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WALDO ‒ A Waldo woman was arrested early Saturday, June 28, and charged with two counts of child neglect and two counts of false imprisonment after authorities say she left her 5-year-old daughters sleeping in a shed secured from the outside with a brick.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s deputy responded at 2:55 a.m. to a property in the 13600 block of Northeast U.S. Highway 301 after a caller reported finding two young girls inside the shed. The deputy observed that the shed, located roughly 100 feet from the highway, was closed off with a brick propped against the door—posing a risk that the children could have exited and wandered into the unlit roadway.

The children's mother, Tamara Stoiber, 37, was arrested and charged with child neglect for allegedly failing to provide adequate supervision, food, water, lighting or a method of communication. She also faces false imprisonment charges for reportedly confining the children to the shed.

Authorities said the shed had no electricity or running water, and the girls had no access to food or a phone. A large knife was also found within their reach, according to the deputy's report.

The caller told deputies that Stoiber, her boyfriend, and the two girls had arrived at the property unannounced Friday night, soaking wet and claiming they had walked from Gainesville to Waldo. The children were reportedly carrying bags. The caller said she offered them a foot-long sandwich, which Stoiber ate entirely without sharing with the children.

Stoiber allegedly left the property later that night with her boyfriend. The property owner told deputies that he did not give Stoiber permission to leave the children in the shed.

The children’s grandmother, Sabine Thrift, 59, was previously arrested in connection with the case and charged with two counts of child neglect without serious bodily harm. Stoiber had reportedly asked Thrift to watch the children, but Thrift allegedly left them alone after staying with them for about two hours.

The caller later encountered Thrift at the Waldo Train Station. Thrift allegedly said Stoiber had left the children with her while going to the store, but that she "was not going to babysit" and that Stoiber “needed to learn her lesson.”

A text message later obtained by deputies showed Thrift writing to Stoiber: “I am leaving, [they’re] your kids, like to know what store you went.”

Authorities reported that Thrift left the girls for approximately two hours before returning. She was arrested at 5:35 a.m.

According to the report, Stoiber did not return to the shed until 6:42 a.m. She later told deputies she had only been gone for about 30 to 60 minutes and denied placing a brick in front of the shed door. However, both the caller and property owner said they found the brick there when they discovered the children.

Stoiber has no prior criminal history in Alachua County. Her bond was set at $70,000 by Judge Jonathan Ramsey.

Her boyfriend, Matthew Earl Waldo, 47, is listed as a suspect in the case but had not been arrested as of press time.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission convened on Monday, June 9, 2025, with Chairperson Pro-Tempore Tony Mazon presiding in the absence of Mayor Tim Marden.

The Commission took a key step forward on a proposed residential development known as CountryWay II, unanimously approving an ordinance on first reading to amend the city’s Large-Scale Future Land Use Map.

The ordinance, presented by Community Development Director Stacey Hectus, seeks to change the land use designation for approximately 59.43 acres from Mixed Use to Residential Low Density, allowing up to four dwelling units per acre.

“This ordinance proposes a residential designation that will better align with the development plan for the property,” Hectus said during the presentation.

As part of the approval, commissioners also voted to authorize the transmittal of the ordinance to the Florida Department of Commerce for required state-level review.

The application was submitted by NV5 Global, Inc., acting as agent for property owners Charlie L. Futch and Juanita H. Futch. The request affects a portion of a larger, undivided 159.43-acre parcel located along Southwest 15^th Avenue, between State Road 45 and Southwest 234th Terrace.

The proposed development, CountryWay II, would be a residential-only project with no commercial components. If approved on second reading, it would allow the construction of up to 500 dwelling units over a projected 20-year build-out period.

“A companion rezoning application requesting a zoning district change from Agricultural (A) to Planned Residential Development (PRD) has been received by the City and will be heard by the Planning and Zoning Board and City Commission in the coming weeks,” Hectus added.

The ordinance must return for a second reading and final approval before the land use change becomes official.

