Local

NEWBERRY ‒ One local business will be receiving a $13,872 refund from the City of Newberry. The action was taken at the March 27 City Commission meeting to reimburse Newberry Town Center Fitness Center (Because It Matters). A resolution approved in 2019 provided a method that for development fees to be refunded to Commercial developers. The resolution approved at that time (Resolution 2020-29) provided criteria for refunds of commercial development fees up to a maximum of $30,000 per project, based on meeting three primary criteria. This action was taken in an effort to encourage commercial economic development in the city.

“The City has received a qualified development fee refund application that is complete and ready for evaluation and award,” said Newberry Planning and Economic Development Director Bryan Thomas.

In order to meet the criteria, the applicant must build in the Florida Vernacular Architectural Style, create new jobs and create capital investment. According to Thomas the NTC Fitness Center is designed substantially in the Florida Vernacular Style, has created a total of 14 full and part time jobs and provided capital investment in the project at $800,000.

The current budgeted amount per year for this program is $50,000, but Mayor Jordan Marlowe said he believes the Commission should increase that amount during this year’s budget cycle.

In other City business, the Commission approved the final plat for Lakota subdivision. The site consists of 45 +/- acres and is located at the northwest corner of Southwest 15^th Avenue and Southwest 170^th Street. Planned are 15 lots at an average density of one dwelling unit per three acres which is consistent with the special exception approval of a small-scale rural subdivision. Construction plans were approved by the City Commission on Feb. 27.

In other business, the mayor will assume duties of chair of the Board of Adjustment (BOA) as Ordinance 2023-19 was approved on first reading. Previously, the BOA members elected their chair and Pro-Tempore. Between this hearing of the ordinance and second reading, the Commission asked that the Pro-Tempore designation be changed in the ordinance to be the same person as the City Commission’s Pro-Tempore.

In other matters, the Commission changed the appointment schedule for the Planning & Zoning (PZ) and Historic Architectural Review Boards (HARB) to mirror the election cycle of the City Commission to a two-year cycle and to assign the ex officio (nonvoting) mayor position to act as the chair of each board.

Unchanged from the current practice, each PZ Board member will automatically also serve as a member of the HARB and two additional HARB members may be appointed by the Commission to fill the need for a specific area of expertise. Under this plan, the current PZ and HARB members would serve the balance of their current appointments without interruption.

Turning to other business, the Commission considered establishing a Newberry Historic Society to help property owners maintain their historic properties so they don’t fall into disrepair as the recently considered house on church property across from City Hall. Mayor Jordan Marlowe said he believes the group should have some affiliation with the City. Commissioner Tim Marden said he would like to see one person from the Commission and one person from staff involved in the group. Peggy Loy said she has had requests for a walking tour and believes this aspect could be part of the Historic Society. Marlowe said he would work with Thomas on a suggested program for Commission consideration.

Items not on the agenda were briefly mentioned at the end of the meeting. Those items included establishing the most efficient way to get roads paved, requesting School Board members consider additional schools for the Jonesville area residents, April 1 Newberry High School Prom and Spring Festival, lowering speed limits or establishing speed bumps to slow traffic, consideration of lowering impact fee amounts and adding to solar farm buffer zones.

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• Presentation on proposed changes to codes related to landscape irrigation and water conservation

• Policy discussion on parameters of the Pavement Management Program

• Update on the Newberry Meat Processing Facility

Photo by VIVIAN ARNDT/Artists from Scotland begin projecting images on to walls on the first night of painting.

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ High Springs has a colorful and blended past. Unlike the small peaceful town of today, known for its antiques and springs, the town was once a major shipping hub. Prolific phosphate mines dotted the region, as well as row crops such as watermelon and tobacco, all waiting to be exported. This led to a large and mighty railroad presence. The manpower required to work the rails and run the trains contributed to the building of boarding houses, bars, and even a two-story hospital for the burgeoning population, all before the turn of the century.

The Beginning

Time marches on, and in this present-day era of great growth, the close-knit community of High Springs looked for a way to honor its history by incorporating the stories of the past into its present and future. The means to do this became the telling of stories, through a series of murals painted on walls throughout the town. Murals that are not only scenic but specifically designed to tell the story of how High Springs came to be, artfully weaving history into the modern day and the town's reputation, as both a gateway to the springs and a destination point for those seeking small locally-owned specialty shops, carrying unique one-of-a-kind items.

