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Retired Alachua City Mayor Gib Coerper (Navy, Ret.), Jackson Gold Star Family, Horace Jenkins (Navy) and Major (Ret.) Charlie Jackson / Photo special to Alachua County Today

ALACHUA – The Young Men of Manhood Youth Development Foundation, Inc., hosted its first All-American Veterans EXPO-2025 @ Alachua on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, bringing together veterans, Gold Star Families, mentors and young people for a day of storytelling, education and recognition at the Hal Brady Recreation Complex.

The event opened with a 9 a.m. brunch before shifting into a full day of intergenerational engagement. Local veterans, parents, mentors and mentees spent the morning sharing their experiences with attendees and with the young men of the foundation’s mentoring program.

Foundation members used the expo to launch a long-term oral history project aimed at preserving the stories of Alachua County veterans. According to the organization, the young men “seized this event as an opportunity to kick off their first in a series of interviews with a goal of producing a video of Alachua County veterans telling their stories.”

The initial round of interviews captured accounts from veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam Conflict, the Gulf War — including Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm — Operation Dawn, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The foundation plans to continue conducting interviews throughout 2025, with the goal of completing the project by Veterans Day 2026.

Throughout the day, representatives from the Malcolm Randall Veterans Hospital and the Florida Veterans Office in Gainesville provided attendees with information on available military benefits. Their presentations covered housing, medical and health care services, education, suicide prevention, homelessness prevention and the process for filing disability claims.

The program also included recognition of the 3396th Reserve Reception Battalion for its military service. Major (Ret.) Charlie Jackson, former Alachua Mayor Gib Coerper (Navy, Ret.) and Mr. Jenkins (Navy) led the honors. Accepting on behalf of the battalion was First Sergeant Larry McDaniel.

The event concluded with a tribute to members of Gold Star Families, whose loved ones died in military service. Organizers extended “special thanks to our many sponsors who helped in making the first All-American Veterans EXPO-2025 @ Alachua a success.”

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HIGH SPRINGS – Fire crews from across western Alachua County rushed to a fast-moving brush fire Sunday afternoon after reports that flames were threatening homes, vehicles and other property near Northwest 94^th Avenue.

Firefighters from High Springs, Newberry, Alachua County Fire Rescue and the Florida Forest Service responded at 2:09 p.m. on Nov. 16, 2025, along with deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office. The fire was reported at 24715 N.W. 94^th Avenue in unincorporated Alachua County.

High Springs firefighters arrived at 2:18 p.m. to find an active grass fire with multiple structures at risk. Brush trucks immediately began knocking down the fast-moving flames while engine crews focused on protecting nearby homes.

“Fast, inter-departmental communication and coordination saved this fire from spreading to nearby structures and vehicles,” said Alachua County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Drew Dabney.

With a large number of response units committed to the scene, additional steps were taken to ensure emergency coverage throughout the region. Off-duty High Springs firefighters and units from LaCrosse were moved to cover the High Springs area, while Archer firefighters relocated to Newberry. Alachua County Fire Rescue also reassigned crews from its Fort Clarke Boulevard station to the Jonesville area to maintain adequate protection for residents across western Alachua County.

By 2:39 p.m., firefighters had contained the blaze to 3.7 acres, according to the Florida Forest Service. Responding crews saved 14 exposures, including five boats, five structures and four vehicles.

No injuries were reported. Fire officials believe the fire was sparked by an escaped pile burn from the previous night.

The High Springs Fire Department is reminding residents to use caution when burning outdoors. The department advises property owners to avoid burning on windy days and to ensure a fire is fully extinguished before walking away, noting: “If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.”

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HIGH SPRINGS – The High Springs City Commission closed out its 2024–25 agenda and ushered in a new governing year during a Nov. 13, 2025, meeting that included the swearing-in of a returning commissioner, board appointments, grant approvals and progress on several major city projects.

Unfinished Business Concludes FY 24–25

Commissioners began the evening by addressing remaining items from the previous fiscal year. The board voted unanimously to hire Fred Fox Enterprises, Inc. to provide administrative services for the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Neighborhood Revitalization project.

High Springs was awarded a $700,000 small cities CDBG grant through Florida Commerce. To support the initiative, commissioners also approved CPH Consulting, LLC in response to Requests for Qualifications for professional engineering services.

In addition, the Commission voted unanimously to approve three firms for continuing engineering contracts: CPH Consulting, Kimley-Horn and Woodard & Curran. CPH—previously known as Mittauer & Associates—has a long history with the city, including engineering work tied to major sewer system improvements.

With all unfinished business resolved, Commissioner Tristan Grunder, who had been re-elected, formally adjourned the final meeting of the 2024–25 fiscal year.

