Local

HAWTHORNE ‒ James Edward Harkins III, 36, of Hawthorne, was arrested on Sunday, June 11, and charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly threatening two store employees with a gun on June 6.

Harkins allegedly asked the two employees, who work for an auto services business in the 2900 block of Northeast 21^st Way, to do something that was a safety concern for the employees and against their employer’s policies.

The employees refused to provide the service, which reportedly caused Harkins to become upset. He reportedly got into his car and drove out of the gates of the business but then walked back through the gates, where the employees told him to stop.

Harkins allegedly reached into his pocket and took out a gun, then racked the slide back and pointed it at the two employees. At that point; both employees retreated and called 911. The employees made a note of Harkins’ tag number as he drove away.

A witness exiting the store as Harkins tried to come back in through the gate corroborated the employees’ story.

Harkins has a juvenile criminal history and three non violent misdemeanor convictions.

Judge Walter Green set bail at $70,000 at first appearance. According to Alachua County Jail records, Harkins has since been released.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Police Department (HSPD) will join thousands of other law enforcement agencies from across the country on Tuesday, Aug. 1, to celebrate National Night Out, at the High Springs Civic Center.

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.

National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. It also provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.

National Night Out festivities will kick off at 6 p.m. at the High Springs Civic Center, 19107 N.W. 240^th Street in High Springs. Activities will include free food, a balloon toss, bounce house, water slide, and more. This is a free, family-friendly event.

For more information, go to the website at highsprings.gov/police/page/high-springs-host-national-night-out.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

MILLINGTON, Tenn. ‒ A native of Chiefland, Florida, recently completed an intensive 10-week training program to become a member of the elite U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.

Airman Robert Sweat, a 2019 Chiefland High School graduate, joined the Navy six months ago. Today, Sweat serves as a U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guardsman.

“I joined the Navy to travel and make a better career for myself,” said Sweat. “I've learned to take pride in what I do and to have attention to detail.”

Established in 1931, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is the official honor guard of the U.S. Navy and is based at Naval District Washington Anacostia Annex in Washington, D.C.

According to Navy officials, the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital. Members of the Navy Ceremonial Guard participate in some of our nation’s most prestigious ceremonies, including Presidential inaugurations and arrival ceremonies for foreign officials.

Sailors of the Ceremonial Guard are hand selected while they are attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. Strict military order and discipline, combined with teamwork, allow the Ceremonial Guard to fulfill their responsibilities with pride and determination. They are experts in the art of close order drill, coordination and timing.

The Ceremonial Guard is comprised of the drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party

“The best thing about this command is the places I get to go, and all the people I have met here,” said Sweat. “Also, serving here gives me a sense of pride for the things that I do.”

There are many opportunities for sailors to earn recognition in their command, community and careers.

“I am most proud of graduating boot camp and completing the Ceremonial Guard training,” said Sweat.

As a member of the U.S. Navy, Sweat, as well as other sailors, know they are part of a service tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance.

“To me, serving in the Navy means making myself a better person, serving my country and supporting my family,” added Sweat.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - July 6, 2023 - Silver Airways, Florida's leading regional airline, is thrilled to announce the addition of a new nonstop route from Fort Lauderdale to Gainesville, further enhancing its extensive network and providing greater connectivity within the Sunshine State.

Beginning Aug. 21, 2023, Silver Airways will operate daily flights between Fort LauderdaleHollywood International Airport (FLL) and Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV), catering to the growing demand for convenient and efficient travel options between the two cities. This new service will offer both business and leisure travelers an exceptional travel experience while strengthening Silver Airways' commitment to serving Florida communities.

"A low-cost nonstop route to and from FLL has long been requested by our University of Florida and business communities," said Allan Penksa, CEO, Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV). "We are delighted to announce this convenient route on Silver Airways is now available as one more Fly Easy option for our travelers."

"We are excited to return to GNV airport and further expand our route network with nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale and Gainesville. Home of the University of Florida Gators and Florida’s largest and oldest university, Gainesville’s academic and research community attracts visitors from all over the globe. A vibrant destination with endless offerings of nature activities and local attractions, we look forward to serving Gainesville residents and visitors and the surrounding Alachua County community," said Steve Rossum, CEO of Silver Airways.

Tickets for the new Fort Lauderdale-Gainesville route are now available for purchase. To celebrate the launch, Silver Airways is offering one-way fares starting at $49, providing travelers with an excellent opportunity to experience the convenience and quality service that Silver Airways offers. For more information or to book flights, please visit the Silver Airways website at www.silverairways.com

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ A man from High Springs was sent to the hospital with facial burns after a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July.

Officials in High Springs say a 40-year-old man had fireworks explode in his hand at a playground in Cinnamon Hills Estates.

He was trauma-alerted to UF Health Shands with injuries to his face. “He has undergone some surgeries but is home resting now,” said High Springs Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan on Tuesday.

The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safety precautions when handling fireworks.

“It was a localized unfortunate incident and it kind of reiterates the fact that if you want to play with fireworks, by all means, you’re legally entitled to on certain days. In the state of Florida that’s New Year’s Eve, New Years Day and the Fourth of July, but read the instructions,” said Mangan.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com