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ALACHUA COUNTY – The City of High Springs will be making improvements to a local park thanks to funding from the Duke Energy Foundation.

The Foundation recently announced $160,000 in grants to support eight local community projects in Alachua County.

A first for Duke Energy Florida, the company worked alongside the Greater Gainesville Chamber of Commerce Foundation to identify local projects that have meaningful impacts in North-Central Florida communities.

The targeted $20,000 grants support initiatives ranging from park revitalization to signage projects, as well as equipment and plan upgrades.

In High Springs, the grant will assist the Parks and Recreation, Education and Culture Department (Parks & REC) in upgrading a popular basketball court at Walter Howard Park.

“With this grant, we plan to resurface the outdoor basketball court and upgrade the baskets at Walter Howard Park, High Springs' crown jewel pocket park,” said Damon J. Messina, Parks & R.E.C. director. “This park has been a favorite among children in our community for several years. These upgrades will ensure it will be available for many years to come.”

To help guide the economic growth and development of the community, the City of Waldo received a grant to update and enhance the city’s Comprehensive and Economic Development Plan.

“The City of Waldo’s Comprehensive and Economic Development Plan is outdated and is actually an impediment for new growth,” said City of Waldo Mayor Louie Davis. “The cost of these updates is beyond our budget at this time and this grant has made it possible for the updates to happen.”

“With the growth expected in Florida’s future, Waldo needs to be ready with a strong plan to handle the growth and development in our city,” said Davis. “Thank you, Duke Energy, for awarding grants like these for the small towns. Your dollars make a difference.”

In addition to Waldo and High Springs, revitalization grants were also awarded to additional cities and towns.

In the city of Alachua, funds will support the City’s efforts to provide educational exhibits and signage at Mill Creek Preserve to inform residents and visitors about the Mill Creek Sink Water Quality Improvement Project.

Funds will be used to add a kitchen at the Holly Hills Community Center in Archer, while in Hawthorne, funds will support the City’s Hawthorne Historical Park with educational signage, benches and grills, among other items.

The Town of LaCrosse fire department will use the funds to replace equipment used by the town's fire department and the Town of Micanopy will use the funds to support the town’s Micanopy Entry Sign Project.

In Newberry, funds will support the City’s business incubator feasibility study at Newberry AgTech Innovation Park.

The Duke Energy Foundation grants are designed to aid revitalization and local economic development efforts and to help strengthen and uplift communities.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs City Commission has approved a municipal mural ordinance on first pubic reading. The controversial issue has dogged the commission

as various citizens and groups lobbied the commission to either approve or reject details related to the official ordinance.

Although the Planning and Zoning Board make several recommendations for modifications to the proposed ordinance regulating murals at an earlier meeting, Commissioners on Nov. 29 passed Ordinance 2022-13 on first reading with only one minor modification.

Section 7.12, which originally specified that murals would not be allowed 50 feet from residential properties, was eliminated. Newly elected Commissioner Tristan Grunder, who made the motion to approve the ordinance, pointed out that any mural that was 20 feet tall would be seen fairly far away. He said that a 50-foot distance would not make much difference. Commissioner Byran Williams agreed and seconded Grunder’s motion.

As has been the case at several meetings, this item took up most of the City Commission meeting and resulted in a 4-1 decision with Commissioner Katherine Weitz casting the dissenting vote. This item will be heard on second and final reading at the Dec. 8 City Commission meeting.

City Attorney Invoice Questioned

In other business, Weitz expressed concern that the city attorney’s bill for development of the mural ordinance was $18,426, which she considered excessive. The city attorney pointed out that the City has been dealing with this issue for nearly a year. No action was taken on this issue.

In a separate action, Weitz made a motion that the attorney’s contract should be revised and a request for proposal should be advertised to seek a new attorney. However, that motion died for lack of a second.

The city manager said staff would research the cost of an in-house attorney as the topic has been brought up several times.

Impact Fees

The Commission held the second required workshop prior to considering implementation of new impact fees for transportation, parks and general government impacts. On Nov. 29, City Manager Ashley Stathatos explained that general government includes impacts related to police, fire and facilities.

Impact fees are a one-time fee assessed on new residential and commercial development to pay for the costs associated with growth.

As part of the process, Duncan & Associates was hired to produce a technical report that establishes the need and appropriate amount to assess in impact fees to serve new development.

Stathatos reviewed the study’s findings during the workshop and said that the fees for new construction of single-family detached dwellings would be $4,989 and multi-family dwellings would be $3,130.

The assessed rate depends on the construction type is would be assessed at a rate based on each 1,000 square feet. Rates include retail/commercial construction assessed at $4,502, office construction at $3,242, industrial construction at $1,448, warehouse construction at $549 and public/institutional construction assessed at $1,498.

Stathatos said the Commission could lower those amounts after the water and sewer impact fees have been determined, but that increasing fees would require additional effort. She suggested the Commission consider approving the proposed impact fees at the discussed rates. The Commission unanimously approved upon first reading of Ordinance 2022-17 at the City Commission meeting held after the workshop.