Commission Reorganized for FY 25–26

City Clerk Angela Stone administered the oath of office to Grunder as he began his second term on the City Commission. During the reorganization, Commissioner Andrew Miller was elected mayor and Commissioner Wayne Bloodsworth Jr. was chosen as vice mayor. Commissioners then switched seats as Miller assumed leadership of the meeting.

The annual reorganization also included appointments to city advisory boards. Grunder was named chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Zachary Walter was appointed to the Plan Board, while Linda Hewlett and Joanne Trembly were reappointed to the Parks and Recreation Board.

Commissioners also authorized the standard list of check signers for the new fiscal year. The mayor, vice mayor, city manager and city clerk are empowered to sign city checks. Following approval, an updated resolution is submitted to the bank to formalize the authorization.

Public Safety and City Projects Move Forward

High Springs Police Chief Antoine Sheppard informed the Commission that the city has been awarded a $65,000 grant to replace aging police radios. Commissioners voted unanimously to accept the funding.

The board also unanimously authorized a services agreement with Hoffman Construction, Inc. for structural roof repairs to the historic Priest Theatre. In September, the city awarded Hoffman a contract totaling $550,828 for roof replacement and structural upgrades, along with an additional $18,280 to replace the parapet wood apron on the building’s front elevation.

Budget Adjustments Reviewed

Finance Director Diane Wilson presented the Final Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2025, outlining significant adjustments and responding to commissioner questions. After discussion, the Commission approved the ordinance on first reading.

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ALACHUA COUNTY ‒ The Gainesville Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is inviting area high school students to participate in the George and Stella Knight Essay Contest, an annual writing competition designed to encourage young people to explore the history and ideals of America’s founding.

Entries for the 2025–2026 contest are now being accepted through Dec. 19, 2025. The contest is open to all students in grades 9 through 12, including those enrolled in public, private, and homeschool programs.

Participants are asked to submit an original essay of 800 to 1,200 words — without the use of artificial intelligence tools — focused on an event, person, philosophy, or ideal associated with the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence, or the framing of the U.S. Constitution.

Essays are judged on historical accuracy, clarity, organization, grammar, spelling, and proper documentation, ensuring students combine thoughtful research with strong writing skills.

“The first level of the contest is the Local level, which has a small cash award for our winner, a medal, and a certificate,” the chapter announcement stated. “The Gainesville Chapter contest winner will go on to a State, and perhaps, National. Each level has its own awards.”

The competition provides students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the founding principles of the United States while competing for recognition and scholarship opportunities.

Local winners will advance to the Florida State competition, and top state submissions are then entered into the national level, where students can earn additional honors and awards.

Students are encouraged to enter through their nearest SAR chapter, as only one essay per student per year may be submitted. Contest organizers emphasize that prior experience or affiliation with the organization is not required to participate.

“Don’t think you can’t win!” the chapter noted. “Recently, the Gainesville Chapter had a third-place winner in the State contest. We hope to present another worthy student with an award at one of our meetings.”

For questions or to submit an entry, students should contact Chapter President Randal Highsmith at Randal.Highsmith@gmail.com. Additional information and updates are available on the chapter’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SARGainesville/.

The George and Stella Knight Essay Contest is one of the national youth outreach programs of the Sons of the American Revolution, an organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of those who fought for American independence.

In addition to promoting historical literacy, the SAR encourages descendants of Revolutionary War patriots to explore their lineage and consider joining the organization.

“Anyone who has an ancestor who fought for the freedom of this country in the Revolution against Britain is invited to contact us,” the chapter said. “We can help with the needed lineage information from your Patriot to the present day and get you into this great organization.”

Through educational initiatives like the Knight Essay Contest, the Gainesville Chapter continues to honor the legacy of the nation’s founders while inspiring a new generation to engage with the enduring ideals of liberty and democracy.

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NEWBERRY – The Nov. 10, 2025, Newberry City Commission meeting marked a moment of transition as officials prepared to convene in the old City Hall chambers for the final time. Beginning Nov. 24, future Commission meetings will take place in the new City Hall, a nearly complete facility set to open later this month.

Ahead of that change, Mayor Tim Marden reminded residents that he and City Manager Jordan Marlowe will be available to lead group tours of the new building from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 15, during the Newberry Fall Festival. The preview event offers the public an early look at the city’s consolidated government center before its official debut.

The Commission then addressed land use, planning and community health initiatives as commissioners worked through a broad agenda that included subdivision approvals, interim zoning considerations and a formal request from a local nonprofit.

