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Political activist Charles Grapski has caused a flurry of court activity in the past month.
Judgment and Sentence Affirmed
On July 6, the First District Court of Appeal (DCA) of Florida released a mandate affirming the judgment and sentence of Grapski in a case in which a jury found him guilty of battery on an officer.
After the verdict, Grapski filed an appeal, but the First DCA essentially turned it down when it affirmed the lower court’s judgment.
Contempt of Court
On July 15, the State Attorney’s Office entered a petition to hold Grapski in contempt of court for his recent actions at a court hearing on June 21.
The petition alleges that as Grapski’s case was called for hearing, he approached the podium and told Assistant State Attorney Shawn Thompson to “get a real job.”
At a later hearing on the same day, Grapski allegedly approached the table of Assistant State Attorney Shawn Thompson in an “aggressive manner,” pointed his finger at Thompson and stated to him, “you are a f---ing liar” not less than two times, according to the petition.
Following the reported statements, Judge James Nilon ordered Grapski to the podium and admonished him, but Grapski allegedly interrupted the judge, stating “I am just tired of the lies,” according to the petition.
Nilon then ordered Grapski to leave the courtroom with no further statements to Mr. Thompson or any other prosecutor.  But as Grapski left the courtroom, he “opened the courtroom door with sufficient velocity as to cause a loud crashing sound and further disrupt the court proceedings,” according to court records.
Motion to Withdraw from Counsel
Following the June 21 court incident, Grapski’s public defender, Deborah Phillips, submitted a motion to withdraw as counsel.
In her motion submitted on July 20, Phillips cited an “irreconcilable conflict of interest” as her reason for her request.

EcoAquaDSCF4216_copyGlenn and Mara Blumberg hoping to leave a legacy

Florida House District 11 Representative Elizabeth Porter, High Springs City Commissioner Sue Weller and Alachua Vice-Mayor Ben Boukari, Jr., attended a demonstration by Glenn and Mara Blumberg as the couple explained how the innovative Eco-Aqua system saves energy and water through a patented process.

A local couple wants to revolutionize the way homeowners heat water by recapturing energy wasted through typical air conditioning systems.

For 30 years, Glenn Blumberg has operated Alachua-based Metalloy Industries specializing in metals, plumbing supplies and specialty materials used in a wide range of applications.  But he and his wife, Mara, are now embarking on a different endeavor, Green Lantern, LLC.  The new startup is manufacturing and marketing Eco-Aqua, a product that was close to being lost on the ash heap of history, but now one that the Blumbergs hope and believe will change water heaters for the better, save water and reduce energy consumption.

The Eco-Aqua system uses an air conditioner’s hot refrigerant to heat cold water.  On traditional air conditioner installations, that heat, a potentially valuable resource, is a wasted byproduct of the cooling process.

The Eco-Aqua system captures that otherwise wasted heat by running the hot refrigerant line into a special unit that sits below the hot water tank.  The heat is effectively transferred from the refrigerant to the water in a heat exchanger.  The heating occurs without a pump, electrical wiring or moving parts through a process called passive loop technology and thermosiphoning and the benefits are significant, Glenn Blumberg says.

“We’re reducing energy consumption without the need of heating elements,” he said.  “We’re also cooling the refrigerant, thereby reducing the workload and increasing the efficiency and lifespan of the air conditioning compressor.”

Blumberg estimates that as much as 15 to 20 percent of household energy consumption is attributable to heating water.  In climates like Florida, where air conditioners are used the majority of the year, he said the Eco-Aqua system can reduce that energy dependence substantially.  What’s more is that according to studies, the efficiency, or S.E.E.R rating, of an air conditioner with a current rating of 13 could improve to 16 because the returning refrigerant is already cooled.  That means the compressor needs less energy to recycle it.

The system is reported to produce about 60 gallons of hot water per hour while the air conditioner is running.  As an added convenience, the system can also include a passive heat transfer loop to deliver instant hot water to any shower or faucet.  That proprietary loop could save thousands of gallons of water annually for households or businesses where obtaining hot water requires faucets to run for extended periods of time.

Although the Eco-Aqua system is not an entirely new concept, similar systems sold by other manufactures cost upwards of $4,000, likely neither affordable nor worth the efficiency for most applications.  The Blumbergs are offering the complete package for as little as $1,400, depending on specifications and options.

The systems may only be installed by licensed air conditioning and plumbing specialists who have also been trained and certified by Green Lantern in the techniques and processes developed by the company.  By setting high standards on the installation process, Glenn Blumberg said his company is able to warranty the Eco-Aqua system for five years against defects in materials and workmanship.

Eco-Aqua probably would never have been possible if not for happenstance.  Glenn Blumberg said he discovered the product about two years ago while at the Gainesville home of an old friend who boasted about not using electricity to heat his water since 1988.  Blumberg was invited to see the device and upon closer inspection, he saw printed on the unit the word Dinh, a company owned and operated by longtime friend and fellow-Alachua businessman Khanh Dinh.

Dinh reportedly manufactured about 50 units in the 1980s, but production was stopped because of the laborious manufacturing process taking about 5-6 hours each, Blumberg said.  Nevertheless, he remained interested in the system and saw great potential.  Dinh agreed to allow the Blumbergs to license the technology and revive the once-abandoned project.

After about two years of fine-tuning Eco-Aqua and the installation process, Glenn and Mara are moving full steam ahead manufacturing the units, although at a significantly reduced cost than when Dinh first produced them.  The new units are being produced through a new, streamlined and more efficient process.

A majority woman-owned small business, Green Lantern represents the business for which the Blumbergs say they want to be remembered.

“This really is our legacy,” Glenn Blumberg said.  “If we can do something to improve future generations by preserving energy, water and other natural resources, through our products, then we’ve accomplished our goal.”

The couple also pride themselves on using a manufacturing facility in Jacksonville.

“Everything about our product is made in America,” Mara Blumberg said. From the design to the materials and assembly, everything we’re doing is one-hundred percent U.S.A.”

Getting their product to market didn’t happen overnight or without forethought.  The couple says they set up the company so that a portion of all profits will benefit a variety of international energy, water and wildlife conservation foundations.

“It’s taken a long time to get to this point,” a proud Mara Blumberg said.  “And we’ve done it slowly because we wanted it done right.”

Despite a gloomy economy’s impact on the local real estate market and property tax revenues, the City of Alachua approved a plan Monday that would hold down tax rates.

The commission unanimously approved a resolution preliminarily setting the property tax rate at 5.5000 mills.  Ad valorem taxes, or property taxes, are just one form of revenue used to fund the City’s roughly $39 million budget.  The property taxes are specifically placed in the City’s general fund, which typically hovers around $9 million annually.

By keeping the millage rate at 5.5000 mills, City of Alachua Finance Director Marcian Brown said the City could expect to take in $368,582 less in the coming fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

Commissioner Gary Hardacre noted that even though the proposed 2011/12 millage rate is the same as the 2010/11 rate, residents should know they’ll likely pay less.

“Even though we left it at 5.5 mills, for most of our citizens of Alachua, their tax will be lower than it was last year,” he said.

For homeowners, Brown said the savings on a $200,000 home would be about $104 or on a $50,000 home, a savings of $26.

City Manager Traci Cain hasn’t finalized or presented her proposed budget to the commission, but setting the millage at 5.5000 is a sign that the budget will likely see cuts over the previous year.

Mayor Gib Coerper lauded Cain and her staff, but commented on how the cuts have impacted certain areas of the budgets.

“I appreciate the staff’s hard work on this,” he said.  “I have to say ouch, because it’s been tough…on our capital improvements budget.”

Vice-Mayor Ben Boukari, Jr. also commended Cain and the city staff, saying, “In my opinion, this is a good direction to go, and not raise [taxes], but look for ways to cut and trim fat.”

The reduced millage comes in the face of some increases, like an estimated $157,000 hike in the cost of fire services.  Although the City took advantage of a promise by Alachua County to offer fire and rescue services at $475,000 last year, that option is no longer available.

This year, the City and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners have already agreed to use a traditional funding formula to determine the City’s portion of fire services.  The total of those costs is estimated to come in at $632,496 in the 2011/12 fiscal year.

The City of Archer and the Archer High School Restoration and Development Committee will be opening the doors of a much needed community center in Archer.  This multi-purpose facility will serve the citizens of Archer and friends in and around Alachua County providing a space for meetings, private parties and receptions and other community uses.

Commissioner Roberta Lopez and the City of Archer spearheaded the fundraising efforts and were successful in obtaining funds from Federal, State, County and local government along with generous private donations of materials and money from individuals to restore the building built in 1937. The State of Florida Historic Preservation and USDA will be represented along with county and local officials.

The City of Archer is conducting the official grand opening of the Archer Community Center and the public is invited to attend on Tuesday, Aug. 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with the ribbon cutting ceremony taking place at 2 p.m. The facility is located at 16639 SW 137th Avenue, Archer, one block south of the Post Office on US 27/SR 45.

Carflip2011-07-25_09.04An early morning accident on Monday left a car on its side while the driver walked away without serious injury.

One woman started her work week off with a bang when she crashed her car.

The single-car accident occurred Monday, shortly before 9 a.m.

The driver, 23-year-old Tulasi Granofsky, lost control of the Nissan sedan while traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 441 in Alachua.  Employees of the nearby Farm Credit rushed out to help the woman, who escaped the accident without serious injury.

Alachua Police Department spokesman Jessie Sandusky said the driver lost control of the following an “in-vehicle distraction.”  The distraction, however, was not a cellphone or other electronic device.  According to a traffic crash report released Wednesday, Granofsky said she dropped a cup of water in her lap.  After the spill, she looked down and then lost control of the car, veering off of the roadway, striking a sign and then rolling into a ditch.

The car reportedly flipped one and a half times before coming to rest on its side.  The driver was the only occupant of the vehicle and was not transported by medics.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names  

 

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Forward Motion Fitness located at 8917 NW 12th Lane, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32606 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated at Gainesville, FL, this 19th day of July, 2011.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

TOWN OF LACROSSE NOTICE OF SECOND PUBLIC HEARING FOR FFY 2011 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT

The Town of LaCrosse is applying to the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for a grant in the Housing Rehabilitation Category in the amount of $650,000 under the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. For each activity that is proposed, 70% of the funds Statewide must benefit low to moderate income (LMI) persons. The activities, dollar amount and estimated percentage benefit to low and moderate income persons for which the Town is applying are:

Activity Parks/Playground Budget (Approximately) $ 20,000 LMI% 58% Activity Fire Protection Budget (Approximately) $457,000 LMI% 58% Activity Engineering Budget (Approximately) $ 75,000 LMI % N/A Activity Administration Budget (Approximately) $ 48,000 LMI % N/A TOTAL BUDGET $600,000

The Town will adopt an anti-displacement and relocation plan and will assist displaced persons with grant funds, as indicated in the budget and policy. A Public Hearing to provide citizens an opportunity to comment on the application will be held during a Regular Town Council meeting on Monday, August 8, 2011, starting at 7:30 PM at the La Crosse Town Hall, 20613 North SR 121, La Crosse, FL 32658. A draft copy of the application will be available for review at that time. A final copy of the application will be made available at Town Hall on Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. no more than five days after August 15, 2011. The application will be submitted to DCA on or before August 15, 2011. To obtain additional information concerning the application and the Public Hearing contact Dianne Dubberly, Town Clerk, at (904) 462-2784 (TDD# (800) 955-8771). The public hearing is being conducted in a handicapped accessible location. Any handicapped person requiring an interpreter for the hearing impaired or the visually impaired should contact Ms. Dubberly at least five calendar days prior to the meeting and an interpreter will be provided. Any non-English speaking person wishing to attend the public hearing should also contact Ms. Dubberly at least five calendar days prior to the meeting and a language interpreter will be provided. To access a Telecommunication Device for Deaf Persons (TDD) please call (800) 955-8771. Any handicapped person requiring special accommodation at this meeting should contact Ms. Dubberly at least 36 hours prior to the meeting. Pursuant to Section 102 of the HUD Reform Act of 1989, the following disclosures will be submitted to DCA with the application. The disclosures will be made available by the Town of LaCrosse and DCA for public inspection upon request. These disclosures will be available on and after the date of submission of the application and shall continue to be available for a minimum period of five years. 1. Other Government (federal, state, and local) assistance to the project in the form of a gift, grant, loan, guarantee, insurance payment, rebate, subsidy, credit, tax benefit, or any other form of direct or indirect benefit by source and amount; 2. The identities and pecuniary interests of all developers, contractors, or consultants involved in the application for assistance or in the planning or development of the project or activity; 3. The identities and pecuniary interests of any other persons with a pecuniary interest. in the project that can reasonably be expected to exceed $50,000 or 10% of the grant request (whichever is lower); 4. For those developers, contractors, consultants, property owners, or others listed in two (2) or three (3) above which are corporations, or other entities, the identification and pecuniary interests by corporation or entity of each of officer, director, principal stockholders, or other official of the entity; 5. The expected sources of all funds to be provided to the project by each of the providers of those funds and the amount provided; and 6. The expected uses of all funds by activity and amount. The Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF) Meeting for this application was held on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the LaCrosse Fire Rescue Department. Any comments from the CATF will be discussed during the Public Hearing.

A FAIR HOUSING/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/HANDICAP ACCESS JURISDICTION (Published: Alachua County Today - July 28, 2011)

 

SALE NOTICE Notice is hereby given that Interstate Mini Storage will sell the contents of the following self storage units by public auction to satisfy their liens against these tenants, in accordance with the Florida Self-Storage Facility Act. The auction will take place at this location at 9:30 am on  August 8, 2011 or thereafter. Units are believed to contain household goods and/or business items, unless otherwise listed. Interstate Mini Storage, 2707 SW 40th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32608. Ph. (352) 371-0852. K07 Delia Hunt 712 Rena Fountain C07 Charles Thomas B04 Robert Hayen

 

Published: Alachua County Today - July 21, 28, 2011)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

NOTICE: Calling this number will subject you to HUGE savings on statewide advertising in over 100 newspapers. Advertising Networks of Florida, Put us to work for You! (866)742-1373 www.florida-classifieds.com.

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua

Bushels of acre peas and butter beans. Watermelons, Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Vidalia Onions, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn $14 bushel, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit. Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

 

Driver Start a New Career! 100% Paid CDL Training! No Experience Required. Recent Grads or Exp Drivers: Sign On Bonus!CRST EXPEDITED (800)326-2778 www.JoinCRST.com

 

Drivers - CDL-A Start up to 45¢ per mile!! SIGN-ON BONUS!! GREAT HOME TIME!!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

Movie Extras Earn up to $250 per day To stand in the backgrounds for a major film production experience not required. All looks needed. Call NOW!!! (877)435-5877

 

A Better Career With Melton 34-46 CPM Great Equipment & Benefits 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

$$$ OTR DRIVERS $$$ WANT A JOB THAT GETS YOU HOME? BONUS OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! *Excellent Home Time/Benefits *Class A CDL Required (866)375-1591 or www.superservicellc.com

 

Driver- Recession Proof Freight. Plenty miles. Need refresher? No out-of-pocket tuition at FFE. $1000 Bonus for CO's & $1500 Incentive for O/O's. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

 

Service Worker II (Utilities-Wastewater) City of High Springs

This is a technical full-time position involving utilities maintenance, primarily in wastewater. Work consists of semi-skilled and skilled repair and maintenance of the City's low pressure sewer collection system. Utilities personnel are subject to call back and are required to rotate on-call standby duty. HS diploma or GED; valid Fl DL required; and FL CDL class B required within 6 months of hire date. Experience in water and/or sewer utilities preferred. FW&PCOA WW Collection System Operator Certification required or to obtain within one year. Pay $9.95 to $12.95 DOQ, FRS, and other benefits. Apply at City Hall, 110 NW 1st Ave., High Springs, 32643. Applications accepted through August 10, 2011. Application available on-line at: www.highsprings.us. The City of High Springs is a Drug free workplace and EOE.

Cash paid for junk cars. $200 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

THINK CHRISTMAS, START NOW! OWN A RED HOT! DOLLAR, DOLLAR PLUS, MAILBOX OR DISCOUNT PARTY STORE FROM $51,900 WORLDWIDE! 100% TURNKEY (800)518-3064 WWW.DRSS20.COM

 

Investors - Outstanding and immediate returns in equipment leasing for oilfield industry. Immediate lease out. Tax benefits and high returns. We need more equipment! (800)491-9029

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

 

$$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ As seen on TV.$$$ Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++within 48/hrs? Low rates APPLY NOW BY PHONE! Call Today! Toll-Free: (800)568-8321 www.lawcapital.com

 

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

 

 

Boost Testosterone! Free 30 Day Supply! Progene for Men! All Natural, Herbal Supplement Higher Energy! More Strength Call (877)878-0475 Now For Free Month's Supply! www.progene.com

 

EDUCATION

 

 

ALLIED HEALTH career training-Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $50 per roll for 2 or more. 352-215-1018

 

PETS & SUPPLIES

 

 

HORSE LOVERS-Make $$ for yourself or charity. Hold a Competitive Trail Challenge. Call ACTHA at (877)99-ACTHA (22842) or visit www.actha.us Great fun, great $$$

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Mobile Home For Sale

 

Handy man special. '94 3BR/2BA DWMH on five acres. Gorgeous, fenced oak shaded homesite. Ft. White. Owner financing, $3,000 down. $99,900. $877/mo. 352-215-1018 www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

Acreage & Farms

 

 

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $205/mo. Total $19,900. Call 352-215-1018. www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $59,900. $526/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

5 AC Alachua Beautifully wooded on paved road frontage. Great area! Convenient to Gainesville. Dev Potential! Only $877/mo. $99,900 Total 352-215-1018. www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

Real Estate

 

 

NC Mountains. 4.76 wooded acres w/ view & creek. Perfect for log cabin. Only $23,800.00. Owner financing available. Call today (800)699-1289 or www.riverbendlakelure.com.

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

 

Apartments For Rent

 

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE NOW 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $507/mo. Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

 

Business & Office Rentals

 

Commercial retail building 1,200sf 14856 Main Street Alachua, FL. Call for details (386)462-2786 $1,000.00 per month carpeted, air conditioned.

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Garage Sales

 

 

Yard Sale **EVERY SATURDAY** STUFF A PLASTIC GARBAGE BAG $2. Located at CR241/CR235 and CR 2054. Just across the tracks in Alachua. Benefits Closet of Faith, a Community Outreach Thirft Store.

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $200 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

Auctions

 

 

ABSOLUTE AUCTION August 6th, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. for Rental City LLC. Liquidation of rental equipment and inventory. For more information visit www.proteamauction.com

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

James Earl “Jimmy” Hill, 64, died at his home on Saturday, July 23, 2011. He was the son of the late Maggie and Earl Hill. Mr. Hill was born June 4, 1947 and lived in Santa Fe, Fla. He was a 1965 graduate of Santa Fe High School, and served in the U.S. Air Force after high school.  Mr. Hill was a farmer, rancher, and horseman, and he enjoyed keeping up with the local high school football teams as well as college teams. He was a wonderful husband who enjoyed his family and friends, always lending a helping hand where he could. He was a member of the North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

He is survived by Chris Hill, his loving wife of 31 years; sister, Nancy (Ray) Nipper; mother-in-law, Lole McMillan; brother-in-law, Gary (Micky) McMillan; sisters-in-law, Lorraine (Lee) Pardi, Coy (George) Werner, Jen (Gary) Lindsey; nieces Holly (Jimmy) Sajczuk, Jarica Nipper, Kelley Primo, Vanessa Oppel, Lisa Oppel; and nephews Matt Cord (April) Nipper, Jared (Kristina) Nipper, Eric (Ashley) Primo, and Mark (Brittany) Ferguson; and great nieces, Anya Sajczuk, Aurora Rose Primo, and great nephews Evan Nipper, Jeremy Nipper, and Mason Nipper.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday July 28, 2011 at the North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 25330 NW County Road 239 Alachua, Fla. Burial will be private and in lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to your favorite charity.

Arrangements by Milam Funeral and Cremation Services Gainesville, Fla.

Mugshot_Ernest_RossAn Alachua Police Department (APD) officer was injured Sunday when he reportedly attempted to stop the driver of a car from pulling away.

APD Sergeant Jimmy Smith was dragged about 20 feet while conducting a traffic stop on a car traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 441, according to reports.  The officer asked the driver, Ernest Ross, Jr., 39, of Brooker, to turn off the vehicle after it was discovered he didn’t have a valid driver’s license, but police say the man became uncooperative.

After a brief struggle, Smith reportedly found himself caught in the window of the 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser being driven by Ross.  Smith was apparently trying to turn off the vehicle, but Ross was able to shift the car into drive.  He began to drive away, dragging Smith, who was able to free himself after about 20 feet.

Smith followed Ross for a short time before going to the fire rescue station in Alachua for treatment to injuries described by officers as “minor cuts and bruises.”

Other officers, including deputies from the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), began pursuing Ross.  The chase reportedly continued into the Brooker area where Ross jumped out of the car he was driving and fled on foot.  Police chased Ross through the woods but were not able to catch him right away.

Police returned to the woods a short time later with the assistance of the Baker Correctional Institute and Reception Medical Center.  Using bloodhounds from the correctional facility, police say they were able to track Ross to a nearby residence where he was arrested.

Ross was taken to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office Department of the Jail and is being charged with three felonies, including resisting an officer, habitual traffic offender, and aggravated battery on an officer and resisting, as well as a misdemeanor charge of resisting an officer. He is also being charged with a probation violation.

Ross remained in jail Wednesday afternoon without bond.  Sgt. Smith returned to work Wednesday.

The State Attorney’s Office has upgraded a review into The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), officials said Thursday afternoon.

The Office of the State Attorney Spokesman Spencer Mann said the review has now become an investigation, but added it didn’t necessarily mean the concerns about Sunshine Law violations had merit.

“Basically, what this means is that we reviewed the original complaint and decided to look into it further.”

“We’ve drawn no conclusions based on what we’ve received so far, but we’re very much in the homework phase,” he said.

The Office of the State Attorney’s review into the Alachua County BOCC was first reported in the July 7 edition of Alachua County Today.  A follow-up story with the County’s rebuttals to allegations of Sunshine Law violations ran in the July 14 edition of Alachua County Today. But the latest news that an active investigation is now underway was only just released Thursday afternoon.

Mann said the investigation process gives the State Attorney’s Office additional tools to conduct research into the allegations.  The transition from a review to an investigation also means records and documents associated with the case are no longer open to the public.

There seems to be no timetable for when the investigation might be complete.  The workload of investigators is heavy, said Mann, adding, “We’ve got to work it in with our murder cases, sexual battery, robbery and general crime cases.”

The investigation into the BOCC will require the State Attorney’s Office to look into multiple issues, Mann said.

Allegations that Alachua County Commissioners have violated Sunshine Laws have come largely from Ward Scott, a former candidate for county commission.  He claims that the BOCC has used informal meetings to discuss matters, reach conclusions and make decisions on which they will later take a formal vote.

Scott also criticizes the County saying notices for the informal meetings are vague and provide little information to allow the public to determine what will be discussed.  Moreover, he said, the minutes from those informal meetings often incorrectly state that “no action” was taken by the board.

Scott argues that in fact, some on the BOCC frequently used the informal meetings as a venue to gauge where fellow commissioners stood on certain issues, commonly referred to as “polling,” or “crystalizing” a vote.

County officials are standing by their policies and say all of the meetings held by the board are open to the public, advertised and minutes are properly recorded.

Lee Pinkoson, Chair of the BOCC, said he doesn’t believe the BOCC is breaking any laws by having general discussions about issues, especially when the meetings are open to the public and advertised.

Alachua County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton said, “They go to the meetings with the idea that any commissioner can bring up any subject they want to discuss.”

Scott is mixing issues, Sexton said, said, challenging Scott’s allegations, saying, “Whether a meeting is called an ‘informal meeting’ or ‘special meeting,’ is semantics.  That has nothing to do with the sunshine if it has been properly advertised.”

Sexton said according to the advice of legal counsel, the meetings require only three things to be in compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Laws.  If the public is invited to attend, the meetings are advertised and minutes are kept, then the meeting complies with Florida’s Sunshine Law.

Scott sees it differently, however.  He has posted a montage of audio clips demonstrating what he believes are violations of Florida’s public record and public meeting laws.

CalderwoodFormer Alachua Mayor Jean Caolderwood (bottom left) formally announced Wednesday she is seeking a seat on the Alachua County Commission

Former City of Alachua mayor and commissioner Jean Calderwood has stepped back into the political arena, announcing plans to run for Alachua County Commission.

The longtime Alachua resident was joined by supporters when she kicked off her campaign with a press conference at Alachua City Hall Wednesday afternoon.  The former mayor said she plans to run for the District 3 seat currently held by Alachua County Commissioner Paula DeLaney.

Although DeLaney’s seat on the commission doesn’t expire until November 2012, Calderwood is getting started early and laying out her platform.  DeLaney has not made a formal announcement as to whether or not she will seek re-election.

Since stepping down in April 2010 from her role as the City of Alachua Mayor, Calderwood said a number of people have asked, urged and encouraged her to run for the County Commission.  But she said the final decision to run came after discussions with her family.

“A lot of people have seen what we were able to do here in the City of Alachua with good leadership,” Calderwood said, pointing to economic development projects like Dollar General, Walmart and Sysco Foods distribution centers, Progress Corporate Park and the downtown area.

In a press release Calderwood said, “Changing leadership and changing the direction is critical for the future of Alachua County.”

She said the biggest complaints she hears are that people in Alachua County are tired of high taxes, bad roads and too much government.

Calderwood said she wants to restore a sense of pride to living in Alachua County, saying, “It makes me sad that you don’t hear anybody bragging about Alachua County.”

“You hear people in the City of Alachua, High Springs, Newberry or the University of Florida who are proud of their communities,” said Calderwood.  “All three of my sons and all four grandsons were born right here in Alachua County and I want them to have a sense of pride about living in Alachua County.”

Calderwood said she brings the ability to listen and make decisions fairly.

“The County Commission is not listening to the citizens.  I would listen and I would vote based on the information in front of us,” she said, adding that the Commission uses poor judgment.

A recent measure that would convert a former Holiday Inn on Newberry Road into a shelter for homeless veterans is just one decision by the County Commission that Calderwood thinks was ill-advised.

She also points to the hotly contested Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary near the City of High Springs.  Against the requests of City of High Springs officials and the County’s own staff recommendations, in 2009, county commissioners voted to permit the sanctuary.  County commissioners revoked that permit last week, but only after it confiscated nearly 700 cats from the sanctuary, which was only supposed to have 200 of the felines.

Chief among Calderwood’s concerns is the tax burden on the citizens while roads seemingly continue to deteriorate faster than they’re being repaired.

“The County’s proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year is $320 million.  Somewhere in there the commission could find some areas to cut back so they can reduce the millage rate.

“We need to look at the number of buildings to see if there’s room for consolidation and savings.  We need to determine if the County’s land development codes are so cumbersome that they require extra staff for review.

“I think we also need to look at how many advisory committees the County has in place and if they are all functioning like they are supposed.  And if they’re not a critical need, then we need to determine how much of the County’s resources are being spent to sustain them,” said Calderwood.

Economic development is also a major tenant of her campaign.  The former commissioner and mayor said the County needs to do more in the way of attracting businesses to help diversify the tax burden on the County’s residents.

“My belief is that you make sure you have a quality of life that appeals to employers and the businesses will take the risk of investing in your community,” she said.  “We’ve got to change the direction of Alachua County.”

Eva_CopelandJust weeks after Alachua Elementary School Principal Jim Brandenburg announced plans to retire, his replacement, Eva Copeland, has already been picked.

At the recommendation of Superintendent Dan Boyd, board members of the School Board of Alachua County (SBAC) voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint Copeland as the principal of Alachua Elementary School.

Retiring Principal Brandenburg called the move, “a great opportunity for her, because it’s nice to be able to go into a school that already shares your vision.”

Brandenburg, principal at Alachua Elementary since 1992, knows a thing or two about the culture of the school and about Copeland.

Copeland was already teaching at Alachua Elementary when Brandenburg began as an assistant principal in 1991.  “She was part of the nucleus of teacher leaders who were on staff when I got here,” he said.  “She was one of the ones who shared a vision of what the school could be.”

“The challenge of anyone taking over a new position is knowing what things need to change and what things shouldn’t be changed,” said Brandenburg.  Having helped to shape the culture at Alachua Elementary gives Copeland has a leg up on the job.

Copeland taught at Alachua Elementary for about 16 years and spent the last four and a half years at High Springs Community School.  There, she’s gained more experience working in administration, serving a stint as the Assistant Principal for Administration and most recently as the Assistant Principal for Curriculum.

To fill the open principal position at Alachua Elementary, Copeland was selected from a pool known as Principals in Training, Deputy Superintendent Sandy Hollinger said.  “Ms. Copeland expressed an interest in the position and she had an outstanding interview.”

Before making the decision, Boyd reportedly met not only with school staff, but with community leaders to determine what they wanted in a principal.

By all accounts, Copeland was the best fit for Alachua Elementary.  High Springs Community School Principal Jeff Means agreed saying, “The fact that she lives out here in the community and already knows this area so well, makes her a great match for the school.”

Her departure from High Springs Community School comes as bittersweet news, Means said.  “She’s been a great asset to our school, but she’s going to be a great addition to Alachua Elementary and is the best person for the job.”

In her time at High Springs Community, Copeland has not only had experience with elementary-aged students, but middle school aged students as well.

“She has that broadened perspective of knowing what students have when they come from Irby Elementary and what they’ll need when they go to Mebane,” said Means.  “I look forward to working with her, now as a colleague, at the principal level.”

Being a principal is exactly what Copeland wants to do.  “What this means to me is that that I have achieved a goal I set for myself when I walked across the stage and got my bachelor’s degree,” she said.

She knows her responsibilities have changed significantly as she steps into the role of principal.  “I feel like I have big shoes to fill coming in behind [Brandenburg], but I feel like I’ve learned a lot from him in the years I worked for him.”

Chief among her top priorities will be continuing the strong relationships Brandenburg established in Alachua.

“I think his outreach into the community was important as he became an integral part of Alachua.”

Brandenburg doesn’t think Copeland will have any problems stepping in.  “The kids, the faculty and staff and parents are lucky to have someone who wants to be here for all the right reasons,” he said.  “Everybody here is just excited and I am, too.”

Copeland already began duties as principal, reporting to Alachua Elementary Wednesday morning.  Brandenburg said he expects he’ll be completely retired from the school by the middle of next week.

Reaching the milestone of becoming a principal is all the sweeter for Copeland.

“Being at Alachua Elementary is a dream come true because I’m part of the community and live in the community and I’m extremely excited to be taking over the position of principal here.”

FB_BartoneFB_ClemonsFB_DeLoachFB_EhlersFB_HawesFB_HoltFB_Langford_copyFB_PowellFB_RussellPhoto 1: Bartone; Photo 2: Clemons; Photo 3: DeLoach; Photo 4: Ehlers; Photo 5: Hawes; Photo 6: Holt; Photo 7: Langford; Photo 8: Powell; Photo 9: Russell.

The Alachua County Farm Bureau has recently awarded nine $1,000 scholarships.  Recipients include four students from Newberry, one from Ft. White, one from Trenton and three from Gainesville.

Alachua County Farm Bureau has been providing students from member families with financial assistance to continue their educations for more than 15 years. Alachua County Farm Bureau President Roger West said, “These students are outstanding and we are proud to be able to help them further their educations.”

Newberry High School graduates receiving scholarships were Robin Hawes, Nicole Holt, Ashley Bartone and Emily Marie Russell. Sarah DeLoach of Fort White, who is currently attending the University of Florida, received an Upper Division Agricultural Scholarship. DeLoach is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Education and Communication.  Also receiving scholarships were Taylor Langford, a graduate of Trenton High School and Lauren Ehlers, Christina Clemons and Kelly Powell, graduates of Gainesville High School.

Each year the Alachua County Farm Bureau offers both academic and career-technical scholarships to graduating high school seniors whose families are Alachua County Farm Bureau members. Students are required to submit an application along with their transcript, a photo, two letters of reference on character and citizenship, a resume of school/community extracurricular activities and a 500 word essay on “A Blueprint for My Future.”

Alachua County Farm Bureau is the state’s largest county Farm Bureau with about 7,000 member-families. It is affiliated with the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, headquartered in Gainesville.

Recently, our community lost a great man - Terry Stechmiller, who was principal at Mebane Middle School for more than 10 years.  He put so much into his school and our surrounding community in the 80s.  Coach Stechmiller was not only a great principal at Mebane, but he was also a mentor for our youth football players, many of whom went on to play high school, college and even in the pros.

Coach Stechmiller was the head coach for our Pop Warner Football Organization in the Midget Division out of Alachua for over 10 years.  He went on to produce a record of over 100 wins, two losses and one tie.  Also, as Head Coach, he went on to win an astounding 75 games straight.

Throughout the years, many of our great coaches from the surrounding community had the pleasure of coaching with Coach Terry Stechmiller.  All from Alachua, High Springs and Gainesville, they were the likes of Andy Strickland, Horace Jenkins, Dean Moore, Porter Peterson and many more.  By working together, Coach Terry’s teams won nine Southeast Regions and a National Championship in California.

Education is what he preached, and he used it as a tool for motivation to develop boys into young men.  Due to their dedication, Coach Terry Stechmiller, Andy Strickland, Horace Jenkins, Dean Moore and the many other coaches during the 80s were able to pass on their hard work to the high school where the Santa Fe Raiders claimed two State Championships.

Our community has been blessed for having many great talented coaches over the years, and Coach Terry Stechmiller was one of the elite.  In my 30 years in recreation, I have never witnessed a principal take coaching to such a high level and add enormous amounts of passion to his craft.

I personally would like to thank Dr. Dan Boyd, Linda Stechmiller, Dr. Bruce Stechmiller, and Coach Terry Stechmiller’s family for their support and allowing Coach to be a major asset to our community.  He will be missed.  I hope those who can, will attend a memorial service at the Garden Club in Gainesville at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 24.

 Hal Brady

Alachua Recreation and Parks Director

Refreshing Ichetucknee Springs

 IchnetuckneeIchetucknee Springs offers a refreshing experience for those willing to take the plunge into the 72 degree pristine waters 

Gauging by sizzling temperatures approaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit and a heat index well over the century mark, the dog days of summer are officially here.

Summer camps are quickly becoming only fond memories, as are the thoughts of a seemingly endless summer.  With the first days of August around the corner, back-to-school time is looming just over the horizon as school in Alachua County is scheduled to begin Aug. 22.

In the meantime, hot, humid and sticky is an appropriate explanation for the lethargy that seems to have not only affected people, but our four-legged friends as well.  Mother Nature has indeed blessed Florida with sunshine — and heat.  It’s just too hot to think about doing much of anything – unless Ichetucknee Springs comes to mind.

As many locals know, Ichetucknee Springs State Park is a refreshing experience. Its unspoiled beauty, together with surrounding wilds, has become and remains a Florida treasure.   Each of us discovers this treasure only once, but is likely drawn back again and again to experience firsthand what Native Americans called “Ichetucknee,” meaning “pond of the beaver.”

North Central Floridians often, and mistakenly, take for granted this virtual paradise consisting of 2,241 acres. Inside the boundaries of the park, a series of springs creates the clear Ichetucknee River, which flows toward the southwest for approximately six miles.  It is often the visitor who reminds us of the magical bounty we have in our own back yard.

To the uninitiated, floating down a crystal clear meandering river in an inner tube for one to three hours is exhilarating.  Add to that, the Florida sun casting shadows through the cedar and maple trees as first-time tubers leisurely float down the cooling waters.  Not much can surpass the serenity of leaning back against a gently rocking tube and drinking in nature’s beauty while dangling one’s feet in the refreshing water.

But the real thrill experienced by visitors is their amazement about the springs that were declared a “National Natural Landmark” by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1972.

Millions of gallons of pristine water gush out of the earth, forming crystal pools of water reflecting colors of pale blues and mysterious blacks in Florida’s sun.  The constant average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round refreshes the hot and weary. The park offers three tubing options: a three-hour float from the north end, a 1.5 hour float from the mid-point launch at the south entrance and a 45 minute float from Dampier’s Landing at the south entrance.

Now is the time to “take the remedy.”  Visit Ichetucknee State Park, if only for a few hours.  Visitors don’t have to take all day, but why not?  What better place to spend time communing with Mother Nature than in this land of raw beauty and sparkling waters? And Memorial Day through Labor Day, fun seekers will find a full-service concession that offers food, refreshments, and outdoor items.

The park is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. till sundown. But according to the park’s Web site, if you are planning on a Saturday or Sunday float down the river, arrive early as the park is quite popular on weekends and when the parking lot fills up, you may not be able to enter.  The park frequently reaches capacity by mid-morning and remains at capacity until late afternoon.

The south entrance to the park is located west of Ft. White, off U.S. 27. Total distance from Ft. White to the park’s north entrance is 5.9 miles.

Rather than spending another day wiping your brow, kick back, cool off and relax.  Mother Nature gives us “dog days” so we will appreciate her other gifts all the more.

 

Patricia Anne Davis, 63, passed away at her residence on July 19, 2011 in Alachua, Fla.

She was a nurse for Hospice of the Nature Coast and a member of North Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by four sons, Greg Davis of Bradenton, Doug Davis, Steven Davis and Clint Davis of Alachua; brother, Roger Scruggs of Cocoa Beach, Fla.; sister, Jeanne Tucker of Alachua and five grandchildren.

Graveside service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at 10 a.m. at North Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Rev. Paul O’Steen officiating.

Flowers are welcome but those who wish may make a donation to the Tim Tebow Foundation in her name.

Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home, High Springs, Fla.

Chad Jeremy Cruce, 28, of Gainesville, passed away suddenly at his home on July 16, 2011.  Chad was born in Orange County and has been a lifelong resident of the area.  He was in the Army National Guard and was a Corrections Officer at Lancaster Correctional Institute.  Chad was athletic and an outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, body building and training.  He was also an avid gator fan.

He is survived by his wife of three years, Jennie Cruce and daughter Arden Paige Cruce of Gainesville, parents Ira and Margaret Cruce, brother Mark W. Cruce all of Alachua, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and Team Cruce.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 13920 U.S. 441, Alachua, Fla., with Pastor Marty Basinger officiating and a reception will follow.  Please sign the guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com.

Ernest C. Holland, 77 passed Friday, July 15, 2011 at North Shore Hospital in Miami, Fla.  He was born to the late Andy and Rosa Holland in Fort White, Fla.  He was raised in Fort White, attended the Columbia County schools and was a graduate of Richardson High School, Lake City, Fla.

Mr. Holland was a former employee of Williams Leham Car Dealership in the Service Department.

He was preceded in death by his son Gary Holland.

He is survived by his children, Sandra Holland, Jerome Holland, and Ayetta Holland, all of Fort White, Fla.; his sisters, Wonza Deliford and Mamie (Jasper) Strawder, all of Miami; and Leona Holland of Fort White; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Viewing will be 3-4 p.m. and funeral services will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, July 24, 2011 in the Chapel of A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home.  Burial will follow in Heavenly Rest Cemetery, Ft. White, Fla.

Arrangements entrusted to A. Jerome Brown Funeral Home, 1560 N W 1st Avenue, High Springs, Fla.

Paul Ashley Keene, 47, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2011 at North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was a resident of Alachua and lived in the area his entire life. He was a member of New Oak Grove Baptist Church and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.R. Keene and brother, Ricky Keene. He is survived by his mother, Margaret W. Keene of Alachua; son, Devin L. Keene of Gainesville; brother, Glen A. Keene of Alachua and sister, Mary Keene Sumner of Jacksonville.

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 21, 2011 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans-Carter Funeral Home in High Springs. Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2011 at New Oak Grove Cemetery at 3 p.m. with Rev. Steve Hutcheson officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Evans-Carter Funeral Home, 220 N Main St., High Springs, Fla.

 Questions and Answers

Question: When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, who is eligible for survivors benefits?

Answer: Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:

  • Widows or widowers — full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60;
  • Disabled widows or widowers — as early as age 50;
  • Widows or widowers at any age if they take care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled and receiving Social Security benefits;
  • Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children;
  • Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and
  • Dependent parents age 62 or older.

Even if you are divorced, you still may qualify for survivors benefits based on the earnings record of a former spouse. For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov.

Question: What is a Social Security “credit?”

Answer: During your working years, earnings covered by Social Security are posted to your record. You earn Social Security credits based on those earnings. The amount of earnings needed for one credit rises as average earnings levels rise. In 2011, you receive one credit for each $1,120 of earnings. You can earn up to a maximum of four credits a year. Most people will need a minimum of 40 credits (or 10 years of work) to be eligible for retirement benefits. Learn more by reading the online publication How You Earn Credits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10072.html.

Question: What is the earliest age that I can begin receiving retirement benefits?

Answer: You can get a reduced benefit as early as age 62.  Keep in mind that your monthly benefit amount would be about 33 percent higher if you wait until age 66 and nearly 80 percent higher if you defer payments until age 70. Visit our Retirement Estimator to find out how much you can expect to receive. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Question: How does Social Security decide if someone is disabled?

Answer: For an adult to be considered disabled, Social Security must determine that you are unable to do the work you did before and, based on your age, education, and work experience, you are unable to adjust to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more information, we recommend you read Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029), available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

BrandenburgLongtime Alachua Elementary School Principal Jim Brandenburg has announced he is retiring from the school he served for over 20 years. Brandenburg says the hardest part of retirement will be what he is going to miss, such as not being at school on special days.  One of those special days was the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony held at the school each November in honor of local military veterans.

The man who has led Alachua Elementary School for the last two decades is finally hanging up his hat.  Jim Brandenburg, the longtime principal at the Elementary school, said the big decision came only in the last few weeks.  His official retirement will come before the start of the new school year.

“I always thought I would be ready to retire when I didn’t like my job anymore, but I didn’t see that happening,” he said.

The idea of retiring wasn’t a serious consideration until recently when he was visiting with his father-in-law who told Brandenburg of how he came to retire.

“He had a bout with cancer, which he subsequently beat, but at that time, he retired and decided he was going to live every day and enjoy every day…he’s been doing that for 20 some years now,” Brandenburg said.

That conversation apparently sparked a series of discussions with his family members and pushed him to contemplate what he wanted to do with the next third of his life.

“We lamented how hard it was to get together, how complicated it was because of our schedules,” he said of visiting with his siblings.  “I figure none of us are getting any younger, and we’re in a position that I could retire.”

When he approached Alachua County School Superintendent Dan Boyd about retiring, Brandenburg said his response was, “If you wait until you don’t like work anymore, you’ve really stayed too long.”

“I figure I’ll go out on top.  I have a lot of good memories and hopefully other people will too,” he said.

Brandenburg won’t be far away.  In fact, the soon-to-be retired principal isn’t leaving Alachua and hopes retirement will allow him to devote more time to the handful of charities in which he’s involved.

“I’ve got plenty to keep me busy,” he said.

The timing seems right for Brandenburg, whose 23-year-old son, Bud, will soon be graduating from the University of Florida.  The extra time will also allow extra time for him and his wife, Mary, to travel a bit more and visit with family.

Among the organizations he volunteers with are the Alachua Chamber of Commerce, Stop Children’s Cancer and Rebuilding Together of North Central Florida.  All have projects he wants to spend more time on, but can’t with the 50 to 60 hours he puts in as a principal.  “It seems like there’s never enough time to do things as much as I want or the way that I want.”

He said he’s excited about helping with the Alachua Chamber of Commerce’s Welcome Center, a project still in the works, but nearing reality.

Although Brandenburg is a board member of Rebuilding Together of North Central Florida, he’s not as involved as he would like to be.  He hopes to do more hands-on work, especially with the organization’s home projects.

And they could probably use his skills.  Brandenburg is handy, known by many in the area as craftsman when it comes to carpentry and his woodwork.

About Brandenburg

Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, Brandenburg remembers moving to Fort Lauderdale when he was in the third grade.

After graduating from high school, he followed his two older brothers up to the University of Florida.

“I had no desire to go back to South Florida,” he said.  “It had changed a lot over the years from the 50s to the early 70s.”

When he graduated from the University of Florida in the mid-1970s, Brandenburg took up his first teaching job at Rawlings Elementary, where he taught fifth and sixth graders.  It was there that Brandenburg met Mary, his wife-to-be in 1976.  He spent a few years at Fort Clarke Middle School where he said he enjoyed teaching a variety of classes including Language Arts, Social Studies and even Latin.

“I remember in the early years, to make a little extra money over the summer, I would take jobs doing cabinetry work,” Brandenburg said.  But soon, those summers off would end.

He was called to work in the district office as a subject area coordinator, working with special education and gifted programs in the elementary curriculum.  In the early 1990s, a recession of sorts called Brandenburg back to the classroom, this time at Loften High School where he taught in the Drop Out Prevention program.

After about a year in the classroom, Brandenburg said he got a call from Interim Superintendent and friend, Dr. Linda Eldridge, instructing him that he was going to be going into a Principal in Training program at Alachua Elementary.

At the time, Brandenburg said he wasn’t sure he was interested in the program because he was enjoying teaching.  Adamant however, Eldridge responded to him saying, “Well, this is where you’re going to go next week,” he recalled.

Today, Brandenburg is thankful for her insistence.  “That ended up being a really good opportunity,” he said.

When he started in the training program at Alachua Elementary, Brandenburg didn’t know he would spend the rest of his career there.  He was supposed to spend one semester in Alachua and then switch to another school.

A monkey wrench was thrown into those plans when Dr. Christine Hirsch, who was the principal at that time, required back surgery.  The injury took her out of work for months and in the interest of stability at the school, Brandenburg was kept on for an additional semester.

Around the same time, the addition of Irby Elementary School was underway and Hirsch became the principal there, leaving an opening at Alachua Elementary.  Naturally, Brandenburg, having already filled the role of an assistant principal, stepped right in to lead the school.  He became the school’s principal in 1992.

The future

Exactly who is going to lead Alachua Elementary in the upcoming year and years ahead is still unknown.

“It was a hard thing to tell the faculty and staff that I was retiring,” Brandenburg said.  “I don’t think they were expecting it and I guess I really wasn’t either.”  Still, they’ve been supportive of his decisions, he said.

Brandenburg said there’s some anxiety about who is going to come in and what’s going to happen at the school, especially because most of the teachers at Alachua Elementary never worked for another principal.

To quell some of those concerns and to hear them, Superintendent Dan Boyd recently met with the school staff.

“That helped them to understand that [Boyd] was going to look out for the community,” said Brandenburg.  “I have great confidence in him to pick the right person. Whoever it is, I’ll be supportive of that decision and that person.”

As a new principal steps in to take over the reins, Brandenburg believes they’ll find the school is up to snuff.

“I think the school’s in great shape.  We’ve got the best faculty in the school system and possibly the state,” he said.  “We have a very stable faculty, very low turnover and we haven’t hired anybody new this year.”

In terms of relationships with other schools in the community, the tone has been set.  Brandenburg said, “We’ve been fortunate that in the more than 20 years that I’ve been involved in this community, we’ve had good relationship with all of the principals.”

For Brandenburg, the hard part of retirement won’t be finding things to do, but not being at school on those special days.

“The first day of school was always a lot of fun for me and that’s what I’m going to miss,” he said.

“Retirement wasn’t about not working anymore, but about doing other things I really wanted to do,” said Brandenburg.

Personal Perspective:

Best Advice: Management is not all that complicated.  You hire good people and you take care of them.  If you do that, the rest is easy. – Told to Brandenburg by his father.

Hobbies: Woodworking, working on old cars.

Favorite places to vacation: Sanibel Island, Florida, Key West, Florida and the mountains of North Georgia and North Carolina.

July 14, 2011 - Responding to the news that the Office of the State Attorney is reviewing claims that the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has violated Sunshine Laws, County officials are standing by their policies.

The review, although not considered an investigation, reportedly stems from allegations made by Ward Scott, a former candidate for county commission, that the BOCC uses informal meetings to discuss matters, reach conclusions and make decisions on which they will later take a formal vote.

But Alachua County Communications Coordinator Mark Sexton said Scott is mixing issues.  According to the advice of legal counsel, Sexton said the meetings require only three things to be in compliance with Florida’s Sunshine Laws.

“Is the public invited? – The answer to that is absolutely,” said Sexton.  “In fact, there are citizens, who are active in government, who attend these meetings.”  The informal or special meetings are generally held in the Grace Knight Conference Room on the second floor of the County administration building.  If the room reaches capacity, Sexton said the commission will and has in the past, moved over to the main board room.

“Are these meetings advertised? – The answer to that is unequivocally ‘yes,’” he said, noting that they’re published in a newspaper, on a bulletin board inside the County administration building and on the County’s Web site.

“Are minutes kept? – Yes.  Not only are written minutes kept, but there’s an audio tape of meetings kept on file,” Sexton said.

He went a step further in challenging Scott’s allegations, saying, “Whether a meeting is called an ‘informal meeting’ or ‘special meeting,’ is semantics.  That has nothing to do with the sunshine if it has been properly advertised.”

Lee Pinkoson, Chair of the BOCC said criticism that the board is using overly vague agendas at informal meetings misses the mark because agendas aren’t even required.  He notes, however, that each informal meeting in recent months has had an agenda detailing that discussions would be about the upcoming budget.

Scott also takes aim at the County for allegedly using the informal meetings as a venue to gauge where fellow commissioners stand on certain issues, commonly referred to as “polling,” or “crystalizing” a vote.

Pinkoson admits he can remember two occasions over the last nine years when County Attorney David Wagner warned the board that it was getting too close to talking about issues which should only be discussed in quasi-judicial hearings.  And in response to those warnings, Pinkoson said, “We shut up.”

He noted, however, that he doesn’t believe the BOCC is breaking any laws by having general discussions about issues, especially when the meetings are open to the public and advertised.

Sexton said, “They go to the meetings with the idea that any commissioner can bring up any subject they want to discuss.”

He defends the BOCC saying, “This is a commission that is very interested in transparency.  We show our meetings on channel 12, live on the internet.  We archive the meetings so citizens can watch them at their leisure.”

Televising and internet archiving of informal meetings is a somewhat recent change.  Although the meetings have been held since the 1990s, only in recent months has the County begun to take video and offer a live feed of them.

Pinkoson said perhaps Scott’s complaint about the lack of documentation of the informal meetings has led the County to televising them.

“I don’t want there to be a perception that we’re trying to do things behind the scenes or hide anything from anybody,” he said.

letters

I would like to extend a big thank you to the City of Alachua for putting together yet another fantastic 4th of July celebration. I am proud to attend, sponsor and promote such an amazing event. It was wonderful to see a celebration which allowed families, kids, parents, and individuals alike to enjoy a full free day of fun with rides, games and a first class firework show to commemorate our nation’s 235th birthday with patriotism and pride. It was truly a magnificent event.

It takes a great team to win, and the city staff and community volunteers did just that. While many cities cancelled their fireworks due to budget cuts, Alachua worked with the business community to make the city and America proud, as well as making all of us proud to be Americans.

A quick piece of advice to business owners, get involved. If you take the time to give to the community around you and participate in spectacular events, such as this one, you will see your business blossom.

Also, I know the event was advertised as having 30,000 people attend. However, while this might have been the number of the actual attendees, I-75 was backed up for 2 miles with other individuals trying to catch a glimpse of the amazing fireworks display. Taking that into account, there were many more people witnessing the amazing show the City of Alachua put on than we can count.

I am so grateful to be a part of this community and to work with such an awesome city staff. Thank you Alachua.

Freddie Wehbe

Domino’s Pizza Local Owner

 

*UPDATE JULY 14*

Review turns to investigation

The State Attorney’s Office has upgraded a review into The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), officials said Thursday afternoon.  The Office of the State Attorney Spokesman Spencer Mann said the review has now become an investigation.  Alachua County Today was first to report news of the review in the July 7 story below.  A follow-up story with rebuttals to allegations of Sunshine Law violations appears in the July 14 edition of Alachua County Today, but the latest news that an active investigation is now underway was only just released Thursday afternoon.  For continuing coverage of this issue, read Alachua County Today in print and online.

*Below was first published July 7, 2011*

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) may be coming under scrutiny from the State Attorney’s Office.  The closer look apparently follows a citizen-led effort in which it is alleged that county commissioners repeatedly used informal meetings to formulate decisions on issues without public input or review.

“Our office is currently looking at information that has been forwarded to us,” State Attorney’s Office Spokesman Spencer Mann said Wednesday.

“There is no investigation…and no deadline” on the review of the information, he said.

Mann would not provide details about the nature of the review being conducted by the Office of the State Attorney.

“A lot of what drives our priorities are the major cases and the activities that have to go along with those,” he said.

Ward Scott, a former candidate for county commission and city of Alachua resident has criticized the BOCC for holding what he dubs, “the meetings before the meetings.”

It is in those informal meetings that county commissioners discuss matters, reach conclusions and make decisions on which they will later take a formal vote, Scott alleges.

When asked if he knew what the State Attorney’s Office was reviewing, Scott said, “I know what I think they should be reviewing, and that’s the gas tax, the sheriff’s budget and the special meeting that was never noticed, just to name a few.”

Scott confirmed that information about potential Florida Sunshine Law violations on the part of the BOCC had been provided to the State Attorney’s Office.

Among Scott’s chief criticisms is that notices for the informal meetings are vague and provide little information to allow the public to determine what will be discussed.  Moreover, he said, the minutes from those informal meetings often incorrectly state that “no action” was taken by the board.

Scott argues that in fact, some on the BOCC frequently used the informal meetings as a venue to gauge where fellow commissioners stood on certain issues, commonly referred to as “polling.”

In one instance, the commission nixed from its formal meeting agenda a discussion with Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell to settle an ongoing budget dispute.  Commissioners cut the item after Commissioner Paula Delaney, the swing vote on the matter, said in an informal meeting beforehand that she wasn’t going to change her position.

Apparently unaware of the informal meeting, Darnell attended the county’s regular commission meeting to discuss the issue, but was turned away when the item was removed from the agenda.

“I’m tired of it.  You’re tired of it.  I know the public’s tired of it.  Let’s make a decision today, but let’s do so openly and among this body today,” Darnell said.

On another occasion, High Springs City Attorney Thomas DePeter expressed concern that the county commission had already reached a decision regarding the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary before the public hearing was held.

In the July 14, 2009 meeting, DePeter said, “This meeting tonight is not for the purpose of hearing testimony to assist you in determining how to vote on a quasi-judicial matter, but to quote your board chair from a June 9, 2009 meeting, ‘To allow county staff to present their best case for the action the board has taken.’”

“It is disturbing to see the extent to which this board is willing to go to ignore the input of the City of High Springs on this issue,” DePeter said.

Also advising the county against approval of the cat sanctuary permit at that meeting was Alachua County Humane Society Executive Director Kirk Eppenstein.

“I urge you to make a wise decision, because there will be long term effects, I believe,” he said.

Some two years later, county officials called in the support of two national organizations to assist in removing cats from the sanctuary approved by the BOCC.  Nearly 700 cats were seized from the property, many, reportedly kept in unsanitary conditions.

Scott said the cat sanctuary and the sheriff’s budget issues indicate a pattern he’s finding with the county commission.  In Scott’s estimation, the BOCC is using informal meetings to strike a consensus among commissioners without regard for public input or oversight.

He believes the way in which commissioners reach a decision should be part of the official record whether it’s at a formal or informal meeting.  That public record includes the minutes, which Scott said frequently state that no action was taken by the board.

Several months ago, Scott launched www.wardscottfraudfiles.com where he has posted a montage of audio clips demonstrating what he believes are violations of Florida’s public record and public meeting laws.

To “crystallize” a decision at an informal meeting, Scott said, is to make an end-run around the Sunshine Laws.

It’s been three years since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online. Within months of coming out, the online application was praised as one of the highest-rated online services around, and it has consistently remained so every year.

Results from the American Customer Satisfaction Index show Social Security’s online Retirement Estimator in one of the top two spots, with a score of 90. (Social Security’s online benefit application took the top spot.) The Retirement Estimator ranks higher than the websites of any other public and private sector agencies and companies, including the likes of Netflix and Amazon.

Millions of people have used the Retirement Estimator. You may try it yourself at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

Now that Social Security’s most popular online application is available in Spanish at www.segurosocial.gov/calculador, even more people can use the Retirement Estimator.

The Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure, and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. The attractive feature of this calculator is that it uses your earnings information on file at Social Security, without displaying your personal information. So, you get an instant, personalized estimate of your future retirement benefits.

The Estimator even gives you the opportunity to run different scenarios and “what if” situations. For example, you can change the date you expect to retire or change expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. This can help you as you plan ahead.

To use the Retirement Estimator, you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits and you cannot be currently receiving benefits.

Once you’ve sketched out your retirement plans, you’ll know where to go when the time comes to apply for benefits: online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

lettersAfter reading and hearing the many comments in the media about our July 4th Celebration in Alachua, I felt very proud of our Good Life Community.

It is because of the residents of our City and our business community that we were allowed and able to put on this celebration.

During these difficult times it is even more important that we can take time to recognize and honor those who serve or served in the Armed Forces protecting our great country and to be able to enjoy the day having fun on Independence Day.

“The Detonators” who began their pyrotechnics expertise as a backyard Fourth of July celebration and birthday party with family and friends 16 years ago has turned into a fireworks extravaganza that gets better each year.

I would like to thank all our visitors from around the area that came to celebrate with us.  Even though there were about 30,000 in attendance, everyone was courteous, no one got hurt, and even with all the traffic we were able to get home safely.

We hope you found our July 4th Celebration to be a fun-filled day for your entire family and will join us again next year.

Gary Hardacre

Alachua City Commissioner

July4-1

July4-2jpgJuly4-3jpgPhoto 1: With an crowd estimated in excess of 30,000, Alachua’s population tripled for a few hours as the city’s 4th of July celebration drew spectators from throughout Alachua County and beyond.

Dubbed the “largest small town fireworks display in America,” Alachua’s 12th Annual July 4th celebration lived up to its name.  As the only public fireworks display in the area, the event is estimated to have attracted some 30,000 spectators.  That’s up from the estimated 22,000 believed to have been in attendance in 2010.

By 7:30 p.m. Monday evening, police officers at the event parking field were reportedly turning away motorists.  But limited parking didn’t stop many people from watching the show from anywhere and everywhere in and around the city.  Many claimed spots at the Lowe’s parking lot, a high point in the city.  Others watched from two-mile traffic backup on Interstate 75.

Not a single drop of rain threatened the event’s success this year.  The City’s splash park and two huge waterslides, one that is nearly 30 feet tall and 65 feet in length offered a welcomed reprieve from the blazing heat.

For those looking for a cooler, but drier break, the gym was the place to be.  While refreshing in the air conditioning, festivalgoers enjoyed games of Bingo, a performance by Alachua Senior Cha-Cha-Chas and smooth jazz by Bill Rogers & Friends

Youngsters got rid of some excess energy at Kidz Corner, where they were thrilled with nonstop fun, entertainment and activities.

For the older and the bit more daring, there was the annual Rib Eating Contest during which the winner ate roughly two pounds of the lip smacking ribs in the timed event.

On the main stage, the event was emceed by Vice Mayor Ben Boukari, Jr. who welcomed everyone to the “Largest Small Town Fireworks Display in America.”  The Independence Day celebration featured an all-star lineup of local talent including The Mainstays, Lil Mike & the Tornadoes, Jamocracy and Jamie Davis and Roadhouse Live.

As daylight began fading, Mayor Gib Coerper and City Manager Traci Cain offered final welcoming messages to the tens of thousands of visitors in attendance.  The area’s own Antoinette Hunt performed a patriotic tribute and the National Anthem as the City’s public works crew raised a massive American flag on the boom of a bucket truck.

Hunt’s performance served as the kickoff for the display for which every spectator had been waiting.  Fred Hilton and the Detonators lit up the night’s sky with a spectacular fireworks show that did not disappoint.  Lasting about 30 minutes, the colorful explosions captured the attention of those in the crowd as they looked skyward in anticipation of the ground shaking grand finale that could be felt to the bone.

“This event has gotten better and better every year, and I think this is the best ever thanks to the City staff, our volunteers and Fred and The Detonators,” Coerper said.

*UPDATE JULY 14*

Review turns to investigation

The State Attorney’s Office has upgraded a review into The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), officials said Thursday afternoon.  The Office of the State Attorney Spokesman Spencer Mann said the review has now become an investigation.  Alachua County Today was first to report news of the review in the July 7 story below.  A follow-up story with rebuttals to allegations of Sunshine Law violations appears in the July 14 edition of Alachua County Today, but the latest news that an active investigation is now underway was only just released Thursday afternoon.  For continuing coverage of this issue, read Alachua County Today in print and online.

*Below was first published July 7, 2011*

The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) may be coming under scrutiny from the State Attorney’s Office.  The closer look apparently follows a citizen-led effort in which it is alleged that county commissioners repeatedly used informal meetings to formulate decisions on issues without public input or review.

“Our office is currently looking at information that has been forwarded to us,” State Attorney’s Office Spokesman Spencer Mann said Wednesday.

“There is no investigation…and no deadline” on the review of the information, he said.

Mann would not provide details about the nature of the review being conducted by the Office of the State Attorney.

“A lot of what drives our priorities are the major cases and the activities that have to go along with those,” he said.

Ward Scott, a former candidate for county commission and city of Alachua resident has criticized the BOCC for holding what he dubs, “the meetings before the meetings.”

It is in those informal meetings that county commissioners discuss matters, reach conclusions and make decisions on which they will later take a formal vote, Scott alleges.

When asked if he knew what the State Attorney’s Office was reviewing, Scott said, “I know what I think they should be reviewing, and that’s the gas tax, the sheriff’s budget and the special meeting that was never noticed, just to name a few.”

Scott confirmed that information about potential Florida Sunshine Law violations on the part of the BOCC had been provided to the State Attorney’s Office.

Among Scott’s chief criticisms is that notices for the informal meetings are vague and provide little information to allow the public to determine what will be discussed.  Moreover, he said, the minutes from those informal meetings often incorrectly state that “no action” was taken by the board.

Scott argues that in fact, some on the BOCC frequently used the informal meetings as a venue to gauge where fellow commissioners stood on certain issues, commonly referred to as “polling.”

In one instance, the commission nixed from its formal meeting agenda a discussion with Alachua County Sheriff Sadie Darnell to settle an ongoing budget dispute.  Commissioners cut the item after Commissioner Paula Delaney, the swing vote on the matter, said in an informal meeting beforehand that she wasn’t going to change her position.

Apparently unaware of the informal meeting, Darnell attended the county’s regular commission meeting to discuss the issue, but was turned away when the item was removed from the agenda.

“I’m tired of it.  You’re tired of it.  I know the public’s tired of it.  Let’s make a decision today, but let’s do so openly and among this body today,” Darnell said.

On another occasion, High Springs City Attorney Thomas DePeter expressed concern that the county commission had already reached a decision regarding the Haven Acres Cat Sanctuary before the public hearing was held.

In the July 14, 2009 meeting, DePeter said, “This meeting tonight is not for the purpose of hearing testimony to assist you in determining how to vote on a quasi-judicial matter, but to quote your board chair from a June 9, 2009 meeting, ‘To allow county staff to present their best case for the action the board has taken.’”

“It is disturbing to see the extent to which this board is willing to go to ignore the input of the City of High Springs on this issue,” DePeter said.

Also advising the county against approval of the cat sanctuary permit at that meeting was Alachua County Humane Society Executive Director Kirk Eppenstein.

“I urge you to make a wise decision, because there will be long term effects, I believe,” he said.

Some two years later, county officials called in the support of two national organizations to assist in removing cats from the sanctuary approved by the BOCC.  Nearly 700 cats were seized from the property, many, reportedly kept in unsanitary conditions.

Scott said the cat sanctuary and the sheriff’s budget issues indicate a pattern he’s finding with the county commission.  In Scott’s estimation, the BOCC is using informal meetings to strike a consensus among commissioners without regard for public input or oversight.

He believes the way in which commissioners reach a decision should be part of the official record whether it’s at a formal or informal meeting.  That public record includes the minutes, which Scott said frequently state that no action was taken by the board.

Several months ago, Scott launched www.wardscottfraudfiles.com where he has posted a montage of audio clips demonstrating what he believes are violations of Florida’s public record and public meeting laws.

To “crystallize” a decision at an informal meeting, Scott said, is to make an end-run around the Sunshine Laws.

With less than three months remaining in the current fiscal year, officers at the Alachua Police Department (APD) approved a bargaining unit agreement with the City.

The vote came Wednesday evening with the vast majority of the department’s more than 20 officers casting ballots in approval of the agreement.  Only one officer is reported to have voted against the measure.

As members of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), officers at the Alachua Police Department had been seeking pay raises.  Union negotiations seemed to reach a standstill several months ago with little chance of an agreement in sight.

A recent move by Florida Governor Rick Scott, in which he increased the amount employees would be required to contribute into the Florida Retirement System (FRS), appears to have broken the stalemate.

Scott ordered that employees, whether of the State or of city, county or other agency participating in the FRS, must now contribute 3 percent of their pay toward the pension plan.  Meanwhile, he also reduced, by a greater amount, the percentage of an employee’s pay that the State, city, county or other participating agency must pay.

In light of the changes, City of Alachua Commissioners, like other boards in the area, authorized an across-the-board pay increase of 3.1 percent to nearly all city workers to offset the employee’s increased contribution requirements.  But APD officers were left out of that move because wages and salaries for officers are managed through the FOP union contract with the City.

The increase did, however, open the doors for a concession by the City, which agreed to provide that same 3.1 percent employee offset increase to officers under the terms of the contract up for consideration.

Other changes to the agreement include increasing the starting pay and maximum pay for officers’ salaries, and providing the option for officers to take their patrol car home up to 20 miles outside of the city limits, at the discretion of the chief of police.  Also included are minor changes in the way sick leave hours are accrued and calculated.  As with general City employees, educational assistance for officers is also suspended for the current fiscal year.

Officers reportedly ratified the agreement Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons.  The city commission is scheduled to hold a special meeting Thursday to approve the agreement as well.

If approved, the agreement would run through September 30, 2011.

City and union officials are expected to begin negotiations in August for the 2011/12 fiscal year, said Grafton Wilson, the city’s Compliance and Risk Management director.

Mughshot_Otis_E_ClementsMugshot_Fredrick_J_GiddensPhoto 1: Otis Edison Clements; Photo 2: Frederick Jerome Giddens

Two men were arrested Friday, July 1, 2011, after police served a search warrant on a residence at 23372 NW 180th Avenue in High Springs.

Citizen complaints of illegal drug activity at the home reportedly triggered an investigation by the High Springs Police Department (HSPD) in conjunction with the Gainesville-Alachua County Drug Task (GACDTF).  The residence shares a property line with a daycare, increasing the penalties on those convicted of drug crimes in that location.

Police arrested 25-year-old Fredrick Jerome Giddens and 31-year-old Otis Edison Clements at the residence and charged both men with several felony and misdemeanor drug crimes.  They were both booked in the Alachua County Jail.

According to a press release, police found cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills and cash at the home.

The investigation started several months ago when authorities identified the residence as a major distribution point, said HSPD Chief James Troiano.

“After the warrant was served and the arrest made, we placed the sign on city property next to the Durr home.

“We now have full cooperation from Gail Durr, the property owner, to keep people away who are not authorized to be on her property,” he said.

HSPD is working with local property owners to install a fence on NW 180th Avenue and NW 179th Place, to block a pathway, said Troiano.

“The main use of the path has been to facilitate the ability certain people have to sell drugs,” he added.

Giddens is being held in jail on $110,000 bond and is facing six felonies and six misdemeanor charges.

Clements remains in jail on a $121,000 bond and has been charged with nine felonies and five misdemeanors.

LEGAL NOTICE

Fictitious Names  

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REGISTER FICTITIOUS NAME
Pursuant to Section 865.09, Florida Statutes, notice is hereby given that the undersigned, U S PENSION ADMINISTRATION LLC, 2603 NW 13th ST, No. 379, Gainesville, FL, 32609, doing business under the firm name of: PROPERTAX, located at 2632 NW 43rd ST, in the County of Alachua, in the City of Gainesville, Florida 32606, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this Sixteenth day of June, 2011.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

 

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE EIGTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN AND FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 01-2010-CA-000221 LBK II, LLC, a Limited Liability Company, as Successor Trustee of SRDA LAND TRUST Plaintiffs, vs. MARC G. KETCHEL, LESLIE KETCHEL, GERARD SERVICES, INC., a corporation, FLORIDA COMMERCE CREDIT UNION, A Florida Credit Union, NORTH AMERICAN CAPITAL CORPORATION, a corporation, ASSET ACCEPTANCE, LLC, a Limited Liability Company, ASTA FUNDING ACQUISITION III, INC., a corporation, SEARS ROEBUCK & COMPANY, a Corporation and GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, a corporation,

Defendants. _________/ ORDER RE-SCHEDULING SALE DATE OF FORECLOSED REAL PROPERTY THIS MATTER came before the Court on the Plaintiff LBK II, LLC's Motion for Order Re-Scheduling Sale Date of Foreclosed Real Property, and the Court having duly considered the motion and having reviewed the file, finds that it has retained jurisdiction over this matter in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered by the Court on April 28, 2011, and being otherwise advised in the premises it is ADJUDGED that: 1. Plaintiff's Motion for Order Re-Scheduling Sale Date of Foreclosed Real Property is GRANTED. 2. The property which is the subject of this order is described as: Commence at concrete monument at the N.E. corner of the aforementioned Section 18, Township 8 South, Range 19 East for the point of reference and run South 89°31’50” West, along the centerline of County Road N.W. 22 (80 foot right of way), a distance of 2461.76 feet to the point of curvature of a curve concave Southerly, said curve having a radius of 955.41 feet, a central angle of 24°31’23” and a chord bearing and distance of South 77°16’08” West, 405.81 feet respectively; thence run Southwesterly along said centerline, a distance of 309.69 feet to P.K. nail at the point of curvature of a curve concave Northwesterly, said curve having a radius of 954.93 feet, a central angle of 14°04’40”, and a chord bearing and distance of South 72°02’47” West, 234.04 feet respectively; thence run Southwesterly, along said centerline and with said curve, an arc distance of 234.63 feet to a P.K. nail at the end of said curve; thence run South 10°54’53” East along a radial line to said curve, a distance of 40.00 feet to a concrete monument on the Southerly right of way line of said County Road N.W. 22; thence continue South 79°05’07” West, along the said right of way line, a distance of 26.64 feet to an iron pipe and the True Point of Beginning; thence continue South 79°05’07” West, along said right of way line, a distance of 300.00 feet to an iron pipe; thence run South 02°20’23” West a distance of 827.95 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 89°05’39” East, a distance of 267.00 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 09°54’28” E, a distance of 233.57 feet to an iron pipe; thence run North 01°59’30 E, a distance of 660.00 feet to the True Point of Beginning. 3. The clerk of the court shall sell the above described property at public sale, at 11 a.m., on August 5th, 2011, to highest bidder or bidders for cash, at the Alachua County Court House in accordance with F.S. 45.031, except the clerk shall not conduct the sale unless the Plaintiff or its representive is present to bid at the sale. 4. The judicial sale of this property shall otherwise be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure previously entered in this case on April 28, 2011, where not in conflict with this Order.

 

ORDERED at Alachua County, Florida, on the 21 day of June, 2011 /s/ Stanley H. Griffis, III Circuit Court

(Published: June 30 and July 7, 2011)

 

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR ALACHUA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 01-2011-CP-000632

Division: Probate

 

 

IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY FRANCIS MCKINNEY ELLIS,

Deceased ________/

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

 

The administration of the estate of BETTY FRANCIS MCKINNEY ELLIS, deceased, whose date of death was November 20, 2010, is pending in the Circuit Court for Alachua County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Alachua County Courthouse, Probate Division
201 E. University Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32601. The names and addresses of the personal representative and personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 7, 2011. Attorney for Personal Representative: ANNA T. SPENCER, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 37218 P.O. Box 622482 Oviedo, Florida 32762-2482 Telephone: 407-206-3005 Personal Representative: Janis Jeffcoat Personal Representative 712 Oakland Road Altamonte Springs, FL 32701

 

Request for Proposal for reroof of Hawthorne Fire Department Building I. General Goals Currently at 7405 SE 221st Street, Hawthorne, FL 32640 there is the City’s old fire department building which is in need of a new roof. Core samples show that the roof must be replaced. Asbestos was also found in one of the roof’s layers which must be removed. The current roof is a flat roof; the building is a late 1970’s brick fire house style building. II. Target Contractors This project is intended for certified roofing contractors, general contractors or businesses that have such similar experience. The term vendor will be used in the following sections in regards to the contractor and/or business proposing to do work. III. Objective Remove and properly dispose of the existing roof including necessary asbestos abatement. Engineer and build a new roof in accordance to all codes and regulations. IV. Budget a. Propose your expected cost to the City for this project. b. Itemize the proposal showing materials, labor and any other applicable charges V. Evaluating Completion Successful competition will be determined by City staff based upon the above objective. The final payment will not be approved until City staff verifies that the above objective is met, meaning the complete removal of the old roof and construction of a new one. VI. Vendor Suggestions The City is not in the roofing business and is not necessarily aware of all potential issues and options involved with the removing and replacing the roof. If the vendor has any suggestions they are welcome in the proposal. VII. Vendor Requirements a. Completed form W-9 b. Certificate of insurance showing a minimum $1 million general liability and workman’s Comp Insurance c. Where Sub-Contractors are used, primary must also provide proof of insurance for subs as well d. Copy of City & County Business Tax Receipt e. Copy of State Business License (if required) f. Copy of Current Professional License (if required) VIII. Proposal Submission a. Sealed bids b. Due by Tuesday, September 6th, 2011 at noon. c. Mail to: Attention Interim City Manager Fire Department Roof Bid City of Hawthorne PO Box 1270 Hawthorne, FL 32640 d. Hand Deliver to: Attention Interim City Manager Fire Department Roof Bid Hawthorne City Hall 6700 SE 221st Street Hawthorne, FL 32640

 

The City of Hawthorne is selling Surplus Property.

The City of Hawthorne is selling a 2004 Crown Victoria Police Vehicle. We are accepting sealed bids for the vehicle for 30 days. The highest bidder will be awarded the vehicle. Please submit sealed bids to the following address: PO Box 1270 Hawthorne, FL 32640 Attn: City Clerk. Or you may submit your bid in person to: 6700 SE 221st Hawthorne, FL. Please write “Surplus Bid 2004 Crown Victoria” on envelop.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

 

SCHOOLS/INSTRUCTION

 

 

Heat & Air JOBS - Ready to work? 3 week accelerated program. Hands on environment. Nationwide certifications and Local Job Placement Assistance! (877)994-9904

 

GOOD THINGS TO EAT

 

 

C&R Produce, 13789 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua

Bushels of acre peas and butter beans. Watermelons, Tree Ripe Georgia Peaches, Blueberries, Vidalia Onions, Cucumbers, Florida Broccoli & Cauliflower, Bell Peppers, Florida Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Local Yellow Squash & Zucchini, Cabbage, Local Honey, Brown Eggs, Foothills Butter, Fresh Local Silver Queen Corn $14 bushel, Amish Jellies and Jams, N. Carolina Apples & Apple Cider.

Now accepting EBT cards, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, Debit/Credit. Call 386-462-6158.

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

 

Help Wanted

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $200 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 

JUST GRADUATE? Play in Vegas, Hang in LA, Jet to New York! Hiring 18-24 girls/guys. $400-$800 wkly. Paid expenses. Signing Bonus. Call (877)259-6983

 

A Few Pro Drivers Needed Top Pay & 401K Great Equipment & Benfefits 2 Mos. CDL Class A Driving Exp (877)258-8782 www.meltontruck.com

 

Drivers - CDL-A Start up to 45¢ per mile!! SIGN-ON BONUS!! GREAT HOME TIME!!! Lease purchase available. Experience Req'd. (800)441-4271 x FL-100 HornadyTransportation.com

 

OTR DRIVERS- Food Grade Tank Drivers. CDL-A w/tank endorsement, Good MVR & Hazmat within 90 days required. Up to 42cpm w/additional mileage incentives & benefits. (877)882-6537 or www.oakleytransport.com

 

Frac Sand Haulers with complete bulk pneumatic rigs only. Relocate to Texas for Tons of work. Great company/pay. Gas cards/Quick Pay available. (800)491-9029

 

Driver- Recession Proof Freight. Plenty of miles. Need refresher? No out-of-pocket tuition at FFE. $1000 Bonus for CO's & $1500 Incentive for O/O's. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. (855)356-7121

 

Driver- PAY UP TO 42cpm! 2012 tractors arriving daily! No forced dispatch to NYC or Canada. CDL-A, 3 months recent experience required. (800)414-9569. www.driveknight.com

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

 

 

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

 

 

Movie Extras Earn up to $250 per day To stand in the backgrounds for a major film production experience not required. All looks needed. Call NOW!!! (877)435-5877

 

SERVICES OFFERED

 

 

FINANCIAL

 

 

$$$ACCESS LAWSUIT CASH NOW!!! $$$ As seen on TV.$$$ Injury Lawsuit Dragging? Need $500-$500,000++within 48/hrs? Low rates APPLY NOW BY PHONE! Call Today! Toll-Free: (800)568-8321 www.lawcapital.com

 

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

 

 

SAWMILLS -Band/Chainsaw -SPRING SALE - Cut lumber any dimension, anytime. MAKE MONEY and SAVE MONEY In stock ready to ship. Starting at $995.00. www.NorwoodSawmills.com/300N (800)578-1363 Ext.300N

 

EDUCATION

 

 

ALLIED HEALTH career training-Attend college 100% online. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call (800)481-9409 www.CenturaOnline.com

 

MUSIC & DANCE INSTRUCTION

 

Harmonica lessons taught. Diatonic and chromatic. 30 plus years experience,

352-214-6246, 386-518-6059.

 

FARM & LIVESTOCK

 

 

Hay For Sale

 

Fertilized Coastal Bermuda, barn stored, large round rolls, excellent quality. $50 per roll for 2 or more. 352-215-1018

 

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

 

 

Mobile Home For Sale

 

Handy man special. '95 3BR/2BA DWMH on one acre oak shaded homesite. Gilchrist County. Owner financing, $3,000 down. $44,900. $431/mo. 352-215-1018 www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

Waterfront Property

 

 

North Carolina Mountain Lakefront lots. New gated waterfront community. Dockable lots with up to 300' of shoreline, Low insurance, Low property tax. Call Now (800)709-5253

 

Acreage & Farms

 

5 acres High Springs area. Gorgeous country setting with cleared oak-shaded homesite. Owner financing. No down payment. $59,900. $526/mo. NO IMPACT FEES. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

1 AC GILCHRIST COUNTY

Paved road frontage on CR 138. Cleared homesite. High and Dry! OWNER FINANCING! NO DOWN PAYMENT! Only $205/mo. Total $19,900. Call 352-215-1018. www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

5 AC Alachua Beautifully wooded on paved road frontage. Great area! Convenient to Gainesville. Dev Potential! Only $877/mo. $99,900 Total 352-215-1018. www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

1 acre LaCrosse. Beautifully wooded, paved road frontage. Owner financing. No down payment. $27,900. $287/mo. 352-215-1018, www.LandOwnerFinancing .com.

 

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

 

 

Apartments For Rent

 

 

Alachua Villas Apartments AVAILABLE NOW 2 Bedroom Apt. Starting at $507/mo. Call 386-462-5832 TDD# 1-800-955-8771 “This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.”

 

MERCHANDISE

 

 

Garage Sales

 

 

Multi-Family Yard Sale Saturday, July 9, 2011 7:00AM - 3:00PM 14705 NW 146th Avenue (near Hal Brady Recreation Center) Alachua, FL Household items, tools, building supplies, home interior, dishes, antiques, etc. CHEAP...everything must go!

 

Yard Sale Sat. July 9. CR 241/CR235 and CR 2054. Just across the tracks in Alachua. Stuff a bag of clothes for $2.

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal, *Accounting, *Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call (888)203-3179, www.CenturaOnline.com

 

AIRLINES ARE HIRING - Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866)314-3769.

 

WANTED TO BUY

 

Cash paid for junk cars. $200 and up. Running or not. Free pick up. 352-771-6191.

 


To Place a Classified Call 386-462-3355.

On July 1, at 6:01 p.m., the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office received notification of a possible drowning in northeast Alachua County on Little Lake Santa Fe.

The call was initially received by the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office and was immediately routed to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and FWC.  The initial investigation indicates that one of the passengers voluntarily jumped from a 25’ boat while it was traveling at speeds estimated to be 30 to 35 MPH.

The adult male passenger entered the water and never resurfaced.

In anticipation of the busy holiday weekend, FWC was on the water, which facilitated a rapid response from two of their boats.

The location where the subject entered the water was marked for reference.  Multiple Alachua County Sheriff’s units responded to the nearest boat ramp located inside of Bradford County off of CR 21B.

A command post was established at the boat ramp and a massive search was conducted involving the following assets:  Dive Teams/Marine Units from ACSO, Bradford County Sheriff’s Office, Clay County Sheriff’s Office, FWC, and Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

Gainesville/Alachua County Joint Aviation Unit’s Air 1 also assisted with a grid search of the surface of the lake.

Fire rescue units responded along with Bradford County Emergency Management personnel to assist with the command post and logistics.

More than 65 law enforcement and fire rescue personnel searched for the following 11 hours under challenging conditions including complete darkness, heavy fog and zero visibility due to recent rainfall.

Divers from the various teams took turns rotating in and out of the water to combat fatigue and a steady depletion of available air tanks.

Just after midnight, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Dive Team responded with a tow behind submersible side scan sonar.  Approximately five hours later the sonar detected an object on the lake bottom in 16 feet of water.

ACSO divers St. Richard Rooney, Deputy Barrett Boyette and Deputy James Ferguson entered the water and located the deceased subject in the precise location identified by the sonar.

At approximately 5 a.m., the body was recovered 75 to 100 yards from the point the victim last entered the water.

The deceased was identified as 31-year-old William Scott Wilkes of Green Cove Springs, Fla.  Approximately 75 family members maintained an overnight vigil at the command post.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will be conducting an autopsy to assist investigators.

WatsonSupporters congratulate Clovis Watson, Jr., after his announcement Tuesday that he would be running for Florida House Seat 23.

 It didn't take Clovis Watson, Jr., long to confirm what had been rumored for some time about whether he'd make a run for the Florida House of Representatives Tuesday afternoon.

Alachua’s former deputy chief of police and city manager walked into Gainesville’s Sun Center atrium as supporters and reporters stood by awaiting his address.

“I put myself before you as a candidate for the office of State Representative District-23, and I do so, with a 30 year history of public service and with a successful record of providing jobs and opportunities for thousands of people,” he said.

A longtime Democrat, in 2006 Watson changed his party affiliation to Republican and prior to the 2008 general election switched back to Democrat. After making the announcement, Watson told the audience that regardless of party affiliation, it would take working together to strengthen Florida’s economic climate, saying “It is time to energize, not just criticize… leadership of reasoned collaboration with all groups, all parties, all interests for the greater good of all, not for the few or the powerful.”

His campaign and term in office, if elected, would include reaching across the aisle to get things done, he said. “I am not here to promise you everything you want…but I am here to pledge that I will put all of my energy and resources into getting everything we need, within the framework of the charge given to our governments,” said Watson.

If elected, Watson said he would be a champion for the people and for governmental responsibility, where the State provides the tools for success, not just for survival.

“I will be a champion for personal responsibility. With a “responsible government” supporting a “responsible citizenry” there is no challenge we cannot meet and no goal we cannot achieve,” Watson said.

Watson said he decided to run for the seat, which is currently held by incumbent Charles S. “Chuck” Chestnut, in order to provide the type of leadership in Tallahassee that brings opportunity and results. Although Chestnut has not formally announced, it has been reported that he will run for the Alachua County Commission seat being vacated by retiring Commissioner Rodney Long.

Watson, the fourth of six children, lived in Alachua’s Merrillwood Housing Projects during his childhood.  As a teenager he worked at a packing shed off County Road 235, packing fruit during the school year to help his father who had two jobs, and during the summer he was cropping tobacco and picking squash until dark for $10 a day to help pay for school clothes.

After graduating from high school in 1976, Watson stayed in his hometown of Alachua to work at the Copeland Sausage Company, at times working on the “hog hair crew,” scraping hair off hogs going to slaughter and dumping the debris in barrels.

“Those things really teach you discipline,” Watson said. “Working in the sun all day is tough.”

Watson became the first African-American police sergeant in Alachua and later held the same distinction as Deputy Chief of Police. He was appointed Alachua City Manager in 2002, and during his seven years at that post, he saw the city’s tax base grow from $12 million to $40 million, bringing in corporate business partners that created over a thousand new jobs, fulfillment of a long awaited community center for seniors, and the creation of Santa Fe College’s $6.8 million Charles R. and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies in Alachua.  Watson retired from the City of Alachua in 2009.

Some information rightfully withheld

 Citing the City of High Springs’ unreasonable delay in providing a job applicant’s polygraph results to a resident, a circuit court judge has granted partial summary judgment in a lawsuit against the City.

Judge Victor Hulslander ruled May 15 that the City of High Springs unlawfully withheld Officer Clint Knowles’ polygraph results from resident Robyn Rush for 12 days. The test was administered as a routine character analysis for hiring purposes.

According to the order, after producing the requested polygraph results, High Springs Deputy Clerk Jenny Parham candidly stated that it had “slipped her mind in the midst of performing her other duties.”

“An unjustified delay in complying with a public records request amounts to an unlawful refusal,” Hulslander wrote. “A failure to respond timely to a public records request due to oversight by the Defendant is not a reasonable justification for such a delay.”

Although the City was held responsible for the delay in providing the test results, Hulslander held that the City rightfully redacted the questions and answers from the polygraph test because the questions are sensitive and could give future applicants an unfair advantage if released.

“The integrity of the polygraph examination could be compromised if the examination questions and answers were disclosed,” Hulslander noted in his order. “Moreover, it is not the disclosure of the questions themselves, but of the sequence and pattern of such questions and answers during the polygraph examination which would provide future applicants with advantageous information.”

Rush filed the lawsuit on June 17, 2010 seeking attorney’s fees, court costs and the polygraph results.

The suit is related to the polygraph of Knowles, who was fired from the Sarasota County Sherriff’s Department in 2008 for an alcohol related incident. Knowles filed a lawsuit against the department after his termination, alleging discrimination based on his alcoholism disability.

On April 15, 2010, an Alachua County Sherriff’s Office detective conducted the polygraph, which ended with an inconclusive result. It was then “hand delivered” to the City on April 16, 2010 according to the suit.

Rush requested the polygraph on April 18, 2010 through an e-mail to former city manager James Drumm.

“The City of High Springs does not have a polygraph test result in our custody at this time,” Drumm replied in an e-mail on April 19. “I have been told that Mr. Knowles has taken the polygraph just a few days ago. The City cannot produce documents before they exist.”

On April 27, Rush requested the comments and findings section of Knowles’ polygraph. Deputy City Clerk Jenny Parham e-mailed Rush the third page of a document, which only stated the test was inconclusive.

In the lawsuit, Rush claims the City’s failure to supply her with the first two pages was a violation of Florida’s public records laws.

She informed Parham on May 6 that she had not been given the complete polygraph and asked the City to cite the exemption under Florida law that makes the remaining parts of the polygraph confidential.

The City did not provide Rush with an exemption, but both parties received mediation through Anna Phillips, mediation coordinator with the Attorney General’s Office.

“The Attorney General’s Office is not aware of any statutory provision barring access to otherwise public records, simply because the records are in the form of polygraph charts,” Phillips wrote in an e-mail to both parties May 18, 2010. “However, a circuit court has noted that the exemption from disclosure…for employment examination questions and answers could exempt some information contained in pre-employment polygraph records.”

On the same day that Phillips’ sent that e-mail, Parham e-mailed Rush the missing first two pages of the polygraph report.

For sending Rush the remaining pages, Phillips also noted it appeared High Springs had taken steps to satisfy the public records request to comply with the requirements of the public records law.

The pages contained the polygraph examiner’s narrative of how Knowles reacted to questioning. The majority of the pages are blacked out and have information redacted that should be public record, Rush claimed in the lawsuit.

“I conducted a post-test interview with Knowles regarding the results of the exam, focusing particularly on the question…” polygraph administer Det. Sgt. Tom Witherington wrote before the redaction. “Knowles’ face went flush and he immediately replied…”

Also redacted was Witherington’s suggestion as to why Knowles’ test was inconclusive.

Rush’s attorney, Joseph W. Little, requested an unredacted copy of the report on June 3 and June 10, but the report was never produced, according to the lawsuit.

Little has also represented political activists Charles Grapski and Michael Canney in a lawsuit against the City of Alachua for a violation of public records laws.

Rush said local governments should be held accountable for their actions, whether their actions are intentional or not.

“‘Whoops’ is not gonna cut it,” Rush wrote in an e-mail to Alachua County Today.

A camp for the curious

Perry_CenterStudents at STEM camp engaged in hands on activities including digital game design

If there ever was a camp for youngsters who want to know how and why things work, it must be the one at the Charles R. and Nancy V. Perry Center for Emerging Technologies hosted by Santa Fe College (SFC).

Funded through the Perkins Initiatives, the weeklong day camp focuses on and encourages rising ninth graders to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Over a dozen students from around Alachua County, including at least four expected to enter Santa Fe High School, took part in the hands-on experiments and observations.

Lined up like a science extravaganza, students did everything from an archaeological dig to setting off rockets.

Retired SFC Professor Linda Nichols, who helped conduct the camp, said the Perry Center in Alachua was an excellent venue for summer STEM camp.

“I look at this place as a temple to science,” she said, adding, “And if we want to excite children about science, we have to engage them in it, and this is the perfect place to do that.”

The rising ninth graders learned how to measure the speeds of fish in an aquarium using pre-measured grid paper as a backdrop, recording them with high definition cameras and then analyzing the video.

They also put together clues from a mock crime scene and conducted DNA analysis using the center’s laboratories and equipment.  Nichols said the students learned about the ways in which DNA is processed and “ran a few gels.”  As a memento of their DNA experiments, each of the youngsters made a necklace containing their own DNA structure.

A science and technology camp wouldn’t be complete without rockets and robots, and these students had the opportunity to experiment with both during the camp held from June 20 through June 24.

They rounded out the week’s activities with a trip on Friday to Marineland on U.S. Highway A1A between St. Augustine Beach and Flagler Beach.