This project was five years in the making, involving a tireless commitment to not just the project itself, but to the stories that were waiting to be told. Beginning Wednesday, March 22 through Sunday, March 26, artists from all over the world came to town, some camping, some staying in local bed and breakfasts and motels, and some enjoying the hospitality of host families. After a welcome dinner, the great paint-out began.

The Painting

As the sun set, the artists perched high in the air on scaffolds, carefully stenciled the artwork being projected upon the wall. Over the next four days, 150 artists painted the stenciled walls on 11 separate murals. Murals telling the stories of the indigenous early people, the first settlers, civic leaders, the railroad, and the springs.   Along with the art appearing on the walls, personal stories began to emerge, such as the story of The High Springs Speedway, a great local event at which records in racing were set in the 1960s. Delores Barber, age 94, and her husband founded the Speedway and she got to see it come back to life on a wall, as well as meet the artist, Sam Sanfilippo from Pinson, Alabama who painted it. “It is moments like these that mean the most to us as artists<” Sanfilippo said. “Making a difference and a connection through art.”

Artists took breaks from painting, stealing small moments of time to enjoy the atmosphere and the cuisine generously supplied for them by local restaurants and businesses. Doug Hancock, the Project Coordinator of this weekend's event said, “I deeply appreciate that the community of High Springs has come together with such love for the visiting artists ‒ the artists tell me they definitely felt that love from the community.”

Festival on the Green

Like draws like, and local artists from the area also set up their art under tents for the public to see and purchase, creating a “Festival on the Green” on the grassy space where the railroad tracks used to be. The festive atmosphere was further enhanced by a car show and strolling musicians for the enjoyment of the crowds that came out to witness the “Walldogs Dive into High Springs” event.

This was the first time the Walldogs organization has ever done an event in Florida, one which might not have ever happened without the chance meeting of local High Springs resident Nancy Lavin and Hancock of Alachua, who happened to be a Walldog himself. That sidewalk conversation five years ago led to the formation of “The Heart of High Springs,”, a non-profit organization that raised donations for this event. “This is a project of the heart for sure, and it is wonderful to see it unfolding now,” said Lavin.

The weekend event has passed. The scaffolds are gone, and the paintbrushes have been washed and packed away, but the inevitable camaraderie that results in the coming together of people united in a common creative event, remains.

Artists from four countries and all over the U.S., as far west as Oregon and as far north as Pennsylvania, have boarded their respective planes and headed home, hopefully, enriched by knowing the profound impact they leave behind. Their tireless hours of talent, which they donated free of charge, are left to tell the unique character of this small town for years to come.

Ross Ambrose, treasurer of “The Heart of High Springs” said, "It was so nice to see the opportunities for local businesses and individuals who stepped up in huge ways to make this possible, as well as volunteers on every level. I am so proud to have been a part of this.”

As for local residents, they have new friendships with these artists who welcomed them to paint alongside, and who they shared meals and conversations with for these all-too-brief few days. They also have the distinction of being the first town in Florida to host a Walldogs mural event.

High Springs made history this weekend by telling its history.

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HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Tractor Supply Company today announced it will celebrate its Grand Opening in High Springs from Thursday, March 30 through Sunday, April 1. Throughout the weekend, customers can enjoy hot deals storewide, daily giveaways and more.

The High Springs store values community engagement and is delighted to have the opportunity to support youth education like area 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, along with local animal shelters and veterans. “At Tractor Supply, we are passionate about serving the needs of those who enjoy the Out Here lifestyle. Homeowners, livestock and pet owners, gardeners, hobby farmers, ranchers, tradesmen and others rely on Tractor Supply for a wide assortment of products,” said Julie Harrison, manager of the High Springs Tractor Supply store. “We’re excited to call High Springs home and serve the community with the essentials you need to live life on your own terms. We’re proud to hire our customers as Team Members. As experts in the lifestyle, they bring more value to our customers with every interaction.”