Quarry Fields Subdivision Approved

Commissioners held a quasi-judicial public hearing before voting to approve a final plat petition from 3002 Surveying, LLC, on behalf of property owner Amanda Moore. The request subdivides a 40-acre tract at 3789 N.W. 202^nd Street into four lots. The property, known as Quarry Fields, sits outside the Urban Service Area and carries an Agriculture future land-use classification with Agricultural (A) zoning.

The petition also sought a waiver from preliminary plat and construction plan requirements normally required for a major subdivision under the City’s code. Principal Planner Jean-Paul Perez explained that because each of the four lots will connect directly to an existing public roadway and no new water or wastewater infrastructure is required, the typical preliminary planning steps do not apply in this case.

Following the hearing, the Commission approved the plat and associated waivers as requested.

Interim Zoning Ordinance Considered

Commissioners also advanced the first reading of an interim zoning ordinance designed to support the ongoing rewrite of the City’s land development regulations (LDRs). The initiative follows the City’s 2024 update to nine of the 11 elements in its Comprehensive Plan.

A Comprehensive Plan serves as a long-range blueprint for growth and development, guiding decisions about land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, conservation and public facilities. Once adopted, the plan is implemented through the LDRs, which contain the specific rules developers and property owners must follow.

Newberry has already secured a consultant to lead the LDR rewrite. In the meantime, staff recommended temporary adjustments to certain subdivision standards to address immediate community needs and to avoid development conflicts while the full rewrite is underway.

During a legislative public hearing, commissioners voted to approve Ordinance 2025-72 on first reading. The measure proposes limited, short-term changes to portions of Appendix B, Article 5 of the City’s Code related to subdivision regulations and street standards.

With Commissioner Mark Clark absent, several commissioners noted that he may wish to offer additional input when the ordinance returns for a second reading. The second reading is scheduled for Nov. 24. If ultimately approved, the interim ordinance would take effect for 12 months and could be extended by a future vote.

Commission Appoints Liaison to THRIVE

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Janeice Smith, a joint founder of THRIVE — a community health and resource initiative — requested that Commissioner Donald Long be formally appointed as liaison between the organization and the City. The ordinance she proposed would authorize him to establish a Board of Directors to guide THRIVE’s efforts while ensuring its work aligns with City policies and regulations.

Smith said she believed the appointment would strengthen collaboration, increase accountability and support long-term community health goals.

After a brief discussion, Commissioner Ricky Coleman moved, and Commissioner Monty Farnsworth seconded, a motion to appoint Long as liaison and to establish an official committee focused on community health issues. The motion passed.

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HIGH SPRINGS – The sidewalks of historic downtown High Springs will turn into an open-air gallery on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, as the seasonal Art Walk returns from noon to 5 p.m. with 18 – 20 local artists and makers setting up along Main Street storefronts. The recurring event, a favorite on the community calendar, blends art, small-business specials and the easy, walkable charm that has come to define the city’s downtown.

The Art Walk is designed as a showcase for North Central Florida talent: painters, printmakers, potters, jewelry designers, woodworkers and other creatives demonstrating methods and selling finished work just a few steps from cafés and boutiques. Visitors can browse handmade goods, then pop into one of downtown’s eclectic restaurants for a late lunch or grab a pick-me-up from a coffee counter before circling back for a second look.

What sets the High Springs version apart is the setting. The compact downtown makes it simple to cover the entire route at a leisurely pace, turning the afternoon into a choose-your-own itinerary: start at one end of the district and stroll past easels and display racks, detour into a vintage shop, or linger where a maker is explaining process. Participating merchants plan event-day specials and sales, adding a second layer of discovery for shoppers who want to support local businesses while taking in the art.

The format also gives emerging artists a low-barrier way to meet customers. Sidewalk booths create natural conversations about technique and materials, and return visitors often look for familiar names from past Art Walks. For residents, it’s a chance to connect faces to the work they’ve spotted around town—on café walls, in gift shops, or at previous installments of the event.

Families typically find plenty to engage younger browsers — bright color studies, whimsical ceramics, nature-inspired prints — while seasoned collectors can scout original pieces or small, affordable editions. With the holidays approaching, the November date tends to spark early gift buying; shoppers often leave with something wearable, something for a wall and a few stocking stuffers tucked into a reusable tote.

Plan on comfortable shoes and unhurried timing; the Art Walk rewards meandering. Many visitors make a loop, take a break for a bite, then return to favorite booths for a final decision. Payment options vary by vendor, so having both a card and some cash on hand can help move purchases along.

Downtown’s hospitality is part of the draw. Restaurants and bakeries add to the festive vibe, and shopkeepers frequently set out sidewalk displays that complement the artists stationed nearby. The result is a small-town streetscape animated by easels, stands and friendly conversation — an afternoon that feels as much like a neighborhood gathering as an arts market.

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