subject a notice to appear for take of snook during the closed season, violation of snook bag limits, possession of undersized snook and for possession of an undersized sheepshead. The subject was also issued a citation for not having a valid snook permit. 
• Officers Richards, Foell, Esilva and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Officer Powell conducted an inspection on a commercial shrimp vessel anchored south of Key West. During the inspection, the officers located 32 wrung spiny lobster tails, 20 of them measuring less than the legal minimum size. The officers also located a bag containing 39 frozen scrawled cowfish, a species designated as marine life, which requires them to be alive, and a recreational bag limit. One of the crew members admitted to catching the spiny lobster and scrawled cowfish in the shrimp nets and admitted to keeping them. The subject was arrested and transported to the Stock Island Detention Cente