The Garden Center at the High Springs store carries top brands including Scotts Miracle-Gro and Bonnie Plants, and features an expanded assortment of annuals and perennials, shrubs and decorative plants, fruit trees, vegetables and herbs. The Garden Center also has the tools to make gardening easier, including pots and planters, fertilizer, soil and gardening hand tools. Other items like greenhouses, lawn tools and equipment, mowers, trimmers, edgers and more can be found for landscaping projects.

The new store comes equipped with a Pet Wash where pet owners can enjoy a convenient washing station stocked with professional grade equipment and high-quality products. The Pet Wash has elevated wash bays, grooming tables, specialty shampoos, use of brushes, combs and towels as well as a waterproof apron and professional dryer.

The High Springs Tractor Supply store at 20460 N US Highway 441 will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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ALACHUA ‒ Perfect weather and a full schedule of baseball drew crowds to Alachua's Hal Brady Recreation Complex on Saturday for the Babe Ruth 37^TH Opening Day Jamboree. Seven games were played at Hal Brady, and one at Copeland, from Tball up to Seniors division. The aroma of BBQ, the crack of bat on ball and clouds of spring pollen were all in the air as parents, fans and children gathered to celebrate America's favorite pastime.

Dignitaries present for the opening ceremony were Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper, Vice Mayor Jennifer Blalock, and Commissioners Shirley Green Brown, and Dayna Miller were joined by Chief of Police Jesse Sandusky, City Manager Mike DaRoza, Parks and Rec Director Damon Messina and Finance Director: Rob Bonetti. City of High Springs dignitaries included Mayor Gloria James, Chief of Police: Antoine Sheppard and Assistant City Manager: Bruce Gillingham. Also present were Santa Fe Babe Ruth Board members and special guests Santa Fe High School Junior Varsity and Varsity Baseball.

High Springs Boy Scouts Troop #69 served as Color Guard and Rachael Goll of Canvas Church sang the National Anthem. Preston Howell offered the invocation.

Getting the games underway, the ceremonial First Pitch was thrown by Hall Brady, Alachua’s former recreation director, to catcher Lucas Moore.

The Hal Brady Award was presented by Will Moore to recipient Paul Buchner.

Teams were sponsored by Alachua Plumbing, Rosenboom Construction, El Toro, Q&D Painting, Stellar Services, Lawful Defense, North Florida Buildings, Piesanos, SIMED Health, Rex and Brody Foundation, Gemini Water, Drummond Realty, Keim Clearing LLC, Keim Clearing LLC, Digestive Disease Associates, Campus Scooters, and Gator Drain.

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Gainesville, Fla. – In 2022, Haven Hospice’s combined five Attic Resale Stores—located in Chiefland, Gainesville, Lake City, Orange Park and St. Augustine— made more than $1.8 million in net revenue in support of Haven Hospice.  

Thanks to the dedication of 345 volunteers, loyal customers, donated goods, and a committed staff, the Attic Resale Stores generated a total net revue of  $1,823,422.

“Haven Hospice Attic volunteers are the true reason the Attic stores are able to keep their doors open and products stocked,” said Clay Dzioba, Haven Hospice Attic Volunteer Services Manager. “Attic volunteers give their time, hearts and many inventive ideas that differentiate our stores from others.”

Dzioba also extended Haven’s thanks to the shoppers and donors who have supported the Attics. He said it is their continued support that brings shoppers and builds the Attics’ positive reputation. 

“Without the support of our communities providing the much needed donations, we would not be able to offer the wonderful quality products to those that may not otherwise be able to afford them,” said Dzioba.

Merchandise at the Attic is solely generated by donations. Each Attic accepts new or gently used housewares, clothing, and electronics. All proceeds financially support the Haven mission, local hospice patients and families, as well as many other people in the community served by Haven programs and services.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Haven’s Attic Resale stores, please visit https://BeYourHaven.org/Attic for more information. 

About the Haven Hospice Foundation: The Haven Hospice Foundation, formed in 2020, is a 501 ©(3) not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to supporting the work and mission of Haven Hospice, which provides hospice and palliative care across 18 Florida counties.  For Foundation details, visit https://beyourhaven.org/donate. 

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