Fireworks Update

In other business, the City Commission unanimously approved an update to the city’s fireworks ordinance during its regular meeting, tightening regulations on the sale and use of fireworks while allowing limited exceptions in accordance with Florida law.

Community Development Director Stacey Hectus presented the ordinance changes to the commission, outlining the types of pyrotechnic devices covered under Section 38-7 of the city’s Code of Ordinances. These include firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles, detonating canes, blank cartridges and other devices intended for pyrotechnic display.

As adopted, the revised ordinance generally prohibits the manufacture, sale, use, possession, display or discharge of fireworks within the city limits. However, exceptions are allowed for private use and the sale of consumer fireworks during designated state-authorized holidays: New Year’s Day (Jan. 1), Independence Day (July 4), Veterans Day (Nov. 11) and New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31).

Retail sales of fireworks are restricted to a four-week period prior to each holiday and must cease within one week afterward. Vendors must obtain a Temporary Use Permit from the city before sales may begin. Applications for the permit must include an affidavit from the property owner authorizing the sale of fireworks on the parcel in question. Inspections from both the City’s Building and Fire Departments are also required.

The new rules limit permitted sales locations to non-residential parcels that are adjacent to either State Road 26 or U.S. Highway 27/41. All manufacturing and sales of fireworks are banned in residential zones.

Public fireworks displays are not permitted unless conducted or authorized by the City of Newberry. The number of allowable sales locations is capped at two per holiday citywide. Homeowners association (HOA) rules remain enforceable, and the city ordinance does not override any such restrictions. Fireworks used for agricultural pest control purposes are excluded from the ordinance.

The commission also amended Section 38-97 to adopt a rate and fee schedule for fire department services related to fireworks inspections and permitting.

The approved updates to Chapter 38 of the City Code are intended to clarify local enforcement, increase safety, and ensure alignment with Florida Statutes regarding consumer fireworks.

City Clerk Position

The Commission unanimously appointed Randa Paul as the city’s next clerk following the planned retirement of longtime City Clerk Judy Rice, who will step down this fall.

The decision follows direction from commissioners during a May 5 special meeting, where they instructed staff to update the position’s responsibilities. As part of the changes, the incoming City Clerk will also be responsible for maintaining the minutes of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), a task not previously included in the role.

Minimum qualifications were established, and the Commission set a starting salary of $60,000 per year. The position was posted for internal applicants only on Monday, May 12, with a deadline of Monday, May 19.

Only one internal application was received, and Paul’s appointment was approved without opposition.

While Rice served in the role without a formal employment contract, commissioners requested that a written contract be drafted for Paul’s appointment. Mayor Tim Marden and City Manager Jordan Marlowe are scheduled to meet with Paul to negotiate the final terms of the agreement, including salary.

Once completed, the proposed contract will be brought back before the Commission for final approval. Officials anticipate it will appear on the agenda for the June 23 regular City Commission meeting.

Comments and Community Updates

At the June 9 meeting, former Mayor Jordan Marlowe officially began his new role as Newberry City Manager. In his comments to the Commission, Marlowe emphasized the urgent need to address critical safety issues at Champions Park. While he did not provide an extensive breakdown, he noted that immediate repairs—such as replacing safety nets and eliminating trip hazards—are necessary and estimated the cost to be “a couple of hundred dollars.” Marlowe added that a broader discussion on Champions Park would take place at the next City Commission meeting, where he plans to present related budget amendments.

Commissioner Donald Long made a motion to approve the immediate expenditure, which was seconded by Commissioner Mark Clark and passed unanimously.

Also, during the meeting, Commissioner Monty Mazon announced that a Summer Meals Program is now underway at Easton, where residents can sit down to enjoy a free meal. Additionally, the MLK Center has resumed its weekly food distribution service, offering meal kits for children that cover the entire week, including weekends. Distributions take place on Mondays and Thursdays. Mazon encouraged anyone seeking more information to contact Tasha at the Center at 352-722-3944.