Other Business

In other City business, a site plan was approved for an 8 ft. x 10 ft. shed for Chomper’s Diner, located at 23508 N.W. 185^th Road, behind their existing drive-through diner. The shed is not air conditioned and will be used for additional storage. “The shed will be constructed of Hardie board siding with an aluminum roof and will be painted to match the existing building,” said Stathatos. Bushes will also be planted on the rear and the side facing Northwest 235^th Street.

Commissioner Williams was appointed to be the City’s representative to the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council. At times when he is unable to attend due to Commission meeting conflicts, Kristy Adkins will act as his delegate.

Commissioners unanimously approved the final amendment to the Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget, which required approval by Nov. 30, in accordance with state statute. ARPA funding and expenditures were not included at the time of the FY22 budget development and were the only revisions in the amendment.

The next City Commission meeting will be held Dec. 8 at the Civic Center as construction on the City Hall elevators are to begin this week, with completion anticipated by the first of the year.

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GAINESVILLE ‒ The Alachua County Legislative Delegation will be holding its annual public hearing on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m.  The meeting will be held in the Lyceum Concert Hall on the campus of Santa Fe State College at 3000 N.W. 83^rd Street in Gainesville.

The Legislative Delegation includes State Senator Jennifer Bradley (R-Fleming Island), State Senator Keith Perry (R-Gainesville), State Representative Chuck Brannan III (R- Macclenny), State Representative Chuck Clemons (R-Newberry) and State Representative Yvonne Hinson (D-Gainesville). 

The Delegation Hearing is intended to afford local residents and officials an opportunity to request legislation or state funding, as well as to express opinions on any other matter of state concern, in advance of the 2023 Regular Legislative Session, slated to begin in Tallahassee on March 7.  This hearing is open to the public.

For additional information please contact the office of Speaker pro tempore Chuck Clemons, State Representative, District 22, at 352-313-6542. 

Members of the public wishing to be placed on the printed agenda can do so by emailing their request, along with any backup information, to HD022@myfloridahouse.gov.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ The High Springs Chamber of Commerce hosted the community’s 25^th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the Farmers Market Pavilion last Friday evening. The event has been held continuously for many years, even though the COVID-19 Pandemic, although on a reduced level. On Dec. 3 this year, the event was back to its former size both in volunteers and audience size.

While the event is hosted and staffed by the High Springs Chamber of Commerce members, the participation of various organizations and volunteers make it a community sponsored event. The Chamber along with local churches and organizations provided booths distributing candy, popcorn, cookies and other treats to the children.

Under the roof of the Farmers Market on Railroad Avenue, The Florida Creamery provided free ice cream to the crowd, while Witness of Christ Church offered free cookies. Another group provided hot chocolate and candy cane treats. The New Century Women's Club and the Girls Scouts combined efforts at another table to help children make Christmas ornaments.

John Decker and the High Springs Historical Society set up two running model train displays while the High Springs Lions Club offered actual train rides in their “Polar Express” train, pulled by a riding tractor.

“All these people help make this event a success,” said Chamber President Sharon Decker. “We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the City by providing the tree decorations, power, PA set up and traffic control.

“Due to some illnesses, we were short staffed from the Chamber but High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard and his staff volunteered to fill in as well as traffic control and that was a great help,” said Decker. “Pastor Sammy Nelson of the Witness of Christ Church volunteered to be the emcee for the event, which was also a great help.”

People dressed as Christmas characters roamed the crowd interacting with the children and posing for photos while the crowd waited for the arrival of Santa Claus and the tree lighting ceremony. As the clock ticked closer to 6:15, the crowd gradually converged around the Christmas tree. Nelson introduced High Springs Mayor Gloria James who was joined by Commissioners Byran Williams and Katherine Weitz. Musical entertainment was provided by Dani MacKinzie and her brother, Bandon Luke, who sang Christmas songs.

At the appointed time of 6:30, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on a fire truck with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Santa and Mrs. Claus were immediately surrounded by excited children, wanting a chance to touch, hug or speak to Santa.

After a few minutes with the crowd, the Claus's were brought closer to the tree by Nelson and initiated the countdown as the tree lit up to the cheers of the crowd.

After the tree was lit, Santa and Mrs. Claus went to the Gazebo by the Farmers Market to listen to the long line of excited children and their wishes for Christmas.

“We were really glad how it all worked out,” said Decker. “I think we were able to make it a great event and bring back the traditional community celebration that was limited in the past due to COVID.

Decker added, “There were a lot of people who helped and made it work. We are looking forward to making it bigger each year and keep the tradition going.”

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ALACHUA ‒ Masud D’Andre Headen, 29, was pulled over for speeding on Thursday, Dec. 1, in Alachua and found to have an outstanding warrant for stealing a Land Rover and altering the vehicle identification number (VIN). The arrest report also points to evidence that Headen was involved in multiple financial scams.

