Local

NEWBERRY ‒ Great entertainment, food and fun were a winning combination at Newberry’s sixth annual Westfest this past Saturday. From 4 – 9 p.m., the event at Lois Forte Park lived up to its advanced billing of a hometown family friendly celebration of music.

Sponsored by the Newberry Main Street Organization, Westfest has become a staple in the community, offering a platform for local and not-so-local talents and a chance for residents to come together and revel in the spirit of music and entertainment.

Performances by Cam Wheaton, Houston Keen, The Ben Carter Band and Logan Ryan Band offered something to suit every musical taste.

Wheaton hails from Trenton and is a singer-songwriter who was a favorite Saturday evening along with Houston Keen, another North Florida artist based out of Chiefland.

Crowds were also treated to the dynamic sounds of The Ben Carter Band, whose energetic performance had attendees on their feet, dancing and singing along. Closing out the evening was the Logan Ryan Band, bringing a taste of Texas with their blend of country and southern rock, rounding off the night on a high note.

The excitement of the evening was further heightened by the announcement of the music festival shirt winners. Among the lucky recipients were Willie Watson, Rebecca Campos, Hailee Ford, Dawna Summers, and Danny Herrington, who walked away with memorabilia to commemorate the event.

Sponsors of the event were Visit Gainesville Alachua County, George F. Young Engineering and Surveying, Scorpio Construction, OEC Business Interiors, Purvis Gray Certified Public Accountants, CHW Civil Engineering & Land Surveying Consultants, EDA Consultants, Holiday Inn University Center, Greenfield Preschool, Oelrich Construction, Gator Fire Equipment Company, and Woodard & Curran.

As the last notes of music faded into the night, it was evident that Newberry's sixth annual Westfest had delivered an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

#    #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

ALACHUA ‒ In an effort to enhance its utilities infrastructure, the City of Alachua is advancing the expansion of wastewater facilities and the acquisition of a state-of-the-art bucket truck.

The Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project took a significant step forward as the City Commission on April 8, 2024, approved the bid for infrastructure construction.

With population growth and development in the western part of the City of Alachua placing increasing demands on existing systems, the project aims to bolster capacity and improve operational efficiency.

On Jan. 31, 2024, the City solicited formal bids from qualified vendors to furnish key components of the wastewater project including labor, materials, services, expenses, equipment, direct and indirect costs, lump sum price to construct approximately 9,000 linear feet of pressurized Wastewater Main and improve the existing lift stations under the Alachua West Wastewater Improvement Project.

Qualified bids were received from Art Walker Construction, Inc. in the amount of $1,924,301 and GWP Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,137,069. GWP was the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.

The project is being funding in part through a Florida Department of Environmental Department (FDEP) grant of $850,000 of which $150,000 is going to engineering leaving the remaining $700,000 available for a portion of the construction cost. The remaining project cost will be paid through the City’s Waste Water Fund.

The Commission unanimously approved awarding the bid to GWP Construction Inc.

And, after a nearly two-year delay, the City of Alachua Utilities Department will soon be the recipient of a new state-of-the art bucket truck.

On Sept. 26, 2022, the City Commission authorized $179,500 to provide for the purchase of one AT48M Bucket Truck. The demand for new bucket trucks along with production delays created long lead times, sometimes multiple years, creating price increases from the original quote.

In April 2022, Altec Industries, Inc. quoted the bucket truck at a cost of $179,425. After supply delays, the AT48M truck is now in production at a current price of $192,222.

Altec Industries, Inc. honored the original quote of $179,425 with the $12,797 increase coming from a newer 2024 Ford F550 4x4model chassis along with a slight increase in the delivery charge.

The purchase will be paid for out of the City’s Electric fund with the specially equipped vehicle enhancing the operation and reliability of the utility department.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

NEWBERRY ‒ After months of rigorous public debate, townhalls, and public campaigning, the parents and teachers at the three public schools in Newberry have voted down proposed conversions from public schools to charter schools.  The April 17 tallying of votes at the Newberry Municipal Building lasted for several hours and ended in some doubt as to the outcome of the vote for the Newberry Elementary School conversion.

There was no doubt that both parents and teachers voted no on conversion of Oak View Middle School with 244 parents voting against conversion and 134 parents voting against conversion.  Teachers at Oak View Middle School also turned down the conversion with an affirmative 40 votes against and just nine in favor of the proposed change.  Two teachers abstained from voting, and so therefore count as a “no” vote, leaving a total of 42 votes against conversion.  Similarly, 149 parents of Newberry High School students voted against converting to a charter school compared to 114 casting ballots in favor.  The story was a little different when it came to teachers at the High School, with 17 voting in favor of converting to a charter school compared to just six teachers affirmatively voting “no” to conversion of the school.  There were six other teaches who abstained from voting, bringing the total number counted against the change to just 12 votes.

At Newberry Elementary School, meanwhile, parents voted in favor of the conversion with 149 “yes” votes compared to 125 “no” votes.  The concern at Newberry Elementary School centered primarily on a single ballot among those cast by teachers.  Of the total 44 eligible teachers, 22 affirmatively voted in favor of the transition while 17 affirmatively voted against the change.  Since four teachers at Newberry Elementary abstained from voting, they counted as “no” votes, bringing the votes against the conversion to just 21.  

In contest is one ballot in favor of conversion, but was a parent ballot inside a teacher envelope, could account for the 44th teacher, and bring the total of teachers in favor to 23.  The ballot was disqualified, however, based on the uncertainty in how it should be counted.  If it is simply not counted, then exactly 50 percent of the teachers at the school voted in favor of the conversion.  The controversy appears to be whether 50 percent is sufficient or if a majority is required for the measure to pass.  

Florida Representative Charles “Chuck” Clemons believes the Newberry Elementary School conversion to a Charter school has passed as required by Florida law.  On April 17, Clemons sent a letter to Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz and Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd asking for the State to weigh in on the issue.  Clemons believes that a majority of teachers is not required for passage of the measure, writing, “[t]he plain language of the law states ‘at least 50 percent of the teachers employed at the school’ and does not require a majority.”

Clemons requested clarification from both state-level officials, stating, “[a]s both of you have served as respected lawmakers, I know that you understand that had the Legislature intended to require a majority vote, it would have done just that. While I feel strongly that the statute, as it plainly reads, is not ambiguous and thus, the effort as it relates to Newberry Elementary cannot be characterized as anything other than successful. However, your opinions and the opinions of your Legal Counsel are critical in insuring that this election is certified properly.

While no one with the State has officially responded, Alachua County Public Schools appears confident that this matter is a dead one.  The school district posted on its webpage, “[a]s you may know, the votes cast by eligible teachers and parents on the conversion of Newberry’s public schools to charter schools were counted on Wednesday, April 17 at a public meeting overseen by Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Kim Barton. The results of the count are as follows: Newberry Elementary School: did not pass; Oak View Middle School: did not pass; Newberry High School: did not pass.  This means that Newberry Elementary School, Oak View Middle School, and Newberry High School ARE NOT eligible to become charters for the 2025-26 school year.”

The measure to convert the publics school was brought by a group called Newberry Education First.  If passed, the conversions to charter schools would have been effective with the 2025-26 school year.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com

HIGH SPRINGS ‒ According to an article published by “The Edvocate,” an online magazine that says it was created to advocate for education equity, reform and innovation, High Springs was recently named one of the 10 best small towns for outdoor enthusiasts in Florida.

“Florida is renowned for its bustling cities, theme parks and beaches, but it’s also home to some of the most charming small towns perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From the Panhandle to the southernmost point, these small towns offer a slower pace with an impressive array of activities in nature. Here are the 10 best small towns in Florida that cater to those who yearn for adventure in the great outdoors.”

Listed as number eight of 10, the article lists High Springs as an area that “teems with natural springs like Ginnie Springs, making it ideal for those who enjoy freshwater swimming, cave diving or river tubing adventures.

Other cities listed are Dunedin, Mount Dora, Apalachicola, Cedar Key, Crystal River, DeFuniak Springs, Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Everglades City and Venice.

The article further reads that “For those looking to connect with nature while enjoying quaint community life, these towns represent Florida’s diverse ecological offerings — from serene beaches and bountiful lakes to dense forests and unique swamplands — each holds untold adventures waiting to be discovered by outdoor enthusiasts.”

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

GAINESVILLE – At 9 a.m. on Sunday, April 7, authorities apprehended a 39-year-old Alachua woman, charging her with grand theft of a vehicle and possession of drug paraphernalia

A Gainesville Police Department (GPD) officer responded to the intersection of Northeast 35^th Avenue and Northeast 11^th Terrace after a concerned citizen reported a suspicious vehicle. The officer found Crystal Fay Cascaddan sleeping in the driver’s seat of a 2004 Saturn SUV with no tag. The officer discovered that the SUV had been reported stolen from Tomlinson Motor Company on April 3.

Cascaddan reportedly told the officer that she had the keys to the SUV and that she got the vehicle from a friend.

When the officer asked her to get out of the vehicle, she allegedly threw a piece of tin foil into nearby bushes and tried to bury a glass pipe in leaves at her feet. The officer reported that he didn’t find any contraband in the foil.

A search incident to arrest reportedly produced a long copper pipe that appeared to be modified for the consumption of narcotics.

Post Miranda, Cascaddan reportedly said she got the SUV from a friend and threw the foil into the bushes because she thought it contained “meth.” She reportedly admitted having a small amount of fentanyl in a bag in the car. However, for the officer’s safety the substance was not field-tested and was sent to FDLE for testing.

Cascaddan reportedly said the copper pipe was her “straw” that she uses to smoke fentanyl. The officer reported that Cascaddan eventually admitted finding the keys to the SUV on top of one of its tires a few nights earlier. She admitted that she took the vehicle and didn’t know who owned it.

Less than two weeks ago, Cascaddan entered a plea in two cases of retail theft and was sentenced to two years of probation, with a condition that she live without breaking the law.

Cascaddan has five non violent felony convictions and five non violent misdemeanor convictions. She has served one state prison sentence and was released in 2019.

Cascaddan was ordered to be held without bond for violating her probation and Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $11,000 on the new charges.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com

Photo by Suzette Cook/University of Florida SFFGS special to Alachua County Today

GAINESVILLE ‒ More than 70 youth from 16 counties attended the annual Florida 4-H Forest Ecology contest on Saturday, March 30 at University of Florida School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Science’s Austin Cary Forest in Gainesville. The enthusiastic contestants, ages 8 to 18, demonstrated impressive knowledge of forest ecology and management.

To prepare for this contest, 4-Hers studied topics including compass and pacing; forest health; forest management; tree measurement; and identifying ecosystems, trees, and wildlife. One junior 4-Her said the best thing about the contest was “getting to learn about nature with my friends.”

Thirty volunteers from the University of Florida, the U.S Forest Service and other state agencies, plus local community members made this contest possible.

The competition concluded with awards to the high scorers. Pinellas County Senior Jocelyn Wood took the blue ribbon in individual scoring. In addition to that ribbon, Wood won a $500 scholarship to UF’s SFFGS.

“I am so excited because I am going to use that scholarship,” she said. “My mind is blown.”

Wood said she will attend the University of Florida in the fall and will study forestry at SFFGS.

Alachua County’s William Pruden won first place in the highest individual scoring for the Intermediate group.

And students Lane Taylor, Kylie Goodson, Cora Taylor, Ada Perryman from Marion County won first place in the team effort for seniors.

State 4-H Events Coordinator Courtney Quirie congratulated participants and thanked parents and event planners for their support. “I can’t wait to hear what you all do at nationals,” she said to the winners during the awards ceremony.

Contest Coordinator Elise Cassie, who also serves as the Project Learning Tree Coordinator for SFFGS, said the event was a success.

“The Florida 4-H Forest Ecology Contest is a unique opportunity for youth to explore the world around them, find life affirming skills, and connect with other who share the same interests,” Cassie said. “This is the only program that I know of in the state that offers this and it deserves all of the support we can provide.”

The highest scoring senior team is eligible to compete in the National 4-H Forestry Invitational which will be held in July at the Jackson’s Mill State 4-H Conference Center in Weston, West Virginia. Florida won the 2023 competition.

This year’s contest winners:

The highest individual scoring Juniors (ages 8 to 10) were:

First Place Jada Foucha from Sumter County

Second Place Jocelyn Gardis from Leon County

Third Place Addison Upton from Marion County

The highest scoring Junior teams were:

First Place Addilyn Childs, Jada Foucha, Caroline Cattrell from Sumter County

Second Place Addalynn Upton, Callie Rae Cassidy from Marion County

Third Place Eden Wilkins, Ava Balzersen, Lily Toman from Sumter County

The highest individual scoring Intermediate (ages 11-13) were:

First Place William Pruden from Alachua County

Second Place Isabella Wise from Okaloosa County

Third Place Madison Wall Marion County

The highest scoring Intermediate teams were:

First Place Caleb Force, Forest DeRoy, Jacob Metzgar, Madison Wall from Marion County

Second Place Isabella Wise, Kaden Wise, Kayleigh Thames from Okaloosa County

Third Place Charles Wood, Charlotte Watkins, Christian Galiano, Ellis Godfrey from Pinellas County

The highest individual scoring Seniors (ages 14 to 19) were:

First Place Jocelyn Wood from Pinellas County

Second Place Ada Perryman from Marion County

Third Place Helena Peterson from St. Johns County

The highest scoring Senior teams were:

First Place Lane Taylor, Kylie Goodson, Cora Taylor, Ada Perryman from Marion County

Second Place Annalise Watkins, Jocelyn Wood, Maleah Godfrey, Wesley Wood from Pinellas

Third Place Helena Peterson, Juliette Wells, Savannah Wells, Waylon Wells from St. Johns County

Volunteer help is critical to the success of the contest, whether it is with scoring, leading 4-H groups, or helping at one of the stations. Find out how you can help with next year’s event by contacting Elise Cassie at ecassie@ufl.edu.

#     #     #

Email editor@

alachuatoday.com