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NEWBERRY ‒ At a Special City Commission meeting on May 27, 2025, Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman announced three internal promotions within the city's fire department “The last promotions occurred in August 2023, but looking ahead, we anticipate multiple retirements, increased opportunities for career growth and leadership development,” Lyman said during the meeting. The newly announced promotions include the roles of Driver/Operator, Lieutenant and Deputy Fire Chief.

David Voigt: Driver/Operator

“The Driver/Operator drives the apparatus to and from emergency calls, operates the pump and manages all equipment on the apparatus,” said Lyman. Voigt joined Newberry Fire Rescue on Jan. 23, 2023, and began his fire service career in 2018 with Alachua County Fire Rescue. He is one of five paramedics currently employed by the City of Newberry. Voigt holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management from Santa Fe College and also serves as a Paramedic Instructor at the college.

Michael Malsom: Lieutenant

“The lieutenant serves as shift supervisor and truck boss. He oversees daily assignments and crew operations and manages emergency scenes and assumes initial command,” Lyman explained. Malsom began his fire service journey in 2000 as a volunteer with the Bell Fire Department after relocating to Gilchrist County. He joined Newberry Fire Rescue on Sept. 25, 2003, was promoted to Driver/Operator in April 2015, and officially stepped into the Lieutenant role in April 2025.

Kevin Farr: Deputy Fire Chief

“He is responsible for standardizing training across all three shifts, assists with fire department budget preparation, provides command and control at emergency scenes and oversees daily operations of the fire department,” said Lyman. Farr has been with the department since Oct. 1, 1997. Over the years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, earning promotions to Driver/Operator in 2000, Lieutenant in 2003, and Senior Lieutenant in 2015. Farr is also a graduate of Newberry High School, Class of 1996.

Each promotion announcement was met with applause from commissioners and attendees in the audience, recognizing the dedication and service of the department’s personnel.

In a closing remark, Interim City Manager Dallas Lee noted that Fire Chief Jason Lyman himself had also recently been promoted, further highlighting the department’s ongoing leadership transitions.

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Leaders from Siemens, San Felasco Tech City, the City of Alachua and Chamber of Commerce gathered June 18, 2025, for a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of Siemens' new 30,000-square-foot facility in Alachua / Photo special to Alachua County Today

Unveils 30,000-Square-Foot Facility at San Felasco Tech City

ALACHUA ‒ Siemens officially opened the doors to its new 30,000-square-foot office and warehouse on June 18, 2025, marking a major step forward in its regional growth and adding to the expanding roster of companies at San Felasco Tech City.

The new facility enhances the company’s ability to serve clients and operate efficiently within North Central Florida while aligning with Siemens’ broader goals in technology, infrastructure, and sustainability. The project was completed in just seven months, with construction starting in October 2024 and occupancy beginning in May.

Located within one of Florida’s fastest-growing tech corridors, Siemens joins a growing group of over 65 businesses at the San Felasco campus, which is recognized for its environmentally conscious design and emphasis on digital innovation. Tech city, situated in the city of Alachua in western Alachua County, offers a campus-style environment that supports collaboration among companies in technology, biotech, manufacturing, and green development.

“This launch represents more than a new building—it’s a signal of Siemens’ commitment to innovation, efficiency, and investing in the future of the Alachua community,” said Mitch Glaeser, co-developer of San Felasco Tech City and CEO of the Emory Group Companies.

The building features a combination of warehouse and administrative space, tailored to meet Siemens’ operational needs and foster connectivity with nearby partners and clients. The company is expected to utilize the site’s advanced infrastructure, including renewable energy systems and high-speed digital connectivity, to drive innovation in smart systems and sustainable solutions.

Developers and local officials have described Siemens’ expansion as a meaningful addition to the regional economy, bringing high-skilled jobs and reinforcing Alachua’s reputation as a destination for forward-thinking enterprise.

San Felasco Tech City has gained recognition beyond the state for its unique blend of eco-conscious planning and entrepreneurial support, making it an attractive location for global firms like Siemens. The campus continues to evolve as a mixed-use center that blends business development with walkable, green-friendly amenities.