A Florida Highway Patrol Trooper pulled Headen over on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua for traveling 63 mph in a 45-mph zone. The trooper learned that Headen’s driver’s license was suspended and that he has three prior convictions for driving with a suspended license. The trooper also learned that Headen was wanted on a felony warrant and arrested him.

In March 2022, a Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a child abuse investigation, and a witness, who had been in a relationship with Headen for three years, said there was a stolen Land Rover in her garage and she “want[ed] it gone.”

She reportedly told the officer that Headen takes stolen vehicles and switches out the VIN and has a number of tags registered under different names. She reportedly said she had “a bunch” of different vehicles registered under her name because of this scheme. She also reportedly said that Headen doesn’t get oil changes on his cars because there are different VINs on the vehicle. If someone looks up one of the VINs, it will show stolen parts.

The officer reportedly found two different VINs on the Land Rover; one had no title registered and one did not come back to any vehicle or title but matched a vehicle registration under the name of the witness.

During the investigation, Headen returned to the residence and was found to have the car keys on him. He was arrested in connection with the child abuse investigation, but those charges were later dropped.

Post Miranda, Headen reportedly said the Land Rover belonged to his sister and that she let him borrow it. He denied switching out any of the VINs.

The Land Rover was towed and later searched. An officer learned that neither of the VINs had ever been created; he was unable to find a physical VIN (besides the two fraudulent VINs already found) in the car but was able to turn on the car and retrieve the VIN from the car’s computer. That VIN showed that the car had been reported stolen from a car rental agency in Miami. The car had originally been black but had an “unprofessional” wrap that changed the color to gunmetal gray.

The officer spoke to an investigator at the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) who said that the two fraudulent VINs had been applied for and added to the registrations for newly-purchased vehicles by a dealership in Opa-locka, Florida. The dealership has since been closed by DHSMV.

Headen reportedly gave consent to search his phones. The officer reportedly found communications in which Headen said he had bought the Land Rover for $20,000 and had paid $5,000 to get it registered; he also discussed how he had to change the color of the car to match the purchased registration.

The officer also found communications on the phones “involving a myriad of frauds.” He obtained a new search warrant and found information about Headen purchasing personal banking information for other people and selling it to others. There were reportedly communications about selling cloned credit cards, fake checks with real account information and fake money orders.

The officer reportedly found “dozens” of communications in which Headen tells others how to access the stolen bank account information and engage in a scam called “card cracking,” along with “conversations about how easy it is to make money doing these scams.”

Headen is currently charged with driving without a valid license, grand theft of a motor vehicle and possessing a vehicle with altered VINs. The warrant recommends a bond of $50,000.

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ALACHUA CUNTY ‒ Crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue responded to a reported vehicle crash with extrication early on Dec. 6, at Northwest 78^th Avenue and County Road 235. Upon arrival, first responders found a two-car accident with occupants trapped inside.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that a 28-year-old male from Trenton was driving a white 2006 Ford pickup truck traveling east on Northwest 78th Avenue. As he approached the intersection, he failed to stop at the stop sign.

A 2001 Toyota SUV driven by a 66-year-old Gainesville woman was traveling north on County Road 235 approaching Northwest 78th Avenue. When the driver of the truck ran the stop sign, his right side was struck by the Toyota’s front end.

After the initial crash, the truck traveled off the roadway where it overturned on the east shoulder of County Road 235.

The driver of the Toyota was listed in serious condition. The driver of the truck was removed with minor extraction and no injuries.

First responders triaged the patient and began treatment. A trauma alert was issued and the driver of the Toyota was transported to UF Shands for further treatment.

Also in Alachua, a 39-year-old Alachua man was killed on Saturday, Dec. 3, in a single-vehicle crash on North County Road 225 at approximately 6:26 p.m. The man, who was the only occupant of the car, was pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time.

In Archer on Dec. 2, a crash occurred at the intersection of State Road 26 and County Road 241 that resulted in a fatality. An 82-year-old Archer man was traveling west in a Chevrolet SUV on State Road 26 and attempted to make a left turn south onto County Road 241.

At the same time a 51-year-old man from Riverview, Florida, was driving his white Ford pickup truck through the same intersection. The pickup truck crashed into the Chevrolet SUV in the intersection.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol, a 77-year-old Archer woman, who was a passenger in the Chevy SUV, was fatally injured in the crash and succumbed to her injuries from the impact of the truck. She was pronounced dead by paramedics at the crash scene.

The two drivers reported only minor injuries. All drivers and passengers were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

In Waldo in the early morning hours of Dec. 2, crews from Alachua County Fire Rescue, Melrose Fire Department, the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to a single vehicle accident on Northeast U.S. Highway 301 just south of Waldo.

The vehicle left the roadway and flipped multiple times, incurring significant damage before coming to rest against a large oak tree. The driver was transported to a local trauma center in serious, but stable condition. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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