The June 18 ribbon-cutting brought together city leaders, company representatives, and business partners to celebrate the milestone, highlighting Siemens’ role in helping shape the future of the region’s technology landscape.

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GAINESVILLE — Michael P. Mauer, a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Alachua County Post 2811 and employee of the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center, has earned national recognition for his journalism.

Mauer received the Silver Award for Best Feature Article in the 2024 VFW National Publications Contest for his article titled “Alachua VFW Post 2811 Auxiliary President honors son with service.” The story was published in the May 30, 2024, edition of the Alachua County Today newspaper and placed second in the national competition after review by two professional journalists unaffiliated with the VFW.

This marks the second straight Silver Award for Alachua County Today and Mauer’s sixth national VFW writing award in the past decade. Over the years, his work has earned two Grand Awards, three Silver Awards, and one Bronze.

A veteran of Operation Desert Storm, Mauer has written extensively about the VFW and military veterans for more than 30 years. His articles have appeared in local, regional, and statewide publications, reflecting his enduring commitment to telling veterans’ stories.

Mauer has been a life member of the VFW since 1995 and currently serves as Post 2811’s adjutant. His service to the organization has also been recognized with citations from the Pennsylvania State Senate and House of Representatives. In 2006, he was appointed a VFW National Aide-De-Camp.

A native of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, Mauer’s name is engraved on the community’s Veterans Memorial near the borough’s municipal building. He is a graduate of Bethel Park Senior High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Point Park University in 1984.

Mauer is also a graduate of the U.S. military’s Defense Information School and the Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. In 1991, he was awarded the U.S. Army’s top journalism honor, the Keith L. Ware Award, and received the Joint Service Commendation Medal from Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf for his work as a military reporter during Desert Storm.

In 2010, he was inducted into the Southwestern Pennsylvania Veterans Hall of Fame.

Mauer has worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs since 2014 and lives in Gainesville with his wife of 39 years, Marsey. The couple has two daughters, Sarah and Rae.

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NEWBERRY – The Newberry City Commission unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-05 during its regular meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, approving a series of regulatory changes aimed at managing the design and development of large-scale retail establishments, commonly referred to as “big box” stores.

The ordinance was approved on second reading and incorporates recommendations from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, which reviewed the proposed changes at its April 7 meeting. Community Development Director Stacey Hectus delivered a presentation to the commission outlining the purpose and scope of the ordinance.

Adoption of Ordinance 2025-05 amends the City’s Land Development Regulations and the Gateway Overlay Code. The revisions are designed to establish development standards that ensure large-scale retail projects align with Newberry’s rural character and community values.

“The amendments include input from the public, local planning agency and the Newberry City Commission,” said Hectus. “This ordinance will ensure large-scale retail establishments are compatible with Newberry's rural aesthetics and cultural value.”

Key components of the ordinance include detailed standards for building orientation, materials, parking design, landscaping and signage within the Gateway Overlay District. These standards are intended to provide clear guidance for developers and reinforce the city’s vision for its entry corridors.

Among the changes recommended by the Planning and Zoning Board and now adopted into the ordinance are new requirements for roadway buffer zones. The modified buffer depths are as follows:

• Zone 1: Increased from 15 feet to 25 feet
• Zone 2: Increased from 25 feet to 50 feet
• Zone 3: Increased from 50 feet to 100 feet
• Zone 4: Evaluated for the possible establishment of an additional zone

Further revisions to the Overlay District standards include:

• Installation of wider sidewalks along storefronts
• Application of Overlay standards to the entirety of the development site
• Maximum building height of 42 feet within the Overlay District
• Implementation of a cap to limit excessive parking
• Reduction of the size threshold defining a large-scale retail building from 80,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet

The changes reflect efforts by the City of Newberry to preserve its community identity while accommodating growth and commercial development. The ordinance was shaped by public input and represents a coordinated effort among city leaders, staff, and planning officials to ensure that new retail construction remains consistent with the city’s long-term